The Green Olive — Restaurant in Des Moines

Another Visit - another review: Had the urge to eat Mediterranean food. We didn't have to think much as this restaurant was already proven. We drove around 15-20 miles to have lunch at this place. We pretty much ordered the same menu items which we had previously. In addition, we also ordered Garlic French Fries and Fresh Fruit Juice - Cantaloupe Juice. The French Fries were freshly made and the presence of Garlic salt along with some added spice on top made it really tasty. The Cantaloupe juice was extraordinary - fresh and without any soda. Truly mind-blowing. Another 5-Star visit !

This review was pending from a long time. But, better late than never. This is from May-2023. On our way back from the Airport, we were hungry and wanted to have some good food. Being vegetarians, I could not find too many options around. Whenever we are very hungry, Mediterranean food is among the top options for us. I came across The Green Olive, looked up their menu, and thought that we can give this a try, and drove down to this restaurant.

The restaurant is simple and decent sized, not very huge, but good enough. Atmosphere and ambience is not among the greatest. Parking is sufficient. Location is great. Veronica helped us with our order and service. Nice and pleasant attitude, she even provided suggestions with the food considering our vegetarian limitations.

We ordered Falafel Platter, Vegetarian Platter, Veggie Skewers and Spicy Potato. I also wanted to order some extra rice on the side, but Veronica was kind enough to advise us against ordering rice, as the rice is prepared from chicken base. The food was ready and served to us in around 15 minutes.

Both the platters were amazingly delicious. The Hummus (seasoned with Olive oil and spice), Baba Ghanoush, Dolmas, Tabbouli, Tzaziki, Tahini, Salad, Falafel - all tasted amazing. The sauces and dressing were great and in right proportion. The Green Sauce (made of cilantro-jalapeño) was the best of all. Don't miss to try this. The Pita bread was hot, fresh, soft and fluffy. I ordered quite a few extra Pitas.

All the items were rich in flavor, taste, freshness and quality. The Portion Size was very good and plentiful. The Spice level was as we had wanted.

They had different kinds of Juices, but we did not try any.

We've been to several other Mediterranean restaurants, and a few in DSM as well (including Gazali's - which sucked), and this one ranks up there among the best. Not at all expensive, taste is amazing, service is quick and prompt. I wish they had a branch somewhere in Waukee, WDM, Clive, or Urbandale.

Overall - Great Food, Great pricing, Great Service, Amazing staff, True...

Hidden gem in this strip mall. Next to the $Tree is this small restaurant. 100% Go! I wanted to share my review. Greeted with smiles when you walk in. Breakfast menu on the wall to your right and drinks circulating on the counter.

The ladies kindly asked if we were carrying out or dining in. We were going to dine in. The menu is full of pictures and explanations. Only had a couple little questions for our great waiter who took our water.

We were quickly talked into one of the fun drinks on the counter. The green one was her favorite. Spinach and pineapple. I would have never guessed there was spinach in it. Other than the color it was a burst of pineapple and very refreshing. We asked her opinion on the menu and soon decided. I got the "secret menu" Gyro fries. The waitress preferred that to the other fries.

I was blown away by the portion of fries and meat that came out. Comes with the gyro meat, tzatziki sauce and house made green hot sauce. Perfect, perfect. The gyro meat was perfect and hit the spot with the fries, Remind myself and husband of pouteen style. Hubby had the Gyro Mix plate.

You get a skewer of chicken and beef, lamb/gyro meat, rice, homemade hummus, salad, pita bread, and the green hot sauce and tzatziki. I got to try his chicken and steak and both were moist and flavorful

On the tables are a small bottle of hot sauce. Brown Dogs Farm sits on the tables. It is a locally made product in a locally owned restaurant. Another shout out for the portion size. He dove in, but we already know leftovers where in our future.

The entire experience was fantastic. While we sat enjoying our meal we were checked on regularly. I also witnessed person after person walking in to pick up orders to go. It was like a revolving door. There is much pride here. Check out the back of the menu for the sweet story...

The Green Olive DSM

I read a couple reviews about this place and decided to try it last night (01/07/23). I did a take out order, which was very prompt. When I called they said 15 minutes, and it was ready in about that amount of time (I wasn't timing it, but it was a very reasonable amount of time). The restaurant is located in a former Mexican restaurant space, and the sign on the building isn't updated yet. But there is a sign in the window and they just opened on 01/04/2023, so I'd imagine the sign will be replaced soon. When I walked in, I was promptly welcomed with a friendly greeting and an incredible aroma that made my taste buds quiver in anticipation. There are tables available for dining in, as well.

My spouse and I each ordered the #17; he got the spicy potatoes as his side and I got the salad. The potatoes were VERY flavorful with a hint of spice, but not overpowering. The salad was just a basic salad with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber; the ingredients were very fresh. The dressing was very nice and flavorful.

The gyros were fantastic! They gave us each an extra little tub of tzatziki sauce and I used every drop because it is delicious. The gyros were STUFFED full of meat. The meat is very tender and flavorful. The wrap is soft and chewy with a lovely flavor.

I grabbed a paper menu to work through because I will definitely be back. They have breakfast items, too, which is nice. I don't know of a lot of restaurants on the Southside (we're close to the zoo) to get a good breakfast, and their breakfast options all sound fantastic.

I hope y'all try this place and I hope they survive in this space. They are a welcome addition to...