Olives and Figs

I have eaten at Olives and Figs three times now and I have not been disappointed. As an American in London. it is by far the best value restaurant I have been to. In a city in which restaurant prices range from the ridiculously high to the insanely high, this place is a veritable oasis in a desert of low end fast food and way overpriced mid level restaurants. The best attraction about Olives and Figs is not their prices, which is lower than one would espect, but it is the value received for the price charged. The value is extremely high.

It is clean, not fancy, tables a bit close together, ambiance is pleasant but not special, and service is efficient, with servers who actually have a sense of humor, and are quick to laugh. The food is excellent, especially if, like me you like lamb. The lamb chops, lamb ribs and lamb kebabs are seasoned with spices that are not immediately recognizable but that are very pleasant to the palate. For entrees that range between £6 and $10, this place is a deal. They do not have alcohol, but encourage you to bring your own - no corkage fee. The waiters will pour for you and discard the empty bottles.

Two people, with starters (excellent mid-East types, hummous, babaganoush and others) entrees and water, expect to spend less than £25.
Comment on this reader review

Damian FitzRoy
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Fantastic place to go and eat, good service as i go for there for lunch regular. The food is really nice defo value for money. I will recommend anyone to go there and try it. Its worth it. The best thing about it there is no service charge!!!
Comment on this reader review

9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, January 12, 2012

A group of us went to this restaurant this afternoon with high hopes. I am a regular diner at Turkish restaurants and was disappointed with Olives & Figs. 2 of our main dishes had hair in it which was absolutely unbelievable and unacceptable. We complained and they replaced the dishes but that meant that the other individuals in the group had finished their main dishes and were waiting around for the remaining 2 to receive their main dishes and finish.

The service was a little rude. Cutlery was just dashed on the table before our main dishes were due to arrive and there really wasn’t a pleasant atmosphere.

When the bill came, they knocked 10% of the bill and we said that this was not good enough. We had a 10% voucher with us anyway so it was not a discretionary discount. They said that they didn’t charge us for the 2 replacement main dishes. Damn right you were not going to charge us! He made it out as he was doing us a favour! The manager came along and after a little debating, he reduced the bill.

The food was average. Nothing to shout about! The portions are very small. For example, the Mixed Grill comes with half an Adana Kebab (Kofte), 2 pieces of Chicken Shish and 2 pieces of Lamb Shish with a little rice and lots of salad. It was more like a starter! I would advise to go to Maedah Grill in Whitechapel E1. The food is much better, portions are generous and all round is better value for money.

The owners are not Turkish - they are Bengali! This reflected in the service as this what you get when you visit establishments in Brick Lane. Disappointed to say the least and I will not be retuning here again.
Comment on this reader review

Annonymous - View all reviews by this user
3 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Thursday, August 18, 2011

This is definitely one of the best place where you can dine in London.

Atmosphere is nice and the area is lovely.

Service is very friendly, and tries to accomodate all your wishes in a kind way.

Food is fresh, rich and delicious, something almost unbelievable if you take a look at the prices! Moreover, you can bring your own bottle of wine, and every other alcoholic drink is welcome!

Definitely, we have become regular customers! Go on Olives!!
Comment on this reader review

Ritchies
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, July 31, 2011

This is truly a hidden gem in the city of london, i went there with a few of my colleagues, the food is absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection...the atmosphere was delightful annd the warm vibrant environment reminded me of mytravels of the middle east. i have been there back a few times and consider it my third office when in the city.
Comment on this reader review

John Turnbull
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, May 17, 2011

This place serves some of the nicest kebabs London. All the meat is of fantastic quality (i would like to know where they get it from) and cooked brlliantly over the coals in the semi 'open' kitchen. They also do takeaway at lunchtime direct from the kitchen where you can watch you food being cooked.

The menu is limited but this simply adds to the authenticity of the place and is probably one of the reasons that the food is always good. Most restaurants have huge menus and overstretch themselves.

Service is always extremely polite, but they do get very busy.
Comment on this reader review

GL
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Great little restaurant that is a gem of a find. It is surrounded by many good restaurants but this is by the far the very best value around. The food is of great quality and taste and all for under £10. The service has always been good and see if you can spot the old uncle in the corner !
Comment on this reader review

10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

this is a turkish grill serving the very best food on the charcoal grill. The cost per head is less then 10.00 (ten pounds per head)
View/Add comments (1)

ruhel
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Thursday, October 15, 2009