Omar Khayyam

Located in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn at 3159 Coney Island Ave, Omar Khayyam stands out as a genuine culinary gem specializing in Uzbeki and Eastern European cuisine. This restaurant invites diners on a rich, flavorful journey through the aromas and tastes of Central Asia and beyond, making every meal a celebration of tradition and authenticity.

From the moment you step inside Omar Khayyam, the atmosphere feels warm and inviting, blending a rustic charm with a lively buzz of satisfied patrons. Despite often being packed, the efficient and friendly staff ensures that wait times are minimal, allowing you to quickly delight in the abundance of freshly prepared dishes.

The menu at Omar Khayyam is a treasure trove of savory delights that showcase the best of Uzbek and neighboring culinary cultures. Signature dishes like Lyulya Kebab — perfectly spiced minced meat skewers grilled to juicy perfection — and the Cheburek (чебурек), with its golden, crispy shell enveloping tender, flavorful filling, are highlights praised repeatedly by patrons as “pure joy” and “like taking a bite into heaven.” For those seeking comforting and hearty flavors, the Pilaf (Плов) offers a savory medley of seasoned rice and meat, while the Dumplings (Пельмени) and Lamb Samsa provide tender bites that melt in your mouth.

The variety extends into fresh and vibrant salads such as the Achichuk and the Green Salad, balancing the richness of the mains with crisp, refreshing notes. Unique offerings like Potato with Mushrooms and Avocado Salad bring modern twists to traditional themes, revealing the kitchen’s attention to flavor harmony and quality ingredients.

If you appreciate grilled specialties, Omar Khayyam does not disappoint. Their array of shashlik dishes—including Chicken Shashlik, Lamb Ribs, Beef Shashlik, and the impressive Lamb Back—are cooked to tender, smoky perfection, delivering layers of succulent, well-seasoned meat. The Quails and delicately prepared Flounder Fried Moch Kapelbit further elevate the dining experience.

Dessert lovers can indulge in classic treats like the rich Cake (Торт), delightful Jam (Варенье), or cool, creamy Ice Cream (Мороженое), each priced affordably and crafted to satisfy any sweet craving.

Patrons rave about the authenticity and the balanced use of spices, with many returning again and again—testament to the restaurant's commitment to preserving traditional flavors while delivering consistently juicy and fresh dishes. As one regular customer eloquently describes, “Everything is so fresh and amazingly delicious with the right amount of spices.” The atmosphere is described as beautiful and lively, enhancing the comforting experience of sharing these traditional flavors in a welcoming setting.

While there are occasional notes on service nuances and pricing transparency, Omar Khayyam remains a cherished neighborhood spot where the joy of food and cultural connection converges. Whether you’re craving the comfort of home-style plov or the excitement of grilled shashlik paired with refreshing compote, Omar Khayyam offers a flavorful, heartfelt dining experience that will leave you longing for your next visit.