4.0
If you’re driving up Bustleton Avenue in Somerton and looking for a meal that feels like a full-blown celebration, you’ve got to pull into the lot at Uzbekistan Restaurant at 12012 Bustleton Ave. For those of us in the 19116 zip code, this place is a total local legend. It’s been a neighborhood anchor for years, and walking through the doors is like leaving Philly behind and stepping into a vibrant, hand-decorated oasis. It’s one of those rare spots that works just as well for a quick, hearty lunch as it does for a massive family birthday party where the food just keeps coming.
The real draw here is the authentic wood-fired grill and handmade dough. You haven't really lived until you've tried their Tandoori Bread—it’s round, thick, and comes out of the clay oven steaming hot with a perfect sesame-seed crust. Most locals start with the Korean Carrot Salad (a unique, spicy staple of the region) or a bowl of Lagman, which features thick, hand-pulled noodles in a rich beef and vegetable broth. Their shish kebabs are the main event, though; the lamb and veal skewers are grilled over open charcoal, giving them a smoky char that you just can’t replicate at home.
What really distinguishes Uzbekistan Restaurant is the atmosphere and the "party" vibe. The dining room is divided into cozy, arched alcoves that make even a big dinner feel intimate, and in the warmer months, their tented outdoor patio is the place to be. It’s a very welcoming, "no-frills-but-all-flavor" kind of place where the portions are huge and the prices are fair. For those of us who grew up on Eastern European or Central Asian cooking, the menu hits all the right notes—from the Manti (large steamed meat dumplings) to the Ukrainian Borscht and the sweet Cheese Vareniki.
One of the biggest perks for residents is that the restaurant is BYOB, which makes it an incredibly affordable spot to host a big group. The service is fast and friendly, and they’re great at helping you navigate the menu if you’re new to Uzbek food (pro tip: just order the Plov—it’s the national dish of rice and lamb, and it never misses). Whether you’re stopping in for a solo lunch or a three-hour feast with the whole family, this is the kind of high-quality, reliable spot that makes the Northeast Philly food scene so special.
Business Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Note: They are open 7 days a week, making them a lifesaver for late-night cravings or last-minute weekend plans!
Contact: (215) 671-1990
