The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Cozy ambiance and good service, but I just can't say this is a good value after my first visit. I ordered a Gyro Wrap to go. Everything is ordered at the counter which is fine for fast casual but this sandwich with no side was 14 dollars. With tip and tax (and there's a big ol' sign reminding you tips are a welcome) I spent about 17. For fast casual with no table service I'll still always tip on my first visit to a restaurant at the very least as a kind of "benefit of the doubt".

I was handed that bag about about 10 minutes later and I was already thinking it was a bit light for the cost and that was confirmed when I opened it at home 5 minutes later. The gyro was good. I really don't have much to add to that. If you've had a decent gyro, then it probably tasted like this. But the portion is modest. And that's kind of the end of this review. It's good, but the value just isn't there. Even their lunch specials don't seem to compensate much.

I don't really like writing reviews like this, where the value is the focal point, because everyone values their dollar differently. And sometimes people are willing to pay more for something that is less accessible, but this isn't exactly exotic food. I'll just say that, despite the solid food, I don't think I can justify coming back here when there are so many options nearby that present a better value, and the next time I am craving a gyro, I'd probably go to Hovan at 5 Points instead, since they get their meat right off the spit (though I can't speak to their value either, as I haven't been...

When I want fresh, I always think Mediterranean. The Olive Tree satisfied the craving. We stopped by on a Tuesday at 11:00.

The place was spotless, insanely clean. I need to add this isn't usually something I bring up because I have a wide range of acceptable but this place sets the bar.

Ok, first things first, the menu is large. Don't be intimidated. Walk up and ask! Or go for the special. Tuesday was a veggie platter including 2 falafel, 2 veggie grape leaves, 1 spinach pie, and 2 sides with a drink for $11.99 (they offer this as a meal for two everyday for $15.99, no drinks) We plan to head back on falafel Friday but I get ahead of myself.

The falafel was crispy on the outside and delicate but not falling apart on the inside. I could have eaten 20, hence falafel Friday. The grape leaves were good, served warm. The spinach pie was meh to me but pastries aren't particularly my thing.

My dad ordered the chicken shawarma pita. It was good, could have used a little more chicken.

But the sides, the sides were the show stopper. The tabouli did not have the normal bite and the ratio of wheat to parsley was well balanced. The babaganoush was smoky and the perfect consistency. The hummus was also seemingly flawless and I am picky about my hummus. I would go back just to get to go sides. Nothing like a refreshing midnight snack!

I may have missed the first 8 years they were there but I won't miss the next. As a falafel eater, this is...

Other than perhaps the owner, whom we did not meet but heard he was having cars towed, the most amazing people work here! We came for an outdoor Wizard of Oz escape adventure in San Marco area, and the streets were super crowded with parking hard to find. Many of us were forced to park in strip centers.

We heard from other escape room attendees that the owner started first thing having tow trucks come to remove the cars, but we did not witness this. In the end it seemed everyone WAS allowed to park in the strip center where the Olive Tree is located.

By lunch the place was packed. I can’t help but wonder if people like us wanted to show our appreciation for the parking by having lunch there. We had a party of 5, were hungry after walking about a mile, and left a huge tip due to the wonderful employees who could not have been kinder. Food was great, too!

My hope is that all of us can tap into that sense of community and care for one another in our cities and neighborhoods. As a result of walking for almost two hours, we visited a couple of establishments and saw many other businesses we might return to in the near future. I hope the owners of business can appreciate these type of positive experiences. With 3 small kids we really were grateful for the...