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Omars Mediterranean CuisineB+Worth Trying

Name: Omars Mediterranean Cuisine
Address: 20 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, New York, United States
Rating: 4.5

20 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016 · Mediterranean restaurant, Halal restaurant, Restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (946 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Reliable, filling halal-Mediterranean platters and pitas at fair lunch-counter prices, but service inconsistency and fees (credit card surcharge, occasional service charge) can sour the dine-in experience.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Omar's Mediterranean Cuisine delivers solid casual dining with strong food quality in shawarma and traditional Mediterranean sides, supported by generous portions and fair pricing. However, inconsistent execution across visits, uneven service tone, and isolated but serious food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. Best suited for quick Midtown lunches rather than special occasions.

Restaurant Summary

The room reads clean and spacious by Midtown standards, with quick seating off Grand Central foot traffic. Many diners mention warm pita hitting the table and staff who can be kind and efficient. One regular put it simply: "Portions are huge and I leave satisfied." Service tone swings though—great on some visits, brusque on others. The cooking leans classic Mediterranean comfort rather than trendy: shawarma carved juicy, spicy adana, and smoky eggplant sides. The culinary approach is traditional and portion-driven: satisfying plates with two sides that suit quick lunches and casual dinners more than showy tastings. Value shines on platters and pitas; fees and surcharges can erode that if you are dining in with a group. Families will find kid-friendly choices like chicken shawarma, simple rice, and fries (though one review noted fries were not available once). Portions are sharable and prices are approachable. There is no stated kids menu on the current data, but the menu’s accessible items make it workable for most children.

At a Glance

Generous platters with two sides deliver strong value
Warm, soft pita and flavorful shawarma are crowd-pleasers
Service inconsistency with reports of a rude server
Credit card surcharge and reported group service fee surprise some diners
Isolated cleanliness complaints including insects; monitor recent trends

What Sets It Apart

charcoal_grill_focus
generous_portions_with_sides
reliable_quick_lunch_spot

What People Love

Warm, fresh pita to start
Juicy shawarma and spicy adana
Big portions for the price
Occasional complimentary baklava surprise

Points of Concern

Service can fluctuate from gracious to curt depending on server
Credit card surcharge reported by multiple diners
20% service fee for large parties reported; verify before ordering
A few reports of insects or not-so-fresh items—appears isolated but notable

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$20-28 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose a $14.95 platter to sample two sides without overspending
If on a tighter budget, $11.95 pita sandwiches are filling and fast

Perfect For

Quick lunch near Grand Central
Casual group meal with hearty portions
Halal-friendly dining
Solo bite before a train

Location Insights

Area: Busy Midtown East corridor serving office workers and travelers near Grand Central; lunch-heavy traffic with after-work footfall.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial blocks with steady pedestrian flow into evenings.

Nearby: Near Grand Central and office towers; surrounded by delis, cafes, and casual restaurants catering to quick meals.

Murray HillMurray Hill is a lively residential and commercial neighborhood with a strong presence of young professionals and office workers. The dining scene includes casual eateries, trendy bars, and mid-range restaurants catering to weekday lunch crowds and after-work socializing. The area is generally safe, accessible, and popular for its convenient location near Grand Central Terminal.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–20:00 Tuesday11:00–20:00 Wednesday11:00–20:00 Thursday11:00–20:00 Friday11:00–20:00 Saturday Sunday

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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