Ahmad's Persian Cuisine

"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 restaurant though."

"I was recommended by a friend to visit this restaurant, and it is now my favorite restaurant along my travels. I’ve never had Persian cuisine, and tonight was my first experience. Our server was so friendly, sweet and accommodating! The food was so flavorful, spicy, and sweet! The owner and chef came out to greet everyone in the establishment. He was very sweet! I would highly recommend a trio here when you visit Omaha!"

"My wife and I tried Ahmad's for the first time this evening and had a lovely time. The music was the perfect volume, the restaurant was well-kept, the service was friendly, and the food (falafel, fesenjan, and kabab koobideh) was to die for! We'll have to bring friends for a double date!"

"Great tasting Persian food in Omaha. Great ambience and beautiful setup. The paintings in the restaurant added to the overall setup. The owner is an amazing guy. Definitely a spot to bring your date to."

"This small restaurant has a cozy ambience with big picture windows. The inside is lovely as its walls adorn some beautiful paintings. Our server was very helpful and courteous. The food was delicious. We will be back to try other entrees."