How refreshing to have another cuisine option in Worcester! I went with a large group, so we were able to try a good portion of the menu. Everything we had was fantastic. All of the food and sauces used was explained to us, and any question we had was answered. There is excellent kebab for those who want something a bit more familiar, and there are plenty of dishes for those who want to try something new. Also, there are many vegetarian and gluten free options. The restaurant is BYOB, but it's located directly next to a liquor store for those who didn't plan ahead for that.
(5)
Alison W.
This was my first time at an Afghani restaraunt. The food was amazing! We had some appetizers (Kachalu Bolani and Sambosa) and they were great. What blew me away was the meal though. We had the lamb kabobs and the meat was so juicy and delicious. I'm not sure how they did it, but wow....they got it right!
(5)
J S.
It was ok but this has got to be one of the slowest dining experiences of my life. It took a half hour for our appetizer to come out and a solid hour for our entrees. All of the food that hit our table was fresh, hot and straight out of the kitchen. They use quality cuts for the chicken and lamb kabobs. Everything was cooked and prepared properly but there was nothing that really blew me away. Not sure if it's always like this or if they were just understaffed on our visit but I'm sorry to say the meal wasn't worth the wait.
(3)
Freshta A.
Loved the food, environment and the service in general. The server was very nice and explained the food very accurately. Over enjoyed their hospitality which is a big part of afghanistan's culture. Recommend it to all food lovers and recommend to try the shurwa from the appetizer and the Aushak in addition to the lamb kabobs. The food definitely had a taste of a authentic afghan home made food. Attesting to the last statement since I am from Afghanistan.
(5)
Jessica Q.
Love this place! From the service to the amazing food! The lamb kabobs were unbelievable. The bread with the 3 dipping sauces that is brought to the table at the beginning is delicious! That almond cake.. wow. I will definitely be coming back!
(5)
Andrea G.
This place is wonderfully delicious! Have been there many times and will continue to go back! This family owned business puts a personal touch on presentation and delivery. Great options for both meat eaters and vegetarians alike. The warm flat bread and multiple dipping sauces that they serve at the beginning are scrumptious and a great start to a delicious meal. The potato filled pastry like appetizer is amazing! I usually always get the deluxe vegetarian entree which has yet to disappoint....each veg portion is full of savory flavors and the garlic sauce dribbled on the top is a delicious compliment. My S/O gets the chicken kebabs with the rice/carrot/raisins as a side. Each bite of chicken has more flavors than most plates full of food. The rice is unique and wonderful! I love this place...from the homey and quaint atmosphere, personal service, and the fact that it is bring your own wine is a plus in my book! Would highly recommend!
(5)
Binu M.
Delicious. My first experience with Afghan food and definitely not my last. I went in the late afternoon so the restaurant was empty but that just meant no wait! Lamb kabobs with spinach rice hit the spot! The side of endless bread helped me clean my plate (literally). They were unfortunately out of baklava but the pistachio ice cream more than made up for it. And to end it off, some Afghan chai. Delicious.
(4)
C F.
Wonderful! We had a relaxing dinner for 5 and everyone went home satisfied. You are not rushed and everything is homemade by the owner.; even the ice cream. We tried the eggplant appetizer, lamb, chicken and short rib kabobs - all were excellent. The table shared a piece of almond cake and pistachio ice cream. The ice cream was so unusual but so good - be sure to try it. It's BYOB and prices are very reasonable.
(5)
Ann P.
We spent quite a bit of time researching where to enjoy our annual pre Easter family supper. We chose Pomir based on enthusiastic reviews on Yelp. I should preface this by saying by daughter works as a waitress and I have worked in the industry off and on most of my life. We understand and respect the profession and appreciate a good waitperson. We don't mind a slow paced meal when we are cared for from start to finish. Basic needs such as utensils, comfortable surroundings, beverages and timed food delivery are essential. Service greatly diminished the enjoyment of our experience. I have edited my original review as I don't want to dissuade folks from trying Pomir. We arrived for an early dinner at 5:30. Parking was a challenge due to no private lot. We found a spot way in back in the lot next to 111 Chop House. The beginning was rocky in all regards. The menu is simple and straightforward so when it was our turn we placed an order for 3 entrees and one beverage. When the food came, it was piping hot and flavourful. My daughter had the chicken kabobs and mom had the short ribs. I had the vegetarian sampler. The presentation on all was lovely. the brown rice was so delicious and aromatic. We asked for more bread. It came later (after a reminder), warm and much tastier. We wanted dessert but the place had filled up to capacity and we were fearful of more delays. At this time, I did notice an older woman serving and rushing around at a fast pace. The pace of service seemed to improve at capacity. Our server did check in on us mid way into our meal and towards the end seemed to find her pace. The bill was 55.00 before tip for 3 entrees and a hot chai tea. I would recommend Pomir for the food and cuisine. It's quite good and so unique to the Wormtown dining scene. I would recommend the service staff brushen up their skills to enhance their customer's dining experience. Service is spotty and uneven all around. Be aware, street parking is virtually non existent in this high traffic area and there were only a few spots in back that were not designated for 111 Chop House.
(3)
David C.
This is one of my wife and I's favorite places to eat. Food is cooked to perfection. Maybe a little slow to get it, but well worth the wait. Other good points. It is a small place, so make reservations on the weekends.
(5)
Cheryl R.
The best in every way. Setting, music, quality of food. We walked in. No reservation. Waitress was great , but they should hire two more people. She was waitressing, and hosting, and answering phone, and answering questions by patrons about the menu. Too much for one good person in my opinion. Super place. Had lamb kabobs. Generous. With veggies and rice. Delicious. Quality. Worth every cent. Husband had various meats and yummy veggie concoction. He loved his meal too.
(5)
Jennifer P.
This is absolutely the best food I have had since moving to Massachusetts 18 years ago! We ordered the lamb kabobs and one of the pasta dishes (with the beef sauce) Everything was perfect! The almond cake is also spectacular. The service was nicely paced - she let us breath and enjoy our food. The bill was incredibly low for the amount of food we ordered (BYOB helps). I cannot recommend this place enough.
(5)
Brett A.
I have never had Afghan food before, but I will def have it again after going to Pomir, a new-ish place on Shrewsbury St in Worcester. I went with two friends. We each ordered something different. I had the braised shortrib, and I can't remember what they each had, but we all very much enjoyed the meals! Together we had three entrees, shared two sides, drink, two desserts, and a tea, and the bill didn't crack $70. I thought that was quite affordable, and it was delicious. We went in early (5ish) on a Saturday, and were only the 2nd table dining, but by the time we left there was only one open table remaining. It's a little on the small side, so you might want to inquire about a reservation just in case, although we did walk-in. It appears to be a great family operating this business, and trying to share their native cuisine with Worcester. I'll be back, for sure, and I hope the area supports them successfully. I would suggest you ask lots of questions, if you have any, that is. I asked some questions about menu items, and I should have asked more just to learn more and fulfill my curiosity about the food, spices and preparation. The girl didn't offer the detail I was hoping for when I asked initially, and I didn't push for more info. The pistachio ice cream and almond cake were amazing. Enjoy!
(5)
Shane T.
Wandered in on a lazy tuesday night and walked away thoroughly surprised. The typical premeal bread is traditional Afghani bread served with three different dipping sauces. I went with the cardamom green tea as well and highly recommend it. I split the vegetarian platter, which I appreciate varies with the season, and then finished with dessert. I would go back for any of the individual dishes and combined with attentive and warm service means I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
G S.
Had dinner there last night. The chicken kabob was incredible. Chicken was moist, not dry, and fresh. Place is a nice, clean, simple, family run business. The owner is the cook and comes around to ask how everything is. Great service. The pistachio ice cream, excellent.
(5)
Lydia H.
Absolutely delicious. This family owned restaurant is definitely worth the trip to the Woo. Service isn't fast- not enough family members- so don't come expecting the quickest meal you've ever had. But it's definitely worth the wait. We had the lamb kabob and vegetarian sampler. Even as a meat lover, I thought the veggie sampler was the best. So many excellent flavors. Whole heartedly recommend this gem.
(5)
J C.
I got the lamb kabob. The seasoned rice was excellent and very flavorful. The lamb was very tender, but not rare at all. (Though a few pieces were slightly overcooked, but whatever.) Even though the lamb was cooked to medium well, the lamb retained a lot of that sublime gamey taste that is characteristic of lamb.
(4)
Tracey B.
Fantastic afghan fare! Delicately spiced dishes in a clean atmosphere with friendly customer service oriented staff. My husband had the lamb, and I had the veggie sampler. Both were wonderful and we had enough left to take home for a snack.
(5)
Steve G.
I had an excellent dinner here. The staff seems to care deeply about the food they are serving. We had the beef shorwa soup, lamb kabab and mantu. All of these dishes were excellent. The lamb kabob was particularly good. The meat was cooked perfectly, tender and the spice rub on the outside was perfect. Highly recommended dining option in Worcester. And it's BYOB which meant a great bottle of wine from home to enjoy with dinner.
(4)
Judy L.
Three bests in one meal! My fellow diners and I all agreed that we'd had the best lamb kebabs, pistachio ice cream and baklava that we had ever had anywhere. The kebabs were so tender and flavorful! And the chef/owner and her daughter couldn't have been more lovely and hospitable. We can't wait to go back!
(5)
Betsy B.
I have to Worcester for meetings every couple of months and this place is close by. Today was the second time I visited and was impressed with the food for a second time so had to write a review. I've been for lunch both times and it has been really dead there. My companion and I today wondered how they are staying open, but from the ratings and numbers of reviews here, they must be doing a booming business at night. I believe it is the same menu for lunch or dinner. It's a bit pricey for me for lunch, but it would be a very reasonable cost for dinner. I wish they had some lunch specials at lower prices. But the quality and tastiness of the food just about makes it worth it, even for lunch. The Afgan flatbread and sauces are truly outstanding. My favorite is the cilantro one. The first time I went I had one of the soups and my colleagues and I split some of the appetizers. The sambosas were especially delicious. Delicate and aromatic, you will want to eat the whole plate yourself, although it really should be large enough to share and try other things. This time I had the Kofta Chalaw which is Afgani meatballs in a plum sauce and is served with their traditional rice palaw (spiced rice with raisins and shredded carrot). Everything was delicious and plentiful. I've spent a while this evening trying to find a recipe to replicate for the Chalaw, but none I've found actually have any plums in it. It was a delicately flavored tomato sauce, but since it specified the plums on the menu, they must have been there somewhere! At lunch they seem somewhat short staffed, but like I said, it is very quiet at lunch. But that makes it difficult to grab a quick meal. We waited quite a while when we first went in and actually had to go to the kitchen to get someone's attention. But our server (and likely cook and chief bottle washer) was very pleasant and worked hard to accommodate our need for a speedy lunch.
(4)
Mimi K.
If you do not faceplant the beef sambosas and the lamb kabobs, you're dead inside. Delicious and moderately priced, the food here promotes the licking of plates at the end of every meal! The service is amazing! I feel you always get better service in a family owned and run establishment and Pomir surely does not disappoint. They're kind, friendly, and respectable. Kitchen turnaround is super fast. It's a BYOB place conveniently located next to a liquor store. I've been here several times and always leave satisfied with everything. We had a party of about 25 for friend's farewell dinner here on a Friday night and when most of the patrons had left, they let us go wild. Let us use their iPod dock too so we rocked out with our c...phones out. Pomir Grill, I love you.
(4)
Ben R.
From the complimentary bread and delectable chutneys and hot Afghan tea to the wonderful assortment of vegetarian and meaty dishes and sweetly generous deserts, I loved my meal start to finish. The chicken kebab with Brown rice, blended with a sweet and savory mixture of raisins and pungent spices as well as a nest of fresh vegetables is simple but unmatched. Their almond cake is large, sweet, and a fair match for its finest Italian analogue. I loved Pomir at the fall Garlic and Arts festival and still do. Service was friendly and prompt if not easy and unhurried. Ill be back.
(5)
emily R.
Went out to dinner here on a Thursday evening with my boyfriend - it was our first time trying Afghani cuisine - and we had a lovely experience. The restaurant was quaint - only about 10 tables - and very neat. Apparently they've only been open a couple weeks. My boyfriend ordered the beef kabob, which was sincerely some of the best beef I've ever eaten - tender and flavorful. I ordered the butternut squash vegetarian entree and that was also cooked to perfection. We shared the pistachio ice cream for dessert, which was very yummy. We left very full. We will definitely return.
(5)
Robert L.
Pomir Grill is an excellent place to dine. I was with my girlfriend feeling adventurous and wondering what we could try new and exciting. We came across Pomir and was wondering "what is afghanistan food!?!" SO we went in and dined. Everyday they have a different $10 special. So we started with an appetizer and got spinach pastries. They were excellent. Then came the flatbread with different sauces= Amazing. Then the main course which was afghanistan style ribs= TO DIE FOR. So tender, flavorful, blackened outside, tender juicy inside. This was by far one of the best meals I had ever had. The service was outstanding and is a cute family owned place. They were really concerned with whether or not we enjoyed our meal. This has become my local favorite and I take all my friends and family there, never had a complaint yet!
(5)
Mary K.
This place opend in july. Ive never had afghani food so I was very excited about dining here and didn't quite know what to expect. The decor/place is simple. The food is AMAZING. You are given complimentry afghani flat bread served with 3 delicious dipping sauces. For the meals I've tried the beef short ribs and the lamb kabob rolls. Both items were flavorful and tasty. Also you MUST try the Sambosa appetizer, made from puff pastry, i had the chicken and it was soo good! The menu here is rather pricey but they do have a lunch special for each day of the week ranging from $8-10 includes a drink. Check out their website. After your meal, they also give you a small packet of sugar coated chicken peas & almonds. Its a nice touch. p.s.I heard the place was BYOB! Awesomeness!
(4)
Reza H.
I've enjoyed dinner here on many occasions since they opened and the quality of food and price is unbeatable in this area. The food is really quite outstanding bring back fond memories of my travels to the middle east. It's a true family business with the grandmother cooking in the back with her daughter and son-in law helping out in the kitchen and the 2 grand daughters waiting tables. I'm happy to support this establishment.
(5)
Amy L.
Had dinner here Friday night. It was amazing!!! We started with the spinach pastry puffs. They were light and fluffy! They tasted so fresh and the sauces they were served with were very tasty. I had the butternut squash dish next. It was so DELICIOUS! The flavors were very unique and yummy. I ate every bite and didn't leave even a drop of sauce on the plate. For dessert we had the rice pudding. I was not disappointed- it was so good! Again, it tasted fresh and was delicious. The service was great, and there were lots of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu at Pomir Grill. It seemed like about half of the menu could be made without meat. I can't recommend this place enough- it is a great treat!!!
(5)
Paul B.
My wife and I were looking forward to trying the restaurant for the second time. Showed up for an early dinner to a restaurant that was less than a third full and was turned away. We will not be coming back.
(1)
Paul B.
I hope this place sticks around amidst keen competition on Shrew St. It is pretty unique and my only other experience with Afghan cuisine was in Cambridge, which was a mob scene, though tasty. This too, had nicely flavored food, but my dining companion's short ribs were on the dry side. The perky red sauce helped out. My chicken kabob was extremely moist and tender, with evidence of marination (Is that even a word?) We each tried a different type of rice, then shared, and both of us felt that it was terrific. The bread and three dipping sauces were a nice touch, though the 'red' one tasted a bit too much like ketchup. The BYOB situation actually works out pretty well, since dinner for two ended up costing $34 and we had a nice bottle of wine from my cellar. The room is small but not exactly cozy. The white linens and the sparkle of the glassware gave it a sort of elegance, though. This place deserves our support!
(4)
Bob J.
Love it. Go there often. Very tasty meat and wonderful sauces. A little pricey, but not bad, and service is slow. But here's the dealio: it's BYOB, and NO CORKING FEE! And, they sit right next to a liquor store! Oh boy! It's hog heaven. So the service being slow is understandable, it's a small staff. And just sit back, chat over a bottle of wine, and enjoy your food when it comes. Wonderful experience.
(5)
Frans F.
Yesterday my wife and I went to Pomir grill. It was our 2nd time there and the food was great again. The family that runs it is extremely friendly and accommodating. The fact that it is a BYOB is a plus. My wife is vegetarian and loves it. I have to eat the meat and dessert dishes. The lamb kabobs are incredible. Pretty much everything is delicious. Don't forget to leave room for dessert. The almond cake and pistachio ice cream are delicious as well. Will definitely recommend and patronize again and again and again.......
(5)
Michelle W.
Had the potato and puff pastry appetizer which was really tasty. The butter squash dinner was delicious and I really liked that you could byob. Service is a little slow, but very friendly.
(4)
Tracy P.
Fantastic food. Everything from the bread when you are seated to the dessert is fantastic. Service is great and attentive without being overbearing. BYOB is a plus!!
(4)
Matt Y.
It is very rare that I am so moved by a restaurant experience that I have to write a review soon afterward. I am more of a "wait until I'm bored and then post a review if I remember". Lunch at the Pomir Grill was purely by accident. It was also perfect. From the premeal grilled flatbread with dipping sauces to the baklava at the end of the meal, it was amazing food. In addition to the complimentary bread, we also ordered a potato pastry called kachalu bolani...this also was excellent with the dipping sauces that came along with the bread. For entrees my co-eater ordered the lamb kabobs...perfectly cooked, very flavorfully seasoned without being too aggressive, and I ordered the Kofta Chalaw, a dish of Afghan meatballs with rice...a very homey, very well seasoned dish..even the brown rice with carrots and raisins was well prepared. The baklava we ordered for ending was also very good....different from the greek style baklava but very tasty. I was worried when I saw the signs of an Afghan cuisine restaurant opening, on Shrewsbury St no less, that Worcester would not support something outside of normal culinary circles. I was wrong, and the proprieters of this establishment have hopefully opened up a new influx of different ethnic cuisine in the city.
(5)
Tamara R.
Our main courses were delicious. I had the vegetarian platter (not correct name-- it is the one where you get 5 different vegetarian options) and my fiance got the chicken kebabs. I felt that my entree was overpriced-- $17.95 and the portions on the plate were adequate but I could've eaten more. I feel for that price for a vegetarian option there should have been enough food that I would have leftovers. The kebabs were perfectly cooked and very tasty. We got one app-- chicken sambosa. It was fine-- nothing spectacular. Based on food alone, I would give this place 4 stars. The service is what moved them down to 3 stars. When we got to the place (at around 6 PM) there were only 2 tables seated-- one couple and a table of 8. We waited several minutes to get our drinks (which were just bottled tea and coke) and more minutes to get the bread and sauces-- the bread was freshly cooked and delicious. Our app took another 20 minutes or more. We did not get our entree for more than an hour after sitting down. Other people came in after us and got their food before us. The table of 8 waited longer than everyone in the restaurant to get their food and they were there before everyone else. At one point a man from that table went up to the two girls sitting at the register to say that they needed their food soon or they would be late to their event. She was not super apologetic and cool about this. They do not seem to know how to handle any kind of group business. They turned several people away because they did not have reservations-- so there were a few empty tables the whole time we were there. They should have been able to take those customers-- and do a better job with service all around because the timing of getting food out would have been staggered. They need to figure out how to get drinks and apps to customers much more quickly than they do-- and have free refills and bring more bread (or at least ask if it is wanted) to keep people satisfied. Also-- it is a BYOB place.
(3)
Justin S.
This place seems to have many raving fans here on Yelp, and you can add my name to this list. Pomir was recommended to me by a vegetarian friend, which made me skeptical because I am something of a carnivore. But everything on the menu- across all food groups- must be great because I left just as satisfied as he did. My beef kabobs were some of the best I had ever had. They were flavorful and very tender. I sampled some of the short ribs my dad was eating and they were as good or better than any I'd had back in LA (the gourmet short rib capital of America). Our rice was delicious, flavored with spices and golden raisins. Everything here was great. Our server was friendly, and the restaurant's simple, tasteful decor was pleasant. If you like Middle Eastern/Indian food (that's my best shorthand description of the food at Pomir, more on the Middle Eastern side), then I would certainly give Pomir Grill a shot. I very much look forward to eating there again the next time I'm in Massachusetts. (I'm already drooling, just writing this.)
(5)
Louie M.
Stumble upon this new restaurant Friday night. Great an flavorful food, very fresh and unique. Simple menu- had two light appetizers and for dinner amazing pasta and eggplant. And the best pistachio ice cream I've ever had! We will be back for sure.
(5)
Jon R.
I have to admit, I had never had Afghan Cuisine before dining here. That being said, I'm glad my first experience was at Pomir Grill. The food and service were spectacular. I would like to make a recommendation for a particular dish, but they were ALL so good! Luckily, I went with a large group so we ordered a ton of dishes and tried virtually everything on the menu. The Lamb Kabobs were awesome, Short Ribs to die for, delicious brown pilaf style rice. One particular dish does stand out to me as being a favorite. There is a pasta dish called Mantu, it is almost like a cross between a Ravioli and a wonton stuffed with meat and topped with a sauce that was garlicky and meaty..soo good! The fresh bread they serve you with 3 different dipping sauces will have you asking for "more please"! Though the menu is not overwhelmingly large, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy, from lamb, beef and chicken, to pasta, to vegan..no fish that I noticed, but I'm cool with that. Dessert, try the Almond Cake and anything else.. Really, Pomir is someplace you can close your eyes and point at something on the menu and be happy with it. Best Part (I save the best for last) is EVERYTHING is fresh as fresh can be and made to order, so be patient. Family run through and through, which is always a plus! Oooohh and it's BYOB which I personally love... 7 bucks for six beers instead of 4.50 for one... No brainer! Go to Pomir Grill! You will not regret it.. If you don't like the food, there's something wrong with your taste buds..bottom line..prices are reasonable, not cheap, but certainly not outrageous..this guy has no problem paying for great food!
(5)
Garietta F.
I was waiting for this place to open for weeks. I am a huge fan of Middle Eastern food and this restaurant does not disappoint. I had the lamb kabobs. Meat was perfectly cooked. Veggies were awesome, not overcooked, well seasoned. But for me the rice was the story, sweet raisins alongside the flavorful rice and crunchy carrots. So good... I did take off a star because the food is pricey, but well worth the splurge if you are in the mood for authentic Afghan cuisine
(4)
Tonya M.
A classmate said this place is a must try so I thought why not. The food will not disappoint you. The food was so good. I am looking forward to going back and trying other things on their menu. Save room for desert because their rice pudding is the best! You might even want to get some to take home for later because you will be craving it later. Oh an when they give the choice of rice go with the one that has carrots and cranberries it is to die for.
(5)
Jen P.
The food is fresh and delicious. I ordered the short ribs which were so tender you could eat with a spoon. The puff pastry filled with beef or chicken were very good. I tried a bite of my friends' dishes: the meatballs and the beef kabob and both were flavorful, moist and excellent. We all ended the night with the house made pistachio ice cream...incredible. The meal was delicious, the staff was friendly, there's a parking lot next to the building and I can't wait to return.
(5)
Laurie K.
What a nice find! I was looking for Indian food when i stumbled upon reviews. Everything was delicious. The warm, crispy (on the outside) bread was such a treat with the 3 different sauces. As others recommended, we started with the kachulu cutlet with spinach and then we ordered the lamb kabob and the kofta chalaw. The lamb was slightly cooked more than I like, but still tasty. To top it off we tried the homemade pistachio ice cream. All very tasty! Excited to have found this little gem and will go back to try some more.
(5)
Alice E.
FANTASTIC!!! I can't say enough great things about this welcome addition to Shrewsbury Street and Worcester. It's an adventure and well worth it! Food - superb quality and delicious. Every dish looks beautiful, too. Charming family owns and runs Pomir Grill. Will be going back many times.
(5)
Anya F.
Just had lunch at Pomir Grill. The place is simple, bright and well appointed. The tables set up with the linen napkins and linen tablecloth! The service is very friendly and unimposing. The place is great for a business lunch or a family dinner. I would even have a family party there. Now back to the gist of it - the food is just outstanding. It is flavorful but not heavy, cooked to perfection and well presented. From breads with delicious dipping sauces to lamb kebabs, meatballs and Afgani rice you'll be enjoying every bite. The lamb had a bit of pink in it just as it should and the meatballs just melt in your mouth. I did not have chance to try desert and looked dreamily at the table next mine. This gives me the reason to come back. For sure I will.
(5)
Linda B.
Excellent! From the moment we walked in it was perfect! We received the fresh bread with dipping sauces which were fantastic...we ordered the short ribs which are perfectly cooked and very flavorful. We wanted to try other items and we ordered a small portion of the spinach which was great. The service, food and atmosphere are wonderful,,,a real gem on Shrewsbury Street please try it you will love Pomir!
(5)
Marina V.
This place is amazing. Don't be surprised if you haven't noticed this place before, they opened recently. But oh man, is the food worth it. Everyone, unless you're vegetarian, must have the lamb kabobs. The spices and flavors were unique. Everything is very fresh, from the vegetables, to the bread to the very tasty lamb. The owner came out and greeted us and even told us some near food related cultural facts. A unique treasure on Shrewsbury street!
(5)
Adam P.
Incredible food at excellent prices. The Chai tea with milk alone is worth the trip, a highly unusual and crazy tasty beverage. Table comes with homemade bread and dipping sauces: red tomato, cucumber yougurt mix, and cilantro. gret palate exercise all around. very high quality ingredients. For the appetizer we had the Kachula Cutlet (with beef... also offered with Spinach). Very unusual and very savory. We tried two entrees: Beef kabobs with veggies and rice (seasoned brown rice with carrots and raisins) was absolutely delicious, perhaps the most tender beef kabobs I've ever had. Second entree called Kafta Chalaw is meatballs in plum sauce with spinach rice side. Another knockout as well. Tried three desserts for a taste test: Sheer yaakh (homemade pistachio ice cream), afghan almond cake, and Sheer brink (egg free rice pudding). All three were a culinary delight, again excellently prepared and delicious. During the meal the chef came out and asked us how everything was. Step out of the norm and give this place a whirl. You won't regret it. I'll be back anytime I'm in the area.
(5)
John R.
Tasty, authentic, really tasty Afghan food. Every part of the meal was excellent. Appetizer-on the money, entree delicious, sheer yakh good. Very great experience! On street parking can be a little tricky, so keep that in mind. Very happy!
(5)
KJ R.
I would echo most of the comments on here. The food is excellent and we were grateful for the fantastic vegan options. The service was lacking--the meal took a long time to come out and after we finished eating the bill took even longer. We will definitely go back but I hope they are able to improve their service.
(4)
Love T.
I recently tried out Pomir Grill as I had bought the Living Social for it. I'm glad I did! I went on a Monday afternoon and met up with a friend for lunch. Our waitress was pleasant and attentive and the food was excellent. Before our food arrived, we were served a bread I had never tried before but was delicious; it came with three dipping sauces: a tomato based sauce, a coriander sauce and a yogurt based sauce. All were awesome. We had the kachalu cutlets and sambosa for appetizers. The kachalu cutlets were two sesame encrusted pastries filled with beef, they were awesome, the pastry was light and flaky and the beef flavorful. The sambosa was large pastry filled with spinach, this was also great. We also tried the shorwa soup, which was reeaally hearty and delicious, and the kofta chalaw, were is meatballs in a plum sauce with rice. The meatballs were slightly sweet and tender and the rice had a cinnamon flavor and raisins and carrot. Both were very good. Prices are reasonable and I will definitely be back!
(5)
Chris L.
Delicious food and great service. This was our first time trying Afghani food and it was really tasty. I thought it was very similar in flavors to Indian food but not as hot/spicy. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Heather B.
I enjoy Middle Eastern food but had never tried Afghan cuisine before. We thoroughly enjoyed every bite. The bread and dips were excellent as was the chicken Sambosa. The kabobs were moist and perfectly cooked and spiced. The surprise entree was the Sabzi Chalaw. I would never expect a spinach entree to be so flavorful and satisfying. We concluded with the pistachio ice cream which had wonderful rose water flavor as well as the warm almond cake that was rich, dense and grainy in a good way. Even the green tea had interesting spice notes. I cannot wait to go back. Excellent options for vegetarians and vegans.
(5)
Zaida R.
We have been to Pomir 3 times. The food is consistently good and made from the heart. The prices are justified given the quality, most everything is made from scratch. Fresh bread and sauces are on the house, appetizers are in $5 range, the prices of entrees vary and are largely based on the amount of work required to prepare them rather than cost of ingredients. I usually get the Beef Short Ribs but I tried the Beef Mantu last night which is beef stuffed pasta topped with an Afghan beef ragu. I swear they stuff the pasta themselves, this is probably why it's more expensive than the Short Ribs. As far as desert, also homemade and very high quality. The baklava is served slightly warm in order to melt the honey and and pairs nicely with the pistachio ice cream. The Almond cake is also excellent. Although I always leave this place stuffed, I never feel guilty because the food is generally healthy. Service is not good but who cares, it's all about the food here.
(5)
Linda D.
We met my son for dinner here last night; it was our first time there. What a cozy and wonderful place to have a glass of wine (BYOB), eat absolutely scrumptious, fresh, unique food, and visit without being hassled or rushed out the door. We made a reservation, our table was ready when we arrived, and everything we ordered and shared was delicious. As everyone says, the bread and sauces are great, the appetizers are different and delectable, the entrees are generous and seasoned exquisitely. My husband and I had the lamb kebabs, and my son had the meatball dish, and both dishes were unbelievably tasty. The almond cake for dessert was truly to die for--a most unusual flavor and presentation. This is a restaurant that is family-owned and run. Everything is cooked to order, so service is not fast. It is a place to spend an evening, definitely not a "quick bite before the movie" venue. I would highly recommend making a reservation. If you arrive in an unhurried frame of mind, you will have a truly sensational experience savoring the tastiest of treats from this Afghan kitchen! We will return! I agree with another reviewer, who said he/she wants to try everything on the menu. Us too!
(5)
Michael L.
The food was nothing like I've ever tasted, the appetizers alone gave me the impression this food is about to be amazing! When I ordered the Meat Lover's Special, I asked the waitress what rice she recommended and she recommended I go with the spinach rice. I am not much of a fan of spinach but I decided to give it a try even though in my mind I already thinking up ways to avoid eating it. When I tasted it I was amazed that it was spinach rice that tasted so good, the meat's were amazing as well, you could tell by the tenderness of the meats that it had been cooked very well. I also ordered the okra and pita bread and that to was nothing short of amazing, somehow they cooked the okra and allowed it to taste a bit sweet (but not too sweet) which was a nice taste. I also found that the owner turned out to be one of the former librarians as well so we talked briefly. All the food looked so amazing I forgot the original reason I had gone to the restaurant, because I wanted to know if they made Doner Kebabs...I saw a picture of one posted on chatango and have craved it since. Guess I'll have to ask next time.
(5)
Steven W.
As a captious gourmet, I have to say PISTACHIO ICE-CREAM here is absolutely worth 5-star!!! The moment you taste this fabulous homemade dessert after beef kabob entry, you seem to feel like there is a fresh breeze brushing your face gently, with a beam of leisure sunshine casting on your body through louvers during your afternoon tea time!! The experience here was magnificent as either appetizers or entries I ordered here with my friend were stupendous!! This is a home-style restaurant. The hostess cooks and even serves foods by herself. Thus, it will take a kinda long time for waiting but it is absolutely worthwhile!!
(5)
April K.
Very incredible. This was my first try at Afghan food and I loved it. The bread they served at the beginning was warm and soft, and the sauces that came with it were mind blowing. The spices in the sauces were very unique and we wanted to scoop up every last drop. We got the Qurooti as our appetizer, and the portion was humongous. It was only $7, and we only finished 1/4 of it. It was an eggplant dish on bread with drizzled yogurt/garlic sauce. For my entree I got the beef short rib, and the meat split apart so easily It basically melted in my mouth and was wonderfully flavorful. My boyfriend kept eating my entree because it was so good. He got the mantu (pasta filled with beef with a beef sauce on top). He enjoyed his dish, but it honestly did just taste like ravioli with meat sauce. Overall, I really enjoyed this restaurant, especially since it's BYOB. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are huge. Quality is also excellent. Only negatives were the slow service and the loud ambiance. There was only one waitress, and I felt bad for her because she had to wait on so many tables. It wasn't her fault, but they definitely need to hire more help. The room was also booming with noise since they have hardwood floors, minimal decorations, and the voices reverberate off the walls. Even though I live an hour away, I think I would make the drive back here.
(4)
Kulbhushan J.
After going here for dinner several times and loving it every time, we had them cater for a party of about 20 people. The food was great and everyone at the party loved it too! Must try items are their beef kofta, eggplant borani, butternut borani and really any thing on the menu. Do not miss their ice creams - fig and pistachio both are 10 on 10!
(5)
Richie S.
Oh my goodness!! I can't believe my wife and I just found out about this place, but it was well worth the wait. We had a 6:45 reservation tonight and had one of the best dining experiences that we've ever had here in Worcester. The flatbread with different sauces to start off with, then followed with the beef stuffed pastry and noodle soup...it was simply out of this world. My wife got the chicken kabob and spinach rice for her main course and I of course got the meat lovers with carrot and raisin rice. Seriously this was like Greek and Spanish food got together and had a baby, so fresh and total comfort food. If we could have taken the cook home with us we would have, ha-ha! I can't wait to go back soon and hope that you check it out as well. As always, enjoy!!!
(5)
Shakhiba A.
Food was horrible.. Portions very small compared to the amount per plate they're charging.. Service wasn't at their best.. Could've had a way better experience.. Do not recommend if you are looking for authentic afghani food.
(1)
Maly A.
Came back here for dinner while visiting friends in early November. We had a chicken & a beef sambosa. Really good. All three of us ended up getting the beef kebob with rice. It was delicious & cooked perfectly. And we had the baklava with pistachio ice cream which was also very good. Another good, relaxing experience.
(4)
Yow-Bang W.
Overall I had a good impression. Definitely large portion.
Wow! This food was outstanding. Afghan stew was hearty and flavorful while the vegetarian sampler platter was delightful. The food is fresh and slow cooked to bring out the flavor. They serve complimentary warm bread with a trio of tasty sauces. The fig ice cream was a unique and tasty departure from the typical flavors, and the warm Afghan baklava was sublime. This family owned restaurant serves their food on white table service and there is some nice low key Afghan music in the background that adds to the ambiance. Byob and plan on a great meal at very reasonable prices.
(5)
Kevin R.
A satisfying meal, full dining room. It was clear they needed help on the service side of things as it looked as the husband/wife combo were waiting on tables and cooking. The meal was tasty, I had a meat dish with three different beefs. I wasn't blown away, but the meal was tasty and I left full-ish.
I read so many reviews that said to make a reservation, so I did. We arrived at 5:45 on a Friday evening and we were the only two in the restaurant nearly the entire time. To start my review, I drink A LOT of water. I am usually that pain in the neck flagging down the waiter/waitress a hundred times over to fill my glass. The very first thing they did at Pomir Grill was leave a huge, ice cold water pitcher at our table- SCORE for first impressions! Second, the deliciously warm complimentary bread came out and we were very happily surprised. The 3 sauces were each quite good, but the green, fresh herb sauce was an incredible compliment to the bread. I tried the Aush, a noodle/veg "soup" and opted for the beef sauce. I think I should have gone with the veg version on this because it just tasted like a chili that needed salt. It was the only reason my review is 4 vs 5 stars. It was just "eh". The Kofta meatballs in plum sauce just melt in your mouth. I would compare them to Indian Butter Chicken, in terms of consistency, but they are beef. Not sure how they keep all beef meatballs super soft and moist, but they were very deliciously complimented by the sweet plum sauce. My husband ordered the lamb kabobs and was very happy with his choice. The lamb was certainly of good quality and perfectly seasoned. I am Middle Eastern and know my lamb.. I can say for sure Pomir Grill can do lamb! The rices, both the spinach and the carrot/raisin were right on point and were the perfect sides to the stars of the dishes. Homemade Pistachio Ice Cream loaded with pistachios and a hint of rosewater... What more can I say? The almond cake was saturated in a similar honey/butter sauce that resembled a nice moist Baklava. My husband ate every crumb. We were very happy and will absolutely go back again!
(4)
Rowan L.
This is a restaurant with truly wonderful food. And it caters for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters all in one place! Appetizers were truly delicious - carefully constructed flavors wash over you with every mouthful. Succulent slow roasted veggies melt with every bite. Then came the mains. Wow. Intense flavors explode with every bite. Caramelized veggies seasoned just right, and portions that were perfect. At our table, everyone was raving about the food! So we thought we'd try dessert. The Afghan Baklava was awesome - not sickly sweet like so many. And the Almond Cake - to die for! Even tried the eggless rice pudding. I've never had rice pudding that I would describe as refreshing, but this really was and it tasted great! Chai to finish it all off was perfect. I'd come back here any time. Only nit was the service was a hint slow, but hey, the food is cooked slow so it seemed only fair. Be aware it is BYOB, but there is a liquor store two shops down the road. A terrific foodie experience.
(5)
Julia D.
HOLY MOLEY THATS GOOD!!! What an absolute treat!!! So glad we stopped here. Its BYOB (AWESOME) and the service was very friendly. MAKE RESERVATIONS! OK NOW THE IMPORTANT STUFF.. the FOOD: The bread and dipping sauces they provide at the beginning were amazing. I liked all three! I ordered the MANTU!!! The pasta was perfect, the spicing was perfect, the lentils were perfect. Not having this restaurant in Lowell? NOT PERFECT!!! I will absolutely be back here to try everything else. My boyfriend had the soup and lamb kebob, both were really good as well. YUM.
(5)
Eugene K.
Great food and great people serving it anything from amazing meat to vegetarian dishes
(5)
Amber S.
This place deserves all the five star ratings it has received - SERIOUSLY! Allow me to kick this off by reiterating some sentiments mentioned by fellow Yelpers: family owned and operated, small and quiet, reservation a must, BYOB, not fast food so practice some patience and lastly EVERYTHING IS BOMB! Ok sooooo we came in with a bunch of beer and a reservation about 1.5 hours before closing expecting things to be a little more on the relaxed-pace side. I hadn't gotten through my second beer before everything came out SO TAKE THAT to the folks who claimed it was slow. The start off bread us tasty, we were recommended the Aush soup by our waitress, who was so nice, as she said it was a bit lighter which would help if we were also getting entrees. She could tell we meant business. We also ordered the spinach sambosas. Both were major yum; the sambosas were flaky and light but the spinach had a flavor that was sososo good. The soup was served piping hot and we pot it with the beef broth, which really meant there was some small pieces. We loved it- it was lighter but definitely not lite! The noodles were cooked and it had a great mix of veggies and beans in the broth. Now for the entrees: I ordered the beef spareribs and my boo got the eggplant. I got the spinach rice, he got the carrot and raisin. Both were yummy but I was cursing myself for not getting the latter as the carrot and raisin rice had a sweet but not too sweet cardamom flavor. Oh. So. Good. He scarfed the eggplant in about 30 seconds so I was lucky to get a taste. The sauce was savory and thick and complimented the eggplant like they were meant for each other. He wouldn't stop talking about it. The beef spareribs were juicy and tender - no need for a knife! The sauce they came with was also tasty - an Afghan twist on BBQ lets say. As we packed more than half of my entree away in a to go box we also knew we had to get dessert. The folks on here have been adamant about the pistachio ice cream and the almond cake, I thought we would have gotten just the ice cream but my man insisted we get the cake, too, even almost insisting we get the baklava as well! I cut him off at the cake so we got the almond cake, which was warm, smothered in honey and covered in almond slivers. Woah woah woah! That was it! Sweet but not too sweet! The flavor, the texture - "it's warm," we squealed! But don't let me get ahead of myself, it has to be a tie because the pistachio ice cream was chock full of the little green guys and as aromatic tasting as it actually tasted - if that can make sense. Who was the clear winner? Me! The bill only came to $49.11 and my guy paid pffff can't beat this experience! All in all, I'll be back when it's hot for the ice cream and probably next weekend and everyone after because the prices were so reasonable, the portions so whopping and the service very kind. Not to mention again, I'm drooling as I laying bed penning this review. xoxo Pomir Grill!
(5)
John R.
Nothing but superlatives, from this family owned gem- from appetizers to dessert (where else can one find fig ice cream)
(5)
Bruce F.
Delightful food! This is a small restaurant with tasty Middle Eastern food. We had the Bolani appetizer, the Kofta (meatballs +) and the Salmon Kabob and enjoyed every mouthful. The dipping sauces for the bread (and food) were just as tasty. There were many other tempting dishes, but we needed doggy bags so two was more than enough for us. (They also do takeout.) The restaurant itself is simply and tastefully done with white tablecloths, black chairs, and plain walls with minimal decoration. The staff is small, so if you want fast food, go to McDonalds, but we found the meal leisurely and the evening enjoyable. We plan to return.
(5)
Krista V.
The place is very small and they have a small waitstaff, so reservations are recommended. Service can be a little slow, but on the plus side you aren't rushed out the door - but the food is so worth it. Most of the dishes are naturally gluten-free, many options for Celiacs. They don't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own wine. Overall a great place.
(4)
Steve L.
Another hit for the Woo! Showed up at the BYOB Pomir 9:15 on a weeknight with a liberal supply of alcohol from the strategically placed liquor store (next door) for some late-night food. Should have figured from the look of desperation on the waitress' face (hey, closing time was 10pm!) that this was no in-and-out restaurant. Yes, all kabobs are cooked from scratch, which kept us there until 10:45. The lamb kabob was top-notch, and would hold its own pretty much anywhere. Chicken and short rib kabobs were drier and less good. Both rice options (spinach rice vs raisin rice) were big hits. Save your hands and keys; make sure to ask for bottle-openers, which are freely offered. And come earlier than we did, for the restaurant's sake!
(4)
asli e.
It is a family owned business. I went there with my friend on a weekday. Not many customers and soon it was only two of us left. We were asking a few questions about the food to the lady who owned the place and we started a whole conversation. They are very friendly. The food is delicious and all made by her (to my understanding). The food is very reasonable priced, even cheap for the quality. There is no alcohol, you can get the drink of your choice from the liquor shop next door. This was the first time I tried afghani food, it was delicious, very similar to Turkish food with some twist to them :) Can't wait to go back.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. The food is amazing, from the bread and the delicious sauces, i always get a second basket. My fav is the lamb kebob with brown rice and raisin, just perfect and i finish off with the pistachio ice cream and/or chai. This place is a little hidden gem in Worcester on Shrewsbury St. The daughters and mother who own the restaurant are a delight. They make round in the tiny restaurant to speak to each guest. The menu is not big, but who cares, everything is awesome. This is definitely a favorite. Definitely a costumer forever!! PS: It is BYOB (Bring your own beer/drink). Does not matter to me that the do not serve alcohol, I'll gladly bring in my Moscato D'atsi!!
(5)
Tom O.
This is a grerat little BYOB restaurant right on Shrewsbury St., family run and great prices. Me and my wife love the quiet and intimate atmosphere, friendly servers and amazing food. Get the LAMB - you will not be disappointed!!!
(4)
Melissa G.
Outstanding. Cozy, pleasant atmosphere, BYO.The salmon kabob was moist and seasoned perfectly and came with a side salad and a combo of grilled veggies including potato, pumpkin, string beans, tiny baby carrots. The beef kabob was excellent as was the long grained rice with carrots & rasins. A wonderful experience.
(5)
Brett P.
We were invited to join friends here who are long-time Worcester residents and big fans of Pomir Grill. It was only the second time I've had Afghan food, the first time being at Helmand in Cambridge a few years ago, so I didn't have a lot to compare it to. Shrewsbury Street's restaurant row is already hopping on any Saturday night in summer, but with the fireworks display that was postponed from the 4th just a few hours away, the street was filled with people streaming toward East Park with folding chairs. Our friends had made a reservation and were seated and had a bottle of Montepulciano D'Abruzzo wine open and ready to pour as we walked in (Pomir is BYOB). A complimentary platter of flatbread and three spiced dipping sauces (yogurt, tomato, and cilantro) was a nice starter while we sipped our wine and reviewed the menu. While the others chose lamb or chicken kabobs, my curiosity and pasta fanaticism pushed me to the aushak, a ravioli-like pasta stuffed with spinach and leeks. The pasta and light, yogurt/garlic vegetarian sauce (there's also a meat sauce option) was beautifully presented and delicious. I tried some of my wife's lamb and the accompanying rice blended with finely-chopped spinach and found it very good as well. Service was prompt and very friendly, and a carafe of water was kept filled without us having to ask. Too full for dessert, we opted for some nicely spiced Afghan chai to wind down the meal. As the sky darkened, our waitress raised the shades on the large front windows where we were seated, and a few minutes later we had a great view of the fireworks display lighting up the sky over the city as the staff and patrons alike enjoyed the show. Dinner with tip was around $50 per couple. This was a pleasant journey into a tasty cuisine not very well represented in the Boston/Worcester area, friendly to both carnivores and vegetarians, and the fact you can bring your own favorite wine or beer is a nice plus and keeps the tab quite reasonable. The timing of the fireworks display and the excellent vantage point from our table was a great bonus to end the evening.
(4)
Keith C.
Great food. Five stars there easily. Very, very slow however. My fiancee and I went in with a groupon, had made reservations, etc. We sat down, waited 10 minutes for them to ask for drinks, 10 more minutes to get them, 10 more to order, then a while to get the food. All in all from sitting down was about 1:15 to start eating. I think if I had gone in hungry or there were more similar food options in Worcester, this place would be getting 3 stars, or even 2, but I didn't, so 4. Short story, expect good food but don't go in hungry; you'll be hungry enough by time you get a chance to eat.
(4)
Sophie T.
Delicious Afghan food; you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I don't know of any other place in the area that serves cuisine like it. The atmosphere is homey and comfortable, and the owners are very nice.
(5)
Shawn D.
Three of us had a most delightful dinner at Pomir Grill last evening in Worcester. I ordered the lamb kabobs and others shared a vegetarian sampler. The service was wonderful, the bread and dipping sauces were very tasty and each dish quite wonderful. This is the second time I've eaten in an Afgan restraurant--the other time was in Madison, Wisconsin-and each time has been terrific. I strongly recommend it to you.
(4)
Gary B.
If you enjoy good food then you will enjoy Pomir Grill. It is obvious from before the first bite that this is a place run by people who pride themselves in serving delicious food. The room is not very large, but that is not a bad thing as long as you plan ahead. They do take reservations so if you are planning on going at a busy time make sure to call ahead. The menu is also not huge, but every single thing on it sounded delicious. Our server, who I believe is also an owner, was very helpful in explaining all of the dishes and how they were prepared. We had some kids with us and she made sure to tell us what dishes were more kid friendly and that nothing was spicy. There is not a kids menu, but she suggested that my younger son could get the dish he wanted as an appetizer instead of an entree which I found very helpful. It ended up being plenty of food for him and saved us some money. Once we were seated we were given some bread and three dipping sauces and the young lady who sat us asked if we would like an explanation of what they were. I appreciated that. There was a tomato basil sauce which was very good, but not really anything special. The two other sauces were a yogurt and coriander sauce. I am not a yogurt fan, but tried it anyway and it was great. My favorite by far was the coriander. The bread they gave us was a amazing. It was both flat and puffy, soft and crispy, at the same time. It was heavily flavored with garlic and I could have made a meal just out of the bread. We ordered an app. I do not remember what it was called, but it was a sort of puff pastry filled with delicious potato and leeks. We got one order and our server told us it was two pieces. We were able to cut it and share it between the 5 of us and it was more than enough. The presentation was perfect. Before eating you wanted to spend some time just looking at the gorgeous food on the plate. Everything was cooked perfectly and the amounts were just right. Not too much and not too little. Goldielocks would do just fine here. The three adults ordered the lamb kabobs based on all the prior review here and they lived up to our expectations. The lamb was done perfectly and hidden underneath were the grilled veggies that were soft, but crisp and loaded with flavor. The lamb came with either spinach rice or rice with carrots and raisons and two types of cardamon. I got the spinach rice and loved every bite. It has a sweetness I was not expecting while still being savory. I could have eaten 10 more plates of it. The carrot and raison rice was equally delicious. My daughter got the short ribs. It came with a sauce that worked very well with the delicious meat. It was similar to a BBQ sauce, but not as sickeningly sweet as some can be. She described it as sort of sweet, but tangy. The ribs were perfect without the sauce, but adding did not detract from the great flavor at all. My son got the Afgan noodles with garlic sauce. It had a veggie sauce on top and the noodles were drizzles with just a touch of garlic sauce. He is a very picky eater and I was very surprised that he even tried a taste because it looked so different from what I am sure he was expecting. He surprised me by digging right in and enjoying it to the end. The people who work there are wonderful and the woman who was serving us expressed her genuine gratitude that we chose to eat there that night. She also explained that they are working on redoing their menu and putting different option on it in the near future. I am sure that no matter what they serve it will be top notch. All 5 of us enjoyed every bite and could not stop talking about how great everything was and how we could not wait to come back and try some other things. I have seen other reviews here saying the service was on the slower side. If I had not read that then I would not have thought anything of it. I would say it was paced on the slower side, but not too slow by any means. It is not someplace to go to it you are rushing out to a show after, but if you are out for a nice dinner with no plans you need to get to right after then you will be quite happy here. Bottom line, both the food and the staff are top notch. The food is full of amazing flavors and cooked by people who know how to cook and take pride in their work. The prices are very reasonable for what you get and you will walk away with a full belly and a smile on your face. This is a place I can not wait to go back to and try some of their other great offerings.
(4)
Mike D.
Went here for V Day. Everything was great. Enjoyed the lamb tips. And pistachio ice cream! The service was fantastic. Would definitely go back. BYOB
(4)
Lakshmi M.
Very good food. Wonderful atmosphere. This restaurant is family owned and operated. The people are warm and welcoming. The food is delicious. The owners cook and serve the food. I recommend this restaurant. Food presentation is wonderful. The restaurant was full this evening. Make a reservation as you won't get a table walking in off the street on a Saturday night. I liked the modern decor. It has a modern yet classy interior. I will be returning to this restaurant often and will recommend it to my friends.
(5)
Queen B.
I was here one year back..Lamb was better and rice was more. Today it felt that the standards have gone down slightly . Still has a nice home made touch. But maybe they need to hire some more people so service is not so slow an d food may taste like it was last year .
(3)
Liz K.
"Ohmygosh this is SOOO GOOD" is all that was running through my head as I was shoveling my dinner from Pomir into my mouth. Occasionally it was cut off by, "Stop, Liz, you're going to get too full," but the first thought always won and I finished my dish in its entirety. After what feels to be like two full weeks of eating at Applebee's, Uno, and 99's, I decided I couldn't take it anymore. I'm not a fan of dining solo, so I searched for options with delivery or take-out. Pomir, take-out, check. I put in the order for the spinach vegetarian dish and was told that it would be ready in twenty minutes. Upon arrival, I found that the street is quite busy and parking is not abundant - almost considered taking off a star, but it's really out of their control, I guess. The food itself is not very aromatic and I was concerned that meant it wouldn't be flavorful, but I was so wrong in the best way. The three sauces that come with the bread are great - green with a hint of spicy, red like sweet and sour, and white like a tzatziki/hint of citrus. They were fantastic with the bread and in the dish itself. The price was reasonable considering the dish itself and the bread and salad that came along with it. It was ready when I got there, and the front of house staff was friendly and helpful. I would recommend this place for either carry out or dining in!
(5)
Eric B.
This is one of the best restaurant I have visited so far in Worcester, and would be right at home in a city with a better food scene. Good options for veggie and omnivores alike, and it's byob.
(5)
Sam H.
By far my favorite restaurant in Worcester. Amazing food and the Chai is some of the best I have ever had anywhere. The vegetarian options are also excellent. A must try.
(5)
Emily Y.
I've been here a number of times since the fall, and each time, the food, atmosphere and service have consistently been 5 stars. I highly recommend the bolani, the chicken kabobs with spinach rice and the almond cake. I've been with a big group of people, who ordered a variety of items from the menu, and everyone really loved their food! It's BYOB too, which is so nice! The place is perfect for dates or gatherings with friends and family!
(5)
Kate M.
This place is spectacular. If you've never had Afghani food, it's somewhere between Turkish and Indian (closer to Turkish). Absolutely everything was outstanding. The place is run by a family, and they are just the nicest people ever. Yes, service can be slow; don't go there starving or in any rush. Worth it. (It is BYOB so go next door to the liquor store and get a bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc to have with your meal.) I want to go back and try everything on their menu!!
(5)
Mark V.
Here's the hidden little gem of Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. The atmosphere is living room like, nice and relaxing. The food is great and all made fresh to order. I 'm addicted to the kachalu bolanni appetizer, which reminds me of an elegant upscale somosa for those familiar with Indian food. The vegetable sampler entre is always terrific and I'm not normally ordering veggies in most places. The lamb kabob is delightful and tasty. It's BYOB with a liquor mart 100 feet away. I've eaten here 4 times in the last month. Nice place, great food, great value. For anyone seeking a quiet, highly unique and wonderful dining experience, this is one the best in Central Mass.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Alden W.
How refreshing to have another cuisine option in Worcester! I went with a large group, so we were able to try a good portion of the menu. Everything we had was fantastic. All of the food and sauces used was explained to us, and any question we had was answered. There is excellent kebab for those who want something a bit more familiar, and there are plenty of dishes for those who want to try something new. Also, there are many vegetarian and gluten free options. The restaurant is BYOB, but it's located directly next to a liquor store for those who didn't plan ahead for that.
(5)Alison W.
This was my first time at an Afghani restaraunt. The food was amazing! We had some appetizers (Kachalu Bolani and Sambosa) and they were great. What blew me away was the meal though. We had the lamb kabobs and the meat was so juicy and delicious. I'm not sure how they did it, but wow....they got it right!
(5)J S.
It was ok but this has got to be one of the slowest dining experiences of my life. It took a half hour for our appetizer to come out and a solid hour for our entrees. All of the food that hit our table was fresh, hot and straight out of the kitchen. They use quality cuts for the chicken and lamb kabobs. Everything was cooked and prepared properly but there was nothing that really blew me away. Not sure if it's always like this or if they were just understaffed on our visit but I'm sorry to say the meal wasn't worth the wait.
(3)Freshta A.
Loved the food, environment and the service in general. The server was very nice and explained the food very accurately. Over enjoyed their hospitality which is a big part of afghanistan's culture. Recommend it to all food lovers and recommend to try the shurwa from the appetizer and the Aushak in addition to the lamb kabobs. The food definitely had a taste of a authentic afghan home made food. Attesting to the last statement since I am from Afghanistan.
(5)Jessica Q.
Love this place! From the service to the amazing food! The lamb kabobs were unbelievable. The bread with the 3 dipping sauces that is brought to the table at the beginning is delicious! That almond cake.. wow. I will definitely be coming back!
(5)Andrea G.
This place is wonderfully delicious! Have been there many times and will continue to go back! This family owned business puts a personal touch on presentation and delivery. Great options for both meat eaters and vegetarians alike. The warm flat bread and multiple dipping sauces that they serve at the beginning are scrumptious and a great start to a delicious meal. The potato filled pastry like appetizer is amazing! I usually always get the deluxe vegetarian entree which has yet to disappoint....each veg portion is full of savory flavors and the garlic sauce dribbled on the top is a delicious compliment. My S/O gets the chicken kebabs with the rice/carrot/raisins as a side. Each bite of chicken has more flavors than most plates full of food. The rice is unique and wonderful! I love this place...from the homey and quaint atmosphere, personal service, and the fact that it is bring your own wine is a plus in my book! Would highly recommend!
(5)Binu M.
Delicious. My first experience with Afghan food and definitely not my last. I went in the late afternoon so the restaurant was empty but that just meant no wait! Lamb kabobs with spinach rice hit the spot! The side of endless bread helped me clean my plate (literally). They were unfortunately out of baklava but the pistachio ice cream more than made up for it. And to end it off, some Afghan chai. Delicious.
(4)C F.
Wonderful! We had a relaxing dinner for 5 and everyone went home satisfied. You are not rushed and everything is homemade by the owner.; even the ice cream. We tried the eggplant appetizer, lamb, chicken and short rib kabobs - all were excellent. The table shared a piece of almond cake and pistachio ice cream. The ice cream was so unusual but so good - be sure to try it. It's BYOB and prices are very reasonable.
(5)Ann P.
We spent quite a bit of time researching where to enjoy our annual pre Easter family supper. We chose Pomir based on enthusiastic reviews on Yelp. I should preface this by saying by daughter works as a waitress and I have worked in the industry off and on most of my life. We understand and respect the profession and appreciate a good waitperson. We don't mind a slow paced meal when we are cared for from start to finish. Basic needs such as utensils, comfortable surroundings, beverages and timed food delivery are essential. Service greatly diminished the enjoyment of our experience. I have edited my original review as I don't want to dissuade folks from trying Pomir. We arrived for an early dinner at 5:30. Parking was a challenge due to no private lot. We found a spot way in back in the lot next to 111 Chop House. The beginning was rocky in all regards. The menu is simple and straightforward so when it was our turn we placed an order for 3 entrees and one beverage. When the food came, it was piping hot and flavourful. My daughter had the chicken kabobs and mom had the short ribs. I had the vegetarian sampler. The presentation on all was lovely. the brown rice was so delicious and aromatic. We asked for more bread. It came later (after a reminder), warm and much tastier. We wanted dessert but the place had filled up to capacity and we were fearful of more delays. At this time, I did notice an older woman serving and rushing around at a fast pace. The pace of service seemed to improve at capacity. Our server did check in on us mid way into our meal and towards the end seemed to find her pace. The bill was 55.00 before tip for 3 entrees and a hot chai tea. I would recommend Pomir for the food and cuisine. It's quite good and so unique to the Wormtown dining scene. I would recommend the service staff brushen up their skills to enhance their customer's dining experience. Service is spotty and uneven all around. Be aware, street parking is virtually non existent in this high traffic area and there were only a few spots in back that were not designated for 111 Chop House.
(3)David C.
This is one of my wife and I's favorite places to eat. Food is cooked to perfection. Maybe a little slow to get it, but well worth the wait. Other good points. It is a small place, so make reservations on the weekends.
(5)Cheryl R.
The best in every way. Setting, music, quality of food. We walked in. No reservation. Waitress was great , but they should hire two more people. She was waitressing, and hosting, and answering phone, and answering questions by patrons about the menu. Too much for one good person in my opinion. Super place. Had lamb kabobs. Generous. With veggies and rice. Delicious. Quality. Worth every cent. Husband had various meats and yummy veggie concoction. He loved his meal too.
(5)Jennifer P.
This is absolutely the best food I have had since moving to Massachusetts 18 years ago! We ordered the lamb kabobs and one of the pasta dishes (with the beef sauce) Everything was perfect! The almond cake is also spectacular. The service was nicely paced - she let us breath and enjoy our food. The bill was incredibly low for the amount of food we ordered (BYOB helps). I cannot recommend this place enough.
(5)Brett A.
I have never had Afghan food before, but I will def have it again after going to Pomir, a new-ish place on Shrewsbury St in Worcester. I went with two friends. We each ordered something different. I had the braised shortrib, and I can't remember what they each had, but we all very much enjoyed the meals! Together we had three entrees, shared two sides, drink, two desserts, and a tea, and the bill didn't crack $70. I thought that was quite affordable, and it was delicious. We went in early (5ish) on a Saturday, and were only the 2nd table dining, but by the time we left there was only one open table remaining. It's a little on the small side, so you might want to inquire about a reservation just in case, although we did walk-in. It appears to be a great family operating this business, and trying to share their native cuisine with Worcester. I'll be back, for sure, and I hope the area supports them successfully. I would suggest you ask lots of questions, if you have any, that is. I asked some questions about menu items, and I should have asked more just to learn more and fulfill my curiosity about the food, spices and preparation. The girl didn't offer the detail I was hoping for when I asked initially, and I didn't push for more info. The pistachio ice cream and almond cake were amazing. Enjoy!
(5)Shane T.
Wandered in on a lazy tuesday night and walked away thoroughly surprised. The typical premeal bread is traditional Afghani bread served with three different dipping sauces. I went with the cardamom green tea as well and highly recommend it. I split the vegetarian platter, which I appreciate varies with the season, and then finished with dessert. I would go back for any of the individual dishes and combined with attentive and warm service means I will definitely be coming back.
(5)G S.
Had dinner there last night. The chicken kabob was incredible. Chicken was moist, not dry, and fresh. Place is a nice, clean, simple, family run business. The owner is the cook and comes around to ask how everything is. Great service. The pistachio ice cream, excellent.
(5)Lydia H.
Absolutely delicious. This family owned restaurant is definitely worth the trip to the Woo. Service isn't fast- not enough family members- so don't come expecting the quickest meal you've ever had. But it's definitely worth the wait. We had the lamb kabob and vegetarian sampler. Even as a meat lover, I thought the veggie sampler was the best. So many excellent flavors. Whole heartedly recommend this gem.
(5)J C.
I got the lamb kabob. The seasoned rice was excellent and very flavorful. The lamb was very tender, but not rare at all. (Though a few pieces were slightly overcooked, but whatever.) Even though the lamb was cooked to medium well, the lamb retained a lot of that sublime gamey taste that is characteristic of lamb.
(4)Tracey B.
Fantastic afghan fare! Delicately spiced dishes in a clean atmosphere with friendly customer service oriented staff. My husband had the lamb, and I had the veggie sampler. Both were wonderful and we had enough left to take home for a snack.
(5)Steve G.
I had an excellent dinner here. The staff seems to care deeply about the food they are serving. We had the beef shorwa soup, lamb kabab and mantu. All of these dishes were excellent. The lamb kabob was particularly good. The meat was cooked perfectly, tender and the spice rub on the outside was perfect. Highly recommended dining option in Worcester. And it's BYOB which meant a great bottle of wine from home to enjoy with dinner.
(4)Judy L.
Three bests in one meal! My fellow diners and I all agreed that we'd had the best lamb kebabs, pistachio ice cream and baklava that we had ever had anywhere. The kebabs were so tender and flavorful! And the chef/owner and her daughter couldn't have been more lovely and hospitable. We can't wait to go back!
(5)Betsy B.
I have to Worcester for meetings every couple of months and this place is close by. Today was the second time I visited and was impressed with the food for a second time so had to write a review. I've been for lunch both times and it has been really dead there. My companion and I today wondered how they are staying open, but from the ratings and numbers of reviews here, they must be doing a booming business at night. I believe it is the same menu for lunch or dinner. It's a bit pricey for me for lunch, but it would be a very reasonable cost for dinner. I wish they had some lunch specials at lower prices. But the quality and tastiness of the food just about makes it worth it, even for lunch. The Afgan flatbread and sauces are truly outstanding. My favorite is the cilantro one. The first time I went I had one of the soups and my colleagues and I split some of the appetizers. The sambosas were especially delicious. Delicate and aromatic, you will want to eat the whole plate yourself, although it really should be large enough to share and try other things. This time I had the Kofta Chalaw which is Afgani meatballs in a plum sauce and is served with their traditional rice palaw (spiced rice with raisins and shredded carrot). Everything was delicious and plentiful. I've spent a while this evening trying to find a recipe to replicate for the Chalaw, but none I've found actually have any plums in it. It was a delicately flavored tomato sauce, but since it specified the plums on the menu, they must have been there somewhere! At lunch they seem somewhat short staffed, but like I said, it is very quiet at lunch. But that makes it difficult to grab a quick meal. We waited quite a while when we first went in and actually had to go to the kitchen to get someone's attention. But our server (and likely cook and chief bottle washer) was very pleasant and worked hard to accommodate our need for a speedy lunch.
(4)Mimi K.
If you do not faceplant the beef sambosas and the lamb kabobs, you're dead inside. Delicious and moderately priced, the food here promotes the licking of plates at the end of every meal! The service is amazing! I feel you always get better service in a family owned and run establishment and Pomir surely does not disappoint. They're kind, friendly, and respectable. Kitchen turnaround is super fast. It's a BYOB place conveniently located next to a liquor store. I've been here several times and always leave satisfied with everything. We had a party of about 25 for friend's farewell dinner here on a Friday night and when most of the patrons had left, they let us go wild. Let us use their iPod dock too so we rocked out with our c...phones out. Pomir Grill, I love you.
(4)Ben R.
From the complimentary bread and delectable chutneys and hot Afghan tea to the wonderful assortment of vegetarian and meaty dishes and sweetly generous deserts, I loved my meal start to finish. The chicken kebab with Brown rice, blended with a sweet and savory mixture of raisins and pungent spices as well as a nest of fresh vegetables is simple but unmatched. Their almond cake is large, sweet, and a fair match for its finest Italian analogue. I loved Pomir at the fall Garlic and Arts festival and still do. Service was friendly and prompt if not easy and unhurried. Ill be back.
(5)emily R.
Went out to dinner here on a Thursday evening with my boyfriend - it was our first time trying Afghani cuisine - and we had a lovely experience. The restaurant was quaint - only about 10 tables - and very neat. Apparently they've only been open a couple weeks. My boyfriend ordered the beef kabob, which was sincerely some of the best beef I've ever eaten - tender and flavorful. I ordered the butternut squash vegetarian entree and that was also cooked to perfection. We shared the pistachio ice cream for dessert, which was very yummy. We left very full. We will definitely return.
(5)Robert L.
Pomir Grill is an excellent place to dine. I was with my girlfriend feeling adventurous and wondering what we could try new and exciting. We came across Pomir and was wondering "what is afghanistan food!?!" SO we went in and dined. Everyday they have a different $10 special. So we started with an appetizer and got spinach pastries. They were excellent. Then came the flatbread with different sauces= Amazing. Then the main course which was afghanistan style ribs= TO DIE FOR. So tender, flavorful, blackened outside, tender juicy inside. This was by far one of the best meals I had ever had. The service was outstanding and is a cute family owned place. They were really concerned with whether or not we enjoyed our meal. This has become my local favorite and I take all my friends and family there, never had a complaint yet!
(5)Mary K.
This place opend in july. Ive never had afghani food so I was very excited about dining here and didn't quite know what to expect. The decor/place is simple. The food is AMAZING. You are given complimentry afghani flat bread served with 3 delicious dipping sauces. For the meals I've tried the beef short ribs and the lamb kabob rolls. Both items were flavorful and tasty. Also you MUST try the Sambosa appetizer, made from puff pastry, i had the chicken and it was soo good! The menu here is rather pricey but they do have a lunch special for each day of the week ranging from $8-10 includes a drink. Check out their website. After your meal, they also give you a small packet of sugar coated chicken peas & almonds. Its a nice touch. p.s.I heard the place was BYOB! Awesomeness!
(4)Reza H.
I've enjoyed dinner here on many occasions since they opened and the quality of food and price is unbeatable in this area. The food is really quite outstanding bring back fond memories of my travels to the middle east. It's a true family business with the grandmother cooking in the back with her daughter and son-in law helping out in the kitchen and the 2 grand daughters waiting tables. I'm happy to support this establishment.
(5)Amy L.
Had dinner here Friday night. It was amazing!!! We started with the spinach pastry puffs. They were light and fluffy! They tasted so fresh and the sauces they were served with were very tasty. I had the butternut squash dish next. It was so DELICIOUS! The flavors were very unique and yummy. I ate every bite and didn't leave even a drop of sauce on the plate. For dessert we had the rice pudding. I was not disappointed- it was so good! Again, it tasted fresh and was delicious. The service was great, and there were lots of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu at Pomir Grill. It seemed like about half of the menu could be made without meat. I can't recommend this place enough- it is a great treat!!!
(5)Paul B.
My wife and I were looking forward to trying the restaurant for the second time. Showed up for an early dinner to a restaurant that was less than a third full and was turned away. We will not be coming back.
(1)Paul B.
I hope this place sticks around amidst keen competition on Shrew St. It is pretty unique and my only other experience with Afghan cuisine was in Cambridge, which was a mob scene, though tasty. This too, had nicely flavored food, but my dining companion's short ribs were on the dry side. The perky red sauce helped out. My chicken kabob was extremely moist and tender, with evidence of marination (Is that even a word?) We each tried a different type of rice, then shared, and both of us felt that it was terrific. The bread and three dipping sauces were a nice touch, though the 'red' one tasted a bit too much like ketchup. The BYOB situation actually works out pretty well, since dinner for two ended up costing $34 and we had a nice bottle of wine from my cellar. The room is small but not exactly cozy. The white linens and the sparkle of the glassware gave it a sort of elegance, though. This place deserves our support!
(4)Bob J.
Love it. Go there often. Very tasty meat and wonderful sauces. A little pricey, but not bad, and service is slow. But here's the dealio: it's BYOB, and NO CORKING FEE! And, they sit right next to a liquor store! Oh boy! It's hog heaven. So the service being slow is understandable, it's a small staff. And just sit back, chat over a bottle of wine, and enjoy your food when it comes. Wonderful experience.
(5)Frans F.
Yesterday my wife and I went to Pomir grill. It was our 2nd time there and the food was great again. The family that runs it is extremely friendly and accommodating. The fact that it is a BYOB is a plus. My wife is vegetarian and loves it. I have to eat the meat and dessert dishes. The lamb kabobs are incredible. Pretty much everything is delicious. Don't forget to leave room for dessert. The almond cake and pistachio ice cream are delicious as well. Will definitely recommend and patronize again and again and again.......
(5)Michelle W.
Had the potato and puff pastry appetizer which was really tasty. The butter squash dinner was delicious and I really liked that you could byob. Service is a little slow, but very friendly.
(4)Tracy P.
Fantastic food. Everything from the bread when you are seated to the dessert is fantastic. Service is great and attentive without being overbearing. BYOB is a plus!!
(4)Matt Y.
It is very rare that I am so moved by a restaurant experience that I have to write a review soon afterward. I am more of a "wait until I'm bored and then post a review if I remember". Lunch at the Pomir Grill was purely by accident. It was also perfect. From the premeal grilled flatbread with dipping sauces to the baklava at the end of the meal, it was amazing food. In addition to the complimentary bread, we also ordered a potato pastry called kachalu bolani...this also was excellent with the dipping sauces that came along with the bread. For entrees my co-eater ordered the lamb kabobs...perfectly cooked, very flavorfully seasoned without being too aggressive, and I ordered the Kofta Chalaw, a dish of Afghan meatballs with rice...a very homey, very well seasoned dish..even the brown rice with carrots and raisins was well prepared. The baklava we ordered for ending was also very good....different from the greek style baklava but very tasty. I was worried when I saw the signs of an Afghan cuisine restaurant opening, on Shrewsbury St no less, that Worcester would not support something outside of normal culinary circles. I was wrong, and the proprieters of this establishment have hopefully opened up a new influx of different ethnic cuisine in the city.
(5)Tamara R.
Our main courses were delicious. I had the vegetarian platter (not correct name-- it is the one where you get 5 different vegetarian options) and my fiance got the chicken kebabs. I felt that my entree was overpriced-- $17.95 and the portions on the plate were adequate but I could've eaten more. I feel for that price for a vegetarian option there should have been enough food that I would have leftovers. The kebabs were perfectly cooked and very tasty. We got one app-- chicken sambosa. It was fine-- nothing spectacular. Based on food alone, I would give this place 4 stars. The service is what moved them down to 3 stars. When we got to the place (at around 6 PM) there were only 2 tables seated-- one couple and a table of 8. We waited several minutes to get our drinks (which were just bottled tea and coke) and more minutes to get the bread and sauces-- the bread was freshly cooked and delicious. Our app took another 20 minutes or more. We did not get our entree for more than an hour after sitting down. Other people came in after us and got their food before us. The table of 8 waited longer than everyone in the restaurant to get their food and they were there before everyone else. At one point a man from that table went up to the two girls sitting at the register to say that they needed their food soon or they would be late to their event. She was not super apologetic and cool about this. They do not seem to know how to handle any kind of group business. They turned several people away because they did not have reservations-- so there were a few empty tables the whole time we were there. They should have been able to take those customers-- and do a better job with service all around because the timing of getting food out would have been staggered. They need to figure out how to get drinks and apps to customers much more quickly than they do-- and have free refills and bring more bread (or at least ask if it is wanted) to keep people satisfied. Also-- it is a BYOB place.
(3)Justin S.
This place seems to have many raving fans here on Yelp, and you can add my name to this list. Pomir was recommended to me by a vegetarian friend, which made me skeptical because I am something of a carnivore. But everything on the menu- across all food groups- must be great because I left just as satisfied as he did. My beef kabobs were some of the best I had ever had. They were flavorful and very tender. I sampled some of the short ribs my dad was eating and they were as good or better than any I'd had back in LA (the gourmet short rib capital of America). Our rice was delicious, flavored with spices and golden raisins. Everything here was great. Our server was friendly, and the restaurant's simple, tasteful decor was pleasant. If you like Middle Eastern/Indian food (that's my best shorthand description of the food at Pomir, more on the Middle Eastern side), then I would certainly give Pomir Grill a shot. I very much look forward to eating there again the next time I'm in Massachusetts. (I'm already drooling, just writing this.)
(5)Louie M.
Stumble upon this new restaurant Friday night. Great an flavorful food, very fresh and unique. Simple menu- had two light appetizers and for dinner amazing pasta and eggplant. And the best pistachio ice cream I've ever had! We will be back for sure.
(5)Jon R.
I have to admit, I had never had Afghan Cuisine before dining here. That being said, I'm glad my first experience was at Pomir Grill. The food and service were spectacular. I would like to make a recommendation for a particular dish, but they were ALL so good! Luckily, I went with a large group so we ordered a ton of dishes and tried virtually everything on the menu. The Lamb Kabobs were awesome, Short Ribs to die for, delicious brown pilaf style rice. One particular dish does stand out to me as being a favorite. There is a pasta dish called Mantu, it is almost like a cross between a Ravioli and a wonton stuffed with meat and topped with a sauce that was garlicky and meaty..soo good! The fresh bread they serve you with 3 different dipping sauces will have you asking for "more please"! Though the menu is not overwhelmingly large, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy, from lamb, beef and chicken, to pasta, to vegan..no fish that I noticed, but I'm cool with that. Dessert, try the Almond Cake and anything else.. Really, Pomir is someplace you can close your eyes and point at something on the menu and be happy with it. Best Part (I save the best for last) is EVERYTHING is fresh as fresh can be and made to order, so be patient. Family run through and through, which is always a plus! Oooohh and it's BYOB which I personally love... 7 bucks for six beers instead of 4.50 for one... No brainer! Go to Pomir Grill! You will not regret it.. If you don't like the food, there's something wrong with your taste buds..bottom line..prices are reasonable, not cheap, but certainly not outrageous..this guy has no problem paying for great food!
(5)Garietta F.
I was waiting for this place to open for weeks. I am a huge fan of Middle Eastern food and this restaurant does not disappoint. I had the lamb kabobs. Meat was perfectly cooked. Veggies were awesome, not overcooked, well seasoned. But for me the rice was the story, sweet raisins alongside the flavorful rice and crunchy carrots. So good... I did take off a star because the food is pricey, but well worth the splurge if you are in the mood for authentic Afghan cuisine
(4)Tonya M.
A classmate said this place is a must try so I thought why not. The food will not disappoint you. The food was so good. I am looking forward to going back and trying other things on their menu. Save room for desert because their rice pudding is the best! You might even want to get some to take home for later because you will be craving it later. Oh an when they give the choice of rice go with the one that has carrots and cranberries it is to die for.
(5)Jen P.
The food is fresh and delicious. I ordered the short ribs which were so tender you could eat with a spoon. The puff pastry filled with beef or chicken were very good. I tried a bite of my friends' dishes: the meatballs and the beef kabob and both were flavorful, moist and excellent. We all ended the night with the house made pistachio ice cream...incredible. The meal was delicious, the staff was friendly, there's a parking lot next to the building and I can't wait to return.
(5)Laurie K.
What a nice find! I was looking for Indian food when i stumbled upon reviews. Everything was delicious. The warm, crispy (on the outside) bread was such a treat with the 3 different sauces. As others recommended, we started with the kachulu cutlet with spinach and then we ordered the lamb kabob and the kofta chalaw. The lamb was slightly cooked more than I like, but still tasty. To top it off we tried the homemade pistachio ice cream. All very tasty! Excited to have found this little gem and will go back to try some more.
(5)Alice E.
FANTASTIC!!! I can't say enough great things about this welcome addition to Shrewsbury Street and Worcester. It's an adventure and well worth it! Food - superb quality and delicious. Every dish looks beautiful, too. Charming family owns and runs Pomir Grill. Will be going back many times.
(5)Anya F.
Just had lunch at Pomir Grill. The place is simple, bright and well appointed. The tables set up with the linen napkins and linen tablecloth! The service is very friendly and unimposing. The place is great for a business lunch or a family dinner. I would even have a family party there. Now back to the gist of it - the food is just outstanding. It is flavorful but not heavy, cooked to perfection and well presented. From breads with delicious dipping sauces to lamb kebabs, meatballs and Afgani rice you'll be enjoying every bite. The lamb had a bit of pink in it just as it should and the meatballs just melt in your mouth. I did not have chance to try desert and looked dreamily at the table next mine. This gives me the reason to come back. For sure I will.
(5)Linda B.
Excellent! From the moment we walked in it was perfect! We received the fresh bread with dipping sauces which were fantastic...we ordered the short ribs which are perfectly cooked and very flavorful. We wanted to try other items and we ordered a small portion of the spinach which was great. The service, food and atmosphere are wonderful,,,a real gem on Shrewsbury Street please try it you will love Pomir!
(5)Marina V.
This place is amazing. Don't be surprised if you haven't noticed this place before, they opened recently. But oh man, is the food worth it. Everyone, unless you're vegetarian, must have the lamb kabobs. The spices and flavors were unique. Everything is very fresh, from the vegetables, to the bread to the very tasty lamb. The owner came out and greeted us and even told us some near food related cultural facts. A unique treasure on Shrewsbury street!
(5)Adam P.
Incredible food at excellent prices. The Chai tea with milk alone is worth the trip, a highly unusual and crazy tasty beverage. Table comes with homemade bread and dipping sauces: red tomato, cucumber yougurt mix, and cilantro. gret palate exercise all around. very high quality ingredients. For the appetizer we had the Kachula Cutlet (with beef... also offered with Spinach). Very unusual and very savory. We tried two entrees: Beef kabobs with veggies and rice (seasoned brown rice with carrots and raisins) was absolutely delicious, perhaps the most tender beef kabobs I've ever had. Second entree called Kafta Chalaw is meatballs in plum sauce with spinach rice side. Another knockout as well. Tried three desserts for a taste test: Sheer yaakh (homemade pistachio ice cream), afghan almond cake, and Sheer brink (egg free rice pudding). All three were a culinary delight, again excellently prepared and delicious. During the meal the chef came out and asked us how everything was. Step out of the norm and give this place a whirl. You won't regret it. I'll be back anytime I'm in the area.
(5)John R.
Tasty, authentic, really tasty Afghan food. Every part of the meal was excellent. Appetizer-on the money, entree delicious, sheer yakh good. Very great experience! On street parking can be a little tricky, so keep that in mind. Very happy!
(5)KJ R.
I would echo most of the comments on here. The food is excellent and we were grateful for the fantastic vegan options. The service was lacking--the meal took a long time to come out and after we finished eating the bill took even longer. We will definitely go back but I hope they are able to improve their service.
(4)Love T.
I recently tried out Pomir Grill as I had bought the Living Social for it. I'm glad I did! I went on a Monday afternoon and met up with a friend for lunch. Our waitress was pleasant and attentive and the food was excellent. Before our food arrived, we were served a bread I had never tried before but was delicious; it came with three dipping sauces: a tomato based sauce, a coriander sauce and a yogurt based sauce. All were awesome. We had the kachalu cutlets and sambosa for appetizers. The kachalu cutlets were two sesame encrusted pastries filled with beef, they were awesome, the pastry was light and flaky and the beef flavorful. The sambosa was large pastry filled with spinach, this was also great. We also tried the shorwa soup, which was reeaally hearty and delicious, and the kofta chalaw, were is meatballs in a plum sauce with rice. The meatballs were slightly sweet and tender and the rice had a cinnamon flavor and raisins and carrot. Both were very good. Prices are reasonable and I will definitely be back!
(5)Chris L.
Delicious food and great service. This was our first time trying Afghani food and it was really tasty. I thought it was very similar in flavors to Indian food but not as hot/spicy. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Heather B.
I enjoy Middle Eastern food but had never tried Afghan cuisine before. We thoroughly enjoyed every bite. The bread and dips were excellent as was the chicken Sambosa. The kabobs were moist and perfectly cooked and spiced. The surprise entree was the Sabzi Chalaw. I would never expect a spinach entree to be so flavorful and satisfying. We concluded with the pistachio ice cream which had wonderful rose water flavor as well as the warm almond cake that was rich, dense and grainy in a good way. Even the green tea had interesting spice notes. I cannot wait to go back. Excellent options for vegetarians and vegans.
(5)Zaida R.
We have been to Pomir 3 times. The food is consistently good and made from the heart. The prices are justified given the quality, most everything is made from scratch. Fresh bread and sauces are on the house, appetizers are in $5 range, the prices of entrees vary and are largely based on the amount of work required to prepare them rather than cost of ingredients. I usually get the Beef Short Ribs but I tried the Beef Mantu last night which is beef stuffed pasta topped with an Afghan beef ragu. I swear they stuff the pasta themselves, this is probably why it's more expensive than the Short Ribs. As far as desert, also homemade and very high quality. The baklava is served slightly warm in order to melt the honey and and pairs nicely with the pistachio ice cream. The Almond cake is also excellent. Although I always leave this place stuffed, I never feel guilty because the food is generally healthy. Service is not good but who cares, it's all about the food here.
(5)Linda D.
We met my son for dinner here last night; it was our first time there. What a cozy and wonderful place to have a glass of wine (BYOB), eat absolutely scrumptious, fresh, unique food, and visit without being hassled or rushed out the door. We made a reservation, our table was ready when we arrived, and everything we ordered and shared was delicious. As everyone says, the bread and sauces are great, the appetizers are different and delectable, the entrees are generous and seasoned exquisitely. My husband and I had the lamb kebabs, and my son had the meatball dish, and both dishes were unbelievably tasty. The almond cake for dessert was truly to die for--a most unusual flavor and presentation. This is a restaurant that is family-owned and run. Everything is cooked to order, so service is not fast. It is a place to spend an evening, definitely not a "quick bite before the movie" venue. I would highly recommend making a reservation. If you arrive in an unhurried frame of mind, you will have a truly sensational experience savoring the tastiest of treats from this Afghan kitchen! We will return! I agree with another reviewer, who said he/she wants to try everything on the menu. Us too!
(5)Michael L.
The food was nothing like I've ever tasted, the appetizers alone gave me the impression this food is about to be amazing! When I ordered the Meat Lover's Special, I asked the waitress what rice she recommended and she recommended I go with the spinach rice. I am not much of a fan of spinach but I decided to give it a try even though in my mind I already thinking up ways to avoid eating it. When I tasted it I was amazed that it was spinach rice that tasted so good, the meat's were amazing as well, you could tell by the tenderness of the meats that it had been cooked very well. I also ordered the okra and pita bread and that to was nothing short of amazing, somehow they cooked the okra and allowed it to taste a bit sweet (but not too sweet) which was a nice taste. I also found that the owner turned out to be one of the former librarians as well so we talked briefly. All the food looked so amazing I forgot the original reason I had gone to the restaurant, because I wanted to know if they made Doner Kebabs...I saw a picture of one posted on chatango and have craved it since. Guess I'll have to ask next time.
(5)Steven W.
As a captious gourmet, I have to say PISTACHIO ICE-CREAM here is absolutely worth 5-star!!! The moment you taste this fabulous homemade dessert after beef kabob entry, you seem to feel like there is a fresh breeze brushing your face gently, with a beam of leisure sunshine casting on your body through louvers during your afternoon tea time!! The experience here was magnificent as either appetizers or entries I ordered here with my friend were stupendous!! This is a home-style restaurant. The hostess cooks and even serves foods by herself. Thus, it will take a kinda long time for waiting but it is absolutely worthwhile!!
(5)April K.
Very incredible. This was my first try at Afghan food and I loved it. The bread they served at the beginning was warm and soft, and the sauces that came with it were mind blowing. The spices in the sauces were very unique and we wanted to scoop up every last drop. We got the Qurooti as our appetizer, and the portion was humongous. It was only $7, and we only finished 1/4 of it. It was an eggplant dish on bread with drizzled yogurt/garlic sauce. For my entree I got the beef short rib, and the meat split apart so easily It basically melted in my mouth and was wonderfully flavorful. My boyfriend kept eating my entree because it was so good. He got the mantu (pasta filled with beef with a beef sauce on top). He enjoyed his dish, but it honestly did just taste like ravioli with meat sauce. Overall, I really enjoyed this restaurant, especially since it's BYOB. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are huge. Quality is also excellent. Only negatives were the slow service and the loud ambiance. There was only one waitress, and I felt bad for her because she had to wait on so many tables. It wasn't her fault, but they definitely need to hire more help. The room was also booming with noise since they have hardwood floors, minimal decorations, and the voices reverberate off the walls. Even though I live an hour away, I think I would make the drive back here.
(4)Kulbhushan J.
After going here for dinner several times and loving it every time, we had them cater for a party of about 20 people. The food was great and everyone at the party loved it too! Must try items are their beef kofta, eggplant borani, butternut borani and really any thing on the menu. Do not miss their ice creams - fig and pistachio both are 10 on 10!
(5)Richie S.
Oh my goodness!! I can't believe my wife and I just found out about this place, but it was well worth the wait. We had a 6:45 reservation tonight and had one of the best dining experiences that we've ever had here in Worcester. The flatbread with different sauces to start off with, then followed with the beef stuffed pastry and noodle soup...it was simply out of this world. My wife got the chicken kabob and spinach rice for her main course and I of course got the meat lovers with carrot and raisin rice. Seriously this was like Greek and Spanish food got together and had a baby, so fresh and total comfort food. If we could have taken the cook home with us we would have, ha-ha! I can't wait to go back soon and hope that you check it out as well. As always, enjoy!!!
(5)Shakhiba A.
Food was horrible.. Portions very small compared to the amount per plate they're charging.. Service wasn't at their best.. Could've had a way better experience.. Do not recommend if you are looking for authentic afghani food.
(1)Maly A.
Came back here for dinner while visiting friends in early November. We had a chicken & a beef sambosa. Really good. All three of us ended up getting the beef kebob with rice. It was delicious & cooked perfectly. And we had the baklava with pistachio ice cream which was also very good. Another good, relaxing experience.
(4)Yow-Bang W.
Overall I had a good impression. Definitely large portion.
(4)Eric R.
My previous review stands... Awesome food but be prepared to wait a little especially on the weekends. It is definitely WORTH the wait. On Friday and Saturday they offer salmon kebabs and a "meat lovers" entrée. Try both if you can
(5)Nirvana S.
Wow! This food was outstanding. Afghan stew was hearty and flavorful while the vegetarian sampler platter was delightful. The food is fresh and slow cooked to bring out the flavor. They serve complimentary warm bread with a trio of tasty sauces. The fig ice cream was a unique and tasty departure from the typical flavors, and the warm Afghan baklava was sublime. This family owned restaurant serves their food on white table service and there is some nice low key Afghan music in the background that adds to the ambiance. Byob and plan on a great meal at very reasonable prices.
(5)Kevin R.
A satisfying meal, full dining room. It was clear they needed help on the service side of things as it looked as the husband/wife combo were waiting on tables and cooking. The meal was tasty, I had a meat dish with three different beefs. I wasn't blown away, but the meal was tasty and I left full-ish.
(4)Lauren A.
We ate the eggplant appetizer over bread - I forget the name but it is out of this world. Reminds me of sautéed eggplant over soft stuffing-textured bread. I had the afghan meatballs which melted in your mouth. The rice and side salad were traditional and tasty compliments to all of the food. We had the home made pistachio ice cream- the rose water flavor was a bit much for me, but it was fresh and delicious and my husband said it was far better than any other that he had had.
(4)Dena L.
I read so many reviews that said to make a reservation, so I did. We arrived at 5:45 on a Friday evening and we were the only two in the restaurant nearly the entire time. To start my review, I drink A LOT of water. I am usually that pain in the neck flagging down the waiter/waitress a hundred times over to fill my glass. The very first thing they did at Pomir Grill was leave a huge, ice cold water pitcher at our table- SCORE for first impressions! Second, the deliciously warm complimentary bread came out and we were very happily surprised. The 3 sauces were each quite good, but the green, fresh herb sauce was an incredible compliment to the bread. I tried the Aush, a noodle/veg "soup" and opted for the beef sauce. I think I should have gone with the veg version on this because it just tasted like a chili that needed salt. It was the only reason my review is 4 vs 5 stars. It was just "eh". The Kofta meatballs in plum sauce just melt in your mouth. I would compare them to Indian Butter Chicken, in terms of consistency, but they are beef. Not sure how they keep all beef meatballs super soft and moist, but they were very deliciously complimented by the sweet plum sauce. My husband ordered the lamb kabobs and was very happy with his choice. The lamb was certainly of good quality and perfectly seasoned. I am Middle Eastern and know my lamb.. I can say for sure Pomir Grill can do lamb! The rices, both the spinach and the carrot/raisin were right on point and were the perfect sides to the stars of the dishes. Homemade Pistachio Ice Cream loaded with pistachios and a hint of rosewater... What more can I say? The almond cake was saturated in a similar honey/butter sauce that resembled a nice moist Baklava. My husband ate every crumb. We were very happy and will absolutely go back again!
(4)Rowan L.
This is a restaurant with truly wonderful food. And it caters for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters all in one place! Appetizers were truly delicious - carefully constructed flavors wash over you with every mouthful. Succulent slow roasted veggies melt with every bite. Then came the mains. Wow. Intense flavors explode with every bite. Caramelized veggies seasoned just right, and portions that were perfect. At our table, everyone was raving about the food! So we thought we'd try dessert. The Afghan Baklava was awesome - not sickly sweet like so many. And the Almond Cake - to die for! Even tried the eggless rice pudding. I've never had rice pudding that I would describe as refreshing, but this really was and it tasted great! Chai to finish it all off was perfect. I'd come back here any time. Only nit was the service was a hint slow, but hey, the food is cooked slow so it seemed only fair. Be aware it is BYOB, but there is a liquor store two shops down the road. A terrific foodie experience.
(5)Julia D.
HOLY MOLEY THATS GOOD!!! What an absolute treat!!! So glad we stopped here. Its BYOB (AWESOME) and the service was very friendly. MAKE RESERVATIONS! OK NOW THE IMPORTANT STUFF.. the FOOD: The bread and dipping sauces they provide at the beginning were amazing. I liked all three! I ordered the MANTU!!! The pasta was perfect, the spicing was perfect, the lentils were perfect. Not having this restaurant in Lowell? NOT PERFECT!!! I will absolutely be back here to try everything else. My boyfriend had the soup and lamb kebob, both were really good as well. YUM.
(5)Eugene K.
Great food and great people serving it anything from amazing meat to vegetarian dishes
(5)Amber S.
This place deserves all the five star ratings it has received - SERIOUSLY! Allow me to kick this off by reiterating some sentiments mentioned by fellow Yelpers: family owned and operated, small and quiet, reservation a must, BYOB, not fast food so practice some patience and lastly EVERYTHING IS BOMB! Ok sooooo we came in with a bunch of beer and a reservation about 1.5 hours before closing expecting things to be a little more on the relaxed-pace side. I hadn't gotten through my second beer before everything came out SO TAKE THAT to the folks who claimed it was slow. The start off bread us tasty, we were recommended the Aush soup by our waitress, who was so nice, as she said it was a bit lighter which would help if we were also getting entrees. She could tell we meant business. We also ordered the spinach sambosas. Both were major yum; the sambosas were flaky and light but the spinach had a flavor that was sososo good. The soup was served piping hot and we pot it with the beef broth, which really meant there was some small pieces. We loved it- it was lighter but definitely not lite! The noodles were cooked and it had a great mix of veggies and beans in the broth. Now for the entrees: I ordered the beef spareribs and my boo got the eggplant. I got the spinach rice, he got the carrot and raisin. Both were yummy but I was cursing myself for not getting the latter as the carrot and raisin rice had a sweet but not too sweet cardamom flavor. Oh. So. Good. He scarfed the eggplant in about 30 seconds so I was lucky to get a taste. The sauce was savory and thick and complimented the eggplant like they were meant for each other. He wouldn't stop talking about it. The beef spareribs were juicy and tender - no need for a knife! The sauce they came with was also tasty - an Afghan twist on BBQ lets say. As we packed more than half of my entree away in a to go box we also knew we had to get dessert. The folks on here have been adamant about the pistachio ice cream and the almond cake, I thought we would have gotten just the ice cream but my man insisted we get the cake, too, even almost insisting we get the baklava as well! I cut him off at the cake so we got the almond cake, which was warm, smothered in honey and covered in almond slivers. Woah woah woah! That was it! Sweet but not too sweet! The flavor, the texture - "it's warm," we squealed! But don't let me get ahead of myself, it has to be a tie because the pistachio ice cream was chock full of the little green guys and as aromatic tasting as it actually tasted - if that can make sense. Who was the clear winner? Me! The bill only came to $49.11 and my guy paid pffff can't beat this experience! All in all, I'll be back when it's hot for the ice cream and probably next weekend and everyone after because the prices were so reasonable, the portions so whopping and the service very kind. Not to mention again, I'm drooling as I laying bed penning this review. xoxo Pomir Grill!
(5)John R.
Nothing but superlatives, from this family owned gem- from appetizers to dessert (where else can one find fig ice cream)
(5)Bruce F.
Delightful food! This is a small restaurant with tasty Middle Eastern food. We had the Bolani appetizer, the Kofta (meatballs +) and the Salmon Kabob and enjoyed every mouthful. The dipping sauces for the bread (and food) were just as tasty. There were many other tempting dishes, but we needed doggy bags so two was more than enough for us. (They also do takeout.) The restaurant itself is simply and tastefully done with white tablecloths, black chairs, and plain walls with minimal decoration. The staff is small, so if you want fast food, go to McDonalds, but we found the meal leisurely and the evening enjoyable. We plan to return.
(5)Krista V.
The place is very small and they have a small waitstaff, so reservations are recommended. Service can be a little slow, but on the plus side you aren't rushed out the door - but the food is so worth it. Most of the dishes are naturally gluten-free, many options for Celiacs. They don't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own wine. Overall a great place.
(4)Steve L.
Another hit for the Woo! Showed up at the BYOB Pomir 9:15 on a weeknight with a liberal supply of alcohol from the strategically placed liquor store (next door) for some late-night food. Should have figured from the look of desperation on the waitress' face (hey, closing time was 10pm!) that this was no in-and-out restaurant. Yes, all kabobs are cooked from scratch, which kept us there until 10:45. The lamb kabob was top-notch, and would hold its own pretty much anywhere. Chicken and short rib kabobs were drier and less good. Both rice options (spinach rice vs raisin rice) were big hits. Save your hands and keys; make sure to ask for bottle-openers, which are freely offered. And come earlier than we did, for the restaurant's sake!
(4)asli e.
It is a family owned business. I went there with my friend on a weekday. Not many customers and soon it was only two of us left. We were asking a few questions about the food to the lady who owned the place and we started a whole conversation. They are very friendly. The food is delicious and all made by her (to my understanding). The food is very reasonable priced, even cheap for the quality. There is no alcohol, you can get the drink of your choice from the liquor shop next door. This was the first time I tried afghani food, it was delicious, very similar to Turkish food with some twist to them :) Can't wait to go back.
(4)Lynn R.
My sister and I like Asian and Middle Eastern food, among others, and we are pretty adventurous when it comes to trying different cuisines, so we knew we would probably enjoy, but have never had the pleasure to sample, Afghani food. Last night we had a dinner reservation at Pomir Grill for two at 6 p.m., but sure couldn't see why we really needed it as the restaurant had only two other tables occupied when we arrived there a few minutes early. While by no means fancy or upscale, the dining room's décor is simple but tasteful and we appreciated the muted but appealing color palette (some ethnic restaurants are overdone with their doodads to the point of being tacky). We were promptly seated at our table covered with a crisp white linen cloth, adorned with a vase holding a single fresh red flower. A couple of minutes after being seated, a plate of warm Afghani naan accompanied by three different dipping sauces (a fantastic green coriander-based, a light cucumber and yogurt-based, and a tomato-based which was not to our liking) was presented to us, gratis, along with a carafe of cold water. While enjoying the bread and dips, we took only a few minutes to peruse our menus as we more or less already knew what we wanted, having read many online reviews of previous diners. My sister ordered the kofta (meatballs) in plum sauce with a side of spinach rice, and I ordered the beef short ribs with grilled vegetables and a slightly sweet barbecue sauce on the side, with a side of carrot and raisin brown rice. We each got different rice so we could sample both. Simple chopped iceberg, tomato and cucumber salads also came with our dinners, which were delivered to us in a reasonable amount of time. Both entrées were perfectly spiced, harmonizing nicely with the sides, meats tender and delicious. While the spinach rice was okay, the brown rice with shredded carrot and raisins was a knockout. During our meal, we asked for, and received, more of the fabulous naan, along with more of the green dipping sauce (our favorite of the three) without a blink of the eye from our server, Serena. I just couldn't get enough of it! As Pomir is BYOB, the two other occupied tables in the dining room had brought their own bottles of wine. We, however, did not bring any beverages with us but rather ordered from their menu two bottles of blood orange European sparkling sodas which were not overly sweet and quite refreshing. Please note that, conveniently, there is a liquor store next door to the restaurant for those who wish to take advantage of their BYOB policy. Although we were quite full after devouring our dinners (and the extra flat bread), we felt we had to try a dessert. After debating a little on which to choose to share (much was said about the desserts on restaurant review sites online), Sis and I decided on the almond cake imbibed with honey syrup and sprinkled with sliced almonds. While the cake had a somewhat coarse texture that reminded us of cornbread, it was delivered warm and the honey syrup gave it just the right amount of sweetness---very enjoyable, but we think next time we dine at Pomir we will try their popular pistachio ice cream with rose water or the baklava. We really enjoyed our dining experience at Pomir Grill. The surroundings were comfortable, the service was well paced by Serena, who was helpful and knowledgeable, and the food was interesting and delicious. We will be back to sample more from the menu. I would especially like to try some of the vegetarian options. We definitely recommend Pomir to those who would like a change from run-of-the-mill cuisine. You will not be disappointed. When we left the restaurant shortly after 7 p.m., we noticed that two additional tables were occupied, but most of the dining room was still vacant. I hope that is not a bad omen as it was a Friday night on Shrewsbury Street's "Restaurant Row" and we thought, judging from Pomir's high ranking on popular online dining review sites, the place should have been packed with diners, hence our need to make a reservation. Hopefully, the crowds arrived after we departed. It would be a shame to lose this little gem.
(4)Sonnque G.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. The food is amazing, from the bread and the delicious sauces, i always get a second basket. My fav is the lamb kebob with brown rice and raisin, just perfect and i finish off with the pistachio ice cream and/or chai. This place is a little hidden gem in Worcester on Shrewsbury St. The daughters and mother who own the restaurant are a delight. They make round in the tiny restaurant to speak to each guest. The menu is not big, but who cares, everything is awesome. This is definitely a favorite. Definitely a costumer forever!! PS: It is BYOB (Bring your own beer/drink). Does not matter to me that the do not serve alcohol, I'll gladly bring in my Moscato D'atsi!!
(5)Tom O.
This is a grerat little BYOB restaurant right on Shrewsbury St., family run and great prices. Me and my wife love the quiet and intimate atmosphere, friendly servers and amazing food. Get the LAMB - you will not be disappointed!!!
(4)Melissa G.
Outstanding. Cozy, pleasant atmosphere, BYO.The salmon kabob was moist and seasoned perfectly and came with a side salad and a combo of grilled veggies including potato, pumpkin, string beans, tiny baby carrots. The beef kabob was excellent as was the long grained rice with carrots & rasins. A wonderful experience.
(5)Brett P.
We were invited to join friends here who are long-time Worcester residents and big fans of Pomir Grill. It was only the second time I've had Afghan food, the first time being at Helmand in Cambridge a few years ago, so I didn't have a lot to compare it to. Shrewsbury Street's restaurant row is already hopping on any Saturday night in summer, but with the fireworks display that was postponed from the 4th just a few hours away, the street was filled with people streaming toward East Park with folding chairs. Our friends had made a reservation and were seated and had a bottle of Montepulciano D'Abruzzo wine open and ready to pour as we walked in (Pomir is BYOB). A complimentary platter of flatbread and three spiced dipping sauces (yogurt, tomato, and cilantro) was a nice starter while we sipped our wine and reviewed the menu. While the others chose lamb or chicken kabobs, my curiosity and pasta fanaticism pushed me to the aushak, a ravioli-like pasta stuffed with spinach and leeks. The pasta and light, yogurt/garlic vegetarian sauce (there's also a meat sauce option) was beautifully presented and delicious. I tried some of my wife's lamb and the accompanying rice blended with finely-chopped spinach and found it very good as well. Service was prompt and very friendly, and a carafe of water was kept filled without us having to ask. Too full for dessert, we opted for some nicely spiced Afghan chai to wind down the meal. As the sky darkened, our waitress raised the shades on the large front windows where we were seated, and a few minutes later we had a great view of the fireworks display lighting up the sky over the city as the staff and patrons alike enjoyed the show. Dinner with tip was around $50 per couple. This was a pleasant journey into a tasty cuisine not very well represented in the Boston/Worcester area, friendly to both carnivores and vegetarians, and the fact you can bring your own favorite wine or beer is a nice plus and keeps the tab quite reasonable. The timing of the fireworks display and the excellent vantage point from our table was a great bonus to end the evening.
(4)Keith C.
Great food. Five stars there easily. Very, very slow however. My fiancee and I went in with a groupon, had made reservations, etc. We sat down, waited 10 minutes for them to ask for drinks, 10 more minutes to get them, 10 more to order, then a while to get the food. All in all from sitting down was about 1:15 to start eating. I think if I had gone in hungry or there were more similar food options in Worcester, this place would be getting 3 stars, or even 2, but I didn't, so 4. Short story, expect good food but don't go in hungry; you'll be hungry enough by time you get a chance to eat.
(4)Sophie T.
Delicious Afghan food; you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I don't know of any other place in the area that serves cuisine like it. The atmosphere is homey and comfortable, and the owners are very nice.
(5)Shawn D.
Three of us had a most delightful dinner at Pomir Grill last evening in Worcester. I ordered the lamb kabobs and others shared a vegetarian sampler. The service was wonderful, the bread and dipping sauces were very tasty and each dish quite wonderful. This is the second time I've eaten in an Afgan restraurant--the other time was in Madison, Wisconsin-and each time has been terrific. I strongly recommend it to you.
(4)Gary B.
If you enjoy good food then you will enjoy Pomir Grill. It is obvious from before the first bite that this is a place run by people who pride themselves in serving delicious food. The room is not very large, but that is not a bad thing as long as you plan ahead. They do take reservations so if you are planning on going at a busy time make sure to call ahead. The menu is also not huge, but every single thing on it sounded delicious. Our server, who I believe is also an owner, was very helpful in explaining all of the dishes and how they were prepared. We had some kids with us and she made sure to tell us what dishes were more kid friendly and that nothing was spicy. There is not a kids menu, but she suggested that my younger son could get the dish he wanted as an appetizer instead of an entree which I found very helpful. It ended up being plenty of food for him and saved us some money. Once we were seated we were given some bread and three dipping sauces and the young lady who sat us asked if we would like an explanation of what they were. I appreciated that. There was a tomato basil sauce which was very good, but not really anything special. The two other sauces were a yogurt and coriander sauce. I am not a yogurt fan, but tried it anyway and it was great. My favorite by far was the coriander. The bread they gave us was a amazing. It was both flat and puffy, soft and crispy, at the same time. It was heavily flavored with garlic and I could have made a meal just out of the bread. We ordered an app. I do not remember what it was called, but it was a sort of puff pastry filled with delicious potato and leeks. We got one order and our server told us it was two pieces. We were able to cut it and share it between the 5 of us and it was more than enough. The presentation was perfect. Before eating you wanted to spend some time just looking at the gorgeous food on the plate. Everything was cooked perfectly and the amounts were just right. Not too much and not too little. Goldielocks would do just fine here. The three adults ordered the lamb kabobs based on all the prior review here and they lived up to our expectations. The lamb was done perfectly and hidden underneath were the grilled veggies that were soft, but crisp and loaded with flavor. The lamb came with either spinach rice or rice with carrots and raisons and two types of cardamon. I got the spinach rice and loved every bite. It has a sweetness I was not expecting while still being savory. I could have eaten 10 more plates of it. The carrot and raison rice was equally delicious. My daughter got the short ribs. It came with a sauce that worked very well with the delicious meat. It was similar to a BBQ sauce, but not as sickeningly sweet as some can be. She described it as sort of sweet, but tangy. The ribs were perfect without the sauce, but adding did not detract from the great flavor at all. My son got the Afgan noodles with garlic sauce. It had a veggie sauce on top and the noodles were drizzles with just a touch of garlic sauce. He is a very picky eater and I was very surprised that he even tried a taste because it looked so different from what I am sure he was expecting. He surprised me by digging right in and enjoying it to the end. The people who work there are wonderful and the woman who was serving us expressed her genuine gratitude that we chose to eat there that night. She also explained that they are working on redoing their menu and putting different option on it in the near future. I am sure that no matter what they serve it will be top notch. All 5 of us enjoyed every bite and could not stop talking about how great everything was and how we could not wait to come back and try some other things. I have seen other reviews here saying the service was on the slower side. If I had not read that then I would not have thought anything of it. I would say it was paced on the slower side, but not too slow by any means. It is not someplace to go to it you are rushing out to a show after, but if you are out for a nice dinner with no plans you need to get to right after then you will be quite happy here. Bottom line, both the food and the staff are top notch. The food is full of amazing flavors and cooked by people who know how to cook and take pride in their work. The prices are very reasonable for what you get and you will walk away with a full belly and a smile on your face. This is a place I can not wait to go back to and try some of their other great offerings.
(4)Mike D.
Went here for V Day. Everything was great. Enjoyed the lamb tips. And pistachio ice cream! The service was fantastic. Would definitely go back. BYOB
(4)Lakshmi M.
Very good food. Wonderful atmosphere. This restaurant is family owned and operated. The people are warm and welcoming. The food is delicious. The owners cook and serve the food. I recommend this restaurant. Food presentation is wonderful. The restaurant was full this evening. Make a reservation as you won't get a table walking in off the street on a Saturday night. I liked the modern decor. It has a modern yet classy interior. I will be returning to this restaurant often and will recommend it to my friends.
(5)Queen B.
I was here one year back..Lamb was better and rice was more. Today it felt that the standards have gone down slightly . Still has a nice home made touch. But maybe they need to hire some more people so service is not so slow an d food may taste like it was last year .
(3)Liz K.
"Ohmygosh this is SOOO GOOD" is all that was running through my head as I was shoveling my dinner from Pomir into my mouth. Occasionally it was cut off by, "Stop, Liz, you're going to get too full," but the first thought always won and I finished my dish in its entirety. After what feels to be like two full weeks of eating at Applebee's, Uno, and 99's, I decided I couldn't take it anymore. I'm not a fan of dining solo, so I searched for options with delivery or take-out. Pomir, take-out, check. I put in the order for the spinach vegetarian dish and was told that it would be ready in twenty minutes. Upon arrival, I found that the street is quite busy and parking is not abundant - almost considered taking off a star, but it's really out of their control, I guess. The food itself is not very aromatic and I was concerned that meant it wouldn't be flavorful, but I was so wrong in the best way. The three sauces that come with the bread are great - green with a hint of spicy, red like sweet and sour, and white like a tzatziki/hint of citrus. They were fantastic with the bread and in the dish itself. The price was reasonable considering the dish itself and the bread and salad that came along with it. It was ready when I got there, and the front of house staff was friendly and helpful. I would recommend this place for either carry out or dining in!
(5)Eric B.
This is one of the best restaurant I have visited so far in Worcester, and would be right at home in a city with a better food scene. Good options for veggie and omnivores alike, and it's byob.
(5)Sam H.
By far my favorite restaurant in Worcester. Amazing food and the Chai is some of the best I have ever had anywhere. The vegetarian options are also excellent. A must try.
(5)Emily Y.
I've been here a number of times since the fall, and each time, the food, atmosphere and service have consistently been 5 stars. I highly recommend the bolani, the chicken kabobs with spinach rice and the almond cake. I've been with a big group of people, who ordered a variety of items from the menu, and everyone really loved their food! It's BYOB too, which is so nice! The place is perfect for dates or gatherings with friends and family!
(5)Kate M.
This place is spectacular. If you've never had Afghani food, it's somewhere between Turkish and Indian (closer to Turkish). Absolutely everything was outstanding. The place is run by a family, and they are just the nicest people ever. Yes, service can be slow; don't go there starving or in any rush. Worth it. (It is BYOB so go next door to the liquor store and get a bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc to have with your meal.) I want to go back and try everything on their menu!!
(5)Mark V.
Here's the hidden little gem of Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. The atmosphere is living room like, nice and relaxing. The food is great and all made fresh to order. I 'm addicted to the kachalu bolanni appetizer, which reminds me of an elegant upscale somosa for those familiar with Indian food. The vegetable sampler entre is always terrific and I'm not normally ordering veggies in most places. The lamb kabob is delightful and tasty. It's BYOB with a liquor mart 100 feet away. I've eaten here 4 times in the last month. Nice place, great food, great value. For anyone seeking a quiet, highly unique and wonderful dining experience, this is one the best in Central Mass.
(5)