Olive Thyme — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Every success in life has a fascinating story behind the scenes, but I believe this particular one really deserves to be told. Recently my family and I had the privilege to stay with Yalçın and Sibel at their lovely farm cottage #bahce in Peachester Sunshine Coast. Yalçın and Sibel are also the proud owners of Olive Thyme Restaurant.

There I was able to observe firsthand Yalçın’s dedication to his craft of culinary art. Preparing his meals with intricately selected ingredients, an atmosphere of soft notes of cultural music and a locally sourced quality glass of wine all in perfect blend of harmony.

Yalçın has the utmost respect for mother nature and loves the idea of giving back to nature. The spectacular landscaped garden at the farm is surrounded with Yalçın's touch, he’s all about organic growth with lots of all year-round veggie patches planted such as pepper, ginger, lemon, herbs, cucumber, tomatoes, and many others. He maintains a compost farm which allows him to reduce waste and transform any food waste into a healthy soil amendment.

Over a glass of red by the woodfire, Yalçın shared stories of touring different destinations and restaurants around the world. Through these conversations, you could see how cooking wasn't just an occupation for Yalçın. That he had a strong desire for further knowledge and advancing his creativity. It was an absolute pleasure listening to these wonderful inspirational stories with his warm and pleasant personality. You can simply see examples of his dedication with the number of books on famous chef biographies and cookbooks spread around the place throughout the farmhouse.

We got to experience firsthand Yalçın’s skills in the kitchen as he prepared meals. We also spent an evening dining at Yalçın and Sibel’s Olive Thyme restaurant where Yalçın prepares the dishes. In both instances the experience was great. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Yalçın and Sibel again for their wonderful hospitality.

As a side note, there has been previous Turkish restaurants at the same location where Olive Thyme currently resides. I used to be a regular customer to those restaurants when I lived in Brisbane. So, when I returned to the same site and saw the new design which is now Olive Thyme, I was extremely impressed. The interior detailing was very notable and thought through in detail. You could clearly see Sibel’s signature taste and style in the decoration, layout and overall ambience. Olive Thyme is oozing an elegance of distinct modern Anatolian personality. Top service from highly trained and skilled servers who are well-versed in the menu which makes it all the more a pleasurable experience. Lastly the exquisite cuisine tastes of flavours were a stimulant to the sensory receptors. I highly recommend you try the "Ahtapot -...

I would leave zero stars if I could. First of all, I have photos and videos, happy to share them later on if needed! Second, here you are guys my experience with this "restaurant": Yesterday, Saturday the 21st of August 2021 at 7:00 pm, we were a group of 20 and they offered us the banquet option $ 59 per person...So we took this option thinking it would be easier for our group... And here the surprises when the entree food started to come, they gave us 4 plates of bread with 3 pieces in each ( 9 cm in diameter), 8 dips (very small portions), the second course was a thin slice of cheese with a slice of sausage on top and not even one slice for each person! And the funniest thing is we all started looking at each other saying: what is this? Where's the food? Where's the value of $59 per person? Is that the chef's menu or a kids menu? We didn't say anything tho! WHY? Because it's our friend's birthday and we didn't want to bother about food... Just to continue our night peacefully! Main courses came a bit later again with very small portions. Lastly the desert came, 4 plates ( 4 small pieces of baklava in each) so yes16 pieces for 20 people...they're funny ay!  So no sweet for 4 persons, it's just about the concept veryyy bad and crazy...We found this to be completely unacceptable... Very stingy! When we went to pay, the owner said there's extra 2 hummos for $ 30 because 2 people ordered them. Knowing that they didn't have the main course! Here we're shocked! Enough is enough! This is ridiculous! Like come on a table of 20 people + Alcohol so You made more than $ 2000.00 from our table and you still asking for more $30.00 extra??? So I personally said to her: you are asking for more money while we all are still hungry, not enough food and going now somewhere else to have dinner? She answered me: this is a banquet not all what you can eat, so I replied her at least it should be one piece of bread, one slice of cheese& sausage and one baklava for each person... this is basic and minimum!!! But unfortunately her only concern is $$$$. An apology would have been sufficient instead of the gruff and her rude response! Overall, this was an awful experience! We will never return! Again am happy to share the photos and videos to prove my experience...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Olive Thyme in Brisbane, and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. This restaurant has truly mastered the art of combining delicious flavors, warm ambiance, and impeccable service, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

From the moment I stepped into Olive Thyme, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior design is tastefully done, with a perfect balance of modern elegance and rustic charm. The cozy lighting and comfortable seating arrangements create an intimate setting, perfect for both a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the food. Olive Thyme takes pride in sourcing the finest ingredients, and it shows in every bite. The menu offers a delightful variety of dishes, each crafted with creativity and precision. Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean classics or looking for innovative fusion cuisine, there is something to please every palate.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying their signature dishes, and they left a lasting impression. The flavors were vibrant and harmonious, showcasing the chef's culinary expertise. The presentation was a feast for the eyes, elevating the overall dining experience. It was evident that each dish was prepared with care and attention to detail.

To complement the incredible food, the service at Olive Thyme was top-notch. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. They were more than happy to provide recommendations and cater to dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest's needs were met. The waitstaff struck the perfect balance between attentiveness and allowing for a relaxed dining experience.

In conclusion, Olive Thyme in Brisbane is a true gem in the city's culinary scene. With its delectable dishes, charming ambiance, and outstanding service, it deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, I highly recommend treating yourself to an unforgettable dining experience...