We liked Olives so much, we dined here twice in the same week. I recently visited the Outer Banks for a week with my wife and we stayed in Manteo. Prior to arriving in town, I had made a reservation for dinner at Olives for later in the week. The day we arrived, after we unpacked and settled into our rental, we decided to take a walk to explore as we were staying in town. We happened to walk past Olives and decided to look at the menu - and that made us want to go there that night as we did not make any plans that evening and didn't want to get back in the car. I spoke with someone at the host stand and made a reservation for us. I figured I could cancel the reservation for later in the week after we had dinner. (Spoiler: We decided to keep the other reservation.) The food and the service were both excellent. The first night, I had the tri-tip souvlaki which was a special and my wife had the chicken souvlaki from the regular menu. We started with an order of the dolmas and they might be my new favorite. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We both enjoyed our dinner and a nice booth with a view of the marina.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered a piece of the baklava to go. The second visit, we started with the hummus appetizer and I had the Keftedes and my wife ordered the gyro. The keftedes was so delicious with the tomato-based sauce. Luckily I had some pita to dip in that sauce. My wife enjoyed the gyro and I enjoyed the bite I got to try. The restaurant has a few greek wines on their menu but not a lot of selection. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is on the smaller side but they do have a few tables outside in the courtyard which in the nice weather is a good option and helps with capacity.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I do recommend having a reservation, though. Everyone of the staff were friendly and welcoming. Special thanks to Topanga for giving us some great tips on places to visit in the OBX. read more

I left somewhat disappointed after looking forward to what I hoped would be an authentic Greek dining experience. Unfortunately, the restaurant had already sold out of one of its signature dishes, moussaka, even though the owner had enthusiastically recommended it while speaking with us at our table. The suggested substitute, pastitsio, did not meet expectations. The béchamel layer was sparse and lacked the rich, creamy character that defines the dish, and the ziti pasta appeared to have been overcooked (even for a casserole) during reheating of a pre-prepared serving. One aspect of the meal left me puzzled. Why serve Greek rice alongside a dish that already contains plenty of starch? Greek cuisine offers so many wonderful vegetable accompaniments that would have provided better balance and showcased the flavors of the region, including fasolakia, briam, yemista, gigantes plaki, or kolokithakia tiganita. On the positive side, the staff remained attentive throughout our meal, kept our water glasses full, and genuinely tried to accommodate us. However, they did not seem fully familiar with which menu items were available (wait staff need to check the 86 board before and during service!). [[HIGHLIGHT]]Several tables offer pleasant views overlooking the park and wharf, which adds to the atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I also would have enjoyed seeing more of the classic blue-and-white décor that evokes the charm of a seaside taverna in Greece. Overall, the restaurant has potential, but the execution of the food and the dining experience fell short of the expectations created by the menu and the recommendations. read more

Great food! Good service. First time here... definitely going back! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Waterfront view.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend

Second time coming here in the last few weeks- delicious again!! The onion dip is delicious and the chicken gyro did not disappoint! read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - Chicken gyro - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

Got sat with no problems on a Thursday in the middle of summer. Food was relatively quick, service was good, and the taste was incredible! We got the special focaccia with honey mascarpone spread which was the highlight of the meal - it was to die for. The gyro was a classic, and the baklava was so good. I can't believe I've lived in the area for years and hadn't made it over yet. read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - Baklava - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

Went here with a group of six for my 40th birthday dinner, and it was so good! We were eating all fried and unhealthy foods, and I was happy to have something healthy for a change. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute ambiance, cute space, good food, good service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's a great spot! read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - YiaYia Salad (beats & quinoa) - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

We took a trip to the Outer Banks for our anniversary and we're glad this was our choice for a celebration. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The cozy, romantic ambiance with a lovely view.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff makes you feel like you're the only ones there. Fabulous service. Really unique takes on Mediterranean cuisine. Everything we had was fabulous! Can't wait to go back! read more

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Very disappointed in the gyro..little slivers of meat..overloaded with tazaki sauce, rice, no flavor...not wort it IMHO...Meat cold...sigh....my search continues for a gyro... Service forgot my feta cheese, but friendly. read more

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We were there, me and my wife, for dinner with a reservation. This place is not too big, very popular, and so reservations always recommended! We were seated and started with a Greek platter and a Greek red wine glass. The platter is quite filling for two. We followed that up with a vegetarian pizza. Lots of food for two. All excellent fare! We finished with a baklava. This was quite large! Very tasty! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food, quick, excellent service, great ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Nice dinner we enjoyed a lot. Will be back gain definitely. read more

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Food was fabulous but the service was even better! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Comfortable atmosphere and a pleasant view[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]In the heart of downtown Manteo[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. What more could you ask for? read more

This place truly wows me but my husband loves gyros and both times he said the gyro was bland and has this mushy rice which texturally changes this into a pasty bite. Try adding lettuce and tomatoes without the rice and extra seasoning. Lived the limoncello spritzer and the souvlaki platter. read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - Foccocia bread with mascarpone yougurt cream spread. Really good. - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

First I will state the obvious. This is not an authentic Greek restaurant. The kitchen is akin to a barns and nobles Starbucks cafe than a real scratch kitchen. Everything is just heated up, rather than prepared and cooked. The taziki could have been from a Walmart and the nan accompanying it was flatter than normal, flavorless, and rubbery. If you like "sangria" that's just very dry cheap red wine with an orange slice shoved in it then that's the one for you. They do NOT serve Greek alcohol but rather Italian. Lastly the moussaka was undercooked and bombastic liberties were taken with the "authentic Greek" flavors. All in all the service was spotty with more than one server covering down on one or two tables. I believe the owner served us, and she was very pleasant. I take the greatest issue with places whose slogan is olive " a greek kitchen " not being or delivering the very thing they say they are. read more

burnt my mouth on the first bite haven't been able to taste anything for days. once that happened I couldn't taste the thing took it home and it was OK after being refrigerated. read more

Food was excellent. Some of the best Greek food I have had in a long time. Server Tyler was awesome, know the food, gave great recommendations and fun to chat with. read more

My new favorite place in Manteo, food is fantastic great authentic Greek food, with fantastic friendly service. A must try if you're in town. You will not be disappointed. read more

Wonderful 4 course dinner on New Year's Eve. Filet mignon was delicious. A hidden gem in Manteo. Our server Willie, so enthusiastic and a true professional. read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - Wonderful New Year's Eve 4 course dinner! Filet mignon was delicious. - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

Took my mother for the first time great food and great service [[HIGHLIGHT]]love the feel of the place[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and [[HIGHLIGHT]]love the outside table[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Great little place that's family run. It was busy even at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. We started with the spicy feta dip which was delicious followed by a falafel gyro and a regular gyro. read more

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Large delicious portions, super friendly service, fantastic greek treats and a [[HIGHLIGHT]]great location[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Oh and super reasonable. Thats absolutely 5 starts all around cannot wait to come back!! read more

We love Olives! This was our second visit, and we can't recommend it enough. Greek food is one of our favorites, and Olives has the best gyro with the most tender meat we've had. Their food is flavorful and fresh. The staff is friendly and efficient. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant also has an incredible view of the water.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely give Olives a try! read more

This place is incredible! After a visit to the NC Aquarium, we were looking for a good lunch spot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As we walked in, we could already smell the mouthwatering Greek spices.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had to wait about 30 min for a table, (as it was quite busy!) but it was well worth it. We were seated by a very kind lady (Im assuming the business owner) who put us in a cozy spot by a window. The menu was extensive and very hard to pick from. I decided on the day's special, which was tomato soup, a salad, and rosemary olive oil bread. My daughter had a salad with shawarma meat. And man, THAT BREAD! Crispy, warm, and perfectly seasoned, I couldn't help myself from cutting piece after piece! A must try for sure. The soup was delicious and very aromatic. My salad was delightful and everything tasted fresh out of a garden. My daughter agreed her salad was also incredible, and she couldn't stop raving about her schwarma, claiming it was the best she'd ever had. I'm not really a soup person, but that soup was one of the best I've ever enjoyed! Don't waste your time at any other restaurants in Manteo! Everything else is either sandwiches or fast food, and I have no doubt the service is lacking compared to this gem! RUN, DON'T WALK! read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - The window view! - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

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On our recent trip to the Outer Banks, we had dinner at Olives in Manteo and enjoyed it so much we came back again - something we don't normally do when we travel. Their lamb shank over mashed sweet potatoes was amazing and was a combination I had never had before. At $32, it was a steal, too! Nicole and her husband recently took over the restaurant so if you haven't been there in a while, give it a try. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's casual but classy and friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We loved it and look forward to coming back on our next trip! read more

There is so much love and care put into this food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service is always on point and the vibe is quaint and simple.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love that we have a place on the Obx where we can get some well made Greek food. The gazpacho is to die for and the spanakopita is a fave. My boyfriend is obsessed with their garlic dip and spicy gyro! Also... the baklava cheesecake... even if you can't eat it right after your meal, take one to bring home. You won't regret it. read more

Everything was amazing from the food to the desserts. We had the Ionian pizza, buffalo gyro and Chicken Artemis. We had the coconut bread pudding, pistachio ricotta cake and raspberry cheesecake. Me and my wife enjoy Greek food but I was worried about my kids (15, 14 and 10). but each of them found something they liked and actually ate it.....surprised me that they enjoyed something new! Don't second guess it....just go and eat here.....you won't be sorry!! Staff and server were welcoming as well. First time in the area on vacation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]nice view of water and dock.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall great experience! read more

Everyone raved when we stopped here for lunch. We were tired of typical OBX fare-and this did not disappoint! Bonus-all pizzas come on cauliflower crust! read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - Mykonos pizza - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

Amazing food!!! The rice pudding is the best I've ever had!! I make really good rice pudding but this is next level!!! You have to try it!!!!! read more

incredible meal - owner was lovely, waitress was so welcoming and the food - yum! We started with the baked feta dip and had 2 of the cod specials, gyro, cheese pizza and a meatball platter! Absolutely delicious! Highly Recommend! read more

Terrific lunch option in Manteo that I would highly recommend. They have some seating by the window where you can look out at the water. To start out, we shared the dolmades which were topped with feta cheese. These were delicious! They gave a generous portion (~8) and they were made to perfection. The rice, mint, and whatever else is in those dolmades was cooked very well. I than had gazpacho soup with a Chicken gyro sandwich for my main entree. The gazpacho was topped with feta cheese and had a wonderful tomato/cucumber refreshing taste. Hit the spot on a hot day. The chicken pita was outstanding. Fresh tzatziki sauce and the chicken was juicy. Service was pretty good, as our waitress was friendly and food came out in a reasonable amount of time. If I am back in the area, I will certainly return! read more

Olives A Greek Kitchen - Dolmades - Greek Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

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Great, great, food. Do yourself and order the rosemary bread. Addictive. Ordered a second. Service was a bit tight, but that's because it's such a hit local spot. Came here last year and food was just as great. read more

Absolutely amazing experience for lunch! The wait was short, despite the place being fairly small. The staff, a family from NY, was warm and friendly. The food was unreal!! The grape leaves (forgive me I forget the Greek word), the hummus platter and the gyros are literally amazing. The portions were big, but I just couldn't leave any of that food behind. You must check out this place! read more

Seated without menu Told to wait for 2 top when 4 top party not all present Appetizer bread not cooked dough raw Sat dirty dishes beside out going food ENTREES PLATED POORLY LOOKED LIKE VOMITED OFFERED EXCUSE FOR BREAD COMES ON TRUCK WE JUST HEAT IT and season it Food too salty Kitchen staff plate without gloves Kitchen staff eating on food line double dipping in sauce Baklava was raw pastry in middle.  Drowned in simple syrup read more

Wonderful food and atmosphere. Our son gave the meatballs a 100 out of 10 and he can be a picky eater. Order the rosemary bread with whatever you order...yummy and good read more

Tucked away with a waterside view this place is incredible. Our server was such a kind woman and the food was amazing! Tried the fried cheese, the appetizer platter, the gyro and some pasta. Everything was made fresh even the pita! I highly recommend trying this place if you're in town. Well beyond your usual gyro. You will not be disappointed. read more

Food was good, basic Greek food. Service was ok, but not very friendly. It was a lackluster experience, like everyone was moving in slow motion & really didn't care whether you were there or not. read more

Food was exceptional in presentation and quality. They lady that waited on us, the owner we presumed, was absolutely the most pleasant to chat with. Will return if we visit the area again. read more

This is my third review for Olives. This restaurant has very authentic Greek food and I know this because I am Greek and grew up on Greek food. We each started with a side Greek salad. HUGE!!! Lots of fresh veggies (so fresh you could hear the crunch when cutting it. The dressing is absolutely amazing. Homemade, full of flavor, and I just had to take a bottle home, which they gladly accommodated. Jay had the Moussaka which he said was delicious. Eggplant, ground beef, potato slices in a rich sauce with Bechamel sauce on top. I had the braised lamb shank with a generous portion of puréed sweet potatoes. Totally awesome. Fall off the bone lamb with a flavor I was not able to identify but loved it!!The service could not have been any better if they tried. Our server from years past (Nicole) is now the owner and yes, she was waiting tables. Super friendly and super accommodating. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside is modern, clean, and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We chose to sit outdoors on the patio which was a delight.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Now I know there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of great Greek restaurants but Olives is one we will return to every single time. A great big thanks goes out to the management and staff for providing the ultimate dining experience. We will be back I know most people think of seafood when at the beach but please, give this a try. I have a feeling you'll be hooked!!! read more

Nice lunch in beautiful Manteo. Menu looked inviting some we gave it a shot. Manteo and they are serving Asheville beer - a good way to start for sure. I had the Buffalo Chicken gyro- disappointing in that "Buffalo" indicates spicy, but this Buffalo was lame, no spice at all. She had the Greek salad and it was good. Waitress kinda pushed the dessert too far, when I say no thanks, I don't need to be asked again, and then again for the third time. Guess it was a slow tip day? read more

We had a great lunch here. I had the Bean Salad with an appetizer of hummus. The salad was amazing - I'd never had a Greek Salad with marinated white beans in it before. It was fantastic! The pita for the hummus had been lightly grilled so it was slightly crispy and warm. Service was friendly and professional - very pleasant. read more

This little restaurant in Manteo is a gem. It's a must stop whenever we visit the Outer Banks. The food and service is exceptional. The feta-topped watermelon-tomato gazpacho is out of this world. read more

Absolutely delicious!!!! The gyro was so fresh as was the tzatziki sauce. The pita bread tasted as if it was freshly made as well. The onion dip was good as well as the Greek salad. The restaurant space itself is so cute with picturesque water views. Definitely check this place out. You won't be disappointed. Super sad that the first review of this place was negative given how incredible the food was and knowing they just opened. But the reviewer has only left 4 reviews on Yelp and all were 1-2 stars for other restaurants so consider the source. read more