The Olive Tree Restaurant York Restaurant Reviews
Fraser from Scotland tells us: Wonderful food, attentive staff and fabulous atmosphere. Ate here twice during our short break. Would highly recommend this establishment to anyone!
Review by Kevin Ireson: The Olive Tree
is a Bistro type restaurant with a European theme to the
menu. If you are an Early Bird menu type person, you will not
go wrong choosing here for your
meal. I was told you have to be in and order before 730pm,
but please phone to check this out. Times may change. The
Early Bird menu is a set
menu, with some of the choices off the main menu. The main
menu is served to customers who arrive later but the Early
Bird is CHEAPER! A meal here at any time is well worth the money but, the early bird
is a real TWEET!
This lovely restaurant is situated across the road from Clifford's Tower in York. On entering, the tastefully decorated and spacious dining area, you are cordially greeted by a member of staff. After being seated at a choice of tables, it was not overly busy on the Thursday we went in, menus are brought to you for your perusal.
Starters
Unhurried by staff we made our selections. I went for Parma ham with figs my friend Roger (waves to Roger if he reads this) decided on wild mushroom on a brioche. Both totally delicious. The figs with the ham were warmed through and thus softened and the sweetness went with the parma ham very well in my opinion. The noises of pleasure from across the table were explained to me with glee as there was a delicious nutty flavour to the mushrooms. A good start.
Main Course
Main courses were a tuna steak for Mr Farrington and a fillet of beef with feta cheese for myself. Both were cooked as requested and the sauce for the beef was lovely. Some herb mash and vine tomatoes were a little bit disappointing, as they didn't really add to the experience apart from the fun presentation perhaps.
Desert
For dessert some Ice Cream for Roger and because I had not seen one for such a long time, a baked apple for me. When they arrived the nature of the chef showed through. I think he has a good sense of fun and sense of humour. I hope he wasn't upset at my bursting into laughter at what it looked like, I hope he meant to tickle us with it. It looked fun and it was both in the presentation and the eating. I couldn't help remember my grandmothers baked apple as I tucked in. In fact, it could well have been her own delicious recipe. Very pleasant indeed.
Atmosphere
A good atmosphere, well trained and mannered staff, enough space to make it an intimate experience. With well presented and tasty food as well what more could you ask for? Maybe a bit pricey but lets face it you pay for what you get.
Not So Good at Last Visit
Last time in not so good. The waitress seemed to be daydreaming. We were misinformed about what the Early Bird menu was. So, we had to re-order. Drinks were not offered as we sat down. The drinks again were not offered to be refilled. Silly woman .. once the head waiter took over even when it got busy things much improved. All that was needed was someone dedicated and well trained to do the job. Never was there any complaints about the food. It was as delicious as ever it has been.
CHRIS GRADY emailed in to say: The food and the ambience of this restaurant provided a wonderful evening for my fiancee and I. Excellent service,outstanding food would visit again without doubt, recommended to book though try the scallops for starters amazing , 5 out of 5
Ozgur Akgul (Oscar) wrote in to tell us: I think the olive tree is one of the best restaurant in york. Fantastic historical views and fresh and impressive food. last time when I was in, I have seen L. Frankie Dettori in there.The review from <SNIP competitors name> was one of the best I have read for a long time.
Please mention Hotels in York website when you call. Thanks.
The Olive Tree Restaurant in York
10 Tower Street York
Telephone: 01904 624433
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 5:30pm - 10pm,
Sunday 6pm - 9pm