I've been shopping at Olive Oil and Beyond⁠ for years, both for myself and for gifts, and it has become one of my favorite places. Every gift I've given from Olive Oil and Beyond has been a huge hit, no matter the occasion. Matthew makes shopping here a uniquely special experience. He has an exceptional talent for pairing olive oils and vinegars, and his recommendations are always spot-on. Whether you're looking for something classic or want to try a unique combination, he makes the experience fun and approachable. I've also found that a perfectly paired bottle of oil and vinegar makes a great alternative to bringing a traditional bottle of wine to a dinner party. It's thoughtful, memorable, and always appreciated. The quality of the products is outstanding, and Matthew makes it fun to try something new. I highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for the perfect gift. read more

Matthew at olive oil and beyond is the man!! He always has the best oil and the freshest. Been going there for over 10 years and I would drive to balboa island all the way from SGV. Awesome stuff!!! read more

The owner was rude and had a bad attitude toward me. When I walked into the store around noon, I asked him a question. He asked me to take off my sunglasses so he could see who he was talking to. At that point, he already looked unhappy and had an attitude. I didn't think too much about it, so I took off my sunglasses. Maybe I was nervous, or maybe I thought making eye contact would be more polite. However, his tone when answering me was very harsh and unfriendly, and his attitude only became more aggressive. At the same time, he lectured me, telling me that bringing my own bottle for refilling is actually illegal and unhygienic. He gave me his business card and told me to look it up online and order there, saying he didn't need to explain further. After I left, I felt very uncomfortable emotionally. First of all, I kept asking myself why I even listened to him and took off my sunglasses. His attitude was intimidating and made me feel uneasy. Especially when I asked whether this was a chain store (Olive Press), he became even more agitated and responded by asking me, "Do all hamburger places look the same?" I later checked the reviews, and most of the one-star reviews describe experiences very similar to mine, not complaints about the quality of the olive oil. The owner will probably respond to my review. I only want to share what I experienced and how it made me feel. This kind of attitude can be frightening to other women who are shopping alone. I simply wanted to buy healthy oil, but your behavior genuinely scared me. read more

We absolutely love this store and its owner. We finally ran out out of our enormous supply of goodness. Anyone stopping by the island needs to grab a few bottles on the way out. He is extremely knowledgeable and willing to guide you to what will work best for your pallet. Take a moment to let him educate you in his art and I promise it will be worth it. See you again soon! read more

The best, balsamic & olive oil store !!!  Matthew is the best !!! He always gives us new things to taste and he gives us great recipe ideas. We are visiting the store a few times a year, and we are located 2 hours driving from this store. Highly recommended if you want very unique gifts for your friends.  Thank you, Matthew read more

Olive Oil and Beyond - Here are some of my favorites from our last visit - Olive Oil Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Matt is a serious health, olive oil, and balsamic genius. I'll be back for my 3rd bottle this weekend. I'm still working through my balsamic bottle. Thank you Matt! read more

Matthew was the so knowledgeable about each product in his store. He is a connoisseur of the various oils and balsamic vinegars. I am very new to cooking and he had me imagining what would pair with different items. He would be a BLAST to go to dinner with. He knows his stuff. And WOW!!! The blueberry vinegar was AMAZING!! As well as the honey vinegar and the pistachio nougat. Just a nice guy and amazing high end products. read more

Olive Oil and Beyond - A couple of goofballs with Matthew of Olive oil and beyond - Olive Oil Near Me - Newport Beach, California

So me and my mother went about every other month to this store for years. The products were all high quality cookies, pasta, oil, vinegar, sauces, and much more. Recently I noticed that some people are characterizing the owner in a negative and inaccurate way. He has always been friendly and open to any questions. What he doesn't do is overly dramatic performances to win customers and is genuine. Next, if the prices seem steep consider that these are imported and not generic stuff in a regular grocery store. So whatever the reason might have been I disagree with the naysayers and more likely entitled people. This place has been a favorite of mine and will continue to be. Sadly I moved and will have to order online but is worth it. I recommend anyone looking to try authentic italian food items to give it a visit. read more

Rudest, most entitled store owner i've ever encountered. there was nobody in there except a delivery guy & the owner (old white man of course) basically told me to leave and that if I wanted to look around somewhere, to go to the museum next door. Literally the rudest encounter ever and the delivery guy seemed to think it was funny too? He gave me a business card & told me his products are online & it was "nice to meet me" in a condescending voice as he basically kicked me out. put down that business card right away and walked tf out read more

Holy smokes! This guy should not be a store owner. He was rude, brusk, ignored me when tried to ask questions and pretty much told me how ignorant I was. If you look at the other 1 star reviews, you will see that owner's response is to essentially call the reviewer a liar. I expect to see that for this review as well but know that this is my true experience. read more

Have you ever had a shot of vinegar and loved it ?How about olive oil? This little store is a hidden gem. The owner is very knowledgeable of his product and speaks about it with integrity and pride. Never did I think I would be so excited to purchase olive oil and vinegar until I walked into this cute little shop. I sampled three different types of vinegar, all delicious and different in flavor. I also sampled olive oil which was amazing. Walked away with 5 different bottles. I can't wait to use it and go back. Thank you Matthew, for your time, your knowledge and your great conversation. By the way, for the out of town folks, Matthew offers shipping through his website as well. read more

The owner is an A**. He forced some samples into our hand. And told us it's not poisonous. Then when we said we were looking for a specific oil. He said "if you want to look at something, go to the museum" Extremely rude. Crass. As**h*le ~. Kindly close your shop, because you don't deserve to be in business read more

If you love cooking or entertaining, Olive Oil & More is a must. The oils and vinegars are exceptional, and the tasting experience makes it easy to find exactly what you like. I've used their products for everything from salads to marinades to finishing dishes, and they always elevate the food. Today I purchased new flavors of balsamic vinegars - pistachio and bourbon, as well as my usual favorites . Matthew is welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what he sells. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back again and again. One of my favorite stops on Balboa Island. read more

Always a treat to visit! I always bring people who fly in to CA for a visit to this lovely store! Such a vibrant shop with so much to offer! The only place in the world I buy my olive oil and balsamic! Always get a free tasting or two! Matthew will not let you leave without trying at least 2! I don't know what I would do without this store! read more

If you like Balsamic vinegar then this is the place. I have tried a half dozen other shops through the years. I am fortunate, the best by far is near where I live. He really knows his products and is very much into high quality and is very proud of what he sells. He has a very large selection of excellent products to choose from. If you can ever drop by the store you feel like you've been imported to Italy. read more

This is such a random store. You really don't find olive oil stores that often (at least I don't lol). We walked in to check it out. My partner was in the market for olive oil. See, I'm a normal person and just buy this at the store lolol Anyway, they don't allow photographs or videos inside the store. If you have your phone held up like you might be taking a picture or video, they will ask you to put your phone down. I'm not sure why this is a rule? I don't get it. We walked in and the owner immediately approached us and handed us samples. The samples were cups of olive oil. Like what am I supposed to do with this? lol... Drink it? Do people just drink olive oil? This is so odd to me. I smelt the couple of samples that he gave me. But I did not drink them. I feel like there should be little pieces of bread for tasting/ sampling. Because a little saucer of straight olive oil makes no sense to me lol Maybe this is a European thing? The shop is cute. It's pretty small. I grabbed a bottle and we left. Interesting adventure to say the least. If you are an olive oil lover, this might be the place for you! read more

Olive Oil and Beyond - Oils - Olive Oil Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I love this place and I make a special trip every few months to visit and shop here. The gentleman that runs it is so helpful and knowledgeable! He lets you taste before buying and quality and flavor of the oils and balsamic vinegars are amazing. I haven't been let down once. read more

Matthew the owner of the store is truly a miracle worker. His suggestions have helped my wife and I through some chronic health issues. His calm beautiful spirit transcends the wonderful oil and products he offers. He always spends extended time making sure we are cared for and have all options presented to us for the various meals or uses for his products. We live 70+ miles away from Balboa but every time we are in Orange County we make a point of visiting Matthew. After our visits, we are refreshed, energized and refocused on the things in life that are most important: love, health and friendship. Come for the incredible oils, vinegars and exotic products and stay for the friendship and love Matthew pours on his customers. Olive Oil and Beyond has our highest personal endorsement! read more

Cute little olive oil place. Be prepared to try a lot of different olive oils and vinegars. Matthew was extremely friendly and gave us a variety of oils to try. We bought the pomegranate balsamic! We come here every time we're low!!! read more

We have been going to this store for years, and I cannot say enough lovely things about the products and the owner! Everything is so delicious, gorgeous, and the service is incredible. It's a must when shopping the island! read more

I was really looking forward to visiting this olive oil shop, but I left feeling embarrassed, dismissed, and honestly a bit shaken by how I was treated. As soon as I walked in, the owner handed me a sample without telling me what it was. When I politely asked, he snapped that "no one's going to force you to have it," and only then told me what it was which was something I happen to be allergic to. I was trying to engage and explain what I liked and what I was looking for, but instead of helping, he repeatedly cut me off with "good for you" in a condescending tone. When we mentioned a product we had liked elsewhere and asked if he had anything similar, he told me to just go back there, saying "this is a totally different place" as if I wasn't aware I was not at a shop in a completely different state lol. I was genuinely trying to learn and find something I'd enjoy, but I was met with hostility for no reason. As I was leaving, he handed me another sample without saying what it was had to ask again just to avoid another allergic reaction. I walked in excited and open-minded, and left feeling belittled. No customer deserves to be treated that way. I can't recommend this place to anyone looking for a kind or respectful experience. Honestly, I was going to leave it as maybe he was having a bad day, but if you look back at the reviews on here there are several talking about his negative and rude energy. read more

I came upon this magical shop, in Balboa Island, years ago and there is not going back for me, EVER!!!! Not only the owner, Matthew and his crew, are amazing but the fabulous and high quality olive oils and the aged vinegars are just out of this world good. I ALWAYS have some in my kitchen and I'm actually getting an order right after I finish writing this review. It's an easy online shopping, as I live in LA, and painless shipping. I'm from southern Europe... islander and I'm telling the quality is legit ... L.E.G.I.T.!!!!!! Now goooo and buy some, you won't be disappointed or even better, go there if you can; it's just a great experience!!!!! Paola read more

We've been purchasing beautiful and tasty olive oils, balsamic, and vinegar from this delicious Olive Oil and Beyond store on Balboa Island for years. Everything I taste there is so delicious. The owner, Matthew, always gives delicious samples and is so knowledgeable and helpful to me in choosing oils, balsamic and vinegar. I always end up leaving full-handed with extra oils. So good tasting and good for you. I really wanted to get some rosemary oil. I used to be able to buy one particular brand that discontinued making it. It's then I remembered that Olive Oil Beyond must have it. I'm not down the street and around the corner from it, but I'm a fair distance, that's not too far away, so I made the trip, since I wanted to taste, but they do have mail order, if you are not able to go in person. I highly recommend this store, and I can't recommend it enough. It's classy and its high-quality oil is the best, in my opinion. I am so grateful to have the store as an option to get the rarest oils, that you don't normally find in grocery stores, with such a great quality that you wouldn't find in a regular grocery store. Olive oil is extremely good for you. The right oils are essential for you to be able to have your health to be at its prime. They have a vast variety of goodies that would complement the numerous types of oil, balsamic vinegar, and more. https://www.oliveoilandbeyond.com read more

I love the chance to walk around Balboa Island, even in summer- yes I am crazy for that given the crowds! I was thinking of a housewarming gift for a friend and always love nice olive oil so popped in here. Given that my friends are amazing hosts I picked two that were a bit different and could be used to finish a dish (a drizzle of spicy oil on fish) or for dipping bread would be a nice thing to have. I added in some gourmet sauce and pasta (for the night no one wants to cook). It was an easy experience and nicely packaged. I hope they like it! read more

HIGHEST QUALITY- REASONABLE PRICES-FAVORITE STORE on Balboa Island!! Every time we go, the service is wonderful. The herbs, oils, basalmic vinegars and Italian treasures REMIND US OF OUR TRIPS TO ITALY & PROVENCE! we find GREAT GIFTS as well. If you love & appreciate epicurean delights you will love this store!! read more

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My wife and I visit Matthew in his store whenever we are on Balboa Island. His knowledge and expertise in Olive Oil and Vinegar is second to none. He personally travels the world in search of the best products and serves them up in his own very personable and professional manner in the confines of his well-organized store. We always leave knowing that we have stocked up with the best quality and best value oil and vinegar to be found ANYWHERE! read more

The owner seems to be discretionary in serving senior citizens. The store is set up that only the owner can give you samples of balsamic vinegar. I was denied unless I gave him my id. My family was there watching as he got even more rude and i was embarrassed in front of my family as well as the other shoppers.....I've never heard of anyone doing this before. I wanted to leave, my son wanted words with the owner, my son was much bigger than the clerk/ store owner and i didn't want the owner/clerk to get more perturbed. I didn't want to ruin our day and asked that we just leave. Weird owner. read more

This is the best olive oil shop I've ever been to. Not only does the owner know his stuff, he's super friendly and funny. Aside from that, the oil tastes amazing. I didn't even know what good olive oil should taste like until I went here. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality. Parking on Balboa Island is tricky, but it's totally worth it even if you have to walk 10-15 minutes. I bought the Chipotle Olive Oil and the Private Reserve and I'd buy them again in a heartbeat. I believe the owner's name is Matthew Pour, which suits him well since he poured me some of the best samples ever. Aside from olive oil, they have tons of other gourmet items such as roasted hazelnut oil, dried chanterelle mushrooms, spice blends, etc. Please go here! read more

Olive Oil and Beyond - Private Reserve & Chipotle - Olive Oil Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Wonderful products and service. The gentleman that owns it is so nice. He was lovely with my son, gave him candy, and offered him a job - haha. Plus the balsamic and olive oils are out of this world. read more

My buddy and I walked in on a whim, not knowing until one of us checked in on Yelp upon leaving that this shop was closing in one minute, and we were astounded by the customer service we received. The shop employee (owner?) greeted us warmly, came over and handed us little cups of balsamic vinegar and said it's "something to remember us by". We took the time to look at everything, and he never rushed us or did things like start closing up while we were there (other places do that lol). On first sip, I was wowed. I usually get mine from Trader Joe's, and I know they aren't truly balsamic vinegars- they have grape must and caramel coloring. I could taste the quality! I asked what it was I tried, and he enthusiastically told me it's an 18-year aged Lavender Balsamic. I immediately had visions of putting it on strawberry ice cream, grilled peach caprese, salads and more. When I got home, I inspected the bottle I purchased and learned it has two ingredients- French lavender and Trebbiano grapes. I will never buy TJs balsamic vinegars ever again. Not going to lie- I loved his accent. I could listen to him passionately share info on his products and how to use them all day long. Overall, when I have more time, I want to come back and explore the other oils, vinegars, spices, and dry imported goods he has. It's well worth the drive for the quality of products and amazing customer service. Pros: - friendly - ambience - well-curated selection - reasonably priced - excellent quality vinegars - packaging is giftable Cons: - parking is challenging! read more

Olive Oil and Beyond - 18-year aged Lavender Balsamic vinegar- so rich and smooth! Reasonably priced at 22$ for the 'small' 12.75 oz bottle. - Olive Oil Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Wonderful store and amazing experience. Anytime that we are on Balboa Island during our annual trips we make sure to go here. The most amazing Olive Oils, artichokes, olives, etc. The balsamic vinegar and oils are so pure. Can't find a better product around. We will always frequent this store and friendly owner when in the area. Can't wait to get the call when the grilled olives are back in stock so I can make my additional purchase :) A+A+A+ read more

Matthew is so enthusiastic about his great products. We love that he's always ready to share some tastings of his oils and vinegars. Every time we go to Newport Beach, we stop in. Last visit got us some Lavender and Saffron vinegars and a lovely oil to compliment them both. Stop in and check them out...you won't be sorry! read more

My sister and I went to the store yesterday after admiring the beautiful window display. They have an exceptional supply of unusual basalmic vinegars, pastas, spices, and other imported gourmet items. The man working there ( owner?) explained what various unusual items were. He then gave my sister tips and recipes, so clearly he uses the products he sells. He gave us samples of an unusual vinegar, " that will change your life"! Cranberry! Outstanding! He has a dry and funny sense of humor too. I kept thinking that this would be a great place to get a lot of Christmas or Birthday gift shopping accomplished. I'd be happy to get gifts from the Olive Oil and Beyond! read more

Olive Oil and Beyond - Beautiful pasta , one if which is crafted with Truffles. Also a Greek canned " marmalade " type sauce. - Olive Oil Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Great selection of EVOO and balsamic vinegar . Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Would come back again. read more

A unique store on Balboa Island with exceptional products. I'm not sure what the negative comments are about...they seem suspicious and vindictive. All I know is that the owner, while a character, is always pleasant and helpful. At my age I've tasted a lot of olive oils and vinegars, and have explored and tasted Italy's too, but his is the best my wife and I've ever had. We stock up on it whenever on Balboa Island! Try it and see for yourself! read more

I came here last week and was blown away with the quality of product, not to mention Matthew's extensive knowledge and insight. Being Italian myself and growing up eating nothing but the best olive oils, vinegars, pastas, etc., I know when a store is offering the best quality or mediocre product to those uninformed customers. I can tell you that this store hand selects every item with a discerning and educated decree. I had to go back the next day to purchase more items because I loved the olive oil and vinegar that much. I also purchased panettone, amaretti cookies, anchovies, sun-dried tomatoes from Calabria, fig spread, Bergamot preserves, and more. Amazing. I can't wait to go back and have Matthew introduce me to another great olive oil or vinegar. read more

Olive Oil and Beyond is the best place in the nation to get authentic, true olive oil. I've been to many other places in California and this place is simply the best. Matthew is a master oleologist and one of the kindest business owners that I've ever known. I highly recommend purchasing your olive oil or other related products from Olive Oil and Beyond. You will not be disappointed. read more

Well.. what to do when you find a place that has the best of everything? You buy them all!! From olive oils best balsamic vinegar, to coffee, pasta and kitchen essentials. We think owner Mehrdad, got them all covered. This place is so satisfying to our needs to feed our taste buds we cannot be more happy to see this store has survived the pandemic. With so many sadly closing we must promote this good find of a business. We appreciate you Olive oil & beyond, I hope yelpers find this review helpful. read more

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Such incredible quality and the owners expertise and friendliness made the experience very pleasant. Highly recommend! We love the tastings and perfect gifts !! read more

Olive Oil and Beyond - shelves of olive oil and vinegar - Olive Oil Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The guy was very rude. I entered the store without knowing that it's not allowed to take a picture or video, and I didn't do it. When I entered the store, I was just holding my phone, but the guy yelled at us. Then my boyfriend and I asked which olive oil that he recommends, but he yelled again "no question!! no question!!!" The olive oil tastes very good, we were gonna buy some but he was so rude and not welcoming. Reading the other reviews made me realize that I'm not the only one who experienced this. read more