I want to emphasize that poor experiences oftentimes are not the faults of the service staff, but poor planning from ownership. That appears to be the case here. Olive Lebanese Eatery is located next to where I work, and I decided to drop by last week to grab a few things for some co-workers. I'd give it a five-star for its convenience factor, but truth is that it's convenient for me, but will require everyone else not working with me to take somewhat of walk to get there. As for the restaurant itself, people often use the words "quaint" or "intimate" to nicely describe spots that are limited in size in seating. Such is the case here. But rather than using the cliches, I am just going to use the word "plain." There is nothing about this place that might have stood out. It just exists. It's the food, however, that I am a bit concerned about. I ordered the chicken shawarma bowl with quinoa - and what came out didn't resemble any shawarma I have ever had. Instead of the shaved chicken I am used to, I got something large slices of chicken breast chunks instead. The sauce it came with was also too thick to be shawarma sauce in the first place. Because I was hungry, I did finish the entire meal, but it's certainly not the type place I would return to or include on my recommendations for a potential dare when planning a dinner. The staff, however, was incredibly nice and solely responsible for the 3- instead of 2-star rating. Given how busy they were, that the staff was so friendly and helpful is a testament to them. Bravo. In all, one of the most beautiful things about the DMV is its diversity in culture - and if a restaurant can't get it right, as is the case here, there are other places to visit. Then again, some people are just looking for sustenance instead of experience or authenticity. If that were the case, this place will certainly fit the bill. read more

Olive Lebanese Eatery - Pieces of chicken breast are flavored and called "shawarma." - Mediterranean Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I mean YUM!! Can't wait to go back!! I really enjoyed the nachos because they were such a unique fun dish!! This is a hidden spot that everyone should try!!! Some of the best halloumi I have had!! read more

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Dude. This place is the best. The food is always great and made with love. The service is top notch, they're all wonderful. I've been in at different times on different days and it's always consistent. Drinks are always great. Music is always great and atmosphere is peaceful and friendly. I could go on and on but basically, it's an unexpected treasure and I would send everyone there. read more

$20 Grub Hub order delivered to my hotel. Maybe 2oz of "gyro" meat, 1/2 bag of French fries...I assume they send out these tiny portions expecting the customer to never come back. I live here, was staying at a DCA hotel bc of early flight. Will not recommend this place to anyone. The business owner replied that I had a special order, and that accounts for the tiny sandwich .No tomatoes and tzatziki on the side isn't "special". There was no where near 6 oz of gyro meat. And the French fries? 14 fries for $3.75? What did I order "special" for that? Like I said before, just go somewhere else. I will bc I happen to live nearby. And she mentions that I should have called the restaurant. Why? I was on my way to the airport, which is what they count on. Have a great day! read more

Olive Lebanese Eatery - Tiny Gyro Pita - Mediterranean Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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This place was definitely a hidden gem. I typically work from home, but went in for lunch with colleagues. Let me tell you the service was amazing. Immediately, greeted and seated with a smile I might add. Also, the waiter gave awesome suggestions for what to eat and the place was nice and neat. I ordered the salmon with avocado salad. My salad was so fresh and the salmon was packed with flavor. Definitely will be going back to try other options on the menu. read more

Olive Lebanese Eatery - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Went here for lunch for the first time today. I've lived in Arlington for 20+ years but had no idea this restaurant existed. A friend told me about it because her office is in the same building. I will be back. The Mediterranean chicken salad was fresh and flavorful. The portion side was generous (definitely don't need all that pita bread), and is well priced. Service was friendly. Our server automatically split the check which was appreciated. read more

Olive Lebanese Eatery - Mediterranean Chicken Salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Quick update - I've returned several time and tried to several more on my to find they were closed... my main complaint now is that their hours are too limited, losing too early on weekends when I'd like to pickup dinner for example read more

I think it is important to rate things considering what they are. For fast casual, this place is PERFECT! Staff was nice, prices were low, food was good and has a lot of relatively healthy options. Great if you want a fast lunch or maybe a takeout dinner. I will definitely back. read more

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Delicious! I got the southwest bowl, but I definitely need to go back and try some of their Lebanese food as well. There was an issue with my order not going through to their system from the website, but they prepared the dish quickly once I got there and pointed out the problem. read more

The food here was excellent! I got the traditional gyro pita. It was fresh, flavorful, and simple! The fried cauliflower was a surprise hit. It was crispy and piping hot when served! Definitely going to come back again. read more

Updated review: We have been back to Olive several times lately and we discover more delightful dishes each time we eat there. Do not miss the YUMMY, perfectly grilled halloumi appetizer. (I lived in Cyprus years ago, so I know perfectly grilled halloumi when I taste it!) Also, the veggie delight platter is now a favorite (generous portions of stuffed grape leaves, falafel, hummus, Greek salad and amazing pita.) My boyfriend loved the garlic shrimp kebab platter, which was delicious and so big that he brought half home for tomorrow. Thank you as always to this amazing eatery! We feel very fortunate to live close by! :) read more

Olive Lebanese Eatery - Seriously delicious chicken shish with hummus, bread and salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Got a yummy rose water latte and the woman working in the back was friendly and quick, but the girl at the register was so soulless it almost hurt to watch her interactions. Someone generously tipped her and she just took the money with no reaction or gratitude at all lol read more

I order breakfast and lunch here almost every day. The staff are friendly and the owner is very sweet and caring. Authentic Mediterranean food, always fresh and delicious. Prices are very reasonable. 5 stars!!! read more

Came to work early for a meeting and before I knew it, it was almost 10 and I still hadn't had any food! Sooooo before that HANGER set in I had to find something close and quick. Olive Express was IN THE SAME BUILDING..., can you say....CON VEEN YENT! Soooooo while others were talking I slid over to see what they had and I was cv pleasantly surprised. The prices are reasonable read more

Olive Lebanese Eatery - Front register - Mediterranean Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Food has always been consistently tasty but the reason I am leaving 5 stars is because of the outstanding service. I received a very friendly phone call after placing an order on Uber eats to make sure I was receiving exactly what I wanted. Will most definitely be coming back! read more

I been wanting to try this place since moving to the area. Is reasonably price. The falafels are delicious. Service is great. A word of warning, this place gets really busy around lunch time. Either arrive early or come after it. You can't? Try placing an order for take out. If I am ever again by the office near this place would certainly try other vegetarian alternatives in their menu. read more

Absolutely delicious! I've been searching for good baba ghanoush in DC and this place really delivers. The prices are super reasonable and both quantity and quality are superb. The veggie plate is a steal at $9.50; you get falafel, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and salad, all of which are delicious. I love feta and olives in my pitas, so I just order the plate then construct my own. My new go-to.. YUM!! read more

We got a yummy turkey panini and fries--really tasty, hot, and filling. This is a somewhat hidden eatery that is worth seeking out for a bite and a place to relax. Very friendly staff. Check it out! read more

We wish we had found this restaurant the last time we visited Arlington. We tried it tonight and it is fantastic!! Talk about a flavor explosion! We tried 2 kabob dishes and nacho appetizer. They were delicious. That is the creamiest hummus we ever had. The kabobs come with 3 condiments dipping sauces and are so flavorful. My favorite condiment is one that taste like puréed garlic and citrus. We also had crepes for dessert. I had the Nutella with strawberries and my husband had Nutella with bacon. They were light and delicious!! The staff are so friendly and attentive. Also, the restaurant is nice and bright. We already plan to go tomorrow before we head back south. This restaurant is definitely our new favorite and we'll be visiting each time we are in Arlington!! read more

Loved this place! Just looking for a quick bite to eat before we could check into the Westin and stumbled across Olive. Food was authentic, delicious and reasonably priced. Our waitress from Ireland was lovely! read more

Really superb food - amazingly tasty and delicious. Everything was fresh and appetizing and we had enough for leftovers even though there were three of us. We are sorry we took so long to try this place out, but we will be back! read more

Really delicious food and outstanding customer service. Shout-out to Yvonne, the owner, who walked us through the menu and helped us pick out stuff we'd love. We will return! read more

Ordered off Uber eats the salmon and an extra cauliflower side- so delicious! My Thursday Pho day may turn into a Lebanese food day. Very fresh and good portions. Definitely will do again! read more

Food was very delicious and service was great! They made great recommendations for food and coffee which were an awesome choice, on the pricier side but definitely a good bang for the buck! read more

super delicious and nice customer service!! got an omelette with a side of smoked salmon that was delicious,, the beef kufta was also really tender and nicely served. read more

Great flavors on the food, the meat has clearly been marinated and cooked well. I will say the Zatar chips, while delicious are not worth what they're priced at. Mine were also slightly stale. The garlic sauce is my favorite thing that they have. Solid lunch. Update: I've gone back a few more times. The garlic sauce is still the best thing. The amount of meat they give is too little for the price IMO, and the Zara's chips never got better. Still a solid lunch place. read more

Truly a Hidden gem in Arlington, the restaurant is just slightly off the beaten path but Absolutely worth visiting. I've been here for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and never once has Olive disappointed. The falafel is a must try! The menu said it's an award-winning recipe and I'd have to agree with the judges. This is some of the best Lebanese food in the DMV area and the staff is always so kind. 6/5 every time. Would be 7/5, but unfortunately they're closed on Sundays. read more

The brunch was delicious ! I got the pistachio French toast, we shared Zatar fries and everything was 10/10. The hummus and pita are BOMB! Some of the best hummus we've had. read more

First of all, the pistachio challah French toast is AMAZING ! I'm visiting here for my birthday and this is my second day ordering lol idc how much they want for this good quality food and excellent service. Y'all may empty my pockets by the end of my trip but I'm telling you all , it is worth it !. The lady at the front helped me place my order over the phone bc I was having a hard time placing the order with the right combo ! Thanks soooo very much Olive Lebanese ! read more

Ordered a simple last minute Friday lunch and it was delicious! The fattoush salad with the added chicken breast. The salad was legit in flavor and super fresh! Can't wait to next time order more of their Lebanese goods. Shukran! Follow sahtainnunu on Instagram for more read more

Olive Lebanese Eatery - Fattoush Salad with Chicken Breast! Sumac and seasoning was spot on - Mediterranean Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Got it say the food was so so yummy Will be picking more food for catering thank you read more

Good food, quick service. Prefer the chicken to the falafel, but both are good. Get the garlic sauce and try the baklava.

The place smells like dirty kitchen, it's dead, the coffee had grinds in it and the sandwhich was on cheapppp Texas toast it got so soggy I had to eat my sandwhich with a fork and knife, side salad was good, bakalva was cold out the fridge Really lame and lazy You can tell they make money from companies needing a place to grab food not out or preference read more

Great morning food - but hours are rather limited. It will be better for warmer weather so we can sit outside.

What a great addition to Ballston area, tucked back in the bottom of one of the many office buildings in this area this place is a nice little gem. We love middle eastern food and this place delivered. Chicken schwama, gyro's and salads, and a spanakopita made for a great lunch. Definitely will try again to dig further into their menu. read more

This place was fantastic!! It seemed authentic and the staff was super nice. Everything was very fresh. Beef shish kabob was filet mignon, cooked perfectly, and the quality of meat was excellent! Pita bread and hummus were awesome. Prices were very reasonable. I highly recommend!! read more

Probably closer to 4.5 but overall really good. Ordered take out and the food was ready on-time. All of it was really good. Wanted to a try a bunch of different things so had kabobs, falafel, and shawarma. The things that really stood out were the falafel, which seemed to have a lot of ground hummus and a really nice cumin flavor. Plus they were fresh and had a really good crunch. The hummus was good - extra smooth and fresh. Finally, I highly recommend the beef kabobs. They were simple, but really tender and cooked just right, like a medium well. I can definitely see why so many people like it - the food is fresh and well-prepared. Can't wait to come back. read more

We love this neighborhood gem! It has been one of our regular places for takeout during the pandemic. The menu has a little of everything - and is full of healthy choices for pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans. We especially love the veggie delight, the buffalo cauliflower wrap, the chipotle salmon bowl, the baba ghanoush and the stuffed grape leaves! Everything we've had at Olive has been fresh and delicious - and the people who work at Olive are lovely! Oh - and the prices are really good too! So glad Olive is close by! read more

Never tried their food but do get coffee there. But this review has to do with the COVID-19 precautions. They were not following proper COVID-19 precautions. On two separate visits no one was wearing any gloves, especially the person making the customer's salad. On the first visit, I gave them the benefit of the doubt that maybe I didn't see well because there are clear gloves. But on the 2nd visit, a different person preparing the salad was picking up each food item with his bear hands, just like the first person on the prior visit. The person preparing the coffee wasn't wearing gloves. The person sweeping wasn't wearing any either. That is a total of 3 employees working together touching everything without gloves. Again this review is for the COVID-19 precautions. I hate to write negative reviews during this time as everyone is struggling one way or another, but that is what I experienced and their behavior can possibly cause someone to be seriously ill. read more

This is a hidden gem, worth seeking out. The fact they serve Illy coffee got me interested, since it suggests they pay attention to detail and care about quality. I didn't get coffee, but got one of today's specials, butter chicken. I was extremely happy with it. The samosa was fried just right and had a nice heat. The chicken was delicious, made with good quality meat and was cooked just right. What a great find! read more