What should I order at Olive?
Olive
Poached eggs on buttery sourdough with fresh avocado
Highly praised for being perfectly cooked with a thick piece of buttery sourdough and fresh avocado, making it a standout breakfast choice.
Seasoned yams
Recommended for their tasty flavor and well-seasoned preparation, noted as a dish to try especially for dinner.
Fried chicken kale salad
Loved for its combination of southern fried chicken, roasted celeriac carpaccio, shaved Brussels sprouts & kale salad, smoked honey drizzle, and toasted pistachios, praised for the tenderness of the chicken and refreshing salad.
Waffles of the day
Described as gorgeous and perfect, with accompanying chocolate mousse and raspberry sauce that delighted diners, making it a must-order dessert.
Poached Fillet Of Salmon
Highly recommended for its thick, luxurious ora king salmon poached to tender perfection with a spring onion crust, served with broccolini, kalamata olives, fingerling potatoes, walnuts, and anchovy fish mayonnaise.
Rhubarb And Pear Mousse with Candied Walnut Crumble
A rich dessert praised for its smooth creamy mousse with fruity sour-sweet flavors, complemented by caramelised pear chunks, shortbread biscuit, and walnut crumble.
Seared Venison Carpaccio Salad with Truffle Mayo
Recommended as a unique Italian-Kiwi appetizer with tender venison carpaccio, rocket leaves, capers, parmesan, and truffle mayo, offering a balanced mix of bright, savory, and earthy flavors.
Braised Lamb Shoulder Ragu with Pappardelle Pasta
Loved for its thick ribbon-like pasta with a luscious ragu gravy of braised lamb shoulder, baby spinach, and sour cream, offering a comforting and filling meal.
Crispy skin pan fried fish of the day
Described as outstanding with crispy skin and fresh flavor, often paired with wines and sparkling water for a complete dining experience.
Today's cured fish
Noted as a taste sensation featuring cured tuna with coconut gazpacho, avocado, pickled cucumber, and fennel salad, praised for its freshness and flavor complexity.
Beef shin
Highly praised for being tender and succulent, a dish that impressed diners with its deep flavor and texture.
Fish & black beans with rocket
Mentioned as delicious and well paired with perfectly cooked shoestring fries, making it a recommended lunch option.
About Olive
Long-running restaurant serving seasonal French- & Italian-inspired menus in a rustic-chic space.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Frequently asked questions
What is Olive known for?
Olive is especially known for its eggs benedict, breakfast dishes, and garden courtyard setting in Wellington. Reviewers also call out the seasonal menu, great coffee, and the mix of French, Italian, and Kiwi-inspired food.
What dishes are most recommended at Olive?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the eggs benedict, poached eggs on thick buttery sourdough with avocado, waffles of the day, and the fried chicken kale salad. Other specific dishes praised include the braised lamb shoulder ragu pappardelle, poached fillet of salmon, and the seasonal scones.
What is the atmosphere like at Olive?
The vibe is rustic-chic, vintage, and bohemian, with a garden courtyard, plant-filled outdoor seating, and a charming back area. It suits solo diners, couples on dates, and groups, especially people who want a relaxed but polished café meal on Cuba Street.
Is Olive good value, and what is the price range?
Olive is priced at NZ$20 to NZ$70, and reviewers say the portions are well sized and the food is worth the price. One example is the Tuesday Night Trio, a three-course dinner for $55 per person, which guests described as good value for the quality and service.
When is the best time to visit Olive?
Reviewers say Olive can get very busy during peak times on both weekdays and weekends, so going earlier or choosing a quieter meal time may help. The outdoor courtyard and window seats are especially popular, and the Tuesday night special is a noted dinner option.
Is parking available at Olive?
Yes. Paid street parking is available.
Does Olive have vegetarian options?
Yes, Olive offers vegan options.
Restaurants like Olive in Wellington
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