I occasionally come to the neighborhood to visit an elderly friend, and every time I visit, I pick up take out from Olea for lunch. I have never be disappointed. The food is delicious. We had the fried green olives, the Spanish Pitza, and the lentil salad today. I picked the food up and we didn't eat for a while, and everything held up beautifully. The flavors in all of the dishes were perfectly done - nothing was overpowering - but everything was nicely seasoned, interesting, and unique. It's easy and common for places to use the same spice combinations in a range of dishes or overuse ingredients, but everything here was distinct and unique. Very, very good. I am hoping to go back with my family soon and try the brunch! read more

I have been coming to Olea since they opened. I don't live in the neighborhoohd anymore but still make it a desitnation stop. The food is never disappointing. I had the Cicken & Pork Paella yesterday and it was amazing! It was devoured by my friends right down to the crispy rice at the bottom of the cast iron pan it arrived. Oh and I had one of the best Manhattan's ever made. read more

I arrived on a hot Monday night at Olea. Waited for about 20 minutes for a table for 3. Tonya was our server and was a sweet as can be. She even took a selfie with me! The food of which we ordered plenty was delicious. We ordered Boquerones al Vinagre, Spanish 'Pitza' , Roasted Whole Mediterranean Branzino , Paella de Mariscos and shared all of it. The ambiance was lively and loud. It is a dark restaurant so bring a light to read the menu as I did. Huge menu with many options and worth a trip back. read more

service is fast and good went on friday night for spanish music and really thought the guy was ok. with a name called spanish fridays i was expecting a serious guitar show - i was expecting more singing. the guy just played guitar for hours. i guess it makes it where you can have a conversation all night which is good food is good, and we ordered the paella for 2 along with some tapas. goat cheese tapa is awesome overall a very good place for a date because of the lighting and ambience. this place might be the best I will find in NYC for authentic spanish dishes because i was very impressed with the tapas and paella. tapas are also awesome and have a lot of selection. the presentation for the dishes are nice also. you can tell they dont just throw everything together... i grew up in houston and was exposed to alot of homemade spanish food through friends and family. so if you have had homemade paella then you will notice the difference. However, this paella is probably the best i have had from a restaurant while in the USA. will go back just trying to give an honest opinion and not trying to give out 5 stars =) i recommend this if you want to hear some live spanish guitar, and eat some good spanish food. was definately worth the trip out. blue oysters on special for 1.50$ each before 6.30 on fridays. showed up at like 730 and missed the special. planning to head back a little earlier so i can hit up the oysters! read more

Great for groups who want to share little tapas style dishes and drink interesting cocktails... but the chairs are too small. I'm only 6'1 and had nowhere to put my knees. read more

Excellent food--the small plates are excellent for sharing. Our party had a lovely time. The service was inimitable, many thanks to Margaret. Would definitely recommend this restaurant. Trying to make the word limit. But yes this place is great. read more

I wish I found you sooner Olea. This place is the perfect place for an afternoon brunch. The decor is homey and very comforting. I came here to catch up with an old friend from college. Luckily it was sunny and warm when we came here in the winter, the natural lighting was beautiful. We sat at the edge of the room with the sofa style seating near the front window. We ordered the Fried Oyster Sandwich and French Toast with fruit and salad. The sandwich was delicious and crispy. The french toast had the perfect amount of sweetness and tenderness. The fruits were okay but it wasn't a big deal since they weren't a main part of the meal. I would definitely come here again especially during the spring. read more

Really nice place for tapas with friends. Shared an assortment of their vegetarian tapas - faves were the spicy feta dip, patatas bravas, and the red pepper dip. Also shared the whole wheat pasta which was my favorite dish of the night. Great red sangria. I like how they make things a little healthier too with whole wheat pitas and pastas. It's fun to pretend to be healthy even when you're stuffing your face with thousands of calories! read more

I like this place mostly for brunch/lunch. Great bloody marys, yummy food, nice vibe. I have never been disappointed.

Bohemian decor, musty smelling (could use a good cleaning)...but terrific food! Great combinations of flavors in small tasting portions. We really loved the food!! read more

Visited during the holidays and luckily didn't have to wait long to be seated. The staff was very attentive and we were able to comfortably fit a group of 6 for brunch. Everything I tasted (eggs, french toast, polenta) was delicious and well made. Reasonably priced for the neighborhood and great ambiance. I would definitely choose this spot again to meet up with a group of friends. read more

Lovely hostess. Good branzino, okay paella. Rude rude rude waiter with childish behavior. Acted as if being a waiter was beneath him (rolled his eyes, wouldn't pick things up, smirked when I had to reach for things to hand to him). Never even cleared our table--the hostess had to do it. I left feeling sick from how awful he was acting. Will not return to Olea. Used to like this place. read more

Always a pleasure eating at Olea. If it's packed and you are 2, eat at the bar! It's really fun and the bartenders are always nice, good folks. read more

Always a tad more crowded than I'd like however the food never disappoints and the check is somehow never as bad as I think it should be. Great place to bring vegetarian friends. read more

Had their eggs - local, served with home fried potatoes, bread, raspberry jam, and salad. No complaints, reasonable portions and price.

Came here for Brunch at 3pm on a Saturday and would give it overall a 3.5/5 stars, but I'll bump it up to 4 because of the friendly hospitality and ambience (comfy pillows!) Eggnog Special with Whiskey ($10) - We came right before Christmas, something great for the season. It had quite a kick and perfect for the season. Pomegranate Mimosa ($7.50) - very refreshing and light taste Pita and Hummus - with olive oil, pita has strong taste that overpowers the hummus Chocolate Croissants ($4.50) - very flaky, yummy, chocolate oozing!! I can eat these all day, you definitely have to try these. Green Eggs and Lamb ($13)- The lamb were links of lamb sausage and the eggs were normal eggs with some green veggies. Everything was good, but not great... it was a very normal brunch type food that can be easily made at home. Savory Parmesan French Toast ($12)- I was really in the mood for poached eggs and ordered the this, but I was not really satisfied. The toast was hard and a bit bitter that I only took a bite. I just nibbled around my potato bites and ate one of the eggs. I did not get the savory warmth that I usually get when I eat brunch, my favorite meal of the week. The drinks and appetizers were actually more satisfying than the actual meal. This is a good place, great for brunch, but I rather try other places before I come back here for brunch. I might try it again for lunch or dinner though. read more

Last weekend, I followed the advice of Tasting Table (http://tastingtable.com/entry_detail/44) and trekked down to Olea before an afternoon at the Brooklyn Flea. Lucky for me, I was with the best kind of company: friends who love to share. I have to admit, I was a little dubious about the idea of Greek brunch, but I couldn't have been more surprised. We tried out the Turkish Breakfast (a platter of eggs, pita, and yummy salads and sauces), Parmesan Toast with Poached Eggs and Peas (a great take on eggs bene), Brioche French Toast ('nuff said). It was a dreamy breakfast with some surprising flavors that made for an original brunch, which is hard to do. The place is adorable and service great - 5 stars! read more

The amount of detail put into every dish is impeccable. The food is just absolutely spectacular. Came here for a birthday, and I just couldn't get enough of this place. Space is small and intimate. The only caveat is the prices. They were definitely pretty steep. read more

Lovely brunch spot in charming Fort Greene. Arrive early (10-11am) to avoid lines; no reservations. The Turkish breakfast featured a tasty selection of scrambled eggs, hummous, eggplant salad and homemade pita bread. Even better was scrambled eggs with lox, best I've tasted in NYC (OK not exactly Mediterranean). MUST ORDER: a side of herbed yogurt. This is a masterpiece and perfect for dipping pita. The herbs tasted like a z'atar mix, fresh and fragrant. Chorizo and lamb sausages looked good but I had no room. FInally the coffee: DARK roast and delicious...and plentiful. Why can't more places serve good coffee like this? Unfortunately couldn't try the "infamous" Bloody Mary because we were there before noon. Forget all other political causes and let's lobby Albany to update the ridiculous blue law. read more

I used to like this restaurant but stopped eating there after realizing they had a roach problem. One night, my sister and I went there for dinner and alerted the waiter to the fact that a roach was crawling on the wall. The waiter nicely offered to move us to a new table but apologetically informed us that we would have to wait at the bar until a new table became available. We reluctantly agreed to stay but left immediatly after noticing another roach on the counter at the bar. The manager/owner was mortified. We have not been back there since that night. read more

I love Fort Greene with its many tempting and eclectic food choices. So, it's a real tribute to Olea that I find myself dining there most often when I am in the area. Who am I kidding? Sometimes, I am in the area specifically to dine at Olea because I am craving their sangria-marinated hanger steak and patatas bravas. The hanger steak is the best steak I have ever had, accompanied perfectly by sauteed red onions and a creamy garlic dipping sauce. Their patatas bravas come the closest to emulating the ones I ate every day when I was in Barcelona as compared to any others I have tried in NYC. It is also a fairly generous-sized portion for tapas. I have sampled other dishes on the menu as well-spanish pitza, harissa deviled eggs, trio of dips, lamb meatballs, along with some of their specials-which have all been solid to great, but nothing compares to the hanger steak and patatas. Sometimes, my friends and I will just order multiple orders and eat them like entrees. The drink selection is also good. Both their red and white sangrias are pleasurable to imbibe. They have a nice wine list, although a little pricey, and the servers usually make good recommendations if you ask. They used to have a red wine that I really loved, but it was no longer on the list the last time I was there, so we ordered a bottle of rose at the waiter's suggestion that did not disappoint. Between food and drinks, you will end up with a pretty sizable bill at the end of the night, so consider yourself warned. This is not the place to come on a tight budget. The restaurant is quite small, so be prepared to wait for a table. I have not had the opportunity to eat outside because it has always either been sweltering hot or polar vortex when I have been there, but the sidewalk tables accommodate a few more parties. The service is usually very pleasant, but I once had such a terrible experience with a rude and inattentive waitress that my friend and I cut our dinner short. I ended up writing the manager, who was very apologetic and offered a free round of drinks upon our next visit. I didn't take him up on the free drinks, but I appreciated the customer service, which kept me coming back. Thank goodness, since I really would have missed that steak! read more

Came here before going to see John Legend at the Barclays last night for tapas and drinks. The happy hour specials are awesome. We both each has 3 glasses of white mango sangria and they were strong and delicious. Also cant beat the fact it only cost $30 for 6 drinks. We had the goat cheese and honey croquettes, mini oyster sandwiches, beef meatballs and celery-apple salad. The croquettes and oyster sandwiches were amazing. I also like how most the food had a little heat to it. The celery-apple salad was good but then agan I'm not a salad person. read more

Charming cafe in the midst of a residential street of brownstones. Ate brunch here which was a nice fusion of typical western european brunch and Greek food. Pouched eggs were spot on! read more

What is not to like? Great place, great ambience, AMAZING FOOD! Almost everything on the menu is great! Get the lamb kefteddes which will not disappoint! read more

Without a doubt, the best French toast I've had in New York. And I'm a French toast person.

Great service, delicious food. If you like to taste a lot of different dishes, share 3-4 small plates with a friend. Particularly like the keftedes (lamb meatballs), falafel-crusted artichokes, and paella. read more

best brunch spot on Ft. Greene by far. Don't know why it's taken me so long to come here! I split the Green Eggs & Lamb & Spanish Omelette.

Love this place, great prices, tasty food, every dish so far has been really delicious and I appreciate its cozy Mediterranean theme and soft night lighting. Try the falafel encrusted artichokes, they are delicious. The lamb meatballs are also really good. I highly recommend it. read more

It was all very good. The restaurant was packed but we were lucky and got a table outside. Unfortunately I did not take a photo of my food but it was all very pretty. We're fairly big eaters so we ordered the paella which is meant for two people and an order of the clam and mussels plate, plus two appetizers: the bacon wrapped dates and shashito peppers. The bacon wrapped dates were good but they are not the very best I've had in my life so I probably would not get them again. The peppers and clam and mussel plate were good but the real winner is the paella plate. We had the chorizo paella and it did not disappoint. I probably could have eaten the whole paella by myself, but it is actually pretty heavy so I was happy that we split it. read more

Really solid brunch spot - these guys know how to cook scrambled eggs. Seriously, you don't realize how much you get crappy eggs until you come here and have theirs. Super creamy and fluffy, and their Greek Scramble was a perfect mix. read more

As for the portions.. it is because this country is so used to gigantic plates and if the food is good enough, you wouldn't need such a big portion to enjoy the flavors. It's also tapas servings so you go for the great wine and atmosphere too. I also felt the service was a lot warmer than a lot of other restaurants in Fort Greene. I am reminded of my childhood in spain (before my family relocated to the Bronx).. and the easy going mood. thanks, olea, for the good times. read more

This place raises my spirits. Warm, cozy atmosphere and some of the most delicious food I've had this side of the globe. I could eat their Brussel Sprouts every day and never tire of them (and I barely like them most of the time). The staff does have a detached vibe, but the service is always excellent and professional. Swoon worthy dishes every time. read more

The happy hour special is fleeting (only until 6:30, and I think only through Thursday), but it's a good one! Certain wine, beer, and sangria (yay!) are half-price, oysters are $1.50, and there is a tapas menu with items for $3 or $4. We sampled the spicy vegetable dip, the anchovies with almonds & arugula, and some sort of kebab. It was all very good. I only wish that the special went longer so I could have had some more of the mango sangria! read more

So I've finally tried their breakfast/brunch and I was not so impressed with the dishes a friend of mine and I ordered. I'll try their Turkish breakfast soon, but I will continue to stick to their tuna sandwich because to me it's what they do best. read more

So I will open by saying I'd love to give Olea 4 1/2 stars, but I'm fine with 5 to balance the low ratings yelp reviewers are prone to in my opinion. Olea is now my favorite spot in Brooklyn. I have lived on Smith Street for over 7 years, but this place rates for consistency. We waited about 20 minutes on a Friday evening around 9pm. The french songs sung on Spanish night were terrific!! Seriously, the music was perfect, the ambiance was perfect, but the place is a little tight. As it gets more crowded, I imagine it can get quite uncomfortable. Especially in winter when you'd have to wait outside! I have been here twice now, and everything I've eaten is at worst good, but mostly just wonderful! The cheese croquets were delicious, the fried garbanzos fun, patatas bravas crisp but not oily, and the lentil salad was so fresh and reFRESHing. The only exception was the chicken empanadillas (sp) which had a very strong chicken flavor if that makes sense. I think they were a day away from turning. :( Fortunately they had been my second choice, so I still look forward to enjoying the lamb keftedes. I will be going back for sure, and maybe I'll even try an entree! read more

Fresh and tasty food. Great service. We had a great time here. Also it was not so packed with the quality.

Just flat out delicious and flavors RIGHT on the money - absolutely authentic flavors in a city filled with mediocrity and disappointment, each dish really was true to original Mediterranean form. An absolute gem of a place... read more

There's not enough words to express how much I enjoy food at this place! I don't think you can go wrong with anything at this place but my 2 definite favorites are eggs and lamb and flourless chocolate cake - both to die for. Big compliments to all staff for their superb service - you guys rock! I can't wait to be back. read more

A Brooklyn gem! I went here for brunch and was very impressed. The staff is excellent, the coffee is wonderful, and the food is divine. If you want a serene atmosphere, delectable brunch, thoughtful date location, or a Brooklyn staple, go to Olea! read more

Highly recommend dinning here. Came for dinner. It was massively crowded, but we made reservations. You should too. Very professional and attentive wait staff. The staff had good timing and knew exactly when we needed more to drink and when we were ready to order. Quaint, candle lit, and decorative space. Music was a bit loud which made it hard to hear when speaking to others across the table. We ordered a variety of food: Rib eye steak, oysters, chicken emplanadas, and the lamb. Try it for yourself... read more