Olive & Lime Cafe — Restaurant in Columbus

Visiting Olive and Lime Cafe in Columbus, OH, was an unforgettable experience that left us utterly enchanted. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a cozy ambiance that instantly put us at ease.

The menu showcased an impressive array of dishes that catered to all tastes and preferences. As someone who appreciates a variety of flavors, I was delighted to see their diverse selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, ranging from classic Greek gyros to flavorful Turkish kebabs. Each dish was crafted with precision and the utmost attention to detail, evident in the presentation and taste.

The chef's dedication to sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients was apparent in every bite. Whether it was the tangy olives, succulent meats, or the crisp vegetables, every ingredient contributed to a delightful symphony of flavors that danced on our palates.

The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who were more than willing to offer recommendations and cater to any dietary preferences. It felt like they genuinely cared about ensuring our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.

The charming decor and relaxed atmosphere added to the overall allure of the cafe. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to catch up with friends or a place to savor a romantic dinner, Olive and Lime Cafe delivers on all fronts.

Finally, let's not forget the exquisite desserts! The indulgent baklava and cheese cake left us on a sweet note, perfectly concluding our culinary journey.

In conclusion, Olive and Lime Cafe is an absolute gem in the heart of Columbus, OH. Their delectable Mediterranean cuisine, warm hospitality, and inviting ambiance create an extraordinary dining experience that deserves nothing less than five stars. We will undoubtedly return to Olive and Lime Cafe to indulge in their culinary delights time and time again....

🗣️ Let Jess Tell It ⭐ Olive & Lime Café | Clintonville, OH 📍 Mediterranean Cuisine & Bakery

🔹 Price per person: $15–$25 (with dessert or drinks) 🔹 Wait time: Line moved quickly, even during lunch rush 🔹 Noise level: Moderate, cafeteria-style background buzz 🔹 Seating: Indoor counter-style tables; casual dining setup 🔹 Vegetarian options: Yes — including falafel, veggie platters, and hummus 🔹 Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free and halal options available 🔹 Parking: Free lot in front of building 🔹 Kid-friendly: Yes 🔹 Wheelchair accessible: Yes

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The space: Clean, bright, and casual — more fast-casual than date night. Think cafeteria setup with a large dessert case and a separate area for drinks and juices. Staff were polite and efficient, and the bathroom was clean but basic.

What I ordered: • Beef + Lamb Kafta Pita – $13 • Pistachio Baklava – $5

Kafta Pita: Served fresh and hot, but the kafta (ground beef and lamb with herbs) had a strong gamy flavor and really needed salt. I actually used my own — yes, I keep salt in the car. The hummus was creamy but bland, and toppings were minimal: just a few onions and a diced tomato. The pita itself? Soft and nicely made.

Pistachio Baklava: Beautiful presentation—golden, nutty, and picture-ready. But flavor-wise, it missed. Chalky texture, barely sweet, and not worth $5.

Overall: ✅ Fast, friendly service ✅ Clean space and fresh food ❌ Under-seasoned dishes ❌ Desserts looked better than they tasted

Would I return? Possibly. I’d try a chicken or veggie option next time—and keep...

~30 years ago I got kicked out of Dubai and I’ve been searching for that magical plate of hummus and kababs which would ignite some sense of nostalgia.... Olive n Thyme wasn’t it, but I’m still searching. I’ve been a regular to Paterson NJ, and Dearborn MI Lebanese restaurants and my bar for good food has been RE-calibrated the last 3 decades. The food here is excellent especially if you ignore the ex-Panera decor. Hummus is fresh, slightly too much tahini though. Baba ganouj was great as well. The kafta is real good and they actually use basmati rice which I think is quite remarkable because I haven’t come across many Lebanese places that use that strategy. I hope they don’t change this up as a cost saving move in the future, would be quite disappointing which will force me to RE-visit this review. If there is a large group, it would be feasible to use the large family style platters. The small, medium and large platters indicate the number of people it would satisfy but it makes sense to double that, for example the medium states “4-5 people” but that’s 4 or 5 250-300 lb fully grown fully bearded men during iftar. I kid you not, it’s a lot of food. That same plate fed 9-10 of us easily. They also serve the lentil soup at the beginning of the meal which is a nice authentic touch. Tasted great. The rest of the meat, kababs and shawarma was super fresh and tasted amazing. If I’m back in Columbus and itching for Lebanese, this place is it! Prices are quite reasonable as well and...