CARAVAN UZBEK & TURKISH CUISINE — Restaurant in Pine Castle

Being a Google Maps reviewer specifically for restaurants, I always think that my learning experience in restaurant industry will be limited but every time I learn something new. I found this restaurant on my Google map search and since it’s rating was 4.9 and the pictures of Lamb kabab was very tempting for me to ignore. Me and Wifey decided that this should not be missed. So we came for a dinner on our short trip to Orlando.

At first, we were not expecting that good ambiance, so Kudos on that to owner to maintaining it that good. Now let’s talk about the unique experience I had. Usually in restaurant either we get good or bad for service or food, but this place I was surprised that food was awesome and service was not bad either, but my whole experience turned down because employees were not trained up to par. Let me explain. The server I talked to didn’t understood that I want the Uzbek rice (not the white rice) with my Lamb Kabab. He mistakenly ordered Uzbek rice main course dish, which I had to return. Second the Kabab didn’t came hot, they were barely luke warm, which was surprising for BBQ item. Either they stayed in kitchen longer or something else. I asked for medium temperature and it was medium. Overall my feeling was if employees got proper training on communicating with customers, the experience could have been better. English is my third language as well, but speaking to servers was hard as I was able to see they were struggling to communicate (at least two I spoke to).

Food on the other hand was good, it was pricy TBH, which is normal for any Halal Restaurant, we muslims have to pay Zabiha Premium price. I wish I can come here again if the employees are trained by that time.

Pros: Good Food Taste Family friendly ambiance. Nice and clean place

Cons: Untrained staff (specially for communication) Food temperature was warm (should be hot) Price is high Portion for white rice is very less

Food Ratings: Lamb Kabab: 8 / 10 Beef Kabab: 7.5 / 10 White Rice: 7 / 10 Uzbek Bread: 7.5 / 10

Star Ratings: Flavor: 7.5 / 10 - Star Authenticity of Flavor: 7.5 / 10 - Star Cleanliness: 8 / 10 - Star Service: 5 / 10 - No Star Value for Money: 6 / 10 - No Star

I believe this format best justifies my review, so I will hopefully continue using it for all my...

Very disappointed. We had heard great things about this restaurant and were very excited to try it. So much so, that we called at 11AM in the morning to make a reservation for our family for 7PM in the evening. We placed our order beforehand as we were driving from Atlanta and we were exhausted, and did not want to have a long wait with kids.

When we arrived, no one confirmed our order and said that our food would be out shortly. We sat our table for about 30 minutes waiting while only some salad and bread came out. Our kids got increasingly hungry and tired. People who came later than us with no reservations placed their orders, got their food, ate, and left all before we even got our first bite. Finally our server came out with a few of the dishes we had ordered. We started eating with the expectation that the rest of our food was coming. We finished those dishes between the family and sat waiting for another 20 minutes. After about a total of one hour or more of waiting time we started to suspect maybe they had forgotten about us so i asked the server who replied he didn’t know what our order was and that he only brings the food… so I went to the front to find someone to talk to and I found the manager. I explained we had been waiting forever and he takes me to the front to confirm my order and he only mentions a few of the items we have ordered. Upon clarification it turns out that our full order was never put into their system so half the things we ordered were not even prepared. The manager did not seem to care at all and just mentioned it was holiday season and it was busy.

Frustrated, tired, and hungry, we decided to cancel the rest of the order and just pay for what we got. We ended up paying a whopping $270 or so for a fraction of what we had ordered, after a a mandatory gratuity of 20% that was included. No discount or refund for the terrible service and inconvenience. Management did not seem to care at all about this disaster. They did not show any attempt to make right.

Given that we called them from 11AM and we still left unsatisfied, to say we were disappointed would be an understatement. The food was good, but overrated and over priced. No matter how good the food is, if the service remains like this I would not eat...

The food at Caravan Uzbek & Turkish Cuisine is an absolute delight for anyone seeking bold, aromatic, and authentic flavors. Every dish on the menu is crafted with care, showcasing the best of Uzbek and Turkish culinary traditions.

Start with the Uzbek Plov, a signature dish that is nothing short of perfection. The rice is light and fluffy, cooked with tender lamb, sweet carrots, and a medley of spices, offering a savory, satisfying bite with every spoonful. It's a heartwarming dish that perfectly captures the essence of Uzbek cooking.

The Kebabs here are grilled to perfection—juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for lamb, chicken, or beef, each skewer is tender and full of rich spices that make every bite irresistible. Pair these with a side of pilaf or fresh bread, and you've got a satisfying meal that’s hard to beat.

If you're in the mood for something lighter but equally delicious, the Lahmacun (Turkish flatbread) is a must-try. The crispy base is topped with a generous spread of minced meat, herbs, and spices, giving it a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s a perfect balance of crunchy and savory, and it makes for an excellent appetizer or a light meal.

The Samsa—flaky pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables—are a delightful treat to start with. They’re crisp on the outside and warm and savory on the inside, making them the ideal snack or appetizer to share.

For dessert, don’t miss the Baklava, a sweet, sticky pastry with layers of filo dough and finely chopped nuts, drenched in honey and syrup. It's a decadent end to your meal, offering just the right amount of sweetness.

The menu is a true celebration of Uzbek and Turkish flavors, and every dish is prepared with attention to detail. From the rich, hearty stews to the lighter, delicate appetizers, Caravan Uzbek & Turkish Cuisine delivers a memorable food experience that transports you straight to the heart of Central Asia and the Mediterranean.

In short, the food at Caravan is nothing less than spectacular—flavorful, expertly prepared, and authentic. Whether you're a fan of bold meats, spiced rice, or sweet desserts, this restaurant has something that will delight...