Casual Mediterranean Eatery
Located in Downey, Green Olive is a place where you can enjoy Mediterranean-style dishes in a casual atmosphere. We visited during lunch hours, and it was bustling with people, which made it clear that it is quite popular with many takeout orders as well. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, we were able to dine relatively comfortably, and thanks to the staff’s quick cleanup, the overall turnover was smooth.
During this visit, we ordered the Chicken & Kafata Combo Platter, Lamb Kabob Wrap, Mediterranean Style Potatoes, Yogurt & Cucumber Dip, and for dessert, Baklava and Rice Pudding. The menu was diverse, making it great for sharing, and it was impressive how generously the dishes were served.
The Chicken & Kafata Combo Platter allows you to enjoy two types of meat together, and each had its distinct appeal. The chicken was tender and moist, with a subtle seasoning that made it easy to enjoy. The Kafata had the unique flavor of spiced meat, while also being impressively tender. The platter came with rice, Hummus, a green salad, lemon garlic dressing, and green sauce, allowing for various combinations, and each pairing offered a different flavor experience.
The Lamb Kabob Wrap was made with Pita Bread, wrapping the meat smoothly without any gamey taste. The flavor of the meat was pronounced, and it was accompanied by homemade spicy potatoes, green olives, and pickles, enriching the overall composition. It was a menu item that provided ample satisfaction for a meal. The Mediterranean Style Potatoes were crispy fried potatoes topped with Feta Cheese, Oregano, and olive oil, making them nutty yet light. It may seem simple, but the way each ingredient harmonized naturally created a pleasant taste experience. The Yogurt & Cucumber Dip was perfect for dipping with the provided Pita Bread, adding a refreshing and cool flavor that lightened the overall meal flow.
For dessert, we enjoyed Baklava and Rice Pudding together. The Baklava was made by layering thin phyllo dough with finely chopped walnuts inside, baked and lightly drizzled with syrup, creating a sweet yet nutty flavor that was impressive. The pistachios on top added texture and aroma, enhancing the overall taste. The Rice Pudding had a soft and creamy texture, with cinnamon powder and pistachios sprinkled on top, combining subtle fragrance and nuttiness. Overall, it had a moderate sweetness that was easy to enjoy, and both desserts provided a natural conclusion to the meal.
Green Olive
Green Olive was a place where the freshness of the ingredients was felt, yet it offered a light and enjoyable overall composition. The generous portions were impressive without being overwhelming, and the balance was well-maintained from the mains to the sides and desserts. How about visiting this place when you want to enjoy casual Mediterranean food in Downey?
