El Olivo

Restaurants

Restaurants and cafés

24 Stoke Newington Church Street

Mid-range

Ming-tang Evans

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Time Out says

Wed Aug 1 2012

Paellas bristling with chicken, chorizo and seafood and served in the pan are the real deal here, popular with locals seeking a change of cuisine. A tapas bar in a Turkish stronghold, El Olivo only concedes defeat when it comes to the bread – which is not Spanish but lovely, warm, locally baked and indispensable for scooping up aubergine cooked to melting softness or tender albóndigas with red peppers. No surfeit of oil to mop up, mind. While tapas can be tired and oily, these taste fresh and perky. Black pudding with rice instead of oats was delightfully herby. More typical and tip-top were soft, bouncy calamares and slightly crisp patatas bravas. In contrast, padrón peppers could have done with a little longer on the grill, and the tortilla came topped with unnecessary salad-creamy aïoli. Tarta de santiago with vanilla ice-cream (nothing special) or flan coated with synthetic-tasting strawberry sauce aren’t worth saving space for either. Gypsy-style violin music and a woody interior with wagon-wheel lights won’t win awards for a cutting-edge environment, but pleasant service and well-priced wines, along with the savoury food, easily tip the balance in El Ol’s favour.

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Venue location

Address:
El Olivo 24 Stoke Newington Church Street
London
N16 0LU

Phone:
020 7254 7897
Website:
www.olivocafe.com
Opening hours:
Meals served 8am-midnight daily
Transport:
Tube: Stoke Newington rail or bus 38
Price:
Main courses £7.95-£14.95. Set lunch (noon-5pm) £5.95-£9.95 2 courses; £7.95 3 courses
Map
1. El Olivo
  - 24 Stoke Newington Church Street
    London
    N16 0LU
  - 020 7254 7897
  - www.olivocafe.com
  - 51.562134,-0.074831

Categories:
Food and drink
Facilities:
Restaurant and bar facilities. Take away. Vegetarian dishes. Outdoor facilities. Tables outdoors
Occasions:
Mood

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Comments & ratings

(13 ratings)

As a local to Church Street and a great food lover, El Olivo is one of those places you keep going back to. The quality of food, rustic atmosphere and excellent value for money make this place one of the best authentic tapas places in London. I recommend the octopus with paprika, sliced potatoes and E.V Olive Oil.

Genna Thu Apr 25
Rated as: 5/5
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Fantastic! Authentic Spanish tapas at affordable prices. Try it!

Steve Sat Sep 15 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Good value ,quality ,never disappoints.

Dennis Hardie Mon Sep 3 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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I love this place and give it full marks! There is also a very large and varied vegetarian selection too. Highly recommended!

Megs Fri Jul 20 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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As a Spaniard living in Stoke Newington I have to say that I love El Olivo. Spanish inspired cuisine but with an especial touch that makes this place different, very interesting for Spanish people too. And the quality is quite good, particuraly considering the prices. For those claiming that the tapas have their origin in the middle east, I have to say that I completely disagree; It is true that much of the traditional Spanish cuisine has a strong influence from the Arabic gastronomy, particularly form Morocco and other western Mediterranean muslim countries (rather than those in the middle east). I am originally from a town located in the southernmost part of Spain and I became astonished first time I visit that country about the similarities. However the "Tapas" are something genuinely Spanish. The "tapa" is a small dish to be served in companion with wine (completely banned in the islamic culture, although there were some permissiveness in medieval muslim Spain), and the most simple and typical tapa is usually a derived from pork as "Jamon Iberico" (Ham) or "Lomo" (a kind of cured pork sausage). It is commonly known that pork is also strictly banned in muslim countries. One of the possible origins refers to the times of the King Alfonso X of Castile, "The wise" who ruled in the 13th century; reportedly, he was prescribed with a few glasses of wine daily by one of his doctors. In order to reduce the effects of alcohol the King asked for a small appetizer with every dose of wine. Once recovered the King ordered that in all the taverns and eateries within the country, the wine should be served in companion with a little amount of food: the tapas were born. The etymology of the word is something more controversial and based on conjectures, but it seems to be related to the word "tapa" (spanish for lid), as apparently it was usual some people to cover the glass with a slice of ham to protect the wine. I did not mean to be boring, sorry about long explanation. To summarise, great place, I would definitely recommend this place!

Eduardo Wed May 2 2012
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Love it!

Rebecca Sat Jan 28 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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My favorite restaurant in Stoke Newington and so friendly. Great breakfasts too!

Andy Mon Dec 12 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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I think the editor has not been at El Olivo since it was opened. The most of the vital information given by the editor are wrong.

Eddie Sun Dec 11 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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I love this place. I came across it about a month ago and have been here so many times since. The portion size is good, especially the Spanish breakfast. I love the fresh peppermint tea that is served with just fresh leaves. The staff are always kind and make me feel relaxed. Brilliant food, not too expensive and kind staff. I highly recommend.

Leticia Thu Nov 3 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Came there for friend's birthday dinner couple days ago, food was very tasty. just decided come again with another friends this weekend. in addition, the price is lovely.

kate Sat Oct 8 2011
Rated as: 4/5
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