Olives — Restaurant in East Grand Rapids

The atmosphere was so loud that I couldn't hear the people on the other side of the table from me. The food was high quality, but at this lofty price point, I would prefer a more comfortable place. Even for casual food, I would probably not go out of my way to such a loud venue.

All the main courses hit the spot. We got the burger, sliders, halibut, and I believe my wife got a Cuban.

Chips and salsa with crab and shrimp it was good but probably should not call soft warmed corn tortilla chips. It was also impossible to eat without a fork since soft tortilla cannot actually scoop anything. The taste was very good despite the awkward scooping.

The fries were a little bit disappointing. They weren't bad but I expected above-average and felt they were slightly below-average. They were seasoned well and had good flavor, so some people might like them, but I prefer my fries to have a little bit of crisp, and the fries are fairly soft and floppy.

The quinoa patties were my favorite appetizer of the two.

Seating was pretty awkward. We called ahead to reserve a table because we were attending a fundraiser. During the call, the staff told us there would be enough capacity that we should not reserve a table. When we arrived, we were told they were so busy that they had no way to estimate the wait, but they said it could be up to an hour and 20 minutes. Despite the fundraiser being planned with the staff, they did not have the upper floor open to meet demand, so several parties left instead of eating in support of the fundraiser. We wound up then being seated much sooner than expected but the fundraiser lost out because there were then open tables and parties who had already dined elsewhere. I would strongly recommend not planning a fundraiser...

Nestled in East Grand Rapids, Olive's Restaurant & Grill offers a delightful and relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. This hidden gem is a charming destination where you can enjoy flavorful dishes and friendly service without breaking the bank.

Olive's menu caters to a range of tastes and dietary preferences, featuring a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and main courses. The Smoked Salmon Dip and Crab Beignets were appetizer highlights, bursting with delightful flavors. For the lunch entrees, the Cuban and the House Burger showcase tender, juicy meats paired with fresh ingredients, accompanied by perfectly seasoned fries or salad.

The attentive and welcoming staff at Olive's go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant dining experience. They are accommodating and knowledgeable, ready to assist with any special requests or dietary restrictions. The cozy ambiance of the restaurant sets the stage for a leisurely meal, where you can relax and enjoy the company of friends and family.

In summary, Olive's Restaurant & Grill in East Grand Rapids offers a charming and affordable casual dining experience. With its diverse menu, friendly service, and cozy ambiance, Olive's is an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying meal in a relaxed setting. Whether you're looking for a laid-back lunch or a cozy dinner, Olive's will exceed your expectations with its flavorful dishes and...

I loved my whole experience here. Nice bar and wine list. I ate on the upper outdoor deck. The menu was unique. There were a couple of vegan options and the chef was willing to customize my menu choice. The desserts are nothing short of amazing! Update post renovation: I had a mediocre experience. I called to make reservations and was told they do not take reservations for under 8 people but that I should call ahead at 5:00 to get on the call-ahead list. But every time I called, they hung up on me. I arrived at 5:30 and was told there would be a half hour wait. So, there are some inconsistencies here. No problem, my friend and I waited at the bar. But when our table was ready there was a disagreement among the staff about which table was ours. There was a reserved table for 4? ( I thought they didn't take reservations for less than 8). They really need to work out these kinks. The wine was decent. I had the salmon and it was good. The atmosphere is very noisy because there are too many hard surfaces. I really liked the coziness before the renovation. I still like Olive's and will still dine there occasionally; however, I miss the cozy, neighborhood vibes that used to make this place...