The Olive Leytonstone

Price

££

Cuisine

Meze & Fine Dining

Area

Leyton & Leytonstone

The Olive is a long-running Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant on Kirkdale Road, right opposite Leytonstone station. It has been a local fixture for years, and its pavement terrace fills up quickly on warm evenings.

The menu mixes classic Turkish meze and charcoal grills with a few Mediterranean plates. Expect houmous, cacık, kısır and şakşuka to start, then Adana kebab, lamb şiş, ribs and wings from the grill, with homemade baklava to finish. Sharing platters for two are popular.

It’s an easy choice for a relaxed dinner with friends, a family meal or a date night close to the Tube.

What to order at The Olive Leytonstone

Portions are generous, so a meze spread followed by a mixed grill is plenty for two.

• Humus – chickpea and tahini dip, served with warm bread
• Kısır – bulgur wheat salad with tomato, herbs and pepper paste
• Şakşuka – fried aubergine and vegetables in tomato sauce
• Mücver – courgette and dill fritters
• Adana kebab – spiced minced lamb grilled on a wide skewer
• Kuzu şiş – lamb cubes grilled over charcoal
• Baklava – homemade filo pastry with nuts and syrup

Atmosphere and good to know

The dining room is airy and simply styled, with wooden chairs and a polished floor, plus outside tables on the pavement. Wine is served, including Turkish reds, and the restaurant runs seasonal set menus and occasional music nights. You can book online through the restaurant’s website or by phone.

Vegetarians have plenty of meze and a few mains to choose from. Halal status isn’t stated. It can get busy on summer evenings, so book ahead at weekends.

The Olive Leytonstone opening hours

Monday to Thursday: 12:00–22:30; Friday and Saturday: 12:00–23:00; Sunday: 12:00–22:00. Hours can change on bank holidays, so check with the restaurant before you travel.

How to get to The Olive Leytonstone

Leytonstone station on the Central line is directly opposite, about a minute’s walk. Leytonstone bus station is next to the Tube, with routes including the 66, 145 and 257 stopping there.

For live routes and disruptions, use the TfL Journey Planner.

Menu, ordering and contact

Official website · Instagram · Facebook · Call 020 8539 6664

More Turkish food nearby

Nearby, try Filika Restaurant Wanstead and Anatolia Leyton, or browse all Turkish restaurants in Leyton & Leytonstone. New to Turkish food? Start with our guide to popular Turkish dishes or see the best Turkish restaurants in London.

Features

• Alcohol served

Location