Olea Restaurant
(718) 643-7003
171 Lafayette Ave
Brooklyn,
NY
11238
40.6877
-73.9704
Neighborhood: Fort Greene
What People Are Saying About Olea Restaurant
The Editor
Kara Zuaro
Citysearch
The Scene
Rustic pottery and terra cotta tiles decorate the airy dining room filled with local 20- and 30-somethings. Black-clad servers swish between well-spaced tables, and huge windows offer a lovely view of the neighborhood.The pan-Mediterranean menu is more expensive than expected from a cash-only, outer-borough bistro, but the fresh fare justifies the price.
The Food
Complimentary crusty bread pairs beautifully with delectably grassy olive oil. Lightly battered and fried calamari, mussels, and citrus slices make a bright starter, but the decadent fried halloumi cheese over spinach puree steals the scene. Bring a big appetite--one heaping entree features lamb three ways (Merguez sausage, tender tagine, and grilled loin), and the juicy sirloin topped with garlic aioli is served alongside a rich potato and prosciutto gratin. The salmon, on a bed of beets and wonderfully crisp, flash-fried chard, offers a lighter option. Skip the forgettable chocolate cake for the panna cotta duo--one chocolate-orange and another vanilla-rosemary.
User Reviews
BKDO
February 09, 2009
I was looking for a nice local place to take some friends on a Saturday night, casual but a bit off the beaten path menu-wise. This place overdelivered! We got a table immediately, had attentive service, and the food....drooling. Sorry. The food was excellent. It was so good that after we'd all finished the entrees (which came after multiple tapas), we wanted MORE tapas (b/c everything else was so delicious, not due to small portions or anything). The atmosphere is eclectic, which I appreciate. It didn't really feel like New York, which was a nice change of pace from all the Smith Street staples. Olea is worth checking out. I'll be back.
read full review
Anonymous
December 05, 2008
I wish my kids liked this place more - the food and atmosphere is so nice. It is super cozy and they have amazing wines too. Great staff excellent service. A real find
read full review
SMALLO1
September 28, 2008
Yippee! What a great restaurant! It is very refreshing to eat food that is different yet meets all the expectations of Turkish cuisine. The service was terrific: we were under time constraints to get to a show. I had told them at the time of reservation. The waiter was fully aware and guiding us through the meal selection and timing very gracefully. We were on time. We had the Mediterranean salad (excellent and refreshing, no surprise), the Grilled Sirloin Steak Roasted (that was special), the Rigatoni (i still have the flavor in my mouth), and the lLamb Keftedes Meatballs . It was only our second time. We definitely need to go more often.
read full reviewThe Details on Olea Restaurant
What to Drink:
The wine list seems a bit pricier than it should be. Skip the $26 Red Stag from Greece (one of the cheapest bottles available) and pair the fare with Sixpoints Brooklyn Brownstone, a delicious local brew that's only $6 by the glass.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Notable Beer List, Romantic Dining, Quiet, Hidden Find, Group Dining
