Great to enjoy a casual meal at our pace; go back off season and enjoy. Good selection of beers and wines. We had the zucchini appetizer with fresh tomatoes and basil and also the soup special - sweet potato and apple. Not to sweet, perfect for a cool drizzly fall day. Pleasant service and great views of the harbor. We will be back. read more

We always have a good time here. Sometimes it's a long wait other times, like the other night, you can walk right in (with 8 people!!). I alway have the flounder which is awesome. We also got some good apps, like the baby back ribs. Service is usually good. Great sunsets too! read more

It's nothing but a tourist trap since 1961. What a shame--don't fall pray! We visit The Olympia Tea Room once a year, for the past 11 years in memory of a first date. Thinking, back then, we were oblivious to our surroundings, in lust mode just spending the day together. The Tea Room looked like the best option, since there is not much in the way of restaurants on Bay Street, unless you want Deli food. We stopped in for a drink which led to a few nibbles. Great company, can't mess up a nice bottle of wine, but the food was mediocre at best--highly overpriced for the quality. We went a few weeks ago to carry out our tradition with a nice Sunday drive, walking around a bit before going to the Tea Room. Our bartender had the personality of a door knob. Slim pickings for me on my entree, my first thought was something small dish of Chili @ $16. A bowl w chips ... really! I opted for the Chicken Milanese over arugula which came with pasta @ $26. I did not want the pasta that came with salad and chicken. Since, I knew I would not finish it. I ordered it without the pasta.!The salad was under dressed and seasoned and the chicken was over fried and flavorless. My boyfriend ordered some ridiculously over priced dish at $25 that came with two sausage links, 3 springs of rabe and a quarter of a potato wedge. The rabe stem where the size of tree trunks and the stalks were not cleaned to make more tender ( so ineditable except the tops). I ordered a glass of daub Blanc only to receive a 4oz pour of wine @$14. When the bill arrived they charged full price sans pasta for my entree. When I questioned the miserable barmaid, she asked the kitchen about it, she said the gave me extra salad and tomatoes. What a joke! Not true. I'm all for paying good money for an excellent meal. We dine often and have standards, others apparently not so much. So, unfortunately, this will be our last visit to the Tea Room. read more

Visited Watch Hill last weekend. Had lunch at Olympia Tea Room on Saturday. Restaurant just opened for lunch when we arrived. Quiet at first, but was busy by the time we left. Service was very good and the food was great! read more

The Olympia Tea Room was a nice place for a early lunch. Sitting out front is the best and offers great views of the Barbour. The food is good and what you would expect. read more

I loved this place. A quaint New England restaurant and bar. We sat outside and enjoyed a bailys coffee with an ocean view and huge yachts. They had heaters to keep us comfortably warm. The waiter was very friendly and didn't make us feel rushed. I would love to go back in the summer for dinner. read more

The Olympia Tea Room - Sat on the porch overlooking the ocean enjoying a Baileys coffee. - New American Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

Great historic neighborhood dinner spot near the ocean . We are in town for a wedding and explored the beach area after our flight. The Olympia Tea Room came highly recommended and it was right on target with the Chicken Pillaird dish and a Greek salad. The avocado carpaccio appetizer was excellent , prepared with sweet pickled onions and celery. read more

The Olympia Tea Room - Chicken pillaired - New American Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

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to say i was disappointed would be an understatement. host was unfriendly and unwelcoming. atmosphere was disturbing. lighting was blindingly dark to the point i couldn't see my food. service was uncomfortable. atmosphere was overwhelming and unattractive. prices were outrageous for absolute garbage food. +1 star for being in watch hill:) read more

First, the food is . . .and always has been . . . very good. However, it has always been difficult getting past Olympia Tea Room's shabby treatment of customers. We have felt poorly treated here before and still do. The two stars are only because the of the good food; none for how they behave toward customers. If an establishment states they do not take reservations, why is it every time we visit there are tables with RESERVED placards on them? On a recent visit (Friday, May 8), my wife and I were compelled to stand and wait while one empty table of six sat RESERVED as the staff set another table for a different group of six. I asked the hostess who, after attempting to shuffle first my wife and then me to the bar, about the restaurant's reservation policy. She said they take none. When I asked, she stated the RESERVED table was for "friends of the owner." So when we visit and there are two or more reserved tables (as we have observed in the past), are these ALL for friends of the owners?? We were there last week (2015 opening night); we waited while a couple who arrived after us were seated before us. When I asked why, I was told that the couple "had called to put their name on the list." Excuse me, is this unlike taking a reservation? So I thought I'd try this and called on May 8 and said we would be arriving in 15 minutes and asked to be, "put on the list" and were told no. Their treatment goes beyond poor policy and customer service and touches on snobbish elitism. You're good Olympia, but you're not THAT good. My wife and I left and went to the Watch Hill "house near the ocean" up the hill. We got top-notch food AND treatment. Looking through other YELP reviews, I cannot help but notice that Olympia has a long history of crummy treatment of customers. read more

The Olympia Tea Room - pear martini... yummy - New American Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

Went here many years ago and loved it. I came back with my family (6 year old and 8 month old). We were walking so we had a stroller and decided to sit outside. Our waitress came and brought us water and when I asked if my son could have a high chair, the hostess responded that no they don't have high chairs. When I asked what do families with infants do, she responded that we usually tell them to eat somewhere else. I was so angry and frustrated but decided to give it a chance. I sat down and asked another waitress if there was a kids menu for my daughter. She angrily responded "no there isn't". We decided to pack everything back up and leave. Our waitress came by and we told her because there was no kids menu and no high chair we were leaving. To which she responded there is a kids menu but it's a verbal one. I will never eat here again. They are unfriendly to families. I advise everyone who has children not to eat here. read more

I had never been to the Olympia and convinced my family to go. On the positive side, the linguini with clams was good, the prices were fair for Watch Hill, and the calamari was good. My only warning is that they do not take reservations so be prepared to wait - we went on a Monday night and waited for 40 minutes. The hostess was quirky - she was not warm and welcoming the night we were there and lacked people skills. Maybe she was pissed that we weren't Taylor Swift. The server was friendly but the bar service was slow - had to wait for a LONG time for our wine order. It is loud inside, hard to have a conversation. The tables are tight. I don't know if we will go back. read more

This place has a picturesque location in the heart of Watch Hill, and in reality, that's why the prices are a bit higher than they probably should be. The food is good, but we will only stop here when in a time-crunch! read more

The Olympia Tea Room - New American Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

I showed up and I heard the owner say I was too large to fit in the booth... so disrespectful. Never go to this place.

We were a little hesitant from other reviews but we gave it a shot. We got in within 20 minutes to a table inside, and the waiter was very attentive throughout the meal. The food was excellent and the drinks were good as well. We ordered the lobster salad croissant dinner and the fish and chips dinner, both were very good and well portioned along with the blood orange margarita. Overall, great experience! read more

The Olympia Tea Room - Lobster Salad w Croissant and Fish & Chips - New American Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

Great views (especially if you sit outside) Extensive wine list, mediocre food. Minimal seafood dishes. Suggest a visit for wine and appetizers only. read more

Customer Service begins before you ever set foot in the door. A grouchy old man who looks like Joe Biden which I assume must be the owner came outside to give us a power trip. He said Im trying to keep this area clear so if you arent talking to the hostess please move. Ironically enough that is exactly what we were doing. He also gave this same attitude to a woman right after us. We walked and she did as well. Good Luck! read more

Typing this as I leave at the moment. September 2, 2022. This place is a top candidate of worst restaurants I've ever been to. Food, service, and atmosphere - all lousy. My meal tasted like something I would've been served from my high school cafeteria. Better yet, my wife and I were allowed one beverage the entire time. Both drinks were empty by the time the food came out and our blind waitress had no idea. Figured we'd ask for another the next time we saw her but she was harder to find than big foot. Told the manager the food sucked and had a better chance hitting the lottery than getting a refill on drinks, and her response was sorry it's Labor Day weekend. Nice. Go here if you enjoy expensive dog food and incompetence. read more

Love the wine corks that fill in the bottom 1/2 of the windows. Great views of the water. There is seasonal bistro dining. I don't love the decor- Pepto Bismal pink! But it's open, airy, high ceiling, decent long bar. The bartender was nice & happy to share daily cocktail specials & wine list choices. The menu is beautiful. Creative. Fair prices for the area. Small bathrooms, street parking. read more

My most vivid memories of this place will always be passing it on my way to the beach as a little kid. I never understood why such a fancy-looking restaurant would be right on the beach! It seemed so out of place among the ice cream and bathing suit shops. Today, it's among real estate offices and kitchy art shops. But I digress. Now that I'm (gasp) an adult, I've now been here a couple of times! I wouldn't stop here on my way to or from the beach, as you need to be somewhat presentable and not, you know, wet to belong with the crowd. You will see the locals dressed up, and the tourists a little less so. Definitely more khakis than jeans in attendance, and a few older men in suits. The food is good! I wish there was a little more seafood on the menu, but there are a few shellfish dishes that made me happy. The Coquilles Saint Jacques and Linguine with Clams were both yummy. I guess I'm not happy until a restaurant offers crab legs. :) Service is a little slow, but you're on vacation right? Where do you need to hurry off to? Oh! And I suppose it is worth mentioning that "Tea Room" is a bit of a misnomer. It's really a full restaurant with a full bar and extensive wine list. It's right across the street from the yacht club, so maybe if you hang out at the bar at the right time, you'll meet a special someone who's a boat owner! Wouldn't that be a catch. They do not have a grand selection of tea, if that's what you're looking for. Just the standard selection of black, green and decaf. read more

The Olympia Tea Room - New American Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

I ordered tomato/mozzarella salad with balsamic glaze....what a miserable plate served - only 2 slices of tomato - not even a whole tomato and a very small slab of of mozzarella for $20.00. I did not know the price before hand. Talk about a cheat to the customer!!! However the service was great and our waitress very attentive as well as the hostess. Never again. I do not mind paying a good price but this was just too skimpy to be believed. read more

This is "a landmark" here in southern Rhode Island. I had never been and ALWAYS wanted to. We went for lunch. It's smaller then I thought. But the staff were quick to help us. We had lunch in just under 2 hours. I would like to come back and try at dinner time. read more

I have absolutely no idea why people leave less than a 4 star rating. I'm a local of 25 years, they have never steered us wrong. Amazing quality food, always great service in the middle of the nicest zip code in South county. Im sure the crap reviews are our typical "Karens" that spend a couple of months a year here. These guys do an amazing job and the food is absolutely amazing. read more

We live nearby and decided to give the OTR one last try, after prior disappointing experiences. After our recent Sunday sunset dinner, we've decided that we will never be back. Yes, it has an okay view out the front of the boats and sunset and yes it's in Watch Hill, but that's about it. The OTR has simply given up trying to produce good quality meals, and has succumbed to just fleecing tourists with subpar food at elevated prices. In addition, the waitstaff was not pleasant, and hassled. Try the Bistro or Coast at the Ocean House, or head into downtown Westerly for the Cafe or one of several other excellent options in the area around the new movie theater. There's also the Cooked Goose in Westerly, as well as Maria's in Misquamicut. I truly dont understand how the OTR stays in business. You can only fleece peoples' pockets for a semi-decent view and a convenient location for a short while,... until they realize they're being ripped off for boring sub-par food. read more

My family grew up in this area and now gather here every summer. One of our regular haunts has been the Olympia. Went there tonight for our kick off to a new summer season and we were more than disappointed. The menu has changed and prices have increased greatly. My steamers were sandy and chewy and I had to send them back. My sister had salad that had tomatoes hard as rocks. Chowder was best part of the meal. We expected the owner(s) to come over. Instead, a designated staff member came over to apologize, take the dinners off the check, etc. The owner here has never been personable, and the fact that he didn't address our complaint with us is par for the course, I guess. I've observed him glad handing the yachting crowd, so I guess he is choosy. Won't go back for food, but our bartender was the best. read more

So disappointed that this well recommended place failed to even rise to the most minimal experience expected during Covid. The only reason their doors are open is because they are ignoring social distance policies and packing the place. Wait time underestimated by 1/2 hour - took 45 minutes instead of 15-20 promised. Service was not even a 1 out of 5 stars starting with hostess and followed by floor manager. Obviously I was seriously disappointed with my experience here and hope they figure out how to be a service driven business rather than a money grab for their owners and managers. read more

came here on a sunny saturday for a late lunch. we sat outside (i wish there wasn't an overlay for the seating. we got the sangria pitcher which is typically just 1.5 glasses per person. but it def was 2 full glasses. not as fruity as i like (they only put orange and apple) but still refreshing on a warm day. we got the zucchini fries (which were cut a bit too thin and breaded too heavily) but i liked the fresh tomato and arugula side that accompanied it. the balsamic reduction was a bit sweet but a nice way to cut the acidity of the tomato. we shared a pizza with arugula. a bit oily (unclear from what) but tasty. dough tasted fresh and all the ingredients were of great quality. the wait staff could be a bit more attentive for such a highly reviewed place. read more

The Olympia Tea Room - New American Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

Love the Tea Room been a lifelong patron. Jackie is one of the best bartenders around. This is what great customer service looks like folks! Sometimes you just need a place that allows for a little bit of adult time - maybe a good Manhattan perfect, good conversation, great food and no kids We love our date nights here! read more

Okay food. Overpriced and touristy if you can use that word. Can do much better at other places.

My husband and I visited the Olympia Tea Room August 26, 2010. I began going there with my parents in the early 60's and have looked forward to it each time we are in the Watch Hill area. We have always enjoyed every part of each visit...until yesterday. After strolling Bay Street, we stopped at the hostess station to inquire about an outdoor table to enjoy a cocktail and appetizer. I had put my mask on as we approached the podium, but my husband forgot to put his on. In a condescending manner, the hostess barked at my husband indicating that she would speak to him only after he put his mask on. She had every right to insist that he abide by the guidelines, as he should. However, he was not refusing to do so, he merely forgot to put it back on (it was in his hand). A pleasant reminder would have been sufficient. We stayed only because we had made the hour plus trip and I did not want to let a person's arrogance ruin our plans. When I asked to speak to the manager after we paid our bill, low and behold, the hostess was also the manager. I know that is often the case, as I was a family restaurant owner/manager for 22 years. When I shared my complaint, she confused our situation with another guest that she had a "mask" problem with. That spoke volumes because people respond positively to being treated nicely and visa versa. When I explained that my husband simply forgot to put his mask on, she raised her voice and said "IT'S A STATE LAW". A lapse in judgement does not equal stupidity and she did not need to speak to me as if I did not understand the guidelines. She proceeded to tell me that she is eight months pregnant. Maybe that is the reason for a terrible attitude, but it is no way to treat paying guests. If it is commonplace for her (seems as though it might be because there was no subtle apology of any sort), that is on her, not the restaurant guests. Turns out, she is an owner. WOW, that blew my mind when I found this out because it was even more indicative of low expectations for customer service. I felt compelled to take the time to write this email because of my background in the business. I always welcomed feedback from guests so I could remedy a situation or praise those that were giving their all to which my family benefitted. One can chalk it up to having "a bad day", but the person greeting guests is the one that sets the tone for the whole experience. So sad that this tarnished the many positive experiences I had for many decades. Emailed the establishment, but never got a reply and was not at all surprised once I found out that the arrogant hostess was also the owner's daughter. Glad I had a better attitude when I was in her position, because I am sure that it would not have been tolerated if it were an employee! read more

Interesting place. I expected much more from a Watch Hill Restaurant. I had the special which was fried scallops. The scallops were cooked well however the beer batter did not go well. They do make some strong drinks. My wife had a side of asparagus, very overdone. They salad was fresh. Definitely not a place I will return to. Very pricey for mediocre food. read more

we used to love the Olympia tea room and often stopped in at the bar for cocktails and appetizers Food was always good. Was so disappointed however on my last visit it was my birthday and I showed up around 8 o'clock and was refused service.. I had plans on having after dinner drinks cappuccinos and dessert not a small bill there. We were turned away because we were not having dinner There were several open tables read more

I have been coming here for about 15 years and have always loved this place. It's our go to when in Westerly. Food was great, I'm a fan of their lobster roll on the croissant. Drinks were good I had a blood orange margarita, we had two children with us one only 2 months and the other almost two, I didn't find them to be discriminating towards children at all. They don't have high chairs but I think there reasoning was bc it a very small and old building with not much maneuvering room so I get it, and we sat outside so we could keep our stroller with us. They also have a kids menu if you ask. Hostess and waitress were both friendly waitress could tell we were in a little bit of a rush since we had a 2 year old with no high chair and got us out in a nice timely manner which was great. Your Local Foodie :) read more

Please do yourself a favor and stay away from this tourist trap of a restaurant. We stopped for a drink and appetizers after arriving in the area. You could smell the shrimp cocktail as soon as it hit the table.. it had a very strong odor and the shrimp had a discolored brown color to it. We expected fresher seafood while being close to the shore. read more

I really wanted to like this place but the service was horrible. We ordered a bottle of wine before placing our food order. Eventually, our food came and still no wine. Meanwhile, the table right next to us sat down, placed their order, received their wine shortly after and then their meal, all before we had received either our wine or food. We complained to management and all they could offer was an apology. Would not recommend this place if you're looking for good service. read more

I have been holding back on writing a review for a while. Visited this restaurant twice in the last two weeks. And hoped my experience the first time was a fluke. **SHOCKER** it was not. Ordered a burger and calamari the first visit which were deserving of a 3-star review on their own. However, the waitress we had was not very pleasant. She was curt and flippant likely because we shared 1 cheap entree and appetizer between two people, but that's no excuses for being rude. Our next visit the waitress was way better but the hostess was pretty nasty. We requested to be seated at one of the tables next to an outlet so we could charge one of our phones, once she realized this was the reason we wanted that table she removed the menus and scurried us to another table while muttering something about not being allowed to charge phones. I was confused, and after she reseated us I sat there for a minute very confused about what just happened. After replaying the scenario in my head, I was convinced she must have miss heard me and it this was just a miss understanding. So I walked over to her and asked if there was anyway I could charge my phone, perhaps not at the table but anywhere. She arrogantly responded that she couldn't allow me to do that because it is a liability. I laughed because I genuinely thought she was joking and light heartedly asked if instead of them plugging it in I could take the "liability" and do so somewhere. Again I was shot down. I understand if that is your policy as ridiculous as I may find it. However, there is no reason to talk to a customer like that. I don't care how good your food is, or how expensive your Patagonia. I would recommend another high nosed place to eat in the area but they are the only sit down and the only restaurant period open late. So jokes on you, they can pretty much treat you however they want I guess! read more

Not kid friendly! Don't even think about coming here with kids. They do not offer any kind of high chair or booster seat and do not have any kind of a kids menu (a clear statement that they do not welcome families with small children). I am a new mom and just learning how to dine out with small kids, I understand that there are some places where it is better not to bring the kids, but when a family is on vacation in a small town with few dining options what are you supposed to do? The answer is: skip this place if you've got kids, as another reviewer said there are other options close by in Westerly and Misquamicut where you will feel more welcomed. Just for the record on a recent trip to NYC we visited some very exclusive restaurants that were extremely accommodating with the children/ babies in our party, get over yourself Olympia Tea Room. read more

Stopped in Watch Hill for lunch on a recent drive from CT to Newport. The Olympia is a cute place with some history, and appears to be the only real restaurant in town, as opposed to just a sandwich shop, etc. Things started out OK...ordered the local Grey Sail Ale on draft and a seafood salad in a cantaloupe, which was supposed to feature shrimp and lump crab meat. When the salad arrived, I thought it was a joke. It contained exactly one medium sized shrimp and three forkfulls of crab....for $18. I left feeling hungry and ripped off. Sorry Watch Hill but your "one horse" restaurant is taking advantage of you! read more

We always make a trip to Tea Room while on our annual beach vacation. While the food was better last night than it has been in the past, the service and attitude of the staff was completely intolerable. The host- if that term could actually be applied to the man- was rude and inhospitable to both us and his staff! They are fortunate not to have any competition in the area. We will not hurry back..... read more

I have taken my young family here three times in the past few years, we like to visit the beach at Watch Hill as it is a place my wife visited as a young child. The Olympia Tea Room has been a constant part of that story, and of several generations before that (as the beer mats labelled clearly with the year the place was established will testify). My major problem with this place is that it seems to be trading on that history/heritage. That and the almost complete lack of local competition. Our visits have always been tainted with the same lack of care on behalf of pretty much every server. Attitudes have been surly and uncaring, basics - such as water - are often forgotten, the vibe is very much our way or no way. Their refusal to provide highchairs for our kids - remember this is a beach town, families come here - seems grounded in some ancient past. I sense the owner refuses to keep up with the times (we have been to a lot of very fancy restaurants in NYC etc. who have all been more than happy to provide highchairs) due to some ill-advised determination to stick with tradition. The other sense we get is that tourists are bit of an inconvenience. Like they figure out that you are 'not from around here', and then assume the worst. We will continue to return to Waverley but there'll be no more Olympia Tea Room visits. If the food was fantastic it would be a much harder decision, but its not, it's very average. read more

While boating in Westerly, RI - we decided to pop into the Olympia Tea Room to grab a bite for lunch. We took the dingy into shore, waited under 5 minutes for a table and sat in the perfect little corner table for all 6 of us. It was pretty good lunch, the service was good and efficient. read more