Oliva Beach Bar-Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Igoumenitsa Municipality

We visited this restaurant in Greece with high expectations—as we all know, Greek cuisine is usually exceptional. The atmosphere upon arrival was pleasant, and we were seated without any issues. We even had a lighthearted moment with the waiter, which initially gave us a good feeling about the place.

Unfortunately, the rest of the experience didn’t match that first impression.

To begin with, the prices are far too high for what’s actually being served. The starters were small in portion and lacked basic seasoning—some didn’t even have salt. One of the so-called “salads” was just a few spinach leaves on one side of the plate and some vegetables on the other. That’s not what anyone would reasonably call a salad.

Service was also poorly organized. We were a group of five, but only two meals were brought out at first. The others didn’t arrive until 15 minutes later, and only after we asked about them. When the rest of the food finally came, the waiter gave us a quick and casual “sorry,” but it didn’t feel sincere. In a country known for warm, heartfelt hospitality, this really stood out in a negative way.

As for the food: unfortunately, it didn’t justify the price at all. I ordered the squid, and it was rubbery and overcooked—not the soft, fresh texture you’d expect, especially after waiting so long. To make things worse, I found a hair in my squid dish. I don’t know what kind of hair it was, but finding something like that in your food is simply unacceptable.

One small positive: the marinated potatoes served as a side dish were quite good. At least we all managed to enjoy that part.

Overall, the restaurant didn’t live up to the standards of Greek cuisine or the warmth and care typically associated with dining in Greece. It’s disappointing, especially given the high prices and the potential the place seemed to...

This is our favourite restaurant for seafood by far.

It was the first place we came on our first visit last year, and we’ve come back again and again on our visits in June and September.

It’s popular for good reason. It’s advisable to book unless really early or really late in the season.

Sunset is magical, view is incredible. Service is slick and easy, the whole team are so professional and welcoming. Literally a cut above.

Now the food. The fish and seafood here are incredible. Last night however I tried one of the salads - the Oliva salad. Who knew a salad could be this good?

My partner had the Prawn Saganaki, a dish I’ve had a couple of times there, and it’s something else. Otherwise Fish, filleted at your table, mussels, clams, squid all delicious.

If you only get one shot at this place, I can highly recommend the Oliva Seafood platter for 2. With chips. The sauce is divine! The chips are out on this world.

We don’t have mega appetites, so can’t manage a starter and a main, the portions are decent.

Often you get a little something on the house as a dessert. We’ve had olives in syrup (incredible), watermelon, chocolate cake, and my favourite orange cake portokalipita.

The red wine by the glass is the best of anywhere we’ve been, prices are so reasonable for such a memorable experience.

As you can see, we can’t recommend this place...

Oliva Beachbar and Restaurant offers a visually appealing setup with plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds, providing guests with comfortable spots to relax and enjoy the beach. The design seamlessly blends the casual vibes of a beach bar with the more refined elements of a restaurant. However, the venue is often very overcrowded, which can detract from the otherwise pleasant atmosphere.

Despite its charming appearance, the restaurant's food leaves much to be desired. For an area known for its culinary delights, Oliva’s offerings are below average. Dishes often lack flavor and creativity, making the dining experience quite underwhelming. Portion sizes are moderate, but given the quality, the meals do not justify the prices.

Service at Oliva is notably slow and disorganized. Staff members seem overwhelmed, leading to long waits and frequent mistakes in orders. The chaotic service detracts significantly from the overall experience, leaving many guests frustrated.

Oliva Beachbar and Restaurant offers a picturesque setting and a convenient beachfront location, but struggles with overcrowding, subpar food, and inconsistent service. It’s a decent spot for a drink and to soak up the sun, but those expecting a top-notch dining experience may want to explore other options...