Olive Lane — Restaurant in Melbourne

Olive Lane, Balwyn North Tucked away in the charming suburb of Balwyn North, Olive Lane is a culinary gem that offers a remarkable dining experience. With its tantalizing cuisine, welcoming ambiance, attentive service, and a range of signature dishes, Olive Lane is a must-visit destination for food lovers. Olive Lane's menu showcases a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and modern Australian flavors, promising a culinary adventure for your taste buds. The restaurant takes pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and visually appealing. One of their standout dishes is the Grilled Octopus Salad, a Mediterranean-inspired creation that features tender octopus charred to perfection, served with a refreshing salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy citrus dressing. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly delightful. Another must-try is the Lamb Cutlets with Rosemary Jus, where succulent lamb cutlets are cooked to perfection and served with a rich rosemary-infused jus. The meat is tender and flavorsome, making it a favorite among meat enthusiasts. Olive Lane offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with its modern yet cozy interior design. The restaurant features stylish decor, comfortable seating, and soft lighting that creates an intimate and relaxed ambiance. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends and family, Olive Lane provides the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The service at Olive Lane is attentive and friendly, with staff members who are dedicated to providing excellent hospitality. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations based on your preferences. They are prompt in taking orders and ensure that your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable. The staff's warm and accommodating nature adds to the overall charm of the restaurant.

Olive Lane takes pride in using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, supporting local producers and reducing their carbon footprint. The restaurant offers a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. Olive Lane hosts special events and themed nights, offering unique dining experiences to its patrons. In conclusion, Olive Lane in Balwyn North is a hidden culinary gem that delivers a remarkable dining experience through its tantalizing cuisine, inviting ambiance, attentive service, and signature dishes. Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean flavors or seeking a modern Australian twist, Olive Lane offers a culinary journey that will leave you satisfied and eager to return. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in their delicious creations and immerse yourself in a delightful dining experience...

4.3

Oh me, oh my. What a fabulous cafe restaurant we have tucked away here. I lived around here many moons ago. The number of good cafes it had at that time was zilch. Zero. Nil. None. Take your pick of word. There was nought of note here. But, boy, things have changed. Olive Lane is easily the best cafe in the area on what I’ve experienced. It’s modern. It’s pleasing to the eye. Pleasing to the palate as well. It’s well run too.

The look is modern chic here. It’s not overdone and the cafe is pleasantly fitted out. There are good indoor and outdoor areas. Service was charming throughout. Harmonious, efficient and pleasant with a good team atmosphere. There was a great R&B mix on, black panther soundtrack excerpts and the like. The mellow stuff not the gangsta stuff. It went down well and also importantly didn’t spook any of the older customers.

My coffee to start was lovely. A good solid long black which was well made and well served. I ordered lamb shoulder for my lunch. It may be the best lamb I’ve ever had. Soft and full of moisture. Full of flavour with a gorgeous lemony tang. The meat was gently falling off the bone. It was an utterly beautiful dish. I’d cross any number of suburbs to eat lamb this good. Every mouthful was amazing. I didn’t fancy the menu listed potatoes and asked for a salad in lieu. It was a lovely little Greek salad I chose. It became more and more delicious as I had it. A beautifully composed and balanced salad. Every element was superb with just the right mix of oil.

It was a tiny bit pricey here but it’s all quality. On paying I discovered there was no direct swap, potatoes for salad, as I’d hoped so the meal cost me more than I had anticipated. I should have queried it, I suppose, or clarified the matter when ordering.

It’s a very good cafe though and I’ll long have memories of that...

Good food, alright atmosphere, and average prices. The menu isn't as diverse as it could be, but there are still plenty of foods that should cater to most. The wait staff turnover is high, and it's difficult to become familiar with them. The staff hospitality is fairly average, and starts and stops at "what can I get you?" Having said this, I was impressed when our food was taking longer than usual that we received a free bowl of chips as an entree. Speaking of, food is generally brought out in a timely manner, and the kitchen can cater to large groups without significant delay. The food itself is delicious, and I highly recommend their breakfast items. As for lunch, the menu isn't particularly varied, with two of the 7-8 items exceeding what I would consider to be a reasonable price for lunch. I would strongly recommend expanding the lunch menu to make the offering more diverse. Coffee isn't anything special - they make a good latte, but everything else falls squarely into average. I haven't been fortunate enough to try their delectable array of desserts, but they are definitely eye-catching. All-in-all, I recommend going here. You're not going to have your socks knocked off, but you're not going to be disappointed. A good backdrop for a catch up...