The Olive RestoBar — Restaurant in Downey

I'm flabbergasted by the poor service from the manager, Carlos. He lied to me, wasted all our time, and was just overall a very unprofessional and petty person. Their Happy hour slider and normal slider apparently have different cheeses even though they are labeled the same thing on both the menus.

Here's what happened: I took a bite(half the burger) and realized that the whole reason I ordered the slider, for the goat cheese, was not there... the Horror!! I informed the wait staff to see if they would bring me another slider because they did not prepare the food as per their menu. The waiter informed me that he could not make that decision and I would have to talk to the manager. Sure, no big deal... I dine at fancy restaurants- this should be an easy fix.

I explain to Carlos of the mishap and ask for a free slider made as per the menu. He explains there is a difference between the two, but will bring it out. Carlos then brings out just the goat cheese, smiles, and walks off. I have food in my mouth and cant say anything.

I ask my girlfriend if I was clear in what I asked for. She said yes. I once again inform the waiter that I need to speak to Carlos. Carlos came back and I informed him of our miscommunication. He said the slider was on the way! Woo. Mistakes happen and people are busy and stressed, it's all good.

While waiting for the slider, the bill comes and I'm aghast! Goat cheese and 1 extra slider is included in our bill! Wow. Probably just another mistake due to their system. Maybe they had to add it that way for the kitchen to prep it. I inform the waiter. Waiter talks to Carlos and says it is correct. Now I'm starting to get mad, but I keep my cool. I ask again to see Carlos.

In the mean time, my slider comes- No goat cheese. Granted there is still plenty of extra unused goat cheese already on the side, so maybe they didn't want to waste any more of this precious resource. Or maybe they wanted me to add to my belly's content. So I add and I eat. My belly is satisfied.

Carlos arrives. I bring up the bill and point out those two extra items. He says they don't give out free food, argues a bit about the menu, but resolves to take care of it. The waiter brings back the bill and I'm once again aghast to the pettiness of this manager- The goat cheese side is still on the bill! I argue some more, he agrees to remove that as well. I give him cash, inform the waiter of the $2 extra coming to him, and walk off.

When I got back to the car, that's when it hit me- the poor service from Carlos the entire time was completely calculated, mischevious, and petty. He knew what he was doing. Sadly- all this was over a measly $6 slider on a $100 plus bill.

Unfortunately, the only person who was harmed from the making of this situation was the waiter. He would have received much more...

A good Mediterranean restaurant in a busy plaza!

The restaurant is located in a very busy plaza in Downey, surrounded by other restaurants, a gym and a movie theater, you already know this place is going to be busy on the weekend. My girlfriend and I chose to go here yesterday for lunch and finding parking was a little difficult. Luckily, I found a spot a short walk away by Lazy Dog.

We walked to the restaurant and noticed the ample amount of outdoor and indoor seating. The interior has nice décor, it's a vibe here. We got seated outside immediately when we arrived. It was shaded and there was a slight breeze, it was nice.

We ordered the following: King & Queen, Salmon Ceviche, Texas Tiki, and a Downey Style Michelada. It wasn't long before received our drinks and our food.

Here's how it all was:

King & Queen: A ribeye steak & a chicken steak kabob hanging over a mountain of fresh cut garlic fries, grilled tomatoes, jalapeno, and chimichurri. I requested medium rare but the meat came out more medium. Still, the meat was juicy and tasted good with the seasoning they had on it. The chicken was good and wasn't dry. The fries were definitely fresh cut, and the texture somewhat reminded me of In-N-Out fries. I liked them also.

Salmon Ceviche: Marinated ceviche style salmon, pico de gallo, chipotle chilies, lime, and pita chips. We ordered this because it was different than the usual ceviche. It was good and honestly, the pita chips is what made it and I wish it came with more.

Texas Tiki: Garrison Brothers honey infused bourbon, hibiscus, pineapple, coconut, lime, and heavy cream. Think pina colada, because that's what it tasted like. It came out in a cute tiki glass. It was good!

Downey Style Michelada (not pictured): House michi mix, fresh lime, and Negra Modelo. This was my girlfriend's drink and it definitely was a little spicy. Micheladas aren't my thing but she said it was good.

Service wasn't bad. Our server (I think his name was CJ?) forgot to get a straw for my girlfriend's drink and also forgot to bring us bread. He mentioned the bread in the beginning, then mentioned it two more times when he came to check on us but it never came out. A party that arrived much later than us got 3 orders of bread while we received nothing.

Parking, as mentioned earlier, was a pain due to how busy it was in the plaza.

I would love to come back and try other items on the menu, so many things sounded good but it was...

The Olive Restobar in Downey has become our favorite lunch date spot, and for good reason. Every visit to this gem is a delightful experience, filled with warm hospitality, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps us coming back for more.

One of the highlights of dining at The Olive Restobar is the fresh, warm pita bread served with their signature green sauce. This sauce is absolutely divine—bursting with flavor and the perfect complement to the soft, pillowy pita. It's the kind of starter that sets the tone for a fantastic meal and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next course.

The staff at The Olive Restobar are truly exceptional. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with genuine smiles and attentive service. Everyone there is dedicated to making your dining experience special. Whether you have questions about the menu or need a recommendation, they’re always ready to help with a friendly attitude.

The menu offers a variety of delicious options, and we’ve never been disappointed. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or a hearty meal, there’s something for everyone. Their drinks menu is equally impressive, offering a range of beverages both with and without alcohol. From refreshing mocktails to expertly crafted cocktails, there’s a drink to suit every taste and occasion.

The ambiance of The Olive Restobar is perfect for a lunch date. The decor is stylish yet cozy, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy great food and even better company. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, savor your meal, and enjoy meaningful conversation.

Overall, The Olive Restobar in Downey is a standout spot for lunch dates. The combination of delicious food, outstanding service, and inviting ambiance makes it our go-to destination. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’re sure to have an unforgettable dining experience. Highly...