This was my first time dining at this restaurant. The food portions were generous and the serving staff was great. I ate the steamed dumplings with ground meat with onions. When my guest asked if I liked the dumplings I gave a mixed review. The dumplings resembled giant wontons, but the onions in them tasted like what I'd find on a McDonald's hamburger or a Krystal burger. They left a lingering flavor in my mouth that I'd rather forget. The fried dumplings were better but they still had too much onion. It seems strange to say that because onions are my favorite vegetable.
Overview
Karavan By 3 Olives - Uzbek Cuisine, located at 1493 Garner Station Blvd, Raleigh, NC, offers an authentic taste of Central Asia right in the heart of North Carolina. This family-friendly spot welcomes guests to experience the rich, flavorful world of Uzbek cooking, a cuisine that marries bold flavors with hearty ingredients, offering an entirely unique dining experience.
One of the first things you'll notice at Karavan By 3 Olives is the warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's interior feels cozy yet expansive, with traditional Uzbek decor that transports you straight to the streets of Tashkent or Samarkand. It's the perfect setting for both intimate meals and larger gatherings, whether you're dining with family or hosting a group of friends.
The menu at Karavan By 3 Olives is a celebration of the diverse and flavorful dishes that define Uzbek cuisine. The restaurant's specialty lies in its expertly prepared kebabs, pilafs, and hearty stews. Each dish is crafted with high-quality ingredients, showcasing the robust spices and seasonings characteristic of Central Asian cooking. A standout is the plov, a fragrant rice dish often served with tender lamb or beef. The rice, slow-cooked with carrots, onions, and aromatic spices, forms a savory base for the succulent meats, creating a dish that's both filling and satisfying.
Another must-try is the samsa, a type of Uzbek pastry filled with spiced meat or vegetables. The flaky pastry gives way to a juicy filling, and the balance of flavors makes each bite memorable. These pastries are the perfect appetizer or side dish to complement your main course, and they also make a fantastic snack for those on the go.
For something truly unique, Karavan By 3 Olives also offers manty, large steamed dumplings stuffed with ground meat and served with a tangy yogurt-based sauce. These dumplings are a favorite among regulars, as the delicate dough holds the savory filling without overwhelming the flavors.
The beverage list at Karavan By 3 Olives complements the food perfectly, offering a selection of traditional drinks like ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink, and various fruit juices. The mix of sweet and savory flavors in the menu pairs seamlessly with these beverages, rounding off a delightful meal.
Customer reviews frequently highlight the attentive service and the authenticity of the dishes. Many visitors have praised the staff for their knowledge of the menu and willingness to offer recommendations for those unfamiliar with Uzbek cuisine. For those seeking a more adventurous meal, the restaurant is happy to guide guests through the various offerings, ensuring they try the most popular and beloved dishes.
Karavan By 3 Olives stands out not just for its food but for its commitment to providing an immersive dining experience. Whether you're new to Uzbek cuisine or a long-time fan, the restaurant's dedication to quality and authenticity ensures that every visit is special. The focus on fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and expert preparation creates a dining experience that is both rich in flavor and culture.
This cozy Raleigh restaurant not only provides an incredible taste of Uzbekistan but also delivers a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for making lasting memories. For anyone in the area craving a new culinary adventure, Karavan By 3 Olives - Uzbek Cuisine is a must-visit destination.
Good to know
Service options
β No-contact delivery β Delivery β On-site services β Takeaway β Dine-inHighlights
β Fast servicePopular for
β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible car park β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Coffee β Comfort food β Halal food β Late-night food β Quick bite β Small plates β Spirits β Vegetarian options β WineDining options
β Brunch β Lunch β Dinner β Catering β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β Toilet β Wi-Fi β Wi-FiAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β QuietCrowd
β Family friendly β GroupsPlanning
β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β NFC mobile payments β Credit cardsChildren
β Good for kids β High chairs β Kids' menuParking
β Free of charge street parking β Free parking lot β ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
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 to be shared!
Amazing! what a wonderful welcoming place, such a kind service and delicious food, we had such a great experience and would love to come back! Suzanne was super friendly and provided great customer service. We tried Manti, samsa, lagman and steak kebab - everything was fresh and tasty!
I happened to be Garner this past weekend, and came across this Uzbek food establishment. Iβve have Uzbek food in Cary, and I love it! This business is clean and the service was fast and pleasant. My dish, fried lagman was good, but the noodles were more wet than I prefer with this dish. It was flavorful, but the texture wasnβt what I preferred. I suggest you all give it a try!
Truly one of the best hidden gem restaurants Iβve found in Raleigh. Everything we ate was authentic, full of flavor, and unique. You will not find food quite like this anywhere else in the area. Also a very clean interior with plenty of seating. Canβt wait to come back!
Caravan by Three Olives is such a cool mix of Slavic, American, and Italian food. They actually have two menusβone with all the usual stuff like calzones, stromboli, pizza, deli sandwiches, fries, chicken nuggets, and all that good comfort food youβd expect. The other menu is where it gets really unique, with Uzbek and Slavic dishes like borscht, manti (steamed or fried), kebabs, and a bunch of other authentic options you donβt find everywhere. The kachipuri was amazingβyou could really taste the melt of the farmerβs cottage cheese mixed with the other cheeses, and the bread was so soft and fresh. The manti were incredible too, especially dipping them in sour creamβthe meat was juicy, full of flavor, with just the right amount of onion, super authentic. The service is great, the place itself looks awesome, and the food comes out looking just as good as it tastes (definitely check the photos). Theyβve got a bar with sodas, international beers, and even hot tea to go with your meal.
What a gem! The Khachapuri was delicious. My fiance had the lamb chops and they were AMAZING! Really cute place and the service was really nice. Can't wait to come back and try some other dishes. Thank you for the wonderful food and ambiance.