Ahmad's Persian Cuisine — Restaurant in Omaha

Review from a Persian:

This is Persian food with imposter syndrome. It’s tough because there’s not much to compare it to in Nebraska, but if you find yourself in the DC area, LA, or any other urban/suburban center, do yourself a favor and try Persian food there so it can be redeemed in your lives. If we were in many other states, they wouldn’t be able to get away with this style of cooking and all the substitutes that no one here knows any better to have a true comparison. Would highly recommend Mediterranean bistro or daffodils (in Lincoln) to get somewhat of a comparison here in Nebraska.

None of what is served here is authentic Persian food. I’m not here to bash the restaurant, the service is great, the atmosphere is wonderful, it gave me high hopes, but the food is an absolute let down. If you like, good for you, if you know real Persian food, you’re bound to be severely disappointed.

First off, the Pita bread is a massive imposter. It is tortillas charred on the grill pretending to be Pitas. I saw it mentioned in a previous review, but was doubting if it was true, it’s absolutely true. This is not representative of the delicious bread served at many Persian establishments across the country.

Now to the appetizers. The Dolmeh was actually decent, not your traditional grape leaves dolmeh, but it was cabbage wrapped and it was pretty decent. The hummus was a bit harsh, too much tahini and not a Persian style of hummus, would not recommend it. The falafel was pretty good though, something you don’t really see at Persian restaurants.

For the entrees. The potato and pea rice was more of an Indian style dish, if that’s your thing, go for it. The Tehran chicken was overcooked, the chicken strips were dried out, and whatever spice they put on it with the sumac had it way too spicy. Chicken kabob in Persian culture is not spicy, it is buttery and saffron covered, with sumac, with a wonderful rich flavor and aroma. My children couldn’t even bare to have a bite and they can do spice. Their kubideh was pretty decent, kubideh is tough to cook in general, but there’s was a little too chewy and undercooked in my opinion, but it was still good.

Now for the rice. Authentic Persian food includes long grain Basmati rice cooked with saffron and butter, that gives a wonderful aroma and flavor to the rice. For some, they just come for the rice. The rice here was not basmati, there was no saffron or butter, and it appeared to be water logged a bit. I wouldn’t recommend it and it was disappointing, after longing for Persian food after relocating here, to have so many items missed or misrepresented.

Now for the Salad, that’s not how Persian salads are made. No Persian style lemon/oil homemade dressing.

Last, the banana gimmick. What in the hell is this banana gimmick. Do not, and I repeat, do not go to a Persians house or any other restaurant and ask for a banana to top the rice. There is no need to bite the kabob, rice, and tomato, and then cleanse your palate with a bite of a banana. Persian food is meant to be savored, not cleansed. We typically provide sabzi or fresh greens for this, with onions, fresh greens, and radishes, not bananas.

Last, I would not recommend this place for Persian food. If you like this style, whatever it may be, fantastic, good for you. Restaurant is run by good people and I’m all for supporting small businesses. But if you want great authentic Persian food, find a Persian friend and go to their house. Drive down to Daffodils in Lincoln, try places when you visit other densely populated cities that have a large Persian community, or give Mediterranean bistro a shot.

For what we had, the value and the quality, overpriced for the lack of quality, and for us, we won’t be back. Best of luck to the...

I had the pleasure of visiting Ahmad's Restaurant during my trip to Omaha, and it was a delightful experience. Finally getting the chance to dine here after seeing the pictures and reading the reviews was truly worth it. Meeting Ahmad in person was a highlight - his warm hospitality made the visit even more enjoyable.

One thing that drew me to this restaurant was Ahmad's unique idea of serving bananas alongside Persian food. Despite some reviews dismissing this concept, I found it to be a distinguishing feature that added to the charm of the dishes. The combination of flavors was exceptional and truly made the dining experience memorable.

We tried the Tehran chicken and Kabob Kubideh, both of which were exquisite. The Tehran chicken had a distinct and spicy flavor profile that I hadn't encountered before, adding an exciting twist to traditional Persian cuisine. Ahmad's innovative approach to cooking, evident in every dish, sets his restaurant apart from other typical Persian restaurants.

I appreciate Ahmad's willingness to introduce new ideas while still honoring the essence of Persian cuisine. The inclusion of bananas may seem unconventional to some, but it's these unique choices that make Ahmad's Restaurant stand out.

To further illustrate, I was reminded of the Brazilian tradition of serving cooked bananas between different meals to balance flavors. Just as in Brazilian cuisine, where grilled bananas enhance the dining experience, Ahmad's clever addition of bananas complemented the spicy chicken and kubideh kabob perfectly.

We also tasted the restaurant's baklava, a delightful dessert. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic dining experience.

Moreover, the environment was very beautiful and friendly, with captivating paintings adding to the ambiance.

Overall, I highly recommend Ahmad's Restaurant to anyone looking for a unique and delicious culinary adventure. Don't let the naysayers deter you - embrace the creativity and passion that Ahmad brings to each dish. I can't wait to return and explore more of his innovative...

I nearly made a traffic mistake when, as a recent first time visitor to Omaha, I noticed the little sign proclaiming Persian cuisine in a tiny strip mall. Could it be?? Yes indeed!

Hubby and I came into a space seating a couple dozen socially distanced diners. One lovely unmistakably Iranian gentleman flew about the place, setting up for two tables of reservations, both special occasions. We were welcomed joyously, no other word fits.

During our sojourn we learned this was a recent relocation for our host. He was long a fixture in Omaha's old market, but lost his lease. Happy luck found him this location in Dundee, home to many regulars.

Our host was alone in the house that night. Not sure whether that's his norm, but he was unquestionably the master of every aspect of his domain. We were treated to a leisurely dinner, included in the parties the regulars held, and it was simply a treat to watch a master at work. Persian dining is full of flavor, color, so...encompassing of all the senses. Ahmad's is a family like atmosphere, reminiscent of my experiences as a guest in Iranian households in Europe. Simple, heartfelt, totally different from my own "daily" cooking rituals and done with love.

I had the lamb/beef kebab, and hubby had salmon, the special of the day. I joked that I had to restrain myself from licking my plate.

While waiting for our feast, I delighted in a cup of Persian style tea. Oh my, yes!!

I almost hope my medical needs give me an excuse to return so I can feast my way through the rest of this...