We were there for a Christmas party and the place was full. That didn't hinder the service at all, the staff were all really nice, professional and competent. The food was amazing, great choices, well cooked and presented beautifully. The servings were very generous and we
All left there full and happy. I would definitely go again and would definitely recommend it.
Omg this is the most fantastic restaurant. Beautiful food, friendly attentive staff, good wine and casual welcoming environment. Will definitely revisit
I live across from the Olive Tree . Been there many times and never been disappointed. It’s a hidden gem in South Melbourne. Food is always great and the specials keep things interesting and not repetitive. The portions are also quite generous.
This place has been in South Melbourne for a long time. Only came in for Friday lunch and I was impressed. I loved the home cooked lasagna as I could taste its freshness, definitely not overly loaded with salt and highly processed sauce and cheese. My friend ordered the monthly special baby clams linguini it was very fresh and embedded with delicate flavours. Combined with friendly and warm service, I highly recommend this place to dedicated diners who appreciate the authenticity of flavour of food. Not recommend for fast food lovers or anyone with strong flavour pallet.
An absolute institution in South Melbourne! Visited here a couple of months ago after wanting to come to years. The staff were so friendly and polite. I had the Porterhouse steak - it as charred and cooked medium rare as I’d asked. Comes with veggies and a baked potato, pretty good value at less than $40 for such a good size (steak was 500g). Delish!!
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First time visiting here with friends who visit often. Love the look and feel of the place. Service was great when we arrived. Surprised there were no high chairs on offer, but made do with a booster seat. Started off with garlic bread which was flavoursome, warm and crunchy. We waited about 35 minutes to receive our food after ordering, and our little one was definitely losing patience during this time. Finally my dish arrived - the garlic prawn main for $38. This was a hefty price for what I received, which was a small frypan with 8 prawns and 1/4 cup of rice. I would never order this same dish from here again as I felt completely ripped off. The prawns were also slightly overcooked. My personal suggestion to the chef is to double the quantity to match it's price tag. My husband ordered venison cutlets served with a beetroot and applied chutney, chips and vegetables. The veal had a nice crunchy crumb to it but was very dry, even with the sauce. He borrowed our friend's steak pepper sauce which went well with the venison. Our suggestion to the chef is to serve this dish with a thicker, richer sauce. During the meal we felt the service go down. We had to ask the waiter several times to keep refilling the water bottle. The waiter also asked one of our friends to stack her cutlery on the plates he had collected - he must have been confused as to who was the waiter. For dessert I ordered the nutella and raspberry pudding served with ice cream. This went down a treat. I ended the night with an English breakfast tea, and was pleased to see a loose leaf blend as opposed to a tea bag. I would come back, but I'd do a bit more research as to the better meals to order.
There are not many places like this still open in Melbourne. The old style decor is really cosy, food is divine (amazing rack of lamb) and service top quality. Highly recommend.
Initial approach the facade is looking a little worn/tired. Inside the decor and furniture is ageing and it is a little dark towards the back. The first question my 11yo asked was ‘why do they have a goat?’ referring to the mounted goat’s head on the wall. But it was clean. The service was good, although it dropped off during the course of the meal. It appears to be a very popular place (it filled up very quickly) I would have thought they would have wanted the table, but it was difficult to catch someone to get the bill. The food was good, simple food, done well. The only down side for the evening was trying to get the bill so we pay and get home. The positive is the service (initially at least) and that the food was prepared well.
Can only comment on the pasta because for some reason I went in thinking it was an Italian restaurant, I think the name threw me off.
Anyway, it was bellissimo, & decent servings. Price is very good for pasta.
The decor is fairly cosy/homely & has character.
Waiter was really down to earth as well.
I'll reassess when I go back & try their meat dishes
Well hidden between the towering south bank buildings and a true gem is The Olive Tree. Oysters have never disappointed me there. The decor is stunningly artistic and warm. Service is of the best quality. The service can only be matched and overpowered by the food. Food comes to your table with perfection and beauty. Everything about this place is beautiful, from the food to the service to the location. Can't wait to dine again.
Note: After a good meal a stroll along the saint kilda road into the city is always recommend. Even on a dull night there is a certain source of adventure in the air after eating at The Olive trees.
We had an extremely pleasant meal at the Olive Tree last night - so nice I felt compelled to write a review. This restaurant provides attentive service, excellent, tasty food and good value. My dinner of baby veal was delicious. Our waiter made us feel at home and the bill was very reasonable. We absolutely loved it and look forward to returning soon! A real gem.
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A first visit accompanying friends who eat there regularly.
Outstanding meal.
We shared oysters and Moreton Bay bugs for entree. I am very suss on oysters but these were sublime. Apparently the owner ships them in direct from a private Sydney supplier. Good sourcing, excellent fresh preparation.
The Bugs were incredible. Large, 4 in the one serve, beautifully prepared and delicious. Already I was starting to worry about handling mains.
I had good cause to worry. Ribs, 3 racks! Big, juicy with a great light BBQ sauce and vegetables on the plate. I couldn't finish them in spite of taste and presentation.
This was an outstanding and memorable meal. Service was welcoming and friendly, but in bursts. When it was on, great. But staff hard to find in between servings. All tolerable, it's just seems to be their style.
Pricing was a bit below what you would expect to pay in next door South Yarra. Excellent value.
My friends felt that this meal was up a notch on most, but acknowledged the oysters are always outstanding and the rest was just good choice.
I will be back next week and can see a new regular spot. I think my 3.5 rating is a bit harsh. It's not a 4, but then tonight's food was a 5.
Geoff Birtles
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