The Olive Branch Carterton — Restaurant in North Island

We were so disappointed! Our starter, garlic bread, was a small piece of flatbread with some parmesan and garlic ($8) and was very salty. Our mains were a mixed grill ($31) and a lamb iskender ($24). The meat was dry and flavourless. The iskender in particular was like eating very overcooked mince. The meals came with a mound of plain rice, sauces, and a salad that was just tabbouleh and a lot of grated carrot and shredded lettuce. The meals were small and did not fill us up. They were not particularly flavoursome or special in any way, certainly not worth the high price. Maybe other dishes on the menu might have been better but other Turkish/Middle Eastern places we have been to serve large and tasty meals with interesting flavours and ingredients. We had to wait 20 minutes for our main course to be cleared. We only ordered dessert because we were still hungry. This was a sadly unique experience for us and we probably...

What an amazing place! Super cute set up, amazing food and service. Owner and main person/manager incharge checked up on us and asked if the food was okay, we were super happy with all the meals. The Turkish coffee took me and my partner back to childhood memories. I teared up as a saw my grandma standing in a corner leaning on a beam having a smoke and a coffee (she's been gone for over 17 years now) it was quite nostalgic. As a Colombian born I can genuinely admit Turkish coffee is the best. What an amazing baklava as well, super amazing best I've ever had. Really recommend this place. We spent 180$ as we had a starter, main meals and a desert each. Do not regret getting that much and we left super full. Also amazing lemon drink!...

New owners are definitely doing something right, this place was fantastic, such friendly staff. Food was great, good flavours that mix well. Will certainly be coming back again sometime soon.

Below is my old review for reference. Prev was 2 star. Changed my star ratings as well to suite.

Food was at room temperature. Had the chicken grill. The rice was also at room temperature. The Turkish bread was hotter than the meat and fries. Some fries where also undercooked. Salad was nice and cold and tasted and looked good, hummus and beetroot relish tasted great. Cafe itself needs a bit of atmosphere ie music etc... Nice...