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Black Olive Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
739 Pandora AveVictoria, BC V8W 1N9
(250) 384-6060
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
11 reviews for Black Olive Restaurant
11 reviews in English
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Review from Natalie W.
Edmonton, AB
11/17/2011
We had wonderful service, and the food was delicious. Since I went with a larger party, we got to try almost a bit of everything on the menu, and it was all great. They accomodated a friend's gluten free requests well - no gluten poisoning!
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Review from Dustin D.
Victoria, BC
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I finally managed a return trip to the Black Olive for lunch this time. The clientèle is predominantly over 50. I'm 33 and I walked in and suddenly felt very young. Even our server remarked that "it's nice to have some young people in here!" I felt both complimented and somewhat confused... lady I'm starting to get random grey hairs and my crows feet are firmly entrenched, did you just call me young? OK sure, I'll take it. The table to our right was reminiscing about how they used to do computer programming with punch cards (I know this sounds like I'm crafting amusing details for entertainment, but honestly, I kid you not, this happened). I also overheard a gentleman at the table to our left say "do you have a twitter number yet? did you get my twitter?.... actually I don't even know what that is, I don't have any of that stuff". I may have jokingly stated to my friend "do you know what I think is awesome? remember when they first invented gravity?! that was a heck of a day" I contemplated going all nostalgic about the singularity and the big bang, but figured gravity was taking it far enough.
I had the lamb burger. It was delicious although slightly on the salty side. The roasted red peppers on it were amazing. The burger had a nice hearty (but not too heavy) bun and a very tasty lamb patty. Service was very polite and attentive although I felt the food came out a bit on the slow side. This was my second visit to the black olive and I've been very impressed with the food both times.
It's a great slightly up-scale place to take the family... especially if grandma is coming ;) -
Review from Dana W.
4/7/2011
At the risk of sounding like I love everything, I really loved this place. Please note that it's not that I love everything... we just do a lot of research before trying places, especially when out of town traveling.
Okay, now for Black Olive. Service: excellent. Food: excellent. Environment: excellent.
My husband and I came with our 3 teenagers. The clientele all looked at the door when we walked in - I think they were worried about the kids. There were no other kids there. That said, all 3 kids loved their meals. We started off sharing the mussels. The broth was flavorful, so much so that my husband and I dipped our bread in it after the mussels were long gone.
I got a half rack of lamb because it looked so good on the website. My stepson got the mediterranean linguine; one stepdaughter got the vegetable pfillo (sp?); the other the seafood platter. My husband got the Mixed Grill. Each of us loved our meals; we traded bites with each other and loved each other's meals. Everything was cooked perfectly, and while the portions were good, they weren't too large or too small. We were still full (probably because of the bread at the beginning), so all 5 of us shared one creme brulee, which was outstanding.
The owner stopped by the table numerous times, and made a wonderful mixed juice drink for the kids (grapefruit juice, ginger ale, seltzer?).
Very satisfied -- I'd highly recommend this place. -
Review from Yukari P.
Victoria, BC
10/17/2010
This was my second time at this restaurant, first time for dinner.
I had Black Olive linguine and it was amazing. It is on a rich side with creamy pesto sauce, with mussels and scallops...but it was SO good. Service is pleasant and quiet enough to have good conversation. Definitely going back there again. -
Review from Jamie W.
2/8/2010
Hubby and I took my sister and brother in law to Victoria purely for nostalgia (Wax museum, the Empress and the Royal Museum - gotta love it) but the standout place for all of us was the absolutely fantastic dinner we had at The Black Olive. Of all places, we found this little gem of a restaurant in one of those dining guides they give out for free on the ferry over. It was a bit of a hike to and we passed some interesting folk getting there but it was so absolutely worth it.
We showed up without a reservation and the place was very busy - obviously very popular despite being a weeknight. The owner sat us in the adjoining cafe while we waited only about 10 or 15 minutes for a table.
We shared a couple of fantastic appetizers and then ordered entrees. Everything came out perfectly seasoned, piping hot and absolutely delicious. I recall a very well cooked calamari appetizer and a equally as good salmon entree. On recommendation I tried a bottle of apple cider from a nearby local brewery - good but very strong! We finished off the evening with cheesecake and chocolate mousse split amongst everyone. So, so good!
Overall, a very memorable evening. I've already spread the word to some of the people I still know on the Lower Mainland. I just wished that the owner had given me more of his cards!Listed in: Oh Canada!
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Review from Patrick R.
Victoria, BC
8/25/2009
Me and some of my family in town wanted to go somewhere nice for dinner. The problem: It was sunday night, and a very large number of nicer places close their doors (I'm looking at you L'ecole). The Solution: The Black Olive, a nice Mediterranean restaurant up in the north part of downtown.
We didn't have a single complaint about the night. At the door we were greeted warmly by our waitress and taken to our table. We were immediately struck by the decor of the place. The walls were adorned with artwork by local artists, which were also for sale (on a side note, I love it when restaurants do that, it makes them feel really connected to the community) There are plenty of plants and small trees in pots around the room with strings of mini-lights to provide soft lighting. In the centre of the room is a large tree that looks as if it has simply grown out of the floor. It was a neat touch that just brought the scheme together without making the place seem like a theme restaurant.
The food was delicious. I had a starter of pan-fried calamari that was perfectly done and very nicely plated. I'm surprised I've never seen calamari fans before.
For main, I had the Mixed Grill. Most delicious indecision ever. It comes with a chicken breast, a small filet mignon, two lamb chops and chorizo. I got it served along with polenta on the side (there was also the choice of potatoes or rice, but I'm a sucker for polenta). Everything was wonderful and perfectly cooked medium-rare in the case of the lamb and beef. The polenta was also amazing, cooked with parmesan and herbs (rosemary I think, yummy).
For dessert was a nice simple slice of lemon creme pie. Nice, tart and light, it made a really nice finish to the meal.
One thing I must emphasize highly is the service. Our waitress, whom I mentioned above, was attentive and smiling all evening. I will admit the restaurant was nearly empty (right along with the rest of downtown, where does everybody go?) but I got the impression that she would be as friendly as possible regardless. She spent quite a bit of time conversing with us, both about options for our wine and our meals and just about life and the city. It made for a very relaxing dinner.
When we left, we were all smiling and already making plans to return. I have not had such an immensely pleasant dinner in a long, long time. If you have not visited the Black Olive, do so, as soon as possible. -
Review from Debbie C.
9/5/2009
I agree with Paul that this is a wonderful place to dine. Hubby and I were on vacay in Beautiful British Columbia, including a few nights in Vic. One night as we wandered the streets headed to a performance in the Victoria Fringe Festival (5 stars!) we walked by Black Olive. We'd already eaten dinner so decided to walk back by the next night on our way to another play. Glad we did.
Both our waitress and the owner Paul were delightful. The restaurant is cozy and pleasantly decorated. Bread came with hummus - yum. We both had the greek salad. Think it's the best I've had - very simple with tomatoes and cukes, onions, feta, and delicious olive oil that Paul imports from his native Greece.
Then I had a salmon dish that was served with lots of yummy veggies and an olive tapenade. Hubs enjoyed a beef dish (can't remember Greek name) - slices of beef tenderloin in a good sauce with lots of nice accompaniments. Portions are quite generous and there's lot on the menu to choose from so anyone should be able to find something delish to eat.
Hope Black Olive makes it and is still there next time we visit. By the way, if you are staying down by the Harbour as we were (Hotel Grand Pacific) this is a doable walk. -
Review from Jerry M.
7/22/2011
This is a great find. A quaint Greek restaurant with fabulous food and a delightful owner who imports his families olive oil from Crete. Be sure to buy some olive oil to take home. It is appropriately on the dessert menu. This restaurant is a must do in Victoria.
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Review from Julie G.
9/8/2010
One of the best meals we had during our stay in Victoria. I ordered the seafood salad and husband ordered the Mediterranean Salmon. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Service was also excellent and the owner of the restaurant came up a few times to check on how we were enjoying our meal. We would definitely return here if we ever to visit Victoria again.
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Review from Stew F.
Cecil Lake, BC
9/25/2010 1 photo
Superb little family run establishment hidden in the depths of downtown Victoria. Over the years I've found that how a restaurant prepares a caesar salad and/or calamari is a good way to judge the over all quality of an establishment. Both dishes at the Black Olive were nothing less than phenomenal! Not a single complaint about any of the 8+ dishes had by my party and the service was the cherry on top. Thanks "Yelp" for always finding the little gems in the big city!
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Review from Christy E.
1/6/2011
I cannot imagine finding a better restaurant in Victoria. As a tourist town, many of the restaurants are long on reputation and flub the food. Black Olive Restaurant is a little bit of a walk from the tourist district, but your tongue will thank you (and your waist will welcome the exercise after you stuff yourself with their delicious food). I highly recommend the lobster bisque and smoked salmon to start, though I doubt you can go wrong with anything on Black Olive's menu. (And if you like whiskey, try the Wiser's Very Old - another unexpected and delightful treat).
