Food & Drink

THE OLIVE TREE, N5

16 July 2010

THE OLIVE TREE, N5

THE Olive Tree is a family run business that has been serving up delicious authentic Greek dishes since 1999.

If you enjoy the wonderful taste of wholesome, home-cooked cuisine, this restaurant will cater to your every taste.

A warm welcome awaits diners, so combined with the simplistic décor you almost believe you are sitting in a friend's home rather than a homely restaurant.

The array of traditional Greek dishes on the menu is pretty extensive and ranges from Stifado - a tender chuck steak that is slowly cooked to perfection - to the renowned Moussaka.

A plethora of mezze dishes available as starters left me positively spoiled for choice. But in the end we opted for tender chicken livers that are pan-fired with garlic and red wine, meatballs soaked in aromatic tomato sauce, Halloumi cheese which came char-grilled and dished up with vine tomatoes and olives, aubergine dip and, of course, a traditional Greek village salad. Every dish tasted delicious, the pitta bread melted in the mouth and the aubergine dip was truly addictive.

The Olive Tree has an impressive wine and beer list so we opted for a glass of Retsina - a Greek table wine flavoured with resin from the Aleppo. It has a fresh, sweet taste that compliments the flavours of The Olive Tree's dishes.

It would seem a sin to not try the Moussaka so we tucked into its rich layers of aubergines, potatoes and aromatic minced beef. But we also sampled the Kleftiko - slowly roasted lamb on the bone - and the aforementioned Stifado.

Both were generous cuts of meat served with huge portions of rice and salad. A feast fit for a king - but no room for dessert this time!

From Tuesday to Friday there is a special deal offering three courses for £10.90. It is also available on Saturday lunchtimes but during match days. The Olive Tree can cater for large parties so it's an ideal place for a special celebration. - LORRAINE KING

Mains: from £6

Wine: from £12

Children welcome: Yes

Disabled access: Yes, but no toilets

THE OLIVE TREE 117a Blackstock Road, N5 020 7503 5466