|
|
|
Greek Dining in Seattle
In the Wallilngford Area
1712 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 547-0397
Hours:
Tue-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 12 pm - 9 pm
|
|
Reza M.
Edmonds, WA |
The golden olive is my favorite Greek place in Seattle. I come here for the friendly service, authentic Greek agualemeno soup, and the casual atmosphere. If you're looking for a favorite Greek place in Seattle, then you have to swing by the Golden Olive. Try the Greek salad, the soup, and the souvlaki's! Everything tastes awesome and you'll keep comming back. The food here is much better than Costa's in Fremont.
|
Alessandra M.
Seattle, WA |
Came here on their grand re-opening unknowingly, and the place was packed! Service was great though and very friendly. I had the lamb souvlaki and it was delicious - moist, tender, and flavorful. I left this place stuffed and happy.
|
Chrystal P.
Seattle, WA |
Came for the lunch special again a few weeks back, and the service and food was perfect. The woman (presumably the owner) was very polite, friendly, and helpful to a table of five next to me as well. When she handed me my food and said, "Enjoy your meal," she beamed a smile that melted me.
|
Jena E.
Seattle, WA |
I didn't know my mom ran a restaurant!
Hostess/waitress was fantastic. She is genuinely interested in your well-being and has something to say about your order. Also if you bring in a http://Restaurant.com coupon prepare yourself for a 5-minute finger-wagging on how you are supposed to use it. ("Make sure you tip at least 18% of the full amount. The full amount!")
Hot, soft pita bread with amazing dilly yogurt dip and hummus started us off right. Then a cup of sweet Greek coffee. Then my lamb souvlaki arrived. I couldn't strip the meat off the sword fast enough. Seasoning and texture was totally perfect.
My boyfriend's pita looked good too. We both left with stuff in our teeth which I think is a good sign.
Don't forget they're closed on Mondays.
|
Jackie C.
Seattle, WA |
I like this place. It's certainly nothing fancy, but it has wonderful, authentic greek food.
My two favorite dishes are the hummus plate, which has the perfect consistency of hummus and comes with fresh, soft pita bread. (My mouth is watering just thinking about it), and the chicken gyro, which was incredibly moist and flavorful. The fries that we also ordered were seasoned so well that we had to remind ourselves to save room for the rest of our meals.
We had no room for dessert so are already planning our return visit for some sweets.
|
Beth C.
Victoria, BC Canada |
hot DAMN this was a good experience!
My man-friend and I had occasion to visit the Golden Olive on a recent double date. When we arrived (it was my first time meeting the other couple), I realized I'd picked the restaurant, and suddenly, sweat glistened on my brow - would it measure up?! Or would it be cold breadsticks and sauce from a jar? Would my dining companions cast sly sidelong glances at one another, mentally ticking boxes in the "CON" column of liking me? When I excused myself to the bathroom, would my boyfriend backpedal and say we "weren't that serious" after we were served bad retsina and cold calamari in grease? The pressure was ON.
Fortunately for me, the Golden Olive delivered, big time.
The restaurant is on the small side, with somewhere around 15 tables, I'd say. The decor is pleasant and clean, nothing fancy or dingy, just pleasant and clean. But the first sigh of relief came when I smelled how good it smelled. Mmmm, garlic.
The server/owner/founder? was named Evyenia (I know I've butchered that spelling), and she was so great. Very outspoken, casual and attentive, she genuinely wanted to know how every dish was and how we enjoyed it. She made recommendations, nagged us to eat more, commended us on cleaning our plates. She even told me she liked the long version of my name better than the short version (which is what I go by). Sound obnoxious? Nope. Funny, and endearing, and mom-like, which I enjoy.
My Italian cream soda (pomegranate) was good, and not too sweet. It had too much ice in it, but that's mostly personal preference.
The four of us all had something different. We all shared an order of the Saganaki to start, which is, in a neat turn of phrase, salty delicious goat cheese set ablaze. It was great to watch her torch it, and even better to eat the gooey, squeaky, delicious bits with pita corners. Yum.
My dinner was the Moussaka (available meat or vegetarian), which I ordered because 1) I'd never tried moussaka; and 2) it came with garlic broccoli, which sounded fantastic.
It didn't disappoint at all. The Moussaka, which I now believe to be Greek for "awesome eggplant shepherd's pie" was filling and delicious. The meat was perfectly seasoned, and the eggplant and other veggies were excellent. The broccoli surrounding the generous portion was cooked to perfection, with a bit of crispness left, and plenty of the promised garlic.
My companions had the lamb pita with fries, the chicken pita with fries, and the pistachio spaghetti (this looked great, and would be my venture for next time, I think), and all plates were cleaned spotless, with people making yummy noises.
For dessert, we tried the baclava (I'm not a big fan, but the bite I had was nice, and the baclava connoiseurs at the table were very pleased) and the...I think it was called kormos? Anyway, it's what I ordered, and it was basically amazingly delicious chocolate cookie-type slabs, and it involved brandy and whipped cream, and oh man, just order it. Happy tongues.
Sometimes, people seem to think that five stars should be reserved for fancy, expensive, fine dining. But for me, I rate the value, experience, and overall satisfaction of a place, and the Golden Olive fit the bill. The service was prompt, attentive and friendly, the food was high quality, generously portioned and well-prepared, and the prices were reasonable. We all left smiling.
As we were leaving, three women were perusing the menu outside, and we sent them in. I hope their experience was as good as ours!
As for me, I'm just pleased the restaurant I picked for our double date didn't totally tank. Woohoo!
|
MissMaryAnn D.
Seattle, WA |
Home style food at it's best.
I love the Pastitsio, served with a generous serving of perfectly cooked broccoli.
I love perfectly cooked veggies, and I love finding neighborhood restaurants that serve home style food: healthy and laced with love.
If you like beets,be sure to order the beet salad with spinach, soft feta, red onions and a complex pomegranate dressing.
I dream of this salad.
I miss my auntie mommie back home, but now I have a Greek one just up the road who is a damn fine cook.
You might say I LOVE this place.
|
Madison H.
Seattle, WA |
I haven't been to Greece but I am pretty sure this is the real deal. I have been to The Golden Olive three times now (once for lunch and twice for dinner).
The first time I ate at TGO I had the gyro which was delicious! The second time (for dinner) I wasn't too hungry so I had a bowl of the avgolemono soup which is made daily. If you have never had it, you have to try and this is the place to do that! I would also like to note that I was eating slowly and savoring the soup so I think the owner who also waits tables thought I didn't like it. So she offered to warm it up and told me all the ingredients and effort that went into making it, of course I finished it, which made her happy, haha. That is just one more thing I love about this restaurant, you actually get to interact with one of the people that makes the food and someone that is really passionate about it and wants to make sure you are really enjoying your meal.
My third meal at TGO was just a little while ago. My friend and I shared the spanakopita which was top notch and the tzatziki sauce was perfect. I had the dolmades (grape leaves with meat, rice, and mint wrapped inside) served in a lemon sauce with organic baby carrots and my friend had the keftethes (Greek meatballs) with spaghetti myzithra. Both were oh so yummy. I will definitely be going back to try more.
|
Nicki W.
Mountlake Terrace, WA |
This is a charming little place where you know the food is made with lots of love! Seems to be a family run establishment and the sweetest lady was extremely welcoming and attentive throughout our whole meal.
Our group shared a plate of the Golden Olive Trio, grilled pita with tapenade, roasted red pepper hummus and tzatziki. The pita was served warm and the red pepper hummus was perfect with a bit of spice.
We also shared the amazing Beet Salad-OMG! As it's recommendee stated, this is a salad to dream about! Not only that, it comes in two sizes and the large was more than enough for 4 as a starter but this could definately pass as one's meal. It is a perfect balance of sweet, savory and texture between the spinach, beets, red onions and creamy feta all perfectly swaddled in a pomegranate dressing.
They had a wonderful mix of pasta dishes not entirely standard to most of the greek establishments I've gone to of late so it was a fun menu to parouse. It was a hard decision because everything looked incredible but I chose a spicy shrimp linguini. Huge prawns, perfectly tender and looked to be grilled on top of a simply dressed linguini with a white wine basil sauce, feta, fresh brocolli, red peppers and chili flakes. Yes, it was as good as it sounds and there was enough to bring home to the hubster!
This will definately be a place I will make a point to come back and visit fo sho! Hopefully the great company I had this time will be a repeat as well. :)
|
Rebecca B.
Seattle, WA |
This place has that charm that you don't get very many places. From the quaintness to the big personality owners, you really just don't get much better than this. I feel like this is the place you search for in Seattle... family owned (daughter on the grill, mom serving and making soups and casserole dishes), relatively reasonably priced, great location, and GREAT FOOD!!
The mom, who served, was so sweet. She instantly treated us like we were family, joking around and teasing. She was very attentive but not overbearing, which could come as a surprise, being that she is Greek! :) She comes fully equipped with an accent, as well, which adds some authenticity. Towards the end of the meal, she was saying how tough it is running a restaurant, and how expensive it is. She wants to put in new carpet, and update some of the wall decorations (which are cute, as-is, but more would be welcome), but she said she can't if she doesn't get more customers. I told her that I would spread the word, because I do feel for the small family-owned restaurants. They often don't get the recognition they deserve.
Their menu is extensive. They only have wine and 2 kinds of beer (Greek Light beers), but they make up for it with their awesome selection of food. Their tzatziki (or WHATEVER, I can't spell it) is super duper good, especially when you dip their delectable fries in it. The fries were awesome, but I'm not really picking up on the whole "crack fries" notion from the below reviewers. Just being honest. They are sprinkled with feta, which makes everything better.
Specifics: I had the Lamb Suvlaki Pita. The lamb was cooked perfectly, and had that nice charbroiled flavor. The Lamb pieces could have been smaller, as I had to eat the whole thing with a fork and knife, but the taste was WOW. Came with fries.... My boyfriend had the Moussaka, which was great. Had a melt-in-your-mouth texture, which was nicely contrasted by the SUPER AWESOME Garlic Broccoli!! I think I ate more of the broccoli than he did. I couldn't help it! So good.
So, what d'ya say, folks? Ready to try some authentically delicious Greek food? Mama needs some new carpet..... |
|
Seattle, WA |
Hit the spot! Admittedly, we were the only ones in there, but the service was top-notch and the food did not disappoint. We had the Golden Olive Trio appetizer - tzatziki, tapenade and red pepper hummus with pita; large beet salad and lamb souvlaki for main courses. Everything was perfect and delicious. My favorite things:
- They stay open between lunch and dinner to accommodate those of us who eat "lupper"
- The server not only permitted, but presumed that I would be scraping the inside of the tzatziki bowl ; )
- They use the full-fat, high-end, scrumptious yogurt for the tzatziki
- When we asked for a second round of the tzatziki, she was clear that it wasn't free and explained why
- Amazing fries |
Page Anne S.
Alexandria, VA |
The Golden Olive is a cozy family-owned neighborhood restaurant that serves authentic Greek food and drink. Our hostess was very hospitable and the food prepared by her daughter was fresh, well-prepared with plenty of tender meat, and reasonably priced. My friend is a regular there, and we were treated like family. We were offered a sample of the wine we wanted to try, and because they ran out of baklava, our hostess offered another dessert for us to try with the guarantee that we wouldn't be expected to pay for it if we didn't like it. And it was wonderful - something new to love that I would never have tried on my own. The coffee is strong, hot and authentically Greek as well. Be sure to try it and make friends with these nice people while you're there - you'll be well rewarded.
|
erica r.
Seattle, WA |
This is a great lunch place! I really like to have a sandwich or salad for lunch, and oddly enough, that can be hard to find in some places.
|
Shawn S.
Seattle, WA |
All around great experience! Best Greek food we've ever had. Excellent service. Very friendly people. Prices were good. I had a salmon burger and Greek fries for $11.
|
Ian S.
Seattle, WA |
I was brought some very fine takeout from this establishment today.
It was the Extreme Day of Seattle Hotness and they were having a special on sandwiches. I was expecting to just order some falafel (not on the menu but available) or gyros but instead I was able to have additionally a salad and a lemonade that tasted just like home made for a little over $6.
A stone cold deal.
It arrived like it was out of one of those promotional posters and the taste was ideal.
I'll be back often.
|
Will P.
Seattle, WA |
Talk about having great service. The woman that waits on the table is this sweet old lady with attitude(in a good way). The food is awesome. You call tell that it is some great home cooking with recipes that have been passed down and perfected over the years.
|
katie d.
Seattle, WA |
I love the Golden Olive!
Family ran by a yoga master mama and her chef daughter. The food is amazing especially breakfast (the Taso's omelet) on a Sunday before a walk around Greenlake.
Help support the local business's!
Check out the Golden Olive!
|
carole l.
Seattle, WA |
The food here is way better than at Yanni's in Phinney Ridge, Costas Opa in Fremont, and Plaka's in Ballard. The lamb souvlaki is always tender, high-quality, and well grilled. They've got the best high quality Greek salad. The food is not too salty. They take great pride in their food, all the way down to the home-made desserts. We visit every other week.
|
Amie S.
Seattle, WA |
They have great food there!
The fries are really good.
The staff are nice, they broke my hundred
when they didn't really accept them.
|
Diana T.
Westminster, CA |
BEWARE! THEIR GREEK FRIES ARE SPRINKLED WITH CRACK!
Seriously though, these fries are the most delicious things I have EVER tasted hands down. They aren't soggy where it tastes like a limp noodle in your mouth or too crunchy where you need teeth of steel to bite through, it's just right. Topped off with that delicious cheese.. oh man.
Their gyros are pretty darn good too, but the fries get me every single time.
|
David Z.
Seattle, WA |
I've been in here twice now to get some takeout. I've tried the moussaka and it was great - also the greek salad was delicious. I know those are only two dishes to start with, but what I've had is very good. I really like this place - its homey, it has a big menu and the quality of the food is great. I would recommend it if you are in Wallingford.
|
Nicholas R.
Boise, ID |
My fiance and I visited the Golden Olive on an unusually cold day for Seattle. The restaurant was warm and inviting, as well as seasonally decorated for the holidays. We were greeted and served by an enthusiastic and fun waiter who was eager to suggest entrees and describe dishes if we had any questions.
I had the chicken souvlaki pita and my fiance had the gyro. Both were delicious, with plentiful tzatziki sauce and fresh ingredients. The Greek fries had a generous amount of feta cheese sprinkled on top, and the greek salad had a wonderful vinaigrette drizzled on top.
It was an enjoyable experience, enough for me to say that I would love to make a return visit in the near future.
|
Anca S.
Seattle, WA |
Falafel came with a generous mound of tasty fries with crumbled feta cheese. Got the food to-go, but the decor was nicely Greek without being over the top. And as the other reviews mention, the service/ownership doles out plenty of motherly personality, on the house.
|
Alice R.
Seattle, WA |
Holy Moly! The fries really are addictive here. I finally settled on the Gyro plate but had a lot to choose from. Next time, I'm going for the Keftethes w/ rice or Spaghetti Myzithra or the Moussaka . Pricing here is very recessionista friendly. Did I mention the fries? They are that good.
|
Garren K.
Seattle, WA |
Just had lunch there and I have no complaints. Really nice service and FAST. Nothing made me jump out of my seat... but my sandwich and salad were both very good!
|
A T.
Seattle, WA |
I think it says something about a place after 23 reviews (as of this writing) and there are only 4 and 5 star ratings. And I agree with those reviews. As the bf said, it's ranks 4.5 stars for a mom and pop run home-cooked type of restaurant.
We came here before catching a movie at The Guild down the street. We shared a large spinach beet salad and the lamb souvlaki pita. I really liked the fact that the salad came with a side plate of pita bread because I, for one, never really stay full on just a salad. That said, believe what everyone has said about the salad. Very yummy. The cheese isn't the super strong kind so it added nicely to the salad. The lamb on the pita was a little dry, but every thing else was so good that I can overlook that. Oh, and the fries were pretty good too (and they have some goat cheese sprinkled on them too!)
I would definitely go back and introduce this to friends as well.
|
Traci R.
Denver, CO |
Although they close early so it took me awhile to get in here it was worth the wait. It's a husband and wife run restaurant where they both do the cooking and the wife was our server, very attentive, real friendly, and made great recommendations. The side greek salad was so good, dressing was awesome. I had the pistachio and mushroom pasta, delicious. Very light and well rounded flavors. I plan on going back to try the vegetarian mussaka and pastitsio.
|
Mike P.
Seattle, WA |
Tried this place for lunch, for which it was great. Very friendly staff!
|
jay c.
Irvine, CA |
Their salmon burger was outstanding! very moist, tender and flavorful.
its on their lunch menu (i was there for dinner an asked they could make it for me and they said no problem) the fries were the bomb!
great service
|
Steven B.
Seattle, WA |
The Golden Olive is an overlooked gem in the heart of Wallingford. Lunch or dinner, you'll be pleased with the entire menu. May I suggest the grape leaf dolmades? Or perhaps the pastitsio? I haven't tried the famous leg of lamb yet, but I hope to soon!
I was truly sad when this restaurant stopped serving breakfast, as it was by far my favorite breakfast spot in all of Wallingford. Especially those crepes! Patronize this place often, and perhaps Evyenia, the owner, will fire up the breakfast grill again!
|
Sabrina B.
Seattle, WA |
Even after showing up 15min before closing, my bf and I were treated as welcomed guests and served some amazing food. I went for the standard chicken gyro and the bf got the spinach ravioli. We were both very satisfied and quite full upon leaving. The pricing was adequate for the quality and atmosphere - we're not going to forget this place any time soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
