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What is 'following'?Restaurant: Mediterranean
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Time Out says 8 Users say Rate it
Just across from Stoke Newington's farmers' market, this small restaurant plays to the masses, with a pick'n'mix approach to tapas that takes in classic Spanish small plates (patatas bravas, gazpacho) as well as Turkish meze (houmous, köfte). Catch-all menus like this can often flounder, yet the food is fresh, robust and, for the most part, flavoursome.
Fried calamari rings were light and not rubbery, while peppers stuffed with minced lamb and herbs also hit the right notes. Better yet was the paella, served sizzling fiercely in a pan and studded with chunks of lamb, chorizo and chicken (a steal at £8.25 per person), and accompanied by a simple salad of ripe avocado.
Desserts, neither Spanish nor Turkish, were the only real disappointment: crème brûlée was thin and watery, while tiramisu not only lacked alcohol but came full of cloying cream. Happily, the wine list has plenty of choice from Spain and the New World, and little passing the £20 mark.
Likewise, the dark wood and lively chatter makes for a welcoming ambience: it may not be worth crossing town for, but for locals seeking a relaxed hangout, El Olivo fits the bill.
El Olivo details
Follow El Olivo to receive updates on special offers here.
What is 'following'?020 7254 7897
Meals served 8am-midnight daily
Main courses £7.95-£14.95. Set lunch (noon-5pm) £5.95-£9.95 2 courses; £7.95 3 courses
Credit cards MC, V
Facilities
Tables outdoors ( 2, pavement ), Babies and children welcome ( high chairs; nappy-changing facilities ), Takeaway service, Vegetarian menuEl Olivo map
Restaurants & cafés near El Olivo
See all restaurants near El OlivoComments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 8 ratings)
My favorite restaurant in Stoke Newington and so friendly. Great breakfasts too!
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.
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.
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.
As a lover of good Spanish food.......Terrible.Sweet garlic mayo on croquettes,potatos and Tortilla.
Soggy Tortilla
Dodgy Chorizo
Nice service.
37 quid for carafe of Wine,a juice and 7 dishes......
Avoid!!
This is the best restaurant on Church Street. The food is very good indeed, and the staff always courteous. It's also good for breakfast, with excellent coffee.
Well said Eddie, allot of spanish culture and food is influenced by its arab history!!!
i love this place, had lunch there yesterday with friends, the food was great, atmosphere was brilliant and the price was A*....
Avergae food but nice enough. Had a few drinks and when saw my bank statement realised i had been overcharged as it was a straight £20 per head. Phoned to complain and they were very rude.
Those who write reviews for magazines, first should know the history of the cuisines they are writing about. The origin of most tapas are found in the Middle East, as most Mezzes are.
El Olivo presents the classic dishes with a creative personal touch.
Me and my sister stumbled across El Olivo by chance wandering about church street looking for lunch and loved it so much we decided right away to go there for dinner tomorrow for our dad's birthday.
Definitely 2 thumbs up!!!
El Olivo is not average its exellent. Its a beautiful little tapas place on church street. Its only just opened and I have been 5 times already.
Its great value for money and the staff are very friendly. Id happy take friends, family and dates to eat here.
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