Obsessed with this place. Service is incredible. Food tastes fresh, literally feels like grandma cooked it. I always go here to grab a dish to take to a party or event. Never disappoints. Always a hit. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed eating at this location. Service was fast and friendly, food was amazing, and dining space is nice. We tried the hummus with filet mignon as an appetizer- just amazing. We had the lamb and the shawarma for our mains. All were delicious... Will definitely be back. read more

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First, its very expensive, but the food is delicious and served by the kindest people. Absolutely LOVED everything they made, especially the lamb!! It was the most tender lamb i've probably ever had. The ambience was perfection, loved the artwork and decorations- they all felt so warm!! The mint lemonade was 10/10, my favorite out of all the Paterson/Clifton restaurants. I would reccomend anyone to come here with their friends or family, it will surely be a lovely experience. Every staff member treats you like family with a warm smile and kind words! read more

The Olive Bistro - inside - Middle Eastern Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

The food was AMAZING here!!! I'm so happy I stumbled upon this place. Definitely satisfied my craving for this cuisine. I'm in awe of how good this all was. The service was great too. The restaurant was nice and cozy inside read more

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Bismillah the value for the money is great! The rice that comes with the farooj is delicious and they aren't skimpy with portions this will feed me for 3 days. The service is kind and the ambiance is beautiful modern with a backdrop of the dome of the rock. Special for those of us who can't go in person. read more

The Olive Bistro - $20 lunch special to die for the farooj - Middle Eastern Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Had the best food there! Service was superb. I , former vegetarian, started eating chicken recently and usually have to just force myself, but this place makes the chicken in a way that's 1) halal and 2) irresistible- I haven't stopped thinking about it for a week now. It's a beautiful Palestinian restaurant! read more

The Olive Bistro - Pita , hummus and veggies - Middle Eastern Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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We were in town looking for authentic Middle Eastern food, and we're so glad we found The Olive Bistro. They serve true Palestinian cuisine, and it felt just like mom's home cooking. From the moment we walked in, we felt right at home--the ambiance was warm, clean, and bright, creating the perfect setting for our meal. Our party of seven was warmly welcomed by a wonderful hostess, and our server was absolutely amazing--attentive, knowledgeable, and full of personality. Honestly, the entire staff was fantastic. We even had the pleasure of meeting the owner and his father, both of whom were incredibly gracious and hospitable. Now, the food--wow. We ordered makluba (one with lamb and one with chicken), and each dish was generous enough to feed three to four people. We also tried the mansaf--my personal favorite--and it was absolutely delicious, with portions large enough to share. Every single item we ordered was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. I truly can't say enough good things about this place. The Olive Bistro is worth every mile, and I'd gladly make the five-hour drive again just to eat here. read more

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Great food, service and ambiance, very satisfied. We're driving past when I noticed Olive Bistro and decided to give it a try and we're not disappointed. Very good experience from the moment we walked in we're offered a table, server was very attentive and responded to all our questions. Food started to arrive shortly and it tasted amazing. From soup, baba ghanoj to main dish makluba everything was fresh and delicious. Have your appetite ready, portions are huge. Definitely we will be back. Highly recommend. read more

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Well deserved 5 star restaurant, came for Iftar and they had a huge display buffet. All sorts of variations of food, ALL DELICIOUS AND FRESH. There was not one food I didn't try that wasn't good. The staff is well ran very attentive very polite. This is one of the best restaurants in nj especially halal Palestinian cuisine. Highly recommended to visit this jem! Pictures will be posted from my next visit but trust the review, food did not disappoint. read more

Authentic, family-owned Palestinian restaurant serving homemade dishes made to order, with generous portions and very friendly staff. The chicken musakhan ($25) is the standout and big enough for two: a must try. The hummus ($9) is delicious. read more

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Really tasty food! I recommend the hummus with meat, flatbreads & chicken musakhan. Nice, spacious dining room as well. read more

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Very delicious middle eastern food! We ordered a bunch of food for pick up and I can't wait to keep coming back. I highly recommend the Zatar chips, babaganoush, hummus, fried cheese sticks, and the mixed grill platter. The kebab and chicken were both very delicious. read more

The Olive Bistro - Middle Eastern Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

I dined here recently and was simply blown away. First of all, can we talk about the entrance? It is absolutely gorgeous with the big olive tree, the intricate wall panels and the gorgeous olive green upholstery and colors that flow through the entire space. The carefully placed photography and art work are a living tribute to the motherland of Palestine. This restaurant is huge and absolutely where you want to go with a big party to celebrate a special occasion, take a date or even just a cozy family meal!! Our host was very accommodating as we showed up without reservations. The menu is extensive but we opted to try their cold appetizer sampler and the mixed grill and rotisserie chicken. The cold appetizers were executed with absolute perfection. I have never had labneh that was dressed so well with garlic, lemon and dill - like an elevated version of tzatziki sauce with warm pillowy fresh pita bread served table side. The muhammara was thick, tangy, with just the right kick and a beautiful vibrant color with tiny morsels of walnuts greeting you in every bite. The hummus was an absolute dream - the texture was so smooth and creamy, so much depth of flavor and the acidity was just right with the richness of tahini finishing off the palette every time you dipped in. Crunchy, tart and savory green olives formed the backdrop of this song. I absolutely loved the kibbeh that came with the platter - literally the best kibbeh I have had by a mile. The outer bulgur shell fried to perfection and very light, crispy and airy, allowing the abundant meat and pine nut filling to shine beautifully through. The cheese rolls also very good but paled in comparison to the other components. The real showstopper was the mixed grill for two. It was a spectacular display of meat in abundance. Chock full of shawarma meat, lamb kabab, chicken kabab and filet mignon. This is what I would call every meat eater's dream come true. Of course the filet mignon was heavenly - juicy, tender, so flavorful. The sumac onions and rice formed the perfect supporting actors pair for the theater that was this dish. The chicken kabab was absolutely fantastic, even though it was white meat it was juicy as ever, and even heat up so well the next day. Lamb kabab was dripping with fatty goodness, just how I like it. Shawarma meat also seasoned so well and made for amazing sandwiches the next day. I was expecting the rotisserie chicken to be a little on the dryer side, but that was so blasphemous me. Every piece of that rotisserie chicken was juicy with beautiful rendered fat skin. I loved eating this the next day with the delicious garlic toum. Naturally, we were so stuffed by the end of this meal that dessert was absolutely out of the question, even though the pastry case is the first thing that caught my eye when I walked into this establishment. Although I didn't get to try any of their desserts, I'm grateful that I have an excuse to go back here again for this very purpose. If you are in the area or happen to find yourself driving through Patterson, you absolutely have to stop over at this restaurant and have a meal. I'm not even exaggerating when I say this is 100% one of the best Arabic restaurants in the tri-state area. read more

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Amazing service, delicious food and great decor. Have been 3-4 times already, which is uncommon for me. Surprised I haven't left a review already! read more

I'm so happy I finally got around to coming here!! I've been hearing about this place for. While for good reason. Don't know what was better...the food, the service or the espresso (different category). Seriously, I got the mixed grill, hubby the grilled shrimp & daughter - the schwarma. All were flavor explosions. Beautiful people and super cute , well done place. Looking forward to going back soon. Thanks for getting it so right guys!! read more

This place really didn't let me and my family down. The staff were very friendly especially with some recommendations. I would highly recommend this restaurant for sure. read more

Outstanding Palestinian cuisine! The food was amazing--rich flavors, perfectly cooked, and clearly made with care. The service was exceptional and made us feel right at home. This place is a gem, and I can't wait to come back. read more

Place was very clean. Fast friendly service. Reasonable prices. No alcohol allowed at clifton location. Food was very good. You kind of need to know what to order. We tried various things. All were good. Saw other people ordering family style dinner in large pot. Looked interesting. Will be back to try. read more

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Very hostile staff, they're not welcoming around Hispanic customers. Would not recommend eating here.

Excellent service and big portions at very reasonable prices which would probably cost double in nearby NYC, the food was fresh and the lemonade with mint was very refreshing. I will be back. read more

Everything is amazing! The food is fresh and comes out promptly. The restaurant is clean with a modern design. Service is wonderful but perhaps understaffed at times with the wait staff being pulled away to fulfill large takeout/catering orders. One thing that should be clearly expressed is the automatic 20% service charge, we were a party of three. Maybe it was on the menu somewhere and we overlooked it. read more

Lovely experience here! It's a beautiful restaurant with a great decor and ambiance. We went with a large group and called ahead, they were super accommodating even knowing we would be cutting it close to their closing time. The wait staff couldn't have been more gracious. The food was excellent, I particularly love their msakhan and hummus. Would definitely come back. read more

Food was good nothing spectacular . Pricey & small portions. Would we go back, no there are better Mediterranean restaurants out there. read more

Excellent service! The food was incredible. Immaculate atmosphere and friendly staff. Highly recommend the Olive bistro! They have one in Little Falls as well which is equally great. You can tell these guys know what they're doing, mA! read more

The Olive Bistro - Beautiful aesthetic and interior design - Middle Eastern Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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Everything at this place is quality. Just as good as their Little Falls location. I've had pretty much everything on the menu except the Maqluba. The Musakhan and Kidreh are phenomenal. Just watch out for the spicy peppers on top of the hummus! read more

We are from out of state and ordered the Msakhan and Lamb Kedre. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. The restaurant has a modern, clean design with an elegant dining style. Highly recommend! read more

The ambiance and service was amazing, and the food was absolutely incredible. I would highly recommend trying if you are a fan of middle eastern cuisine! read more

The food was fabulous..super tasty and flavorful..real Palestinian food..and the stuff was amazing excellent service..Adam in specific he was so helpful and definitely knows how to serve Maqluba in the best way..I will definitely come back..and thanks for Adam again.. read more

This was our first time going to The Olive Bistro in Clifton. There were six of us, three under the age of nine. the ambiance was tasteful and beautiful, from the lighting to the art on the walls. the noise was not low but it was of families talking and children and contentment. I am familiar with this cuisine, having grown up around it and worked in restaurants. all the food we ordered was amazing. I am a kibbeh snob and they were delicious! the shwarma, zahir, lahm be azheen, hummus, tea and coffee. everything was excellent. the war staff was attentive and kind. there was a space to do salat in the corner. it felt like being at home. recommend, recommend, recommend. I left my hat there and called. they called back in for minutes saying it was being kept safe until I came back which I will definitely do! read more

Stopped by for quick takeout and was wowed by the quality of the food. Grilled shrimp was flavorful and tender. I also tried a zataar and cheese pie. Sort of like pizza but on a pita crust with delicious flavor and sesame seeds ... hard to stop eating it, and it's definitely enough for two. A great dinner, friendly service! read more

Great value, delicious food, beautiful décor, this new Palestinian restaurant is a winner. Prix fixe lunch @ $20 was tremendous - soup, appetizer, main course. I had half a chicken with rice. Attentive, friendly service and lots of free parking. Try it. read more

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Short of it is, a great food experience marred by cascading server ineptitude. I ordered a kids kabob and shawarma. What was brought out was a chicken kabob platter and shawarma platter. Me not knowing how they plate kids meals i assumed it was correct. Till the bill came and they charged me for an adult platter. I asked they change it to a kids meal and after a half hour of waiting for a "new check" they bring out a kids kabob and they added it to the check. Super frustrating. Again i must reiterate that the food is great. But unless you have a large party go to the little falls one instead read more

Tasty food you feel like home. I recommend it, great stuff , good place to have a good dinner

There cappuccino small size taste really phenomenal, rarely you find it like that @ other cafes. Highly recommend read more

Absolutely amazing service, food came out quick, nice and hot and delicious. They had amazing hospitality and don't get me started on how delicious the food was. Will DEFINITELY be going back there!!! read more

Delicious fresh food! Attentive, friendly staff. Warm ambience. Having little knowledge of Palestinian cuisine, my friend and I stopped in the Clifton location for a late lunch because we wanted to try something different. We were warmly greeted and treated like family. The portions of food were generous, and the seasonings and tastes were amazing! The salad tasted like the veggies were just picked. So fresh! For dessert we had the best baklava we ever tasted! We can't wait to return to try more of the menu! read more

service wasn't the best when i went sadly but the food made up for it. good falafel and mint lemonade, amazing beef and lamb platter that came with salad. i feel that their zaatar pie had a bit toooo much seasoning but to each their own. the place itself is really nice as well, lots of tables and they're all roomy!! read more

The Olive Bistro 1116 US Highway 46 Clifton, NJ 07013 (973) 330-0291 Outstanding Food, Service, Atmosphere and People Sunday, June 22, 2025, my wife and I decided to go to Olive Bistro and have dinner. This was once Maple Valley Diner. Well, let me say the transformation will leave you with your mouth wide open. Ownership put a lot of thought and money into this establishment. From the entrance to décor and an amazing full wall mural, other art works of the motherland, and ceiling design it will have your full attention. We were very nicely greeted upon entering and shown immediately to our table. Immediately greeted by a server who filled our water glasses, another server came over and gave us olives and marinated vegetables, they were delicious. Next our server Edelyn introduced herself and said she would be taking care us. She took our beverage order, handed us menus and said if there were any questions about the menu please ask her. I order Hummus which was a bowl of delicious hummus with ground pistachio's and phenomenal olive oil along with 3 pitas, a meal in itself. My wife had Chicken Kidreh, two large chicken breasts over their signature spiced rice with chickpeas topped with pine nuts and almonds. Mind blowing good!!! I ordered the Olive Bistro Mix Grill, a combination of shish kabob, chicken kabob and kofta kabob served with signature rice, house salad and spicey bread. I was so full, but it was so deliciously outstanding I couldn't stop eating. A MUST TRY!!! We each enjoyed an Arabic Coffee and shared rice pudding. We most definitely will be back. It will become one of our monthly restaurants as we go out once weekly. I highly recommend this must try restaurant and I'm sure you will not be disappointed. Thank you the entire staff. read more

First time at this amazing restaurant. Food was amazing! We enjoyed the food and the hospitality. Beautiful people. Beautiful restaurant and amazing food. I highly recommend. read more

The Olive Bistro is genuinely the hidden gem of the Paterson/Clifton area! I wish there were more places like it! From the moment you enter to even after you leave you feel like you just visited your grandmas house and had her fresh homemade cooking! The mixed grill is immaculate, the makblouba (AKA the upside down) is mouthwatering, the kebba and the falafel are some of the best in town. And the service is always amazing, the staff are very attentive and make you feel like family! Of course on days like Eid it is a bit chaotic but we need to understand and be mindful that things will be a little bit different on a day like Eid because everyone wants to eat and go out with their loved ones. I came here with my family on Eid ( I recommend booking a few days ahead as they do book up pretty fast since they opened a new location and it is also Ramadan/Eid time). The food was delicious, the ambiance was homey and nice, and the staff still took amazing care of us even though it was very busy! I 100% recommend The Olive Bistro, from the food to the atmosphere to the staff to the decoration, always impressed when I go there! read more