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    Olives Branch Express

    4.0 (410 reviews)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Olives Branch Express Photos

    Business Info

    OLIVES BRANCH EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Olives Branch Express

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    Chicken Shawarma Entree
    Trisha D.

    This place started off great when they opened but now the quality/service is going down. Initially the owner would be there and was super friendly. But now the food isn't something I would crave, service is hectic, food takes time, and the order almost always doesn't come out right. A reason to go here would be because they have halal option. Chicken shawarma: the portion was small for the price. It was lunch portion but regular price. Chicken was good, but a little tough. I substituted hummus for baba ganoush, but didn't really love the taste. The garlic sauce is what makes the food come together. I wish the pita was a little warmer. The salad and rice were good. I wouldn't really crave this dish. Service: a little slow even at the end of lunch rush. The cashier typically forgets modifications so check before you leave. We saw multiple customers complaining about the wait time. We kept checking in for our food, and he said he would bring it out in a minute. Waited some time before I went in and found out that our food was just sitting there as he was cleaning. Ambience: nice sitting area inside, and there are shaded tables just outside. Parking: plenty in the plaza

    Menu 7/3/22 (No spinach pie)
    Kris B.

    First time visiting and they have a lot of choices. 8oz hummus and pita $6.49 - good value. You get 2 full pita cut in half, nice flavorful hummus. The 2oz of Tzatziki was garlicky and a little watery. Beef Shawarma wrap - didn't like the fries inside or the hummus. My bad for ordering this, I'm sure other people really like it. Greek side salad $3.99 had a weird dressing, not a traditional Greek salad. They did not have spinach pie in stock (spanakopita) but they did have stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) that were so good! 4 for $7.99 plus came with a few beets. I should have tried the Kibbie (kibbeh) beef croquettes and falafel, maybe next time!

    Tammy B.

    Chicken shawarma entree 9.94/10- this comes with chicken shawarma (obviously), basmati rice, tomato, pita bread, hummus or spicy hummus, and either salad or lentil soup. this is SO delicious. The chicken is incredibly flavorful and juicy. A faint taste of spice and garlic served over basmati rice. The spicy hummus is really good it's not too spicy and it is incredibly fresh. The pita bread is a bit more hard than how I like it. The soup is a bit spicier than I expected it to be and has the texture of porridge. It is pretty good. They give you a LOT of food for your meal and it's all incredibly flavorful. I definitely recommend. Everything is made from scratch as well and is so fresh, and their service is impeccable. I've had their lamb and filet mignon kebab before which was also very good but I think their chicken shawarma is the best.

    Spicy potato

    The service is exceptional here! Really kind and welcoming. They had the place spotless!! Now to the best part, the food was fresh and hot and delicious!! I cleaned my entire plate!! I got a large order of potato that's a sharing side dish for sure ! Good portions and the price is really good!!

    Beef (left) | chicken (right)

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    3 years ago

    The food was good! Super filling. Restaurant was clean and service was quick. Super slow in the area usually so the wait wasn't bad at all

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    Ordered 3 plates to go and they got 1 out of the 3 right. The other two we didn't want and tossed. With prices these days it just sucks...

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    Page 1 of 11

    Ask the Community - Olives Branch Express

    Do they have online ordering?

    Yes we have online ordering at www.TheOlivesBranch.com

    Can the restaurant accommodate a party of 10?

    Yes, we have alot of seating inside and outside

    Do you serve Halal meat?

    Yes all of the meats we serve is halal at both our restaurants. Please ask us to show you our halal certificate we have them at both our restaurants

    Are there any options for kids?

    Yes, we have a kids menu that we are adding to the menu, but when you come in can order from anytime.

    Any options for gluten-free eaters?

    At Olives Branch Express We have allot of gluten free options, almost the whole menu is gluten free except the rice and bread. If you desire rice we can make it without gluten but please call 40 minutes ahead to give us time to make it without the… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    I absolutely love Lebanese food even more so than my native Persian cuisine, so when I heard about…read morean authentic Lebanese spot in Irvine, I knew I had to give it a try. Before you visit, keep these things in mind: 1. This is a ghost kitchen, not a full-service restaurant. It's best for takeout and delivery. There are only a few chairs outside--just four in total. 2. Ordering is entirely self-service via a digital kiosk, with no staff on hand to assist you. 3. There are no bathrooms available anywhere on-site. Regarding the food, it was just okay-- a bit underwhelming, especially given that Lebanese cuisine is typically so flavorful. The chicken was dry, the hummus lacked depth, and the rice was bland. That said, the fattoush salad, one of my favorites, was very good, with a delicious dressing. Overall, I can't say I'd return. The prices were quite high for the portions, and the quality didn't meet my expectations. If you're looking for a quick Lebanese meal, this place is a decent option, but don't expect much more than that.

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    House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant - Our beautiful logo

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    Bei Restaurant

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    7.7 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Private events

    The food is amazing and the service is great. My wife asked about a drink that wasn't on the menu…read moreand they didn't have it but our server mixed it up for her. Lebanese style falafels are the best and this place nails it. I commented to my wife how beautiful the chicken had come out, the colors, little black charred corners and edges from the fire, golden reflection on the glaze. It is not cheap but worth every penny. Our server was great and we can't wait to go back. The place is so unassuming from the outside and beautiful on the inside.

    This is a cozy and chic restaurant! Parking is a bit limited on the lot but you can park on the…read morestreet. The staff is friendly and interior is beautifully decorated. Started with a pomegranate margarita to drink. For entrees we got mixed shawarma and kofta kebab. Finished the meal with knafe. Pomegranate Margarita- The base is strong with a refreshing pomegranate flavor. It has just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of tartness. Mixed Shawarma- It comes with chicken and beef shawarma. Both are tender and flavorful. It comes with warm pita bread, fattoush salad, and garlic and tahini sauce. The salad offers a freshness that complements the rest of the items. The sauces are perfect on the meat. Kofta Kebab- You get ground beef kebab that is seasoned and cooked to perfection. Pairs well with basmati rice and fattoush salad. You get a tasty yoghurt sauce that ties the flavors together. Knefe- This is a delicious dessert that comes with gooey cheese on a shredded phyllo base that is nice and crunchy. Finished with a sweet honey and rosewater syrup and a sprinkle of crushes pistachios. Great experience overall!

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    Bei Restaurant
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    A great local spot, everything made to order…read more I've been here twice and ordered the falafel bowl and tabbouleh both times. The tabbouleh is awesome - this is pretty much identical to mine so of course I would love it. The first time I came, I got the spicy falafel; The second time I got the regular. Just based on those two visits, I would recommend the regular. The spicy wasn't actually really spicy, and the patties were almost burnt. It tells you how good everything was that I still came back though. Second visit I got the regular patties and I really really enjoyed the bowl. Every ingredient is fresh and delicious, tahini is great, and there's a shaker of zataar for seasoning on the counter. Great prices, great owner, great food. Big thumbs up. Gotta try one of the fresh made flatbreads or wraps next time.

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    Yellow falafel bowl!

    Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Falafel wrap on our freshly baked bread. It awaits it's union with our tahini sauce.

    Falafel wrap on our freshly baked bread. It awaits it's union with our tahini sauce.

    Barbonzai Lebanese Eatery - Green falafel bowl with it's complimentary cilantro tahini sauce!

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    The Chicken Shop - IG: happyfoodieoc

    The Chicken Shop

    4.7(553 reviews)
    7.4 mi
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    If you're anywhere near The Chicken Shop, do yourself a favor and stop in -- this place is…read moresomething special. First off, the people. I genuinely don't think it's possible to find a friendlier, more welcoming staff. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with real smiles, real gratitude, and a level of care that's honestly rare these days. You can tell they take pride not just in their food, but in every single customer experience. Now here's what really sealed the deal for me. Not too long ago, I placed a to-go order for their half chicken with sides, but when I got home, it turned out to be one of their chicken wraps instead. And to be completely honest -- not even mad. Everything on their menu is so good that it was more of a surprise than a disappointment. Next time I came in, I casually mentioned it to Fred (the owner) while placing my order -- no complaints, no frustration, just a quick heads up. He immediately apologized, which honestly wasn't even necessary. Stuff happens, and when the food is that consistently good, it's hard to care. But here's the part that really speaks volumes: when I went to pay, Fred wouldn't let me. Insisted the meal was on the house. No hesitation. No questions. Just genuine ownership and appreciation. That kind of integrity and customer care is hard to come by. At the end of the day, this is a 5-star establishment with 10-star people behind it. The food is consistently incredible, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the experience is one you'll want to come back to again and again. I'll absolutely be returning -- not just because I know the food will hit every time, but because I know the experience will exceed expectations every single visit.

    Ordered the OG Wrap and it was immensely dry. I sad I paid $16 for an underwhelming wrap because it…read morebarely had any toum and it also had no pickles inside. So ..... I was just eating fries and dry chicken. Don't know if I'd come here again. Service was whatever.

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    The Chicken Shop - OG Wrap: chicken, homemade pickles, fries, garlic toum wrapped & pressed in Za'atar oil w/side of chili garlic sauce | $14.95

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    OG Wrap: chicken, homemade pickles, fries, garlic toum wrapped & pressed in Za'atar oil w/side of chili garlic sauce | $14.95

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    If you know, you know and this spot is the definition of a hidden gem. I was put on by friends who…read moregrew up in the Middle East and told me this place is the real deal so of course I had to try it. Let's just say they did NOT steer me wrong. From the moment you walk in, you already see people walking out with boxes on boxes which tells you everything. This is the kind of place you come to eat and to cater. They do have plenty of seating, but during peak hours it definitely gets crowded and packed. A true sign of how loved this place is. The ambiance adds to the experience too. I especially love the Middle Eastern paintings on the walls. It gives the space a warm, cultural, and authentic feel. First off, the bread. All house made and incredibly fresh. You can taste the quality in every bite. From the dough to the toppings, everything feels intentional and authentic. The spinach pies... absolutely next level. Spinach packed generously and bursting with that bright, zesty lemon flavor, mixed with onions and olive oil. Perfectly balanced and so satisfying. Muhamara had a nice kick today. It had a medium spice level with just enough heat to keep things interesting (and honestly, I love that it varies a bit. It feels homemade every time). The cheese manaeesh is a WOW. The cheese blend they use is so good. I'm lactose sensitive and somehow never feel bloated after eating it which says a lot. And the safiha... You can literally taste the depth of the seven spices, with a hint of cinnamon that ties it all together beautifully. Everything is made to order. So yes be prepared to wait at least 20 minutes. But trust me, it's 100% worth it. Quality like this takes time. What really seals the deal is the people. The owners and staff are beyond welcoming. The kind of place where you instantly feel like family. I've become a regular, and every visit feels like coming home. Authentic, fresh, flavorful, and made with heart. Don't sleep on this spot.

    Try all the manaeesh's. They have minis so you can get multiple. Their wraps are great, enough for…read more2 meals and it's only $10! Stumbled upon this place, and I didn't understand anything on the menu. The gentleman noticed I was going to just walked out, glad he asked if I had any questions. I asked what the manaeesh is, simple dish and sooo delicious!

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    Olives Branch Express - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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