Olives Greek Taverna

It was one of those evenings we just didn’t feel like cooking and delivery didn’t sound appealing so I suggested Greek and we headed over to Olives. Right around the corner from us in Northfield Commons (east end of Schoen Place ) – the food is tasty and the atmosphere quaint.  Lesser known than Aladdins, which is right down the street on the canal, Olives offers a cozier atmosphere, fresher tasting food and the wait time for a table is generally less than at Aladdins. Don’t get me wrong -- I have nothing against Alladins, their menu is more robust and sitting on their patio overlooking the canal in the summertime always makes for a nice dinner atmosphere -- but sometimes simple and tasty wins the night.  

You enter into Olives from their outdoor patio area at street level through what appears to be a smaller -than-normal-size door, and then down a few steps into the restaurant.  Now below street level, the cozy atmosphere takes shape. A small wine bar is to your left, and to your right, the main dining area.  The main wall which runs the length of the dining space is decorated with a trompe l’oeil of a Mediterranean scene, with a banquette running the full length of the wall. The space is small; the ceiling is low with wooden beams running across with simple single bulb light strands that run along the sides of the beams. Some walls have mirrors, and a terra cotta tile floor finishes off the décor. Although the tables are close together, you don’t feel like you are dining with the table next to you, but should you find yourself on a first date and it’s not as engaging as you had hoped, you can always liven up the evening by listening in on the neighboring conversations.

 

Keeping it simple, Jim ordered a glass of Pino Noir and I just had water.  For dinner, Jim ordered  the Santornini Pizza – kalamata olives with kasseri cheese -- and I had the Olives Gyro – classic Gyro meat, feta, tzatziki, tomatoes and onions with a side of Greek Fries –  fries smothered in Greek dressing topped with feta cheese. As on our previous trips here, the food was hot, and tasty!  No complaints with the service either, our waiter was nice on the eyes as well as in personality.

 

Next time you get the hankerin’ for some Greek food, I would definitely recommend Olives - but before you go, remember to bring your checkbook or cash, they do not accept debit or credit.  They do have an ATM on site if you forget and are willing to pay the $1.75 ATM fee.  I've heard they do accept IOUs if you're in a real pinch.