The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Worcester

We’d booked a table for 6 at Impasto, but was later contacted to say that they had accidentally booked our table at Olive Branch (I understand they share the same kitchen with Impasto) so we’d have Impasto food but served via the Olive Branch. Therefore this review won’t include any comment on the food served here.

I wouldn’t recommend this place at all. We were seated in the cellar, at a table for 6 very close to the door, which was really distracting as people often rushed past in very close proximity to some of us. When taking our food orders, the server then forgot to ask one party member for their order. They didn’t apologise when we pointed this out. I didn’t get the sense that the server was wanting to be there at all, he interacted very minimally with us.

It then took 70 minutes from being seated to receiving our food. We received no apology for the wait. They had also made a further mistake with somebody’s order, bringing two of the same sides when only one was requested (server had written the side as “Z. -product name-“, which was misinterpreted by the kitchen staff as “2 -produce name-“). We sent this back immediately.

Nobody came to ask us how our food was. I could hear other tables around us also complaining about the long wait.

It took a further 15mins after sitting with empty plates for them to be taken away. We requested the bill - this took another 10mins and we had been overcharged by around £40 (£16 of this was an optional 10% service charge, the rest was overcharging for the meal). They had put through all our pizzas as £17 when they should have been £12. They had included the mistake (second side). We asked for the service charge to be removed, as the waiting time for food was unacceptable. Again the server did not apologise.

It took 3 further bills to get the correct amount. The second bill had redacted the service charge and side, but we remained overcharged for the pizzas. We brought this upstairs to the manager, as by this stage we had been at the premises for 2hours for a 1 course meal and we were now running late for an evening event. The third bill from the manager then charged the correct amount for the pizzas, but added back on the service charge, making it a higher total than the second bill. We again requested the service charge was removed AGAIN, and finally were charged the correct amount. We were stood in the main entrance for a good 10 minutes sorting this out.

I understand that The Olive Branch don’t have Impasto food items on their cash register, which complicated things with the bill. I’d say don’t offer the service if you are struggling to...

I have wanted to visit here for years and the wait was well worth it. Tucked down an alley behind a church and a chemist with an unassuming entrance, the Olive Branch is one of those hidden gems you don't want to tell anyone about. The quirky layout inside compliments the dining experience, dark olive green walls envelop you like a blanket and the tables are dressed simply and elegantly. Whilst the range of tapas was tempting, particularly with their combo deal, we opted for the mains and a Greek meze to share. The meze was presented on a dark wood tray dressed in olive oil with a selection of dips and sauces, this served as a fond reminder of our Cypriot adventures. Although cutlery was available we went native and ate olives, feta, flat bread and koftas off the bone. The star though was the paprika halloumi, crispy on outside and creamy in the middle. After much cogitation my wife opted for seabass, whilst I had my heart set on the fideua, a paella served with pasta noodles instead of rice. When presented, both looked and smelt divine. The seabass was simply pan fried and nested atop a mound of handmade gnocchi with capers, tomatoes, olives and half a roasted fennel bulb. The firm white flesh of the seabass flaked of the skin beautifully and was very well seasoned. The fideua was a real comforting dish, small pasta noodles infused with saffron mixed in with squid, octopus, prawns and mussels. Needless to say it did not have enough time to cool in the dish, as it was rammed with gusto. I'm normally not a red wine drinker but the bottle and a half of chilliean house red was very smooth. I could have easily gone bananas with a G&T as the selection is quite impressive but was disappointed not to see a brandy sour on the menu. For those who review this place and claim it's too expensive, know this...you pay for quality in this world and I did not mind paying a little extra for this heavenly offering. To all the staff at the Olive Branch, thank you for hosting us.... we'll...

We booked as a table of 16 people (14 adults and 2 children) for a birthday celebration. A friend brought a birthday cake and we were told that yes they will put candles on it but under no circumstances could we eat it in the establishment. When we arrived the table only had 14 seats, not a big deal but still an inconvenience. We were asked then if we were ready for food. We weren't asked if we wanted any drinks, the food came before we asked if we could order some drinks. The wait staff were rude, when placing food down on the table we were told to grab the plate. They didn't say excuse me. We did not feel like we were wanted nor that our custom was appreciated. It really spoiled the food. When we asked the wait staff to bring the cake we were reminded quite bluntly that we were not allowed to eat the cake. We had tapas - one bowl of each for 12 people. I am not sure it was worth £26.

We paid over £500 for the meal. £5.30 for two glasses of squash that weren't even 330ml. I used to love this restaurant. After covid and not being able to be with the people we love, this was supposed to be a celebration and we've been left with a sour taste. We won't be rushing back...