The Olive Tree in York

Pleasant place to eat and nice decor. Indian staff struggled to understand English. I had starter Aubergine Parmagiana but it might as well have been a pile of mushed tomato, I couldnt taste the aubergine at all. The chicken and chorizo paella did not contain any chorizo so was very very bland. Chef obviously thought substituting it with 1mm salami was a good thing to do. Not the worst place I have eaten but there are so many amazing places to eat in York we will never go back.

Very busy but squeezed us in at short notice. Had to wait a while but food cooked to order - lots of choice and delicious pizzas. Great view of Clifford's Tower.

Great place for snooker and pool. Very friendly staff

Tasty food we had the beef stroganoff from the specials board , very tasty and a generous amount ! We added a garlic bread and a portion of chips which were also tasty but not needed as the portions were large ! It was a Thursday and the venue was quiet so lacked atmosphere and it’s a little tired looking inside could use a lick of paint . Staff were lovely very friendly and attentive , we were attending the grand opera house theatre and the restaurant was within five min walk so ideal location . Overall I would recommend a visit !

Food tasted of nothing but salt Only one other table occupied ...no atmosphere ...food on floor at our table not cleared up. Sloppy service .Do not recommend

Shocked ladies shared men’s toilets had to take partner to guard door as no ladies available only one toilet cubical with seat slipping off really poor for Olive Tree been to many this is not the standard expected and very disappointing even had to ask for the bill to be amended as overcharged disappointing for an Olive Tree not recommended.

Believe me I go to a lot of trouble to produce nice food at home and most of the time when we go out to eat either my husband will say you do a nicer version of that or I will say that I am so disappointed it was a waste of money. Last night we celebrated my husband’s birthday in York and I am delighted to say that the meals we had, both different meals on the menu, were absolutely delicious. We had a starter and main course and both were exceptionally tasty. The staff were also very attentive and so pleasant. I’m already trying to think of an excuse to stay in York again so we can return to this restaurant.

We brought our teenage grandson to York for the day and opted for lunch at The Olive Tree; we were definitely not disappoined. He ordered sirloin steak, which he said was delicious, my wife had the lasagne which was full of taste, and I had the mixed fish grill which was absolutely delightful. Would not hestitate to reurn when in York again.

Visited while on holiday, had an evening meal which was very pleasant but nothing to rave about. I had a slice of pate with toast with salad and no dressing, my husband had an aubergine starter which was nice but had to ask for bread to have with it. Beef stroganoff and rice, main tasty and rich flavour and King prawn bora bora, again nice and creamy but nothing to rave about. One of our desserts came in a cardboard microwave dish which was poor! Overall a reasonable priced meal but average quality. The decor was dated, not a romantic restaurant.

Really good food, fantastic friendly service, really good value. Overall highly recommend and we will be back

Situated Just outside of the city centre. Totally disappointed we stopped to eat here! Food is definitely below average. I had spaghetti bolognaise, no taste to it other than garlic, plenty of spaghetti but hardly any beef. My husband had the fish mixed grill, which tasted nice but it was a very small portion of fish on his plate, the cost of this dish, was £29.95, so was expecting quality to match the price. I had a glass of Pinot Grigio which I left, tasted like vinegar. Definitely will not return.

Slightly out of the city centre but easily accessible, and worth the little walk. It was raining hard when we visited, so had fewer customers than I would have expected, which meant atmosphere was lacking. Excellent food at a reasonable price, and generous portion for an Italian restaurant. I had the Fish Mixed Grill which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. The service was a little slow, but we were in no hurry and the food was cooked to order, so we didn't mind waiting. The staff were friendly, polite and attentive. Recommended.

Just like Jimmy White, this is my favourite Italian in York. We like it so much we had Xmas lunch there this year. The lasagne is properly lush, the boy always has marghuerita pizza and I always finish it, so good. Can be quiet, why I do not know.

Lovely ambiance, prompt and very friendly service. The food was simply delicious

We arrived at 20:00, we had booked a table in advance but when we arrived we were sat down without asking a confirmation on the booking. I could tell the waitresses were busy. Me and my partner ordered some wine which was lovely and had a scan through the menu. Plenty of good food. We decided against the starter and went straight for main course. I originally wanted the lamb shank but they didn’t have any - the waitress was quick to recommend an alternative which was very helpful. I had the lamb mushroom kebab with green beans, potatoes and salad. It had a really tasty sauce too. My partner had the stuffed chicken which she said was lovely. We were very happy with our mains! Afterwards we had deserts. I had the crumble and my partner had tiramisu. The tiramisu was lovely but I felt let down by my crumble.. could tell it was just a microwave job. It even came out in its black microwaveable packaging. I wouldn’t recommend the crumble. Overall I’d say 4 stars! Would like to thank the Olive Tree for a nice evening.

Great location and easy booking but it lacks character and the food was pretty bland. Kids enjoyed their pizzas but we wouldn’t go back.

We have just had a Fantastic meal here at The Olive Tree. Opposite Cliffords Tower. I can very much recommend it. The Sea Bass was very well cooked. The Garlic Creamy Mushrooms were also out of this world. I had the Lasagne, again was the best I have had for a long time. I would give them 5 STARS . Why when in York you don't just see what your missing.

We had delicious food at a very reasonable price. I had the prawn starter and the pork medallions. I would definitely recommend.

Really good Mediterranean food, just on the edge of York city centre, and very accessible, good friendly service. We had 2 starters between and shared a main which was a good move as it was large portions, so good value, and chilled vibe, and not too expensive either which is good for York

The food exceeded expectations. The service was good and a little impersonal but it was a busy night

3 of us went for the 1st time on the 1st 12 2023 & the food & service was excellent not rush relaxing Pleasant evening next time we are in york we'll definitely go again perfect 😀 👍

Myself and my mum come to York every year and we will definitely return to the Olive tree. The food and service was first class. I had the pate followed by the lasagne - delicious. Mum had the Bruschetta followed by the cannelloni and she’s difficult to please and raved about it.

Really don’t like leaving bad reviews but think people need to know what they are in for. We dined here last night as a birthday meal. We weren’t really met with a friendly face when walking in and were just told to sit down. They soon came and took our drink order,then just brought our wine and plonked it on the table and walked off. (So we poured our own) When our food came again 4 meals were put down in front of us and they walked off again,not asking if we wanted black pepper or Parmesan cheese. After waiting for about 4 minutes we realised they weren’t coming back and had to ask a member of staff for these. My son also asked for ketchup for his pizza and when this came it was like water. My daughters chicken was spot on,but my cannelloni was very tasteless and I asked for more pepper. My husband had lobster ravioli and said he felt like there was to much sauce and not enough pasta. No one ever came over to ask if everything was ok. (Maybe they don’t like to) On finishing we didn’t feel like we wanted to chance having desserts and being disappointed again, so we just got our bill and left. Sorry but won’t ever be coming back or recommending this restaurant.

Not many people in as it was only 6.30. As more people arrived there was more of a buzz , would go back as the food was excellent 👌

Hard to express just how poor service was. We left after starters and weren't even asked why. Only one other table in there and when they left we were the only table they had, but we just waited and waited while FOH staff stood looking bored behind the bar. Had to ask them to come take an order. Shame as caprese salad was amazing, but we got bored of waiting for them to take a mains order and told them we weren't planning on staying. They pretty much shrugged and we left. Was a birthday meal too so not a great experience. We went to Lucia's instead and it was amazing.

The lamb was amazing And my husband said sea bass and sauce best he had had . If I had to criticise why salad garnish with lamb and potatoes

Great atmosphere, polite staff, tasty and healthy food, generous portions, clean restaurant, romantic mood with the illuminated castle nearby for a lovely post-dinner stroll with your loved one. Highly recommend.

Stunning food all around. Pizza top stuff, huge prawns and lobster amazing.

Great food, we order pizza, 3 pasta and one starter and all finished ✅ Nice people and amazing place

A nice restaurant, very kind workers, went there around August time during the Summer Holidays with my family to visit York and not only was the food delicious, I personally feel like it was worth the price! Definitely one of my favourite restaurants in York. I hope to go back there someday because I love the place so much!! :)

Food was delicious but the starter was massive and left little room for our main course. Will definitely share one on a return visit

Tricky to rate our visit here as service wise, we found it really quite good; the staff were quick to take our order and clear tables and, my subsequent complaint was dealt with openly. The food, however, was not so good. I ordered a seafood risotto and whilst it was literally jam packed full of seafood, it had very little taste. My friend ordered lobster ravioli which had too much / too runny a sauce for the amount of pasta in the dish. Disappointing all round. Both meals were very underwhelming but made worse by my find of a suspicious creature in the bottom of my risotto. It looked like a larve of some kind and was not pleasant. However, I’m not particularly squeamish so I reported it and we were offered a glass of wine each, on the house as recompense. I think I’m probably more upset about the quality and flavour of the food than I was the surprise protein! Incidents can happen, i get that, but a lack of flavour is harder to fix.

As a couple of senior citizens in our 80’s, we visited this restaurant for an early evening meal on the 7th Sept. We found the ambience and initial reception from the two front of house staff very good, and our two course meal was of a high standard, congratulations to the kitchen staff. The Set Menu as advertised on the web site, and which had attracted us to this restaurant was not available but still present on the web site, and so we had to choose from the main menu which was more expensive. Whilst eating our meal, the two tables either side of us were filled, and served accordingly. We finished our meal before them, and sat waiting for our plates to be cleared. One of the other tables finished their meal and left, their table was cleared, cleaned, and reset. We continued to sit looking at dirty plates. The other table finished their meal, their table was cleared, and they were immediately asked if deserts or coffees were required, a coffee menu was brought to them, their order taken, and coffees served. We were totally ignored, and continued to sit with our dirty plates. We would have ordered deserts or coffees had we been asked, but after sitting for 25mins being completely ignored, we decided to leave. I spoke with both members of staff and complained about our appalling treatment, pointing to the table we’d just vacated, still with our dirty tableware in place. I sent an email to The Olive Tree the following day, restating our experience, and possibly as one may expect haven’t had the common courtesy of a reply. Shame on you for treating respectable elderly customers in this manner.

We were a walk in, they accommodated us no problems, especially when the last 3 places we visited said we'd have to book and they had no tables. I ordered ribeye, the wife ordered Hunters chicken stew, both meals were spot on, my ribeye was cooked exactly how I like it, the chips were lovely too, the meal came out within 15 mins of ordering. Good service, great restaurant.

This is our go to restaurant if we are eating in York. We have eaten here over the last several years and never had anything other than excellent food. I was a lone diner today but my seafood risotto was such a generous portion I would have shared it with my husband if he had been there; it was packed full of seafood, beautifully seasoned and well cooked. I only took one photo which wasn’t really for this review but I’ll share it anyway.

We came to york for 3 day break we stayed at hilton across the road, we were recommended to come to the olive tree so glad we did my partner steak was first class my chicken and Diane sce was lovely staff were excellent we...

Seemed ok at first however the waiters/waitresses quickly turned belligerent when we pointed out that the so called lamb we were served, as part of the mixed grill, was in actual fact pork, and not lamb as was advertised ; Not that we don’t eat pork. I tried to point out that we did not have a problem with the fact that what we were served was not lamb, however we simply wanted to point out the error. The staff stated that they would not accept what we were saying. Our entire party had tried the “lamb” and agreed that it was pork, however staff stated that their supplier was reliable and refused to even inspect what they had served. One waitress/manager raised her voice, to the extent that we felt it was better to disengage, as opposed to continue arguing the fact that we were served pork. We will never return to this establishment. It requires an overhaul of frontline staff or perhaps effective customer services training. Unfortunate that our visit to York was blighted by this very negative experience.

Slow service, but they were busy. Staff friendly, just a bit run off their feet. Food is good. Desserts are NOT homemade. Wine about £20 a bottle. Mains around £12-17 each. Desserts (£5-7). Gorgeous view of the York Castle which is directly opposite. Get a window table.

We ate here on our first evening in York having 'found' it during the day. Food was first class, well-prepared and excellent value.The staff were attentive and interested in serving you. Don't miss this restaurant!

We arrived in town at dinner time and picked this place at random, so glad we did. The Staff were very friendly, and food was great and very reasonably priced. We tried one of the specials, beef stroganoff, and it was absolutely delicious. Would definitely go back again.

Absolutely wonderful! Faultless! Great value! Great food! Great service! PERFECT XXX THANKS XX

Went here a few weeks ago for a family meal, was a lovely view. However I found the decor inside the restaurant to be outdated and tacky so I don’t think I would visit again, I didn’t like the food that I had gotten the pasta was over cooked I found the food to be average but it was a nice atmosphere and the reason we visited was because of the lovely view. Service was decent so left a tip but I would not visit again unfortunately.

Visiting York for birthday wkend celebrations choose olive tree on previous reviews-very good choice was excellent, catered well for children with half portions of anything of the menu, so well catered for. Staff were very accommodating and friendly. Excellent valve for excellent well cooked food...

We visited for a dinner reservation for 10 people - 6 adults and 4 children, 3 of whom were under 10. The restaurant is directly opposite Clifford’s Tower just a few minutes walk from some of the busier streets and area of York. Staff were friendly and welcoming and there was a nice atmosphere - the restaurant was busy but not bustling or noisy. There was no children’s menu but when we were enquired we were told the restaurant would do 1/2 portions of anything on the menu for them. We didn’t have starters so straight to mains - the lamb and mushroom kebabs were excellent, as were the fish dishes - the fish was beautifully cooked. The children had half portions of spaghetti bolognese and lasagne - which were still generous sizes, and shared a garlic bread. We ordered wine with the meal which was also good, the children had some of the lovely selection of ice creams - and the espresso coffee was top notch as well! We really enjoyed this restaurant, the staff were very friendly and welcoming and we’d certainly recommend and come back here again if visiting York again.

Been few times over the years always had a good meal nice to see they aren't following the trend of putting prices up and quality down keep it up

Friendly front of house staff let down by a dysfunctional kitchen crew. Food is like something you might make for yourself at home, after a busy day at work. Mediterranean on paper but not in reality. There are seriously better places in York.

Delicious food and very good service. The starters were perfect and we enjoyed the prawn cocktail, pate, mushrooms & garlic and king prawns with chilli & garlic. The portions are generous, lovely presentation and good flavours. The wine is reasonably priced and the white wine...

The food was perfect, the service was amazing.

Had a lovely meal after the races Saturday 17June. Nice welcome from the staff, very varied selection of food to choose from, service, food and ambience very good and excellent value compared to some restaurants in York. A couple of minutes from the centre, directly...

Fantastic food and great service well recommended

Immediately drawn to the chicken & chorizo paella, This was very tasty but more akin to a risotto, a little too wet for a Paella. Starters were adequate (baked mushrooms & pâté) Staff were very friendly and accommodating, was a little concerned to observe the...

The pizza is perfectly cooked and it fills you enough. They have really good service and they have a very quick serving time. Overall, one of the best Italian place I have ever been to.

Not good at all. Wine was fine but don't bother with the Lasagna it microwaved and a bit like frozen lasagna from Iceland . Will not be going back.

We were very impressed by the quality of the food in this place, which is nicely situated just across the street from Clifford's Tower. The place was relatively quiet as we were there mid-week, but the welcome was warm and service friendly. My starter of...

Warm welcome, lovely view of Clifford's Tower and every course delicious. (Grilled Halloumi, Lobster Ravioli, Mango and Passion fruit ice-cream cheesecake). Very reasonably priced.

We have visited this lovely restaurant before and were looking forward to revisiting this great place. We were greeted by a very nice, friendly and efficient lady. The menu is vast and the food delicious. Thoroughly recommend a visit. Thank you the Olive Tree and...

Nice meal prawn dish was delicious,nice service the friendly staff made it feel like I was round a friends place ,nice view of Clifford’s tower , the sun shone and made it look like an amazing sight while eating, will go back

Very poor starter good but not everything else. Toilets unhygienic. Can't believe previous reviews.

One of our favourite restaurants in York Fab food and good service, only criticism was that the waitress took away my husbands plate whilst I was still eating - a definite no no from me

I can't speak for the food because, frankly, we couldn't wait long enough to order (our toddler was getting too cranky). And for the first time, we left before ordering everything (not one to normally judge a book by its cover). Having called ahead to book a table for two with a high chair. When we arrived (two hours later than when I called) they didn't have a table ready and handed us a pop up high chair that they couldn't put up. I nipped to the toilet to find a store room at the back of the restaurant with everything strewn everywhere, the toilet wouldn't be out of place in a run down weatherspoons, and there were just random bottles of cleaning spray dotted around the restaurant like someone had gotten half way through cleaning. We asked the table next to us who had been in the restaurant for 20 mins and hadn't managed to place their order yet. With a crank toddler we made the decision to scarper. Photos attached.

Lovely meal and excellent service

Of the 3 restaurants we ate at while in York, this was the best! The food was great, service was good and the prices were pretty reasonable too. Would go again!

The food was really good, and the portions were perfectly sized to leave you content and happy. The flavours in each dish were such that it is evident that the food is prepared by a kitchen staff that means business when it comes to serving...

What a wonderful place to eat! Such charming staff and such excellent food. Generous portions and plenty of choice. The food is well presented and even the view of Clifford's Tower is splendid.

A lovely selection of Mediterranean food right within the Centre of York. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal and the service, would recommend!

The staff are friendly although it can be very noisy in busy times. We went here twice during our visit. On second visit I sent my meal (bolognese) back as poor standard and taste. This was not charged for and no disagreements over it. We found the food overall average to good apart from that. Worth a try

Excellent Italian. Had the bog standard spaghetti bolognese and it was excellent. Great service from the management and staff also.

Excellent food with good service. It doesn't hurt to smile at customers, though. They seemed a bit surly when we arrived but warmed up as the evening went on!

Great food and wine .lobster ravioli and the lasagne with a side of roasted veg were really good . Lovely restaurant and polite and friendly service. Really convenient for staying at travel lodge York Central.

Nice starter and main course , poor selection of deserts choices.

Just gorgeous. Great service, so friendly and helpful. The most incredible food. So fresh, so tasty. We had tomato pizza (not on the menu but it was delish). From the menu, lobster and prawn ravioli- from the special menu - filetto stroganoff- oh my. Just gorgeous 😍. Dreaming of when I can go again..... just a shame they're off the usual footfall. Just go, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy.

On arrival in York, we instantly looked for somewhere to book for the evening. On entering the restaurant no-one came out to see us, I found someone by shouting through the staff door, he said he'd be with us. We waited another 10 minutes & still he didn't come out? Meanwhile another two couples came to book but they said we're not waiting! We then gave up & left. There was a tray of used coffee cups on the bar, on a tray with cash? Obviously there was noone to take payment either? Later on in the evening (not knowing where we were going to eat, we passed the olive tree once again, this time two gentlemen were in the bar area, I booked our table for 7:30, reserved a nice table in the corner & left. Arrived at 7:25 and our table had people seated and their meal was just arriving.... Said nothing because 'what would be the point'? The food was lovely, hubby had sirloin and I enjoyed the creamy risotto. The staff were really friendly, although the lady owner could be found propping up the bar in real deep thought (probably thinking when will I have time to prepare for Xmas, just like the rest of us ladies) hahahaha All in all okay, but if the front door is open, someone should be there?

Lovely food very good service will be back

I do not recommend that place ! food disgusting if you wanna happy do not broke your day so I went on Sunday I wish stay in home people who’s working is very nice but if I had worse food in my life what should I say 😡

Worth food ever I had in my life 😏

We went there for lunch at around 1.30pm. We were on limited time as we had an Escape Room booked for 2.15pm, and we were assured they could accommodate that. We ordered our food (4 of us), and within 10mins, were told 2 dishes we had ordered were sold out. We thought that was not acceptable so early in the day. However, the food we had was delicious, fresh and hot. The waiter was lovely, and his service was very good. I would go again, maybe it was just a bad day.

We enjoyed our dinner here with friends. The staff were new but really welcoming

Visited here a few times while visiting York..lovely authentic Italian menu traditional flavours .."best pizza ever"comments from one of our group ..fair pricing ..friendly service ..opposite Clifford's Tower with carpark 5 mins walk

I have been to many places to dine out, but never have I had tables rearranged whist I was eating. My husband booked a table in advance for our 40th anniversay, it was as though they had no clue that we had a reservation. Left us sitting with no menu or drink for five minutes. Very canteen like. The waiter was hovering, waiting for us to finish starter and main so that he could whip the plates away. Would never recommend!

Abysmal. Grumpy service, shabby decor, dated furniture, awful lighting. Seafood paella for two had two prawns, one bit of calamari, a couple of nondescript bits of fish and a few mussels. Wine was grim. But it has a good view, and not too expensive...

Estaba cerrado, aunque dicen que los domingos está abierto para el almuerzo. Admitían reservas online y cuando llegamos estaba cerrado.

Superb food. Lovely atmosphere and great staff. Couldn't fault it.

Amazing place to eat any time of day! Home made meals

We went there at 5pm on a monday, and waited until 5:20, but they didn't open, didn't answer the phone and had no sign in the window or note on their website that indicated why they weren't open. Very frustrating - can't trust the listed times.

Flavourless food, good service!

Very nice meal and service was very good 23/9/22

Great location just near Clifford's Tower. Friendly staff and lovely food.

Nice food, very generous portions and friendly staff. We visited on a Wednesday while staying nearby. It's about 2 minutes from coppergate next to Clifford's Tower. Recommended.

We had a group dinner here at Olive Trees. The meals were delicious with an ambient atmosphere 😋 👌

Front of house manager and chef superb!

Booked a table for 7.30 and was greeted with charm and professionalism it was very clean and the food was excellent 10 out of 10 would highly recommend

Friendly staff but mediocre food, sadly

Great food,and good service. Will definitely return, for another roast dinner.

Been last 2 years, when we come for the races, lovely food, excellent service and very reasonable.

The worst restaurant service I’ve ever experienced in my life. Waiters kept getting our order wrong and despite correcting them numerous times I ended up with no main course. Each dish not served as the menu. My dining partners ended up with mint sauce, beans and mash with their lamb being delivered just as they finished it. No apology. Just avoided us and hoped we’d leave. Used to be nice place with competent staff so a shame.

Went for a birthday meal waited 45 mins for starters only 3 came instead of 4 Mains another long wait chicken raw Staff didn't know how to deal with it when we told them said short staffed....? Won't be returning

Fabulous food and service was great would definitely recommend this place very enjoyable

Super evening, great food, nice ambience, lovely part of York to enjoy a meal.

Lovely staff beautiful food great atmosphere beautiful Vue of Clifford Tower will definitely be back again

Lovely meal & delicious red wine before visiting The Barbican