Olea

"This is a beautiful space, with dark wooden beams across the ceiling, white walls, lots of natural light, and huge plants giving the restaurant a Mediterranean feel," says Brooklyn Brunch.Tina Barry from the The Brooklyn Paper writes that Chef Gary Moran's menu "rounds the Mediterranean, dipping into Greece, Italy and the Middle East. He’ll mix Italian risotto with Greek cheese; toss a salad with pomegranate juice-laced vinaigrette and sprinkle pine nuts over the top; and pair a crisp chicken breast with Moroccan vegetables, Israeli couscous and a dab of orange-cardamom aioli (French mayonnaise sauce)."
Clinton Hill Foodie raves about Olea's brunch, especially their Parmesan French toast, "made from a baguette and then covered in two poached eggs and doused with avgolemono sauce - something I'd never had but reminded me of holandaise. They've also thrown some pea shoots and scallions in for good measure, and it comes with a side of home fries." Chowhound Juanita says, "Olea is my dependable standby for lunch. Such a relaxing atmosphere, too." Any more thoughts on this place?
Reviews (14)
DeLepp wrote a review on September 9, 2008 12:30 PM
Super spot for weeknights, but the Flea has made this too popular for Sunday brunch. Puts the General Greene to sham in quality and price.
itsagas wrote a review on September 9, 2008 12:36 PM
I've had two dinners here. One was amazing, one was a disaster. The bad one happened on a night where they were very full and obviously overwhelmed. I'd go back again though.
robroz wrote a review on September 9, 2008 12:46 PM
I was very disappointed with both the food and the service. The food was ok, but for the price I expected something better and we were there on a slow Wednesday night and still got terrible service.
sarahlucy wrote a review on September 9, 2008 12:49 PM
i love olea! haven't been for brunch yet, i really need to get around to it.
Brooklyn Beast wrote a review on September 9, 2008 12:59 PM
Its fun to eat at the Bar on Saturday nights -- the food is always good and the Bartender is hot!!
pierre de taille wrote a review on September 9, 2008 1:03 PM
Olea is an awesome place with great variety and tons of flavor. Sometimes they have live Castillian music which really sets the ambiance. Love it especially since it is only half a block from my place:)
miss priss wrote a review on September 9, 2008 1:11 PM
really love it for brunch and lunch and the one dinner I had there was amazing. The green eggs are amazing. vibe is good.
Paul C wrote a review on September 9, 2008 1:17 PM
I used to live down the block, and found Olea a great place, for brunch or dinner.
The When wrote a review on September 9, 2008 1:27 PM
One of my favorite restaurants in all of New York. Great atmosphere, great food. We more often than not skip the tapas and go for the en trees. The oysters are fresh and the whole fish and steak are great. Staff is wonderful also.
wasder wrote a review on September 9, 2008 1:45 PM
Love this joint. It brought a much needed diversity to the food options of CH/FG when it opened and it continues to turn out appealing, reasonably priced food in a great environment. A neighborhood staple for sure.
greenebee wrote a review on September 9, 2008 5:17 PM
I love this place. It's a nice place to go for an evening out with your signif other, without breaking the bank. I've never tried the brunch because I hate fighting the crowds, but I hear its really good from my neighbor.
Carlton wrote a review on September 9, 2008 5:42 PM
Olea has been consistently good when I have eaten there (6+ times). I think they have the best food in Fort Greene. Olea does a nice job with both meat entrees and pasta dishes. They have a reasonably priced wine list. I love the grilled baby octopus tapas. Brunch is even pretty good, but DeLepp is right, don't try to go there on a Sunday.
FortGfemme wrote a review on October 17, 2008 2:07 PM
I am not impressed by Olea's food. Other than their brunch items, which I would rate as decent, I have never eaten anything delicious or creative. I have been snubbed by the service every time I have been there - either letting people who cam after us sit first because they know some of the waitstaff, or being rude and standoffish during the brunch rush. That being said, I am in love with the space itself - beautiful interiors and a lovely little corner to set up shop!
Snarkypants wrote a review on November 5, 2009 11:57 AM
This place is a great value with a nice atmosphere. I love the fact that there's a local spot that offers good food with flexible options. One could do tapas and wine or full entrees and either option delivers. Service is nice and friendly as well. The arctic char is my go-to entree and it is always cooked perfectly.
We had a special fried risotto ball appetizer one day that we hope is on the menu every time we go. It continues to elude us. Dear Olea, please make that special and everyday menu item!

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