Karavan by 3 Olives - Uzbek Cuisine — Restaurant in Garner

So, I’d like to first clarify this review is for Karavan, the Uzbek part of the restaurant. I waited until I got home to write this review, because I felt I needed to give it my absolute attention.

I initially heard about this restaurant from a couple friends. Afterwards, of course I went on Google to read the reviews and check the ratings, because I value them, just as I hope people value my honest reviews.

I am honestly very shocked this place has 4.8 stars and positive reviews.

I took a friend out for his birthday this evening, with very high hopes. It was both of our first time eating here. I have been to Uzbek restaurants several times in NYC, and myself come from a Central Asian background, so I am accustomed to this type of food.

We ordered Plov, Manti (steamed and fried), Lulu kabob with rice and vegetables, and Somsa.

The first thing I noticed was the beef used in the Somsa, as this came out first. It definitely was not ground beef. It tasted like and had the texture of chopped cheap steak used in a Philly steak sandwich you’d get at a diner. Also it was served with marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is NOT Central Asian.

The manti had the same weird texture of “ground beef”, which was a huge disappointment. This was served again, with marina and a mixture of ranch and sour cream. NOT yogurt, which is traditionally served with manti. They didn’t even have yogurt.

The Plov had no taste. The rice used was cheap, perhaps 1 or 2 raisins, and the beef was more fatty than it was beef, as well as over cooked. Also, maybe 6 small pieces of beef on a plate of Plov.

The Lulu kabob was a mixture of “ground” beef and chicken. A mixture I’ve never seen or heard of (most people don’t mix meat and poultry that way). It had a very weird texture, and was served on rice that did not taste good. Even the vegetables that came with had no taste.

The meat quality in general was VERY poor. Not high quality beef that is required in AUTHENTIC Central Asian cuisine. I was very disappointed.

The overall taste was a 2/5. In my opinion, it was bland.

This was the first time in my life I did not finish my food; I did not even take the rest to-go, which was a good 45% leftover.

The plus side to our experience was the service was good and the staff friendly. The space was clean and very nicely decorated.

I truly hope Karavan improves on their meat quality and the amount of spices they use for the food. I will perhaps give them one more try...

We have eaten at Olives many times and have often recommended them to friends. Most of our experiences have been for lunch. We decided to try dinner tonight and were terribly disappointed. We began by ordering two glasses of Pinot Grigio. The wine came out warm and tepid. It had been stored apparently at room temperature which this evening was above normal...the dining area was uncomfortably warm. To make the wine even drinkable we had to use ice. We ordered two Stromboli's. They are always delicious but tonight was mediocre. I ordered a spinach Stromboli which is supposed to be spinach, garlic and feta. I received no garlic and no feta. I did receive an abundance of black olives and green peppers. Apparently, they prepared me a veggie Stromboli, not the spinach I ordered. The Stromboli was also cold. Since our waiter was mostly non attentive, I just picked the olives out and forged ahead. At the end of our dinner I politely notified our waiter of the issues. I received a shrug and the bill. We were charged extra for some peppers my wife had ordered with her meal. I was not expecting a comp or to not pay, but really, you serve us warm wine, the wrong order, lackluster service, no apology, and tack on an extra dollar for peppers? My wife expressed no interest in ever returning to Olives which is disappointing since we've always enjoyed lunch. I'm chalking it up to a bad night. Their service has always been mediocre if not terrible, but the food has always been great. Take away the food quality and there's not much to bring us back. Please do better, Olives, and train your wait staff to be more accommodating...

We loved this restaurant!!! It was our first time here, so we wanted to sample some of the Uzbeki cuisine...and we absolutely were not disappointed! Everything was delicious! My daughter and I shared the Bamaza Eggplant, Butternut Squash Samsa and Vegetable Kebab (which came with rice and potatoes po domashni-the most amazing grilled potatoes with caramelized mushrooms and onions!). My less adventurous father ordered the Eggplant Parmesan that came with spaghetti, garlic bread and a salad. He said it was very good. It looked delicious! We were intrigued by the desserts on the menu, and chose the Black Forest Cake (baked fresh and onsite) and Medovik (Russian Honey Cake-also baked at the restaurant). These were probably some of the best desserts that I have ever had (no exaggeration)!!! What a delicate, yet decadent way to finish our meal! The best part of this new dining experience was our server and host. (I believe his name is Zedd?) From the moment we walked into the very cozy and colorful dining room, we felt welcome and at ease. He graciously answered several of our questions and was happy to explain details about the various plates, along with helping with recommendations. He also provided extra sauces to take home with our leftovers! Besides that he even shared his own experience about making the Medovik and gave me insight as to how it's prepared and encouraged me to try making it! I definitely won't be able to replicate it, but I will absolutely be returning to order it again!😋 This was for us a hidden gem, but definitely one...