The Olive Tree
Not to be confused with Olive Garden, The Olive Tree Café is a small Greek cafe located near the Kahala Mall. It’s self-serve in almost every way. Don’t expect to be seated or waited on. My wife and I go almost every week. We just can’t get enough of their mouth watering Greek cuisine. Apparently, neither can the rest of Honolulu. The Olive Tree always has a packed house. If you arrive at about 6 p.m. you may be standing around for a while. You’ll need to be on your toes and keep an eye open for a spot if you plan on getting a table. It’s not easy. So if you see a table opening, slam a wine bottle down as your conquering flag!
Olive Tree Cafe Pita and Hummus
Da Scoop
What: Cafe, Greek Food
Where: Kahala (Near the Mall), Map
When: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 808-737-0303
Price Range: $8 – $12
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Other: BYOB, Free Parking
Ratings
Food: 
Service: 
Atmosphere:
Overall:
The Olive Tree runs a tight ship. They can be Soup Nazi’s when it comes to obeying their rules. So if you like the food, stay on their good side. Don’t bring a large party. Six people is pushing the limit. The cafe is BYOB, but that doesn’t include canned beverages. They’re fine with bringing a bottle of wine from Safeway, but God forbid you try to smuggle a can of Dr. Pepper in the doors. Don’t bring any of your pets, no matter how well behaved they are. The Olive Tree’s full 10 commandments are posted just outside the door. Most of it is common sense and a matter of respect, but you may want to glance it over just in case. If you stick to the code, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
As for their food, it’s among my favorite on the island. Everything I have tried is fantastic, but I’m addicted to their Souvlaki’s and pita and hummus. They have chicken, lamb and fish options for the Souvlaki, all of which are amazing. Vegetarian and Vegan options are also available. They have falaffels, pita and hummus, giant beans (Yes, giant beans), salad and more. There’s a wine shop next door with great imported wines as well, but wine glasses from The Olive Tree cost 50 cents each. The wine selections are spectacular as well, and most bottles are in the $10 to $20 price range.
Olive Tree Cafe Falafel
The Olive Tree is a great place to bring a few friends, share a bottle of wine, some great food and talk story for the evening. It’s a relaxing atmosphere with a crowd of mostly young adults. Oh, yeah–don’t show up for lunch or you’ll be standing in an empty parking lot.
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I love this place! I know a lot of people complain about the service and having to wait on a table to open up, but I just love going here for the atmosphere. Once you get to know the servers, they are so wonderful, and the food is just delicious. If you stay late on certain nights, you will see them actually bringing in the freshly caught fish which they serve at the restaurant.
Hey…It’s ok to have to wait…that means it’s good food when it’s busy like that. I would LOVE to go here and try it.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in town. It’s affordable and has a wonderful environment to sit and have a glass of wine with friends. I’m not really sure why the staff is so rude, but the food,prices and atmosphere make up for it. Parking is limited, but a secret is you can park at the McDonalds nearby and walk half a block. It’s BYOB so bring a bottle, or you can buy really good Greek wine at the wine shop next door to the restaurant, at Whole Foods in the mall,or at Long’s in the mall.
Don’t forget to try the hummus!
hmm, they do have a really cute brunette girl who works there who is pretty nice… but I haven’t seen her the last few times.
If God were to put pure awesomeness into your mouth… this is what it would taste like.