We had a really wonderful meal here! Lots of creative options on the menu and they gave us helpful suggestions when we asked which things were gluten free. We loved the kebab, lentil salad, shrimp, and the accompaniments. It's worth a visit just for the lemoncello gelato! It's out of this world. Paul the proprietor was gracious and welcoming. read more

Delicious! Definitely worth a visit. The food options in this area can be tough but this restaurant was a standout. Will be visiting again!

Service was great. Food was wonderful too. But let me talk about the water! I've never had such good tasting water in a restaurant-ever! I know it's not much but when you're used to nasty or lemony water this is a treat! Love it read more

Mediocre Mediterranean food at best. I had the Kibbeh as an appetizer and the Adana Kebab wrap for lunch... neither were very flavorful. I asked for chili peppers or flakes or anything to spice it up and was brought regular salt and pepper shakers. The food wasn't bad.... Just bland. read more

This is a nice restaurant. It's comfortable and the food is very good. We just "discovered" L'Olive and will be back.

While the restaurant was well appointed and the service prompt, the willingness of the server -or perhaps policy? - on request to replace an unwanted side with another choice was met with "we don't do that". Additionally the crispy potatoes that accompanied my entree were French fries. On a high note, the beet salad was delicious. read more

Pinot noir served in an ice bucket by nice but untrained server. Never offered a taste before pouring for the male and then the female. Very healthy pours, as if trying to fill glasses. We were offered an additional pita by him, but never delivered by anyone. 3 servers working the floor and we eventually had to call each of them in order to place orders for food. I love having to wave my credit card in the air to attract attention to get the bill. I understand we were just 2 diners, but don't ignore us! Pricey, yes, 1 appetizer, 1 bottle of Pinot noir, not the vintage on the menu, but it was never exhibited by the untrained server before pouring and 2 salads. Do you expect change from your $100? You won't see much. Please train your servers how to serve wine or just sell it by the glass. Please train your servers not to hang at the bar when attention needs paid to the tables on the floor. read more

Because of my Lebanese background, I was looking forward to dinner tonight. There are so few restaurants in this area with this type of cuisine. On the positive side, the hummus, babaganoush, calamari, and octopus were excellent. Those portions were very nicely done. Mediterranean cuisine often includes grape leaves, tabouli, falafel, etc. However, L'Olive menu contained none of these. There were no sandwich selections. The bouillabaisse was a very small serving, with hardly any shrimp or scallops contained within. Often I have had clams and mussels included in the bouillabaisse, but not tonight.. Prices were on the high side. Each entree Included rice containing bulgur wheat and was not very good. Not a classic rice as in some other Mediterranean restaurants. Most entrees were priced $24-26. Nothing else included. One of the desserts was $16. We didn't order it having been disappointed with the adama kabob. Very little seasoning at all, just another piece of beef. Same with the chicken--nothing to distinguish a Mediterranean taste. We asked for some olives and feta on the side. They said they didn't offer that. The pita bread was fresh and plentiful. The Sarasota and Charlotte County area have few Mediterranean restaurants. This place could be a gold mine. I would like to see them improve their menu offerings and prices. To be fair, every table was filled tonight. Whether they return is the question the owner may want to think about. read more

Great food. Very Mediterranean authentic. Service attentive. Good wines. Lunch and dinner menus.

Nice quiet Mediterranean restaurant with a definite European flavor. Tuna was cooked just right. Lentil soup was delicious. The service is excellent. read more

L'Olive - Fresh tuna - Mediterranean Near Me - Venice, Florida

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I was very excited to try this restaurant as I read the review in the paper that this is the chef from fins. Unfortunately I was not as excited when I left. We made a reservation on a Thursday night for 7 PM we were seated promptly the decor is very nice it's comfortable it's spacious even though it is a small space. you never felt As if you were a part of the next table. The recommended appetizer from the reviews was that grilled octopus and that was outstanding it was grilled perfectly had a nice chew on it and the sauces that complemented it were very well done. Beyond that there were no highlights. The service was Terribly lacking our server, I don't know her name she never introduced her self , she was brusque she was abrupt she did not know the menu could not help us with any questions we had she mumbled displeasure under her breath. She Was not happy with me when I didn't want to drink my wine from a glass that had the rim of a mason jar, and offered to pour my glass of red wine into my glass that had remnants of a white wine in it .. which is absurd. If you are going to serve wine and wine by the bottle your servers should understand wine service. it was a very unpleasant service experience. The bouillabaisse broth was excellent the contents were severely lacking. The shrimp in the pasta had a weird texture, but the pistachio pesto was good. The Turkish beef kebab was stringy and over cooked. When we asked our server about this dish she was unable to help us with any description she just said read it it says it's Turkish beef.. that's all I can tell you I don't know any more. If you're going to have poor service your food better be outstanding if your food is not outstanding you better have stellar service if you can't do either than I don't think that this is a place I would come to again. This is easily $100 a person restaurant and I really hope that they improve as I know this is an important endeavor for this chef. read more

L'Olive - Menu L'Olive - Mediterranean Near Me - Venice, Florida

The best Greek/Mediterranean in Venice. Just go try it you won't be disappointed. Menu has lots of interesting/traditional options and is executed well for this area which typically has terrible Greek. It's a step up for sure! read more

The worst service I've ever had. The waiter with the shaved head was rude and arrogant and not pleasant at all. Didn't check on us once to see if we needed anything( yet was on his phone behind the bar for 30 min doing nothing). There were 3 other tables and two servers...literally NO EXCUSE for the service we had. ALSO the food was dry and not good at all. They need to lose the attitude...they are in a strip mall in Venice...they act like they are working on Rodeo Drive lol read more

FANTASTIC food, unlike any other in the South Venice area. The menu is full of unique dishes and preparations. The service is very personalized and you never feel rushed. The spacing of the tables inside allows for conversation that doesn't have to be overhead or disturbing to other patrons. My family has dined here multiple times and every one of them has found a delicious dish to enjoy and always asks when we will go back for another enjoyable dinner! read more

We stumbled on this place today and were really happy we did. They have some growing pains regarding service, but the food didn't disappoint. We had a sampler of spreads a couple entrees and enjoyed them all. But, I'm really happy we chose to stay for dessert. The Turkish baklava and pistachio gelato are enough to bring us back! read more

Great Mediterranean food! My husband and I had dinner Saturday 5/20. Very cute restaurant! Ambiance wonderful! Service was amazing! The menu is excellent and it was hard to choose what to get! For our appetizers we chose the dolmas and fried goat cheese in pastry! Delish! For our main course I had the chicken shiskkabab and my husband had the lamb shiskabob! Both were great and there were no leftovers to take home! Dishes were served in a timely manner! A wonderful date night!!!! read more

Ordered a delivery of gyros and a fancy beet salad. The meat of the gyros was delicious, we think the pita might have been very good, and the accompanying fries died in transit. The order was delivered by GrubHub (now UberEats) but instead of in the promised 35 minutes minimum, it arrived 90 minutes later in sad shape. I feel the restaurant took a bad hit by poor delivery service which caused for a lackluster meal experience especially when L'Olive is only 3 miles away. I have heard this restaurant is a good establishment and look forward to another try to let them prove it. read more

Food was very good, waiter was very good, the restaurant looked very clean, my one problem is serving over priced Cokes by the can, cost too much with NO REFILLS read more

Great food and now they serve lunch. Restaurant is decorated nicely. The octopus appetizer is tasty and the kofta is great.

Fresh ingredients freshly prepared. Service is exceptional. Something for everyone from menu. Love to go there for special occasions. Cloth table covers and napkins and great ambiance. Babaganoush is so flavorful. Great restaurant that's not a chain! read more

food was good but not great but felt like it was a little pricey for what I received.

L'Olive has a warm feel to it and we were warmly greeted by our server, Gem. Started with the cheese straws served with tzatziki and the mussels with green olives and capers. For our entrees, we chose branzino and the grilled meat plates which was served with couscous and broccollini. The food was flavorful and delicious and the service was very attentive. Please give them a try, wonderful experience. read more

This is truly a "hidden gem" in a Winn-Dixie shopping center. It's a cute small restaurant well decorated including white table cloths. The entire staff is efficient, friendly and helpful. The chef/owner Ishmael visits the diners and our waiter Omar did a fine job. Hostess Patty was fun to get to know. Our friends had the Swordfish which they are still talking about and we had the beef filet en brochettes which were a very generous portions. We will return... read more

Very clean and refreshing atmosphere. Bright and chic decor. Comfortable. Felt Mediterranean. Excellent food. One small negative: I ordered two glasses of the Italian red cab wine....I liked the red cab and asked to see the bottle because It was surprisingly good. They showed me a Chilean cab bottle . ?? When I questioned the servers, they said it's the same ?? There's no Chilean Cab on the red wine menu. ?? I'll be back but may ask to see the bottle before ordering a glass. read more

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We are in Venice for the first time, and wanted Mediterranean cuisine. So glad we dined at L'Olive. The food is delicious, on par with yummy Turkish food we have annually when we travel to Istanbul for vacation. Ismail, the restaurant owner, is incredibly nice and an excellent Chef. We plan on returning the next time we visit Venice from Sarasota. read more

Great food, good atmosphere, the wait staff is efficient and considerate. Love the tablecloths.

Excellent food. Pita and Falafel and Turkish coffee. All perfect and delicious. Nice atmosphere for lunch.

A little corner hideaway in a shopping center local favorite food is fantastic! Spanish octopus is on point, lamb kebabs are cooked to perfection, and the Gyro is something really special highly recommend. read more

this place when you first walk in looks amazing and we were welcomed in instantly, the service, appetizer, and food was incredible. Ide recommend this anyday, the i got the salmon and lamb chops and they were insane, would eat here 10 times over read more

Great food and the best service we have had since we came to Florida. The lamb kabobs were delicious

Outstanding service! Excellent flavors. Tasty vegan options.. The falafel, eggplant, and lentil soup were delicious. Definitely recommend.. Thank you much! read more

We rarely write reviews, but after visiting this restaurant for the 3rd time in December of 2021 it would be selfish to keep this as the best kept secret for Mediterranean food in Venice, Florida. Outstandingly pleasant and satisfying dining experience! read more

Excellent food, probably one of the best in the area. Wild mushroom ravioli was amazing.

$50 for lunch for 2 people with one warm app and one entree and 2 ice teas. One order was delivered no follow up on refills or water or iced tea. Food was good but service was weak and prices were over the top for a lunch menu. Many other local joint that are more reasonable and the food is better. Located in a strip center nothing special. read more

This is a great little restaurant that opened a month ago. We've been there twice and both meals were absolutely delicious! Laura, our server, is friendly and very helpful. They offer an olive tapenade spread that is amazing! Try the lamb chops! Delicious! We'll be back often. read more

Absolutely one of the Best Mediterranean- Turkish restaurants in Sarasota County. The service was 5 Stars. So friendly and over the top accommodating. We ordered the Htipiti (roasted red peppers, feta and spices) Excellent. Also the Grilled Octopus was so tender and tasty. We also ordered the Platter with Grilled Lamb Chops (to die for!, I thought my husband made the best, but they topped him) It came with greek meatball, chicken and rice. Excellent. We look forward to going back. read more

Service was stupendous. Food is so fresh and the restaurant clean and bright . It's a nice place and very delicious

We were looking for authentic Mediterranean food while on vacation and this was the worst experience. First off the attitude is ridiculous when we walked in lol. It's in a strip mall next to a Win Dixie supermarket. The service was awful, they brought a combo appetizer of spreads without pita? Then the main course was Chicken Shawarma, the chicken was so dry it literally tasted like saw dust.. horrible. The server, guy with shaved head, never checked on us once, but he had plenty of time to play on his phone while we sat waiting. Skip this place, the food is really bad and the service is a joke . read more

Best swordfish puttanesca i have ever had. Perfectly done from first bite to last. Chef Ismail's inspirations takes classic ingredients, infuses them with passion and skill, then artistically presents them for a memorable repeatable experience. Don't miss the Salted Dark Chocolate for desert! Made follow up reservations before leaving. I can't wait to return! read more

Excellent Mediterranean food. Nice staff. Lovely atmosphere with white tablecloths.