Tonight was my first time ordering from Olive Cafe, and it will be my last. The falafel sandwich arrived with a black hair sticking out the top. There was barely any falafel inside. The "crispy" Brussels sprouts were drenched in oil and over seasoned. The pita chips tasted like solidified grease. I've been on a quest to find the best falafel in Portland since Falafel Time closed. This was the worst. At least my daughter enjoyed the side of olives.
Food: 1
Alan Daniels
If you're craving Mediterranean food while in Portland this is the place to get it. The food, service, and atmosphere is excellent! ?
Victoria Parsloe
Had a lovely lunch at Olive Cafe and can’t wait to come back and try more food! We loved our chicken and lamb sharwmas and Turkish coffee! Service was very fast and kind!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Janet Crocker
Excellent food, very friendly owner, enjoyed our conversation! Huge portions, plenty to take home. Lamb shawarma and pizza pictured. Wish I could remember the name of the appetizer.....made with sweet red pepper and pomegranate....it was phenomenal!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Murphy
Food was great. The server, cashier, cook did a great job. It was just a strange atmosphere. We’d go back for a quick bite but this isn’t a nice restaurant with bar and atmosphere. This is real genuine Mediterranean food in a small, bare bones setting.
Olive Cafe is hands down the best spot for Lebanese food in Portland, Maine. The flavors are authentic, fresh, and simply unforgettable. Whether you’re trying their falafel, or shawarma, each dish is packed with vibrant spices and made with love.
Beyond the incredible food, the service is equally impressive. The staff is warm, welcoming, and attentive, making the entire dining experience feel personal and inviting. From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. If you’re in Portland and craving amazing Lebanese cuisine, Olive Cafe should be at the top of your list!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Haj Carr
This place is an absolute gem. Amazing food - both authentic and unique - fantastic vibe - reasonable prices - solid vegan options and down to earth service from the owner. Nothing more to say - 5 stars all around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ayan De
Came from out of town, weren’t feeling American or seafood. Saw Lebanese and instantly craved it. Atmosphere is cute and has a French feel, good decor. Owner friendly and knowledgable. Food was so fresh and delicious. Came back with Persian family who loved it a second time. Owner gave good recs for Middle Eastern groceries
Vegetarian options: I’m a big carnivore but loved the tabbouleh, and vegetarian platter and mezze
Kid-friendliness: Small area, kids were loud but other patrons and staff were ok with it.
Wheelchair accessibility: Has a step, needed help with stroller
Absolutely DELICIOUS, flavorful, and authentic Lebanese cuisine. Great service. Cozy atmosphere. Large portions. I’m so happy we decided to have dinner here tonight. We’d eat hear weekly if we lived in Portland!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patricia Misyak-peters
Wow, so good! Everything we were hoping for and more. Totally worth it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacob Hannan
Fantastic Lebanese food, great ambiance, and really good prices! Don’t skip the hummus!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pauline
What a breath of fresh air in this country. Delicious food, good products, delicious mezze, gyros, shawarma, humus, labneh, salads, baklava... If you want something other than sweet bread, fatty meat and lots of salty cheese...
Delicious food and great service.
Tonight was my first time ordering from Olive Cafe, and it will be my last. The falafel sandwich arrived with a black hair sticking out the top. There was barely any falafel inside. The "crispy" Brussels sprouts were drenched in oil and over seasoned. The pita chips tasted like solidified grease. I've been on a quest to find the best falafel in Portland since Falafel Time closed. This was the worst. At least my daughter enjoyed the side of olives.
Food: 1
If you're craving Mediterranean food while in Portland this is the place to get it. The food, service, and atmosphere is excellent! ?
Had a lovely lunch at Olive Cafe and can’t wait to come back and try more food! We loved our chicken and lamb sharwmas and Turkish coffee! Service was very fast and kind!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food, very friendly owner, enjoyed our conversation! Huge portions, plenty to take home. Lamb shawarma and pizza pictured. Wish I could remember the name of the appetizer.....made with sweet red pepper and pomegranate....it was phenomenal!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was great. The server, cashier, cook did a great job. It was just a strange atmosphere. We’d go back for a quick bite but this isn’t a nice restaurant with bar and atmosphere. This is real genuine Mediterranean food in a small, bare bones setting.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lamb Gyro, Chicken Gyro, Olive Plate, Mediterranean
Olive Cafe is hands down the best spot for Lebanese food in Portland, Maine. The flavors are authentic, fresh, and simply unforgettable. Whether you’re trying their falafel, or shawarma, each dish is packed with vibrant spices and made with love.
Beyond the incredible food, the service is equally impressive. The staff is warm, welcoming, and attentive, making the entire dining experience feel personal and inviting. From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. If you’re in Portland and craving amazing Lebanese cuisine, Olive Cafe should be at the top of your list!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is an absolute gem. Amazing food - both authentic and unique - fantastic vibe - reasonable prices - solid vegan options and down to earth service from the owner. Nothing more to say - 5 stars all around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came from out of town, weren’t feeling American or seafood. Saw Lebanese and instantly craved it. Atmosphere is cute and has a French feel, good decor. Owner friendly and knowledgable. Food was so fresh and delicious. Came back with Persian family who loved it a second time. Owner gave good recs for Middle
Eastern groceries
Vegetarian options: I’m a big carnivore but loved the tabbouleh, and vegetarian platter and mezze
Kid-friendliness: Small area, kids were loud but other patrons and staff were ok with it.
Wheelchair accessibility: Has a step, needed help with stroller
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel, Hummus
Best gyro and great service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely DELICIOUS, flavorful, and authentic Lebanese cuisine. Great service. Cozy atmosphere. Large portions. I’m so happy we decided to have dinner here tonight. We’d eat hear weekly if we lived in Portland!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow, so good! Everything we were hoping for and more. Totally worth it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic Lebanese food, great ambiance, and really good prices! Don’t skip the hummus!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a breath of fresh air in this country. Delicious food, good products, delicious mezze, gyros, shawarma, humus, labneh, salads, baklava... If you want something other than sweet bread, fatty meat and lots of salty cheese...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great little restaurant with delicious food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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