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Omar's Mediterranean East Midtown
Master Critic Review
Omar's Mediterranean East Midtown
8.6
Omar's turns a narrow 55th Street storefront into one of Midtown’s most reliable shawarma counters, with heaping platters of spit-roasted chicken, falafel, and grilled lamb. Lines move steadily, prices stay reasonable for the neighborhood, and portions easily stretch to two meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma platter with rice and salads, Falafel platter with hummus and tahini, Lamb Adana plate with pita and dips
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: High-volume shawarma shop known for juicy meat, strong sauces, and oversized platters.
Who should go: Hungry lunch crowds wanting big portions without the Midtown markup.
When to visit: Arrive before noon or after 2pm to dodge the peak queue.
What to order: Chicken shawarma platter, falafel platter, extra garlic and tahini sauces.
Insider tip: Platters are generous—splitting one with extra pita is an easy way to save.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on 55th Street during lunch hours; rely on nearby garages along 3rd Ave (usually $20–$30 for 1–2 hours). No valet.
Dress code: Casual and office-friendly—suits, scrubs, and gym gear all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; still easy to hold a conversation while waiting. Seating is limited and functional rather than linger-friendly.
Weekend wait: Not a major dinner destination—typically no wait.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during the 12–1:30pm rush; lines move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—falafel platters, salads, hummus plates, and veggie sides.
Vegan options: Good selection—falafel, salads without yogurt-based sauces, and several spreads.
Gluten-free options: Manageable—platters without pita are gluten-free friendly, but there is no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it's fast-casual, busy, and built for efficiency. Great if you want something quick, affordable, and delicious before another activity.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Limited counter seating is first-come, first-served, but most guests take their food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-tolerant rather than kid-oriented. Simple flavors and sharable platters work well for older kids, but space is tight and there’s no stroller room or amenities for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Bigger portions and faster throughput than many Midtown shawarma counters; reliably juicy chicken and consistent seasoning.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, ample seating, or a slow, sit-down Mediterranean meal—this is built for efficiency, not ambiance.