Easily now my favorite, quaint place closest to my home. Indoor is very rustic and cute, well decorated. Some outdoor seating outside. Friday brunch also had 5$ all day sangria, in either red or white. Our waiter was rather gruff, and seemed a bit annoyed at our table. We were meeting friends and totally immersed in our conversation. They had a special June 1 brunch menu, and I ordered the poached egged in spicy tomato sauce, very much like a shashuka dish. Tomato sauce was not spicy, but very rich and with a chunky tomato sauce. Dish came with garlic and cheese crostinis. I also ordered a side of lamb sausage. Crostini was amazing, super flavorful and excellent when dipped in the tomato sauce. Lamb sausage had a very gamey lamb taste, also amazing. Beautiful food, well made, will definitely come back. read more

We drove past this restaurant a few times and have always wanted to dine here. Food was alright, but extremely disappointed with service. Our servers had never once checked on us, we were transitioned over to our new server and left stranded on our table with our unknown server standing around for the longest time, staffs have attitude issues, bus boys dressed inappropriately walking and lounging at dining hall, staffs were talking and laughing loudly, and definitely no manager was present. Will not go back. Experience was back in June 2021, the place is still crowded every time we drove by. read more

Olea - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came here for Saturday brunch with a group of 6 for a birthday, and got to try so many of the smaller plates! Our whole group loved everything they tried and everyone left happy. For the dip trio: we tried the beetroot dip, hummus, and roasted red pepper dip. I'm not a big beet person but the beetroot was our table favorite! Definitely recommend trying it out. The pita was also perfectly light and fluffy. If you like spice you haaaaave to try the cheesy stuffed peppers. They're phenomenal and have the perfect kick without being super spicy. Will definitely be back just for these. The other small plates we tried were the Brussels sprouts, halloumi, and falafel fried artichokes. My favorite was the artichokes because they were so unique and the falafel coating on top really made for a great blend of flavors. We also split the Greek French toast which came with 3 big pieces that we easily cut into halves. Definitely not a traditional French toast in that it's much more subtly sweet (which I preferred) and the tahini syrup was a delicious accompaniment. Will definitely be back bc this place has something for everyone! read more

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Awesome tapas! A friend and I easily got a walk-in on a weekday night around 6:30, though it did fill up quickly right as we sat down. We shared: + almond stuffed bacon wrapped dates + patatas bravas + goat cheese croquettes + another dish that I unfortunately can't remember the name of + lamb kefteddes + side of cauliflower purée + almond cake Everything was delicious, with the highlights being the meatballs, patatas bravas and goat cheese. Only disappointment was the dessert, which I found a little dry. Awesome experience overall! read more

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We enjoyed our very first post COVID-19 al fresco restaurant meal at Olea for a late lunch on 6/26/20 and it was great! We preferred the red sangria to the white, but both were yummy and refreshing. We started with the delicious fried Brussel Sprouts and Spicy Feta Dip, which were perfect on a warm afternoon. And I really loved the bright herby flavors of my Summer Corn & Vegetable Salad. They've done a great job of setting up tables along tree-lined Adelphi St. with potted plants around the perimeter, flowers on the tables, and fresh & clean brown paper table coverings. Each staff member we interacted with was friendly, masked, and careful about being as safe as possible. We'll be back again soon! read more

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When to Olea on a Saturday morning some time around 11am, for brunch. I did not make a reservation so when I arrived, I had to wait for about 30mins. Even though it was early, the place was already packed. Their food was good. I'd give it a 4.5stars if I could, not sure it is a 5star place. The food was good but not memorable, just average. The shishito peppers were lacking some flavor (to my taste) and the Bloody Mary was just ok. I think the only item from my meal that I found memorable, was their honey spread- lol. That thing was pretty yummy. Service was very good. Everyone was just so friendly and hospitable. I would like to come back just to try their dinner options and see if the food experience is better. read more

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I keep finding myself in Fort Greene these days! Though there really isn't much to be said about the food scene in this area, there are a few bright spots that make the trip here worthwhile. I've passed by Olea a number of times and it always seems to be bursting at the seems with good smells and good vibes. Though it's more known for being a brunch destination, Olea is a viable option at any time of day. You should always be prepared to wait (no reservations and you need to hang outside of the restaurant to listen for your name), but I strongly advise you do. Our time here was fabulous from our first interaction with the host to the last bites of our meal. And everything in between. Olea is a true neighborhood gem. A versatile spot, you can make this work for just about any occasions: dinner with friends, a date, family in town, Sunday brunch--all fair game. Came here with the parents and the bf on a Sunday evening, around 7pm. It was Mother's Day, so naturally the place was buzzing with energy. The wonderful and very accommodating host handed us a modest 25-30 minute wait and given we had just seen a marathon of a play at BAM (3.5 hours with very little leg room even for the best of shows is a grueling experience), getting a little standing time in was no biggie. Walking inside, it's already pretty evident why Olea is so highly trafficked. It is just so darn cute. Warm, dark, intimate but inviting. Great energy. Our waitress picked off where the host left off--accommodating, attentive and very helpful. There's a lack of pretense here that I just love. Whoever you're with, you feel like you can just relax and do you. Alright, now for what you really care about: drinks and food. Olea does have a cocktail menu, but it's lackluster. We each tried a different cocktail and none were impressive. I got the limoncello Collins which tasted a bit watered down. The sangria, on the other hand, is something else. The white wine/mango sangria here is magic and seriously dangerous. You absolutely must order it, but be careful. The red wine sangria, though not as mind-blowing, was very yummy as well. The wines I tried throughout the night were solid across the board, so I'd say stick with that part of the menu. Food-wise, tapas-style is the way to go. Two-three/person as is typical with shared plates. A beautiful variety of Mediterranean dishes here--some warm and fuzzy classics and some more innovative items too. And extra props for the number of gluten-free and vegan options offered here. We enjoyed everything we ordered and left satisfied. Eats, below: 'Flash-Fried' Brussels Sprouts w/ honey, lemon, crushed red pepper: A Got the sweet, got the citrus, got the spicy and got the texture. Hard to go wrong with this flavor combination. The fry is light, so they're just nicely crispy. Grilled Sangria-Marinated Steak w/ parsley & sherry vinegar-pickled red onions: A Loved the marinade, simple and rich. Flavorful and well-executed. Spanish "Gambas" - olive oil, garlic, chili pepper, parsley: A Simple preparation and well-executed. Light, fresh, tasty. Creamy Green Pea Dip w/ Sesame Za'atar Olive Oil: A One of the nightly specials *and* and vegan offering. Creamy, delicious, rich. They bring both pita and endive leaves if you ask, which I took advantage of. Too much gluten ain't good on my tummy. Grilled Asparagus w/ almond romesco, grilled lemon: A Another one of the nightly specials. simply grilled asparagus but well-seasoned and incredibly flavorful sauce/dip on the side. Falafel-crusted Artichoke Hearts w/ sweet and sour Turkish eggplant salad, tahini-lemon sauce: A Fun/unique preparation here. The bf hates artichokes and even he liked this one. Flavors went very nicely together and the eggplant salad was a worthy accompaniment (and I don't even like eggplant much!). As was the case throughout the night, the dipping sauce was on point. Mediterranean dipping sauces are hard to beat, at least for my palette. Lamb Kefteddes (meatballs) w/ tomato sauce, spicy whipped feta, mint: A Great execution of a great classic. Hearty and warming, simple and rich. Large Main Mussels steamed w/ white wine calabrian chili aioli, scallions, garlic: A Another nightly special. Creative mussels preparation that turned out quite well. I can be picky when it comes to mussels and am particularly sensitive when the sauce/broth is too overpowering, so I was happy to find that the broth composition here was incredibly flavorful and complex yet managed to complement and elevate the mussels at the same time. Olea Vegetable Salad (spinach w/ yogurt-parmesan-garlic dressing, Brussels sprouts, blanched broccoli rabe, peas, leeks, red and green peppers, radishes, red onion, black olives, croutons): A- This was the last dish we ordered and while a good-sized salad with lots of fun ingredients, it went pretty much unnoticed and untouched by all. I liked it okay, but not as standout as the others. read more

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We went for a really delicious Sunday brunch, and were not disappointed. From the standard menu we got Green Eggs and Lamb as well as their sweet French Toast (they have a savory one as well). We also got the special of the day, Spanish Poutine. All three of us loved our respective dishes, the Merguez sausage in Green Eggs and Lamb was very good and complimented the eggs well. The french toast was a very good french toast, it was the only standard fare brunch dish we ordered, and it was great for what it was. The spanish poutine was a really fantastic take, with their special gravy and crispy chorizo slices being a nice improvement on the classic. We didn't get any cocktails this time as we had a long day ahead of us, but we'll definitely be back for that full brunch experience later. read more

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I really enjoyed the chicken with cauliflower puree and artichokes--the meal was delightful. Also, Olea has a really nice ambiance, I would definitely visit again. My only complaint is the portion sized, the entrees were really small, my friend and I went to another restaurant after. read more

Olea - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This was my first time at Olea. Incredible experience. Dinner was delicious. We ordered many tapas and shared. Highly recommend the vegan chocolate cake. Great experience because the menu included options for many different dietary restrictions. Great service from Sarah and Matthew. We will return! read more

I was in from out of town and visiting my bestie when we decided to have dinner here Sunday night. The waitlist texting was very convenient and we had a nice stroll while waiting for our table. Hostess was super cool and friendly- she sat us outside at the perfect table! Natalie was our server and she was attentive and great. The busser Edon also chatted with us and was super cool. I really felt like they had a great team working as the food runner was also friendly and efficient. The food was BANGIN!!! We got the mushrooms for an app, my friend got the eggs in purgatory (SO DARN GOOD) and I got the veggie burger which was the best seasoned impossible burger I've EVER HAD. We were so pleased that they had a cool non-alcohol beverage available in the pomegranate lemonade. Perfect ambience, service and food- way to go Olea! read more

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The first time I tried to come here was a weekday and the wait was an hour and a half. So we tried again another day and showed up earlier at 5:30pm. We sat inside, right after indoor seating was opened up in the city. They also have outdoor seating, but it's always a wait with nice weather. We ordered the Brussels sprouts appetizer, which was yummy, soft, and crunchy. Then we both ordered the orecchiette because we're unoriginal and it sounded good. It ended up being cooked well, but was pretty salty. I know the sausage is salty to begin with, but this clearly had a few extra unnecessary pinches of salt thrown in. Not the worst thing I've had but definitely could have been dialed down. They took temps at the door and wore masks. Overall a fine dining experience. They do have an extensive menu, which is nice! read more

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Very diverse menu, not your typical Israeli or green restaraunt but rather a combination of several Mediterranean cuisines. Everything we got was great, the chicken melted in your mouth but the farro salad was my favorite ! read more

I should have known something odd happened to this place when the interiors were unusually empty on a weekend evening. I'm mortified by the way I was treated in my former hood restaurant. I've been going to Olea for 15 years. Albeit I haven't been there during the pandemics, it always felt like home to me - I celebrated important moments of my life there. When I got there today, I shared with the first server I was feeling * dehydrated * and like I was about to faint and asked * please * for bottled water asap. I'm a person who faints easily, and of course I count on others to be human when I tell them I feel weak and dehydrated. Not only the server didn't care to rush water to me, she took her time pouring water to at least a couple of dozen patrons before me. I complained to other staff and they all started to treat me poorly. The first server obviously bad-mouthed me to other servers because it all went downhill - I was utterly mistreated every step of the way. Seriously? Is that how you treat someone who gets there and asks for help... and water? After our first plate, manager came up - I thought he was going to tell me he's sorry about the bad service we received throughout - but he asked me... to leave (???) I told him how the service was poor, mentioned I've been coming there for 15 years and the service didn't seem to be good anymore - he then said he didn't recognize me. Say what??? I sincerely don't understand what happened to this formerly beloved hood place - not only the staff treated me inhumanly and the manager was utterly unfair - but the food they served was salty and horrid, the wine seemed to be of low quality compared to what I used to have there... the whole serving situation was odd for a place that seemed half empty - they don't even put a serving spoon on plates if you tell them you're going to share the meals ordered. Apparently you're supposed to fork stuff from shared plates with your own cutlery... is that a new millennial thing? Looks pretty savage to me, but perhaps I'm being old-fashioned here. This place used to be lovely and had great food and great staff - something happened along the pandemics that killed whatever goodness it had. My companion was a lawyer and he was equality mortified by the whole imbroglio. He told me I did nothing wrong and they made a huge deal out of nothing. I understand the new staff is young and seemed clueless about being human to patrons, but the manager that has been there for "12 years" ganging up on me without even asking for my side? Guess the customer is always wrong here, even though they seem to have whiny uncaring clueless millennials as servers now. Possibly the worst experience I ever had with a restaurant. Not only I'm dismayed, I'm shocked and disappointed to learn that my hood place is no longer. My heart is semi-broken but I'll get over it as I don't need heartless service and bad salty food. Shame on them, and shame mostly on the lack of humanity they displayed. No business lasts forever and they're obviously on their way down. Expect a complaint with the BBB and I'll be happy to leave bad reviews in every single site I see them. EDIT: The owner is simply lying below, to save face. He is parroting the day manager who was clueless about the facts - note said manager is repeatedly criticized here on yelp. There was absolutely no "racially charged" exchange whatsoever. I just described to the manager the staff person who harassed me when I asked for water -- who happened to be a minority, as I am! Server was uncaring, hates their job, does it correctly and then blames others for non-existing events! There was ZERO "disrupting other guests" - what a lie! Manager came to HARRASS me, I gesticulated and dropped BY MISTAKE my glass of wine which by the nature of the small space was close to another table. Unnerving! The fact is they mistreated someone about to faint and imploring for water, were heartless and utterly uncaring - specially that first server. I am not sure how someone can treat a guest so callously and inhumanly, and then have the rest of the staff stand behind her and gang up on a guest. The host (only nice person there) explained later: "we stand by each other ya know?" -- yea they do. They stand together in condoning bad behavior to guests so to save their own jobs. Please check the HEALTH DEPARTMENT LINK on this very page mentioning their UNSANITARY food preparation, and "PENDING GRADE". Anyone can spit in the food being prepared while in line for the washroom... genius? Goes well with the inhumane mistreatment of guests. Guess the owner won't comment on the unsanitary food prep... as he protects bad behaviors from his staff too. I urged to pay for horrid salad, they didn't let me. Not sure why the owner is mentioning they told me not to pay. Big deal? Shame on you for lying to save face instead of excusing your staff inhumanity. This place became a horror story, STAY AWAY! read more

These folks have their sh*t together. Friendly, professional service is what sets them apart. Kudos, too, for the abundance of rainbow flags, even rainbow "heart" stickers worn by the staff. Now, at first I thought the woman who greeted me was being short with me - nope. They were extremely busy, and burdened with the whining of needy customers. One bemoaned the fact that they had no public restroom (the City's DOH did that), another pair demanded to know why the menu had "changed." I wanted to throw my drink at them (the place's seating had been reduced to outdoor only, so how could they keep daily-fresh provisions from spoiling if they had a full menu? Their approach to outdoor dining was brilliant. In fact, beside the LGBTQ support, the loveliness of their outdoor arrangement was a harbinger of a commitment to excellence. Gorgeous wooden boxes formed the barrier between us and the street. The boxes held brilliantly-colored, eclectic live plants. I was especially delighted by a dwarf sunflower plant that I offered to buy - but was not for sale. The deviled eggs with harissa, tahini and spices were arguably the best I'd ever eaten in my life. I needed a buffer for booze - I'd ordered a Bourbon Manhattan (left it up to them - they served Bulleit with good vermouth used with an even hand, garnished with a burnt orange peel. It was delicious). I couldn't resist the simply-described pickled cauliflower as a foil for the rich eggs. The pickling brine/vinegar included beet juice, which added a vibrant, appealing color and a divine flavor that evoked late summertime garden treats. The (vegetarian) corn salad was so substantial I asked them to pack it in a box and that I'd save them the dishes. They did box it up but a helper bagged it, too, and dropped it unceremoniously at the table. It was flavorful, when I ate it standing up in my kitchen hours later. The chef here has a way with seasonings that impelled me to re-think my "less is more - except for garam masala" philosophy about spices. Prices were reasonable - right in line with the very costly investment they made in the seating comfort and food quality as well. The place is what we always search out, a good value. Now if I could be as spare with my run-on sentences as they are with unnecessary costs! My meal, and four cocktails, didn't bust $100 even after tax and a 35% tip. I realized that although it was early, the wait line was growing - and I was occupying prime al fresco real estate. So I decided to forego my usual cup of coffee. I regret that. Any place that is so committed to attention to detail would surely produce a cuppa joe that I'd drink black. But here's the good news: I plan to return, soon. Yes, it's in the land now occupied by Williamsburg refugees. They let their dogs crap everywhere. They wield SUV-sized strollers despite the fact that their precious toddlers walk along aside them, screaming about a lollipop or ice cream cone that was withheld - or devoured by the family's untrained, yet purebred pet dog. Olea is an oasis in the entitled land of horrors I described hereinabove. Go here. It's worth it. PS: parking was a breeze. I was concerned about that because I had valuables in the car. A single extra trip around the block (an adventure because many of the streets are one-way) revealed a spot. read more

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This place is fantastic. Wonderful food, consistently great servers and staff, helpful and accommodating when trying to make reservations. I come here a lot with different groups of friends and everyone loves it. It has something for everyone, especially a lot of things that are vegan or can be made vegan (thank you!). They have a solid menu of old favorites and specials that are always worth trying. Nice atmosphere inside and plenty of outdoor seating. read more

Great food and lovely service! I had the Brussels, Tzatziki with Pita and braised chicken. 10/10 Thank you Flavio for great service!! read more

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Cute restaurant with great, spacious outdoor seating, relaxed vibe, and amazing food! The chicken shawarma sliders were super flavorful and cooked to perfection. Summer salad was very refreshing and also packed with flavor. Will definitely be back to try more dishes! read more

Everything is full of flavor and great price. Really nice atmosphere. The summer salad was so good.

Gosh, this place is good. Stopped by the old neighborhood for brunch as the temperate weather wanes and winter gets settled for a nice long stay. The green environment, the Mediterranean medley of spices, and the homey intersection of one ways with bike lanes right across from bishop loughlin make me feel like Brooklyn whenever I come back to this spot. None of the fuss of reservations, just food that rewards you for your patience. The inside is great when open, but I hope the winter cabbage and space heater outdoors will be a mainstay for the foreseeable future. Now stop reading and get your boo some brunch already read more

Olea - (Seafood) Paella de Mariscos Green Eggs & Lamb Patatas Bravas - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Every time I come here, there's always a wait and the food is always fantastic...coincidence? This is a classic Brooklyn Mediterranean spot and it really doesn't disappoint. The flavors are always fresh, interesting and well blended. Come here with a friend or SO, order a bottle of wine and relax. FYI portions here are average to small, so don't depend on appetizers (like I sometimes do) to fill you up. read more

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Ok we're here in Fort Greene and have been told this place is great! We in out of the cold and the place is packed. But the wait is just 5 minutes because someone has just fortunately cancelled! We're seated in a sunny window table. This place is cozy and very hip. A really cool vibe a millennial stronghold with beautiful people! I'm the only baby boomer in the place. No one above the age of 35. The waiter comes right over and I ask for prosecco, but cava is what they have so cava it is!! I order some scrambled eggs and my son has ordered the Spanish omelette. We're starving. Ok the food has arrived and we are eating like animals This is a great spot and highly recommend it!! read more

Went for an early brunch. Very few people were there. Sat down inside. There were a lot of flies. Table was filthy - menus sticky, lipstick on the glass, old food stuck to a spoon. Ordered drinks. The longer I sat there the more and more I felt grossed out. The waiter had on a dirty apron and looked like he hadn't showered in awhile. I said I'll just be paying for the drinks they said this was the second time this happened that day and they just opened. I took the opportunity to point out the flies, the dirty table - he walked away laughing. This place used to be so good many many years ago. Used to be cute. Now it turned into a smelly dirty old hole in the wall I would never try to go back. This place has aged terribly. read more

Great spot with outdoor seating on a street corner. Vegetarian and vegan options abound! We got the Roasted Beet Skordalia ($7) with grilled pita to share. The dip was delicious though I've made beet dips at home before and it's not hard to make them good. I got the Whole-Grain Farro Pasta ($19) and it was a great mix of greens with pesto. It was light on cheese but I actually think it wasn't too heavy as a result. The garlic chips were the best part about it though, yumm! This dish is also veganizable although I didn't realize that til after I already ordered! I've gotten the vegan paella here before too and it was to die for! For drinks, I got the apple cider with whisky & cinnamon ($12). It was so cozy and warm, not too sweet. Perfect for a chilly autumn night. COVID times assessment: The seating situation on the sidewalk can get a bit cluttered especially if there are people standing around waiting for a spot. They do not take reservations so the crowd can get big. It'd be a better dining experience if you're able to snag a seat on their side street, away from the sidewalk. Everyone was wearing masks though. I hope they add some lighting to the tables for dinner time though because once the sun sets, it's really hard to see what food you're eating. read more

Cute tapas bar in the middle of Fort Greene. Vibes really take you to the heart of the Mediterranean, lively and friendly but still plenty chill for a relaxing brunch. Food was pretty solid but I was expecting a bit more. Ricotta was served with a super salty, savory bacon topping which balanced out well with the pockets of pita bread provided although don't get too much topping in a bite it's a bit much on its own. Romesco sauce was also pretty good, maybe wished there were some more roasty notes coming through but it was bright and nutty. Brussel sprouts were really well seasoned, sweet and bright with honey and lemon. Patatas bravas was a bit disappointing, potatoes weren't nearly as crispy as I would like and the sauce was underwhelming in flavor intensity and body. Honestly wished it had double the thickness and flavor. Split pea soup was pretty good, very vegetal and "springy". Honestly a solid restaurant, there just wasn't anything I had that wowed me. read more

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Very good food..make sure to def make a reservation as there is always a ton of ppl for brunch but worth the wait...lamb hash or the brisket sandwich are a must read more

I love Olea because your brunch can be as healthy or unhealthy as you want. We tried to split the difference. My friend and I were reasonably hungry and decided to just do a bunch of small-ish plates. Stated out with one of their specials - a summer salad with a ton of tomatoes, corn, and feta. It was extremely refreshing. We also did fried green olives (never had it before!), which tasted exactly like what they sound like. Very good, especially with the tzatsiki and harissa sauce. Lastly, we got the romesco dip that came with some delicious pita bread. So fresh and healthy tasting. Loved the whole vibe of the place. The place was surprisingly full on a weekday for brunch, so get there early! read more

Located in beautiful neighborhood with nice outdoor and Indoor seating. We did not make any reservation and were immediately seated for brunch on our arrival at 10 AM. The outside patio filled up pretty quickly after. The service is quick and we loved our host. He was able to elaborate on the menu and make great suggestions. We ordered yummy mango sangria to start with. Then the Romesco dip, it comes with a side of freshly made pitas. The dip was delicious with nice aroma of roasted pepper. We ordered a Greek French toast, delicious sesame covered toast is served with a side of honey flavored Tahini sauce, yummy! The falafel crusted artichoke was tasty. I will definitely come back. read more

Olea - GreeK French toast - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Some of the BEST food I've ever put in my mouth has been here! Stumbled upon this place and have returned 3 times since! Consistent tasty food, great vibe and staff is excellent! Highly recommend, I'd travel far and pay a cute coin to dine at a place like this! read more

Lovely place off-peak, all of the food was great. The Spanish pitza's garlic chips made it great. Crab sandwich was good, great soft bun. Polenta dominated by butter flavor but nice to try. Great spot in the area, can see why it's popular. read more

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As far as brunch experiences go, Olea is so far the best experience I have ever had in Brooklyn. While admittedly there is a "prisoner-of-the-moment" element to that statement, it is hard to recall a brunch spot that packs as much sensory pleasure. The food and service is absolutely divine, and I would rank the Lamb Hash and Bloody Mary to be the among the most delicious drink/entree combo ever. The lamb is just packed with flavor and the Bloody Mary is perfectly spiced up. The restaurant is also strategically located in a green neighborhood and provides a very relaxing ambiance with its Mediterranean themed aesthetic despite it being such a busy establishment. Olea is also an ideal spot for dinner dates and happy hour as well. When you check so many boxes, it is hard to not give Olea the highest of praise and call it one of the very best. It is true brunch destination, and if I ever move to Fort Greene, I'd definite call Olea one of the attractions! read more

Olea - Lamb Hash - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Had a lovely Friday lunch/brunch at Olea! Their eggs and polenta is a MUST, super yummy and filling with a nice light side salad. Also really really enjoyed the brussel sprouts, they're fried and a little charred with a sweet slightly spicy drizzle, incredible! Our server was super lovely and friendly. Can't speak to their drinks but had a latte that wasn't bad. The inside is on the smaller side so room is a little tight but all in all an enjoyable experience. read more

Made a reservation for brunch on a Saturday afternoon with a friend. Small, local, spot with cozy vibes. Great, attentive service. We started with the dips, which were all delicious, but the spicy feta was the standout. They certainly don't skimp on pita here. We followed the dips with the Olea breakfast which comes with a scramble, salad, eggplant, tzatziki, a honey tahini spread... and even more pita. I wasn't crazy about the eggplant, and neither was my friend, but everything else was very good. Great spot for a casual brunch. read more

Olea - Olea breakfast - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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One of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn. Come in for their happy hour and stay for dinner. Food is always fresh. Tried the branzino for the first time and it was simply prepared and tasty. I never have enough room for dessert, so I can't comment on that. Staff is very attentive read more

Olea - Branzino, halloumi, calamari, and orchiette pasta - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We made a reservation ahead of time, which was a good call because it was pretty busy for a Thursday night. They were good about keeping our table reserved, so we got to sit down right away when we got there. We got 3 appetizers and one entree for 3 people and it was a good amount of food. My favorite was definitely the chicken empanadillas. The crust was crunchy and doughy. The filling inside had chicken and eggplant. If you don't like eggplant, that's okay because this dish doesn't have a strong eggplant flavor. The filling blended together well with the spices and paired well with the crust. The Halloumi cheese came with a tomato basil sauce. The sauce had a little bit of a kick, so complimented the cheese really well. The cheese wasn't a gooey or stringy texture. It was more like a chewy block of cheese. The Greek Chicken Platter was a perfect item to share. Even though the sides are normal veggies like cucumber, tomato, and red onions, they balanced out the taste of the chicken and beans. I thought the falafel crusted artichoke was just average. The falafel was a little bit hard and overall it didn't have a strong artichoke flavor. The eggplant on the bottom of this dish was a little bit mushy, but the sauce it came with added a good kick of spice and flavor. Our total came out to be $65 without tip. I thought the price was good for all the food we got. read more

Olea - Tapas Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Strong brunch game. Indoor is really funky and outdoor seating has nice ambiance. Classic Mediterranean cocktails and wines. Very relaxed. Nicely priced too. Great neighborhood spot! read more

This is one of my favorite spots in the area. Inside is well decorated and feels unique, and the outside tables are great in the warm weather. Unfortunately, it is a very small place and there is often a wait. The food here is excellent. We love to try some of the small plates and appetizers here for dinner, especially the hummus and pita, paired with the sangria. But our favorite meal to eat here is brunch. The chocolate croissants come warm so that the chocolate inside is still gooey. I also love the lamb hash. read more

Magical. Phenomenal plates for sharing, all absolutely delicious. We ordered mostly everything on the appetizer menu and each one was tastier and more beautiful than the last. Excellent service, yummy cocktails. One to return to for sure. read more

Easily some of the best food I've ever had in NYC, by far the freshest. I came here for brunch with my friend after she did yoga. We were immediately seated and as it was nice out, decided to sit outside. The vibes were really cute and what you would expect from Brooklyn. We shared the whipped yogurt with pear compote and I ordered the breakfast plate with eggs and peppers and hummus. The whipped yogurt was the best thing I have ever eaten in NYC, if it's on the menu I'd highly recommend it. It was tangy, creamy, and the poached pears were heavenly spiced with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. I have tried to recreate this at home but I have found it difficult to replicate the Greek yogurt (Olea if you're reading this please share what brand and where I can buy!!). The food came out a bit delayed but we were chatting away and it wasn't an issue for us -- I think we waited too long/were indecisive and then ordered after a large table, which was no biggie for us. I cannot wait to come back, if you are in the area, definitely go because it's a gem!! read more

COIVD update! Met a friend for snacks and drinks here last night--we dined outside--and we had a lovely, safe time. Before I detail how to have your best COVID time at Olea, it should be said that the staff, per usual, were excellent. Isabella, Ugene, and Flavio took care of us, made us laugh, and ran our hangout like a well-oiled machine. This meant my pal and I could have a proper chat and we were really grateful. Here's what to know: 1. **Wait in front of the restaurant for the host to seat you.** I arrived 15 minutes before I was to meet my pal as I didn't know what getting a table would entail. Turns out, it's super easy! 2. **Go on the early side of the evening.** We decided for a 5:30pm "snacktail". At that time only a couple of the outdoor tables tables were occupied. (Learn more about Olea's sweet outdoor set up towards the end of the review!) By 6:45pm tables were filling up. Plan your time in ways that make you feel most comfortable. 3. **Guests are invited to stay for 1.5 hrs max.** This makes sense as the joy of meeting up and eating/drinking together in a safe and cheerful environment has to be enjoyed in ways such that all who'd like to take part, can. Timed seatings make this possible. Don't take it personally. Olea is just trying to help you, me, and everyone else have our best lives. Be prepared to eat as well as drink--meaning, you can't just order a drink for outside. Your beverage must be accompanied by food. That shouldn't be a problem as Olea's food is super tasty. (I'll share what we ate at the bottom of the review.) 4. **Masks are worn at all times when interacting with staff.** For example, when being seated, when being watered, when ordering, when receiving orders, when being checked in upon. You get the drill. WEAR YOUR MASK unless you're eating/drinking. It's up to you to decide if you'll wear your mask as you're talking with your dining/drinking companion(s). No shame in #SAFETYGAME, friends. 5. **Payment is done at the table with a mobile CC machine.** This means that unless you have to use the restroom, you can enjoy being outside the whole time. We ordered cocktails--a couple of gin/soda/lemon/lime/no ice & the Myrtle Margarita, each. And for food we went with our old-time favorites-- crunchy chickpeas (with a side of Olea's stunning harissa & lemon); falafel artichoke hearts; bacon-wrapped dates; and patatas bravas. Ours was a "comfort foods hang" as we were discussing some life matters that needed a soft embrace. Believe me, discussing painful stuff is a bit easier with delicious tapas on hand. But honestly, order these tapas when you're on top of the world, too, because you deserve the very best, no matter your #feels! Finally, let's get to the very cute way that Olea does Al Fresco, via their three-sided shelter and sidewalk dining set up! Olea is known for creating a warm, welcoming, and well-appointed environment with lighting, plants, and a certain "joie de vivre". Olea's outside dining is no exception. Each table in their "shelter" has a cozy and super effective hanging pendant heater. There are enormous and lush pants in between the socially distanced tables. And, the shelter itself is festooned with tiny lights and more plantings. Think hearty annuals that persevere through the frost, strung through with fairy lights--it's pretty magical and cheerful. Just the sort of vibes you need as a pick-me-up and who doesn't right now, right??! There are also a handful of outdoor tables arranged outside of the shelter, along the sidewalk, in front of the restaurant. Each of these tables have a columnar heating element, standing sentinel, at the ready to keep you toasty as you enjoy your evening. Listen, if you are going slightly bonkers isolating and miss socializing with people get yourself to Olea--in a group, on a date, or for a hang. And, yeah, this place is still one of the sweetest spots to be a solo diner! However you end up there, please do remember that within the context of increased COVID safety hospitality protocols, all restaurants are operating with fewer tables. And that service staff are providing an essential service to you: taking care of you when you're not in your apartment. So: eat, drink, be merry and TIP WELL--meaning, tip as you'd like to be tipped :D. I promise you that it will be 1.5 hrs of your life well-spent. read more