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4,0

Based on 607 opinions finded in 3 websites

4.5Ambience4.5Cuisine4.0Price4.5Service
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We went for a dinner , menu was a bit changed from how we knew it , food was always great , this time was MY God we have several dishes and dessert i must best dinner i have had in london .

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sarahF3998NE . 2021-01-17

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As always great service. Easy pick up. Fabulous takeaway food.The starters were all quickly devoured. The kids said it was the best burger ever! My steak pasta was delicious as was the lobster pasta. The cocktails went down very well. Looking forward to lockdown being over so we can visit again in person. Definitely highly recommend.

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417traceyd . 2020-06-06

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We had a takeaway lunch today from the Olive Tree and it was superb. It wasn’t so much having a takeaway but rather having restaurant food at home. It was specially prepared for us so it was nice and hot and packed in attractive boxes - it was divine! My son and I had burgers and my husband had the chicken skewers with chips (which were to die for) and Mediterranean vegetables followed by the caramelised orange with Greek yoghurt. I would recommend all the dishes we had and can’t wait to try out some more. All very reasonably priced too. We shall certainly be back!

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Maria C . 2020-05-31

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Had a wonderful takeaway. I had Fig and Halloumi salad and my partner had the fish risotto. Food as always was tasty and plentiful. Will definitely order again. Good luck

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Carol6411 . 2020-05-30

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Due to the lockdown, I'm glad to see that Olive Tree is doing takeaways. We've had their takeaways twice now, and it's brilliant. You pre-order and it can be delivered or collected. We collected ours on Thursday. Our starters consisted of crispy duck salad and King prawns. Both were full of flavour. We all had the same mains: lobster and crayfish pasta, and again, it was full of flavour with the pasta just on the right side of al dente, and the lobster and crayfish had absorbed the flavour of the sauce - perfect. This was all baptised with a superbly chilled Sauvignon. We live about twenty minutes away, and the food remained piping hot and the wine chilled. The food is packaged so well and is so easy to transport. They will be doing cocktails soon, too. Looking forward to that. It was lovely seeing Manos and Jackie. Thank you for this culinary delight. We'll be placing another order soon. Until then, keep smiling.

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Barry J . 2020-05-29

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The Olive Tree is the best restaurant in the local area and the new takeaway service is fantastic. It is so easy to collect: quick and well organised. The food is incredible- I recommend the chicken skewers! We have been using the new takeaway service after enjoying many years as very happy customers at the restaurant. Thank you for always making the service feel personal, even if it is a take-away!

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rccooper89 . 2020-05-23

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Great to see The Olive Tree back for take away during lockdown. We had our first taste on Friday and will certainly be back. Food delicious as always. Keep it up!

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stephenlU2918DA . 2020-05-17

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We often visit The Olive Tree and every visit is always a pleasure. The staff are so lovely, welcoming and accommodating. Food is fabulous, as are the cocktails! I always recommend this place and come here regularly.

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Amber H . 2020-04-05

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We went had a simple enough meal. My pregnant wife wanted a custom salad nothing special they bill a salad with leafs pepper and the usual with some chicken at £18.95 Although it was a nice meal I couldn't pay that again. I actually don't remember what the rest of my family or I had. Not memorable sadly!

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Dream777108 . 2020-03-12

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Fantastic Food, Friendly Staff, Great value for money, atmosphere splendid, Highly recommend, we will be back.

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A4425FRlisar . 2020-03-08

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We booked the Olive Tree for a surprise mini baby shower and they were really accomodating. We were allowed to decorate the table and they were attentive but in no way pushy. They gave us great advice on food choices and everyone enjoyed all 3 courses. The set menu was excellent value for money. We each had 3 courses, drinks and paid for the mummy to be and it came to £40 per person. I had the halloumi and fig salad, the miso cod and the floorless chocolate cake and they were all delicious. We all said we'd 100% come back for another visit.

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F3612CVlaurah . 2020-02-23

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Always a pleasure to visit the olive tree. The best place to dine in loughton. Service, food and value for money on point. Always leave feeling well looked after, staff attentive without being in your face, new menu current, well cooked and presented. Looking forward to a glass of prosecco outside on the terrace when it stops raining!

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C874FXpedroa . 2020-02-16

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I don’t think we get to dine here as often as we’d like as when we do it never disappoints. Beautiful lunch on Valentine’s Day with great service. The Shetland Mussels were absolutely divine as was the Lamb Cutlets. The Galactoboureko was the star of the show and yes we did win a prize for the correct pronunciation. Think we cheated a bit as my partner is actually Greek .

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X2513MRstephenb . 2020-02-15

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I had the crab linguine which was well worth the visit. The staff were lovely and a great place to chat with friends

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Donna63er . 2020-02-13

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As always had a fabulous lunch with the girls made extra special by manos and the guys who always make us feel extremely welcome wont leave it as long next time 👍🍾

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HeidiOliver . 2020-02-12

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Fantastic lunch for my son and our family , service as always terrific, food superb , atmosphere just right for a Saturday treat ! Thankyou Manos !

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G9064HMjohnl . 2020-02-08

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Very few people in restaurant early Sunday evening.

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PGK2014 . 2020-02-08

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We have been coming to The Olive Tree for many years, and our party of four visited for lunch last Friday. Food, staff and service were superb as always. A really enjoyable lunch at a first class restaurant.

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F7369PUdavidj . 2020-02-03

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First class service and an excellent meal at the Olive Tree. Well done to Manos and the team for consistently providing a top notch dining experience.

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DarrenandCaroline . 2020-02-01

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We went for lunch whilst we had a sleeping baby for a change! We had great service, lovely staff & brilliant food, which they happily adapted!

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deezylocalandfar . 2020-01-31

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We were guests of the party who visited last night and would like to agree with the previous review. The service was very slow and unattentive. We were asked only once for our drinks orders no one asked again and we had to go looking for someone to get another drink. Mussels on top of both our seafood risottos were closed which you would expect might have been noticed before being served. We have visited before for special occasions and this is not the first time the service has been poor. Having to complain on my sister in laws special night is very disappointing

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X9095QWjuliah . 2020-01-26

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Took a party of 13 family members to The Olive Tree tonight for my 50th Birthday and I'm sorry to have to say how disappointed we were. We waited well over an hour for our sharing starters (bread and hummus!) and over 2 hours for our main courses, some of which were cold, overcooked, dry and quite frankly very sub standard. Even the burgers were average, at best. The lamb shank had no sauce or gravy so was dry, the prawns were overcooked, my fig and halloumi salad comprised of salad leaves, half a burnt fig and 2 pieces of very dry cold halloumi and some cold toast. Plus everyone's chips were cold.

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N9926UPjoh . 2020-01-25

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Ate here this week for a friends birthday, have been many times before, but it seems to get better and better. The food was mouthwatering as it has been each time i have visited and the owners are fab, they are so attentive and friendly and cant do enough for you! i would definitely recommend a visit.

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Julie M . 2020-01-23

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This is such a lovely restaurant, great food & great staff. It is just a delight & such good menu choices that are all delicious. Well worth a visit, I love it.

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ChampagneQueen1963 . 2020-01-11

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Yet again another amazing evening at The Olive Tree Loughton. Highly recommend it. From the amazing selection of food and drink to the impeccable service. Have been coming here for the past 5 years and it has never disappointed. From meat dishes to fish to pasta, the selection is great, and always the best quality. Drinks and desserts also fabulous. Live music on fridays which is also great if you fancy a special evening out.

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Gina K . 2019-12-30

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My wife, Angela, and I booked a Christmas lunch at this spectacular restaurant, and we weren't disappointed. The festive atmosphere was buzzing and inviting with live music, and warm greetings from Manos, Costas, and the team. We were soon shown to our table, and armed with complimentary Prossecos we made our selection from their Christmas menu. They say that great minds think alike: Angela and I both ordered the scallops and the Dover sole. These were perfectly presented and prepared in taste and flavour: the scallops were fresh and tender; the Dover sole with capers and trimmings was moist and succulent. This was christened with a superbly chilled Malvasia: an Italian white that is light, fruity, and crisp. Chimi then found the time to have a splendid chat and laugh with us, and it was good catching up with him again. Our dessert was the flourless chocolate cake and scoop of ice cream, which was out of this world. Our hosts then supplied us with another complimentary Prosseco - thanks, Chimi. We then concluded this culinary splendour with Sumbucas, a lemon tea, and black Americano. As usual, though they were busy, Manos and his whole team found the time to share banter, chat, and laughter with us. It's like meeting up with friends for a meal. They are all so accommodating and helpful. A huge 'thank you' for a fantastic time, and our compliments to your talented chefs for all their effort and hard work. Until the next gastronomic orgy, keep healthy, safe, and smiling.

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Barry J . 2019-12-26

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I was invited for a lunch and we had a set menu which was a great choice. The starters were great, my duck was a bit salty but the service was impeccable. Desert menu was not so diverse. Highly recommended

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Rozafa . 2019-12-24

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Visited many times and never disappointed. Table of 16 food all out at the same time hot and delicious. Impeccable service and attentive staff making sure our needs were catered for. Great entertainment dancing the night away. Very reasonable no complaints what so ever. We will be back soon.

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JackyandMick . 2019-12-14

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Absolutely brilliant night. The food was first class with attentive service but not over the top. I had the sea bass which is the best meal I have had for a long time. The singer was fantastic and made for a great atmosphere. The place was packed but it didn’t affect the quality of service and food at all. I can’t wait to come back again!

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just_louby . 2019-11-23

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This is a gem of a restaurant. An excellent menu with a range of options catering for vegetarians and pescatarians as well as carnivores. Delicious food with a nice atmosphere. This restaurant is a great asset to Loughton! Perfect for those romantic dinners too.

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pelham_11 . 2019-11-17

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Delicious lunch today at the lovely Olive Tree in Loughton. Having the Sea Bass and Duck, we both enjoyed both dishes immensely! Beautifully cooked and presented and such wonderful, friendly service...could not be faulted. Thank you for an excellent experience...will definitely return!!

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PollyJoy . 2019-11-11

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Loughton is truly fortunate to have Olive Tree right on their doorstep in the High Street. It is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you're busy and rushed during your lunch break, Olive Tree's new 'small plates' menu will cater for your needs, where you can have a nourishing and tasty snack in an inviting environment of welcome, good music, and friendship. What could be better than having a quick snack in such pleasing surroundings. And this was proven to be the case on a chilly Monday afternoon when my wife, Angela, and I popped into this splendid eatery. The decor was inviting and the greeting from Manos and his lovely wife was welcoming. Bathed in lovely background music, and armed with complimentary Proseccos we made our selection from a varied menu. Angela went for the Chicken Pastille, and I chose the Yellow fin Tuna from their 'small plates' section, and they were out of this world in flavour and texture. Angela then expertly sliced her way through a whole sea bream with chunky chips; while I devoured my lobster and crayfish pasta. This delicious culinary safari was accompanied by a perfectly chilled Malvasia: a light and fruity Italian white. Angela and I then found space for dessert christened with a Solerno for me, and a Sambuca for her - on the house. Thanks Manos. But, as always, it's the chat, laughter, and friendship from Manos and his team that elevates your dining experience to the stratosphere, whether you're having a quick snack during a lunch break or enjoying a fullblown gastronomic orgy. My compliments to their talented chefs, and a huge 'thank you' to Manos and his wife for the laughter and chat. We will certainly be back. Till then, keep smiling and be happy.

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Barry J . 2019-10-31

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The Olive Tree was fantastic! We had such a lovely evening there and would highly recommend the restaurant to others. The staff were extremely pleasant and made us feel extra special when we mentioned we were there for to celebrate a birthday. The food was fresh and tasty and all in all we had a great night.

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Leggolad . 2019-10-29

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Have been going to Olive Tree restaurant now for nearly 10 years. Have always found the food and service exceptional and friendly and reasonably priced. They have now re-created their menu and incorporated sharing plates to provide a tapas style menu section which we had last night. I have to say that what we had was lovely and portion sizes were spot on. Please don’t change this as it only adds versatility to what is already a lovely menu.

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513AndrewN . 2019-10-24

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Went for a birthday with a party of 15. Staff were not over friendly and after ordering food arrived very slowly taking The food was not great and the chicken was very dry and would not rush back there as found it expensive for what you got served. 30 minutes for bread and olives.

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marc_buchi . 2019-10-20

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Been here a few times simply because it’s the best of a poor choice in Loughton which is full of chains. Service was slow, not sure why as there were plenty of staff. No water offered initially and one glass brought when requested! Everything is ok but a lot of cheap ingredients used such as toast (cheap sliced bread) with starters and fries with kids meals. Not much choice for vegetarians who are sick of the same tortellini (needs an update too creamy) which is tasty enough. A very Essex type restaurant... big on ostentation low on quality.

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ROamerG111 . 2019-10-04

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A friend & I visited the Olive Tree yesterday & had such a lovely lunch. Considering it was Monday, there were quite a few tables taken & the atmosphere was great. The food was too & the service couldn't have been better.

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sjsav6 . 2019-10-01

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My wife, Angela, and I visited this brilliant eatery after a long safari up the Thames by boat. As always, the decor is inviting and the welcome by Manos, Costas, and all at Olive Tree is terrific, and the chat, banter, and laughter flowed wonderfully. Armed with complimentary Proseccos, we made our selection from a varied menu of meats, fish, seafood, and pasta that should meet most palates. Angela and I went for the seared scallops: truly mouthwatering combination of flavours, which leaves you drooling for more, if you don't get arrested first! Angela then devoured her seafood risotto in seconds flat; while I twirled my way to Heaven with the lobster and crayfish pasta; the pasta had abosrbed the flavour of the sauce and was on the right side of al dente, and the lobster and crayfish was tender and truly tasty. This culinary brilliance was baptised with a perfectly chilled Malvasia: an Italian white that complemented our meal superbly. Prior to this, we had also popped in on a Sunday for lunch, and I can tell you that their Jumbo Tiger Prawns are huge and to die for. What makes this place so unique is the innovative combinations in their cuisine. And the friendship and laughter is an uplifting bonus. The people of Loughton are truly lucky to have such an exquisite eatery right on their doorstep that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The standard of their cuisine and service is faultless and is a benchmark in excellence. You're always assured of a great welcome and time at this place. Our compliments to their talented chefs, a big 'thank you' to Manos, Costas, and all at Olive Tree for always making us feel so welcome and at home. Keep smiling, and we'll be seeing you all soon.

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Barry J . 2019-09-21

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WOW, what an amazing day at the Olive Tree in Loughton Essex for our Mum's 80th birthday. From start to finish, Manos and his team were brilliant and accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble, from choosing our own menu to bringing in our own decorations and entertainer. Manos and the lady looking after us even joined in the dancing with our guests. The food was delicious, with good size portions and beautifully presented. The side room that was allocated to us for our party, was the perfect space for our Mum's 80th birthday. With a beautiful venue, superb service and tip top food, together with our own amazing singer and entertainer - FiL Straughan, our day was perfect in every way. Thank you to everyone for making it so special. xxx

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Bubbles999111 . 2019-09-14

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We have been eating in here for years. We are always made to feel welcome and the food is always excellent . My kids say their spaghetti Bolognese is the best ever . And they have had a lot of it out and about!

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samantha g . 2019-09-10

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No complaints at all. ln fact very pleased with service all round. Attentive staff, without being too intrusive or hovering We had 3 courses. All tasty.l had steak it was done just the way l like it( quite big though the steak so best to not order it if you are not too hungry) I will definiteky go back again soon.

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Taffy2805 . 2019-09-09

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We enjoyed a very pleasant lunch that was not rushed. The Mediterranean fare, salmon and salad were delicious and the atmosphere was very friendly. The tables and floor, like the toilets, were spotless. A most enjoyable lunch and I look forward to eating there again.

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Paul R . 2019-09-05

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The Olive Tree In Loughton is an amazing restaurant. The staff are very welcoming and always remember familiar faces. The food is also great and can be eaten by absolutely anyone. Would recommend the Salmon, has a great consistency and is also very nice aesthetically. Didn’t have enough time to try deserts but I’m sure they would be lovely. Would recommend to anyone visiting Loughton or the surrounding area.

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nativekestrel . 2019-08-30

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I and 23 other people had the most wonderful evening celebrating my Birthday. Food and entertainment were excellent. Staff helped very much make the evening a complete success. I highly recommend The Olive Tree, Loughton.

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70theolivetree . 2019-08-26

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I came here with a big group of friends for a celebration and it really delivered! Perfect atmosphere for celebrating and beautiful food, would recommend to anyone looking for a lively time!

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Bethany C . 2019-08-22

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Three of us descended on this wonderful eatery on a chilly Friday night. As always, we were greeted with friendly warmth by Costa and all at Olive Tree. The banter, laughter, and chat commenced immediately - great. The decor is welcoming with an airy feel and intimate lighting. Armed with complimentary Proseccos we soon made our selection. Two of us went for the seared scallops, and one went for the Fritto Misto; they were presented beautifully and were full of contrasting flavours that made your palate come alive. For our mains, there were a Seafood Risotto, Lamb Shanks, and Jumbo Tiger Prawns; again all were prepared to a high standard of taste and innovation. This was christened with a perfectly chilled Malvasia: a light and fruity Italian white that complemented our meal superbly. Manos soon joined us, back from his holiday and ready to meet all challenges. It was great catching up with him again. Some of us found room for dessert: Greek Yoghurt and berries, and ice cream. We then concluded this culinary safari with Sambucas, a lemon tea, cappuccino, and a black Americano. By now Marc Dillion was regaling us with some brilliant numbers and classics that had the diners singing along. The atmosphere was buzzy and brilliant. Then Manos joined us with complimentary Limoncelli and we had a pleasant chat with him. Marc also joined us at the table, and he's a delightful guy. Our compliments to the chefs for their industrious endeavours, a huge 'thank you' to Marc Dillon for his musical expertise, and thanks Manos, Costa, and all at Olive Tree for a truly uplifting dining experience and for the friendship. We will be back. Until then, keep smiling and be happy.

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Barry J . 2019-08-19

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Love the surroundings and food choices.. the menu has a variety to cater for all, we came across this place by chance and now glad we did. Good was cooked and presented well. The only reservation i had was the seabass choice with vanilla sauce.. it didnt impress my taste buds but im aware of the fact that alot of fine dining restuarents are now putting the combo together... it just doesnt work for me.. however ive tried a few other dishes and they all are fab!

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QueenJetsetter . 2019-07-27

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What can I say but fantastic in all departments. Food , staff , ambience , cocktails and wine list. Live entertainment is superb . Highly recommended

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9susanr . 2019-07-22

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Spur of the moment early supper when we found ourselves in this unknown-to-us town. Turned out to be an excellent experience with well cooked and imaginative food , in a good ambience . Try it if you are anywhere near Loughton

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Andrew P . 2019-07-03

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Staff lovely. Food exellent and lovely for bigger groups. Atmosphere fantastic especially on Summer evening

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Leona F . 2019-07-02

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I don't often write reviews but I have visited the Olive Tree for lunch and dinner in the past week and wanted to say that there seems to be a new menu. There are still some of the old favourites like chicken souvlaki (please don't ever take that off the menu!) but for dinner I tried something new. The grilled sea bass fillets (with cream, coriander, vanilla sauce, and leek potato rosti) was possibly the best sea bass dish I have ever had anywhere. I wondered if the Olive Tree might be suffering due to newer restaurants on Loughton High Road but it seems to have risen to the challenge and with food like this, it's got nothing to worry about. Great food and great service.

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DebraWallis . 2019-07-02

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what a great time we had at the Olive Tree for my daughters birthday. fabulous food and great service. Manos and his staff couldnt do enough for us. Thankyou From Linda Finch

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Linda F . 2019-06-21

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I had a great birthday shared with the love of my life, Angela, family, and our great Olive Tree friends. It was a somewhat chilly Tuesday night, but it soon warmed up delightfully when entering the restaurant. The decor is welcoming with a full bar on the left of the entrance. Chimi and Michele (I hope I've spelt her name correctly!) were great, and the chat, laughter, and banter flowed. We had complimentary Proseccos and mine had an unexpected strawberry with a lit candle. There were four of us at the table and we soon made our selections. There was octopus, smoked salmon, and soft shelled crab for starters, and they were all presented and prepared to perfection. Our mains consisted of braised lamb shank, jumbo tiger prawns, seafood risotto, and Scottish grilled salmon; again the flavour and presentation were out of this world. This culinary splendour was baptised with a chilled Malvasia: an Italian white that was light and fruity, and which complemented our meal brilliantly. Desserts comprised of tiramisu, Greek yoghurt and seasonal berries, a cheeseboard with a smooth Merlot, and a surprise brownie with ice cream and a 'happy birthday Barry' written in chocolate on the plate with a flaming candle impersonating Vesuvius - and this was designed by Manos, who, unfortunately couldn't be present at the time. The debauchery didn't end there, and I finished off with a Salerno and coffee, while Angela went for her traditional lemon tea. What can I say? It was simply incredible to share my special day with the love of my life, family, and our Olive Tree friends. Yet, again, our compliments to the chefs, and a heartfelt thank you to Chimi, Michele, and Manos for great food, chat, and laughter. I hope you have a great birthday adventure too, Chimi, today. Keep smiling and be happy, you all. You'll be seeing us soon. Based on this standard, I can recommend this restaurant to all who love great food in a civilised setting, and with professional yet friendly service. Pop in and you won't be disappointed; they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a great culinary haven in the middle of Loughton.

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Barry J . 2019-06-12

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Good food, staff, setting, musicians atmosphere. Had a lovely Friday night date. Would come back and recommend

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adoratum . 2019-06-07

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Good venue for a quick evening meal with the wife.Staff are friendly and attentive, Lamb was overcooked, and needed to rest but the rest of the food was nice.

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G_nmartin83 . 2019-05-26

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we had a nice welcome as soon as we walked through the door. service was prompt and efficient. good choice on the menu and the food was good. overall a very pleasant evening.

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motherbear29 . 2019-05-08

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Had a really lovely evening at The Olive Tree last night with 7 friends. Jazz was amazing and so much fun, we even had a bit of a dance! Staff are so attentive and the food was really good. Great choice for all and ingredients all good quality and very well cooked. Can recommend the espresso martinis too!!

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hayleydoherty145 . 2019-04-26

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It was a sunny afternoon that prompted us to book a Saturday luncheon table at Olive Tree. Hence, my wife, Angela, and I wended our way to this wonderful eatery in the heart of Loughton. It was great catching up with Costas and Chimi, and the chat and laughter began almost immediately. Their large bifolding doors were open onto a sunfilled terrace, and we were shown to a table of our choice just inside of the bifolding doors, giving us the pleasure of near al fresco dining while remaining in the coolness of the restaurant. With complimentary Proseccos in hand, we made our selections from a varied menu, which included their specials' menu. Angela and I went for the soft shelled crab in a sweet chilli sauce dip; it was spectacular in flavour and texture. I then demolished my jumbo tiger prawns with spinach and handcut chips; again, the taste was out of this world: the prawns had absorbed the flavour of the condiments and it was perfectly prepared. Angela happily fought her way through her lobster and crayfish pasta, which she savoured, relishing every mouthful. This was christened with our favourite white: Malvasia, a light and fruity Italian wine, which complemented our meal perfectly. We concluded this fantastic culinary splendour with Sambucas, a black Americano, and lemon tea. It wasn't until we had returned home and had studied the receipt that we realised they had not charged us for the Sambucas - thanks Costas and Chimi; it was very good of you. It isn't just the great food and ambience of Olive Tree that made our meal a wonderful experience, it is the friendship and laughter with Costas and Chimi; they made us feel right at home and was truly uplifting. Unfrotunately, Manos wasn't present; he was celebrating his birthday: Happy birthday, Manos! Without a doubt, if you truly want a magnificent meal with atmosphere and friendliness, Olive Tree is the place to be. It is a true gastronomic haven in the middle of Loughton, and they are open every day of the week for breakfast - which is something I must try pretty soon - lunch, and dinner. Don't hesitate to pop in; you will not be disappointed. Our compliments to their chefs for their spledid efforts, and thank you Costas and Chimi for an afternoon in laughter and chat. Keep smiling, and we'll be seeing you all soon.

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Barry J . 2019-04-26

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Went to this restaurant for a friends birthday and had a table for 3 booked at 7pm

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Mary261026 . 2019-04-25

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My wife and I chose the Olive Tree as people we knew had said it was good, I can honestly say we wasnt disappointed. 3 courses all delicious, mains were the spicy lobster and crab tail pasta which was lovely and the lamb shank where the meat was cooked to perfection. I would go back again. Only downside is that it's a little bit expensive, but food is really nice.

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chalice31 . 2019-04-18

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Happy with the restaurant but the main meal was disappointing when we spoke with the manager he did not show any concern.

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Expedition825085 . 2019-04-16

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Really excellent meal, Good range of food, Nice atmosphere great service. Had soft shell crab, Lamb cutlets, Chicken souvlaki, Cod, Liver, Prawns, Lamb shank, every one said how nice it was. Will definitely return.

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BubbleBlowerEssex . 2019-04-14

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Visited last night Saturday 6th -

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. 2019-04-07

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I have just left The Olive Tree following a family celebration( for my mum's 90th birthday ) for 30 people . The manager was a delight to work with from the moment we walked in to book until the last coffees were served. Everything we asked for was delivered from table layout, individualized menu, delicious well presented food and diligent but unobtrusive service. All requests regarding dishes were delivered, and the whole experience was excellent. Everyone commented positively and overall I felt we had amazing value too. Highly recommended for a Sunday lunch party.

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. 2019-04-07

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What a fantastic night out we had at this restaurant. The food was good, cocktails were great and the staff were friendly, helpful and charming. The singer was excellent and the whole atmosphere of ambience of the place was fabulous. Would highly recommend.

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. 2019-03-03

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My husband and I went for a coffee but after realising how clean and nice it was from the inside (especially the toilet) we decided to stay for a meal after looking at the menu; a great variety with reasonable prices. But it wasn't until we were served the main course that we were surprised at how delicious the food was; especially the vegetarian Marrocon couscous. We will definitely go back there soon.

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. 2019-02-24

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My wife, Angela, and I, booked a table at this fantastic restaurant. The external lights in the foliage invited us in. We were greeted by Chimi, who is a lovely guy, and then by Manos and his team. Their friendliness made us feel right at home. Heart-shaped balloons and tables sprinkled with rose petals set the Valentine's ambience really well. The live music was supplied by Ella Chi and Freddie; her innovative renditions of standard numbers were brilliant, and Freddie's phrasing on his sax was spellbinding. With a refreshing pomegranate and Prosecco aperitif, we perused the menu, which had a pretty varied selection. They say that great minds think alike: Angela and I both went for the soft shelled crab with a sweet chili dip, and the lobster and crayfish pasta. Both were perfectly prepared and full of flavour. This was christened with our favourite wine: Malvasia. It is an Italian white and is light and fruity, which complemented our meal sublimely. We found room for dessert: I devoured my caramelised oranges with a scoop of sorbet; Angela demolished her warm chocolate brownie and pistachio in seconds flat. We concluded this culinary delight with a lit Sambuca and black Americano for me; Angela went for a Port and lemon tea. We then learned that these drinks were on the house: thanks Manos. Despite the place being busy, Manos, Costas, and the rest of the team still managed to chat and laugh with us. This is what makes Olive Tree so special and uplifting. Throughout a very busy night, the service never faltered. Our compliments to the chefs for their tireless efforts, and a huge 'thank you' to Manos - who had planned a splendid Valentine's Day special for everyone, Costas, Chimi, and all at Olive Tree for making our Valentine celebration truly memorable. Believe me, if you want great food, chat and laughter, and a lovely ambience then this is the place to be. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it's a lovely haven to harbour in any time of the day and week.

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. 2019-02-20

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Really enjoyed the lunch menu today. Very nicely presented food, beautifully cooked with excellent flavours. Felt welcome and looked after.

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. 2019-02-18

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Had dinner here with my husband on our anniversary weekend.

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. 2019-02-17

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Once again an amazing night. Fabulous food and amazing service. It was an evening with live music and was thoroughly entertaining 🍝🍷💃

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. 2019-02-17

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Superb lunch on Valentine’s Day. Whenever I see Calves Liver on a menu I tend to go for it and this one, pan fried in butter & sage was one of the best I’d had in years. My partner’s Salmon was equally delicious along with all the side dishes ordered. Starter of fig salad & sizzled courgette were great and all food was well presented. What could be better than finishing with a trio of Greek desserts.

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. 2019-02-14

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The internal decor is lovely so do not be put off by the unfortunate location amongst Morrison’s and Subway. The service was excellent and everyone thought the food was exceptional. Lovely lunchtime menu which is great value. It was just before Christmas and none of us could understand why there were so few people in there.

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. 2019-02-03

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We have visited The Olive Tree on many occasions over the years and have always enjoyed the delicious food, the wonderful atmosphere and the beautiful decor. Manos and his team always go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and whenever we go, whether it is a live music night or a quiet lunch, it always feels like a special occasion. We have also recently discovered their Sunday breakfasts - fabulous!!

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. 2019-01-29

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Was disappointed in the service and lack of gluten free options.

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. 2019-01-26

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Very nice food and attentive waitress, even put the napkins on your lap for you (that don't happen very often in other restaurants. A nice place to go for a special day as it is a bit more expensive than the average restaurant.

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. 2019-01-16

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food was good had fair time to wait but food was good a bit pricey for the area interior not to everyones taste but above average will come back if in the area.

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. 2019-01-08

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Living locally we are fairly frequent diners at the Olive Tree and have never had a bad meal. The restaurant is always clean, food delicious and Manos and his team are always courteous and welcoming. We had not experienced NYE here before and was so glad that we saw 2019 at this wonderful venue. There was a set meal with plenty of choice, all very tempting. My husband and I had the same starter but different mains and desserts all were of a high standard. The atmosphere was very celebratory and all the various couples/parties had a great time.

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. 2019-01-03

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I’ve been twice to the olive tree and had a similar experience both times.

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. 2019-01-01

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Various members of our family had dined at The Olive Tree - thus, when the decision was made for the five of us to dine out of Christmas Day, our past experiences made the choice easy. And we weren't disappointed - in fact right from walking into the atmosphere of the establishment at 3pm set the pattern for our day with Manos getting it right with his interaction with us customers and overseeing brisk and efficient service from the floor team. Our starters and mains were simply excellent with two of the five desserts just missing out on the thumbs-up we others gave. Wines (we went Greek on both white and red) were very good and appropriately priced.

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. 2018-12-31

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We went to this lovely restaurant for lunch (a party of 8) on Christmas Day and had a great time. The staff were excellent and attentive in every way, going the extra mile to keep us happy. The food was plentiful and delicious and the entertainment was just right - not too invasive but festive and good fun. We were made to feel very welcome and were not being rushed to vacate the table at any time - in fact we stayed for nearly five hours -unlike some other restaurants where you are given a two hour slot. We look forward to our next visit to the best restaurant in town!

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. 2018-12-29

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Yet again Manos and his excellent team provided a wonderful, friendly and fun environment for us all to enjoy Christmas Day lunch.

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. 2018-12-28

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Our tenth Christmas Dinner at the Olive tree, yes ten!! The food here remains excellent, and the service second to none. The Christmas menu is varied with plenty of choice and all cooked to perfection despite a fully booked restaurant and a very busy kitchen.

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. 2018-12-28

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Having visited the restaurant twice now with family and friends for lunch, I found the service very friendly and choice of food on the set menu very good and not overpriced. Would visit again and hope to in the near future.

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. 2018-12-27

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Hard to know where to start... other than just horrific! My startervabd another was firstly hard boiled.. should have been poached egg, then was snotty.... that I could have overlooked, eggs are tricky... but the main.. having paid £95 per head.. for kids too even though they were given tomato soup and garlic bread ( not on the menu... but nothing suitable for 12 yr olds) ... still charged £95... my adult roast was probably the worst roast I’ve ever had.... which re confirmed my fears of going to a mediteranian restaurant for a roast!!!! Just don’t... they can’t do it! The only edible item was the turkey..... I can’t even begin to moan about it all, because there was so much wrong with it... just about for Xmas day. Simple as that !

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. 2018-12-27

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Entering this haven of superb cuisine and warm friendliness is always welcoming, and my wife, Angela, and I, look forward to the experience every time. The large, glass folding doors at the front that open onto a terrace gives the restaurant an airy feel with lighting that gives it intimacy. On the left there is another section to the restaurant that boasts a full bar. Being Christmas Day, the place was truly buzzing, but politely without - dare I say - the Essex extremes that can damage sensitive eardrums. The smiling faces and chatter was a clear indication that everyone was enjoying themselves and relishing the live music. We were met with friendly warmth and shown to our table. As always, the greeting, chat, and laughter with Manos and all at Olive Tree was almost immediate and truly uplifting - it's always great catching up with all of them. Hence, with complimentary Proseccos in hand, Angela and I made our selection from a very unique and innovative Christmas Lunch menu - thanks, Manos. Angela went for the salmon with some unique flavours that made her salivate - incredibly, she didn't get arrested! While I devoured my seared scallops with innovative trimmings, and the contrasting flavours were a delight on my palate. For our main, Angela and I mercilessly demolished our trout, and yet again there were innovative trimmings and sauce that made our palates come alive; the fish was perfectly prepared, moist, and had absorbed the flavours - wonderful. This unique innovation in contrasting flavours I've come to expect from Manos and Olive Tree, and it never disappoints. This culinary splendour was baptised with a crisp Italian white: Malvasia. The wine was perfectly chilled and complemented our meal superbly. Our gluttonous corruption was promoted by Manos and all at Olive Tree - thanks, you all - and Angela consumed a rich, dark chocolate mousse; while I kept my dentist happy by munching my way through a coconut, pineapple mousse with roasted pineapple as a bed: it was sweet and refreshing. We were then very graciously served with further complimentary Proseccos: thanks, Chimmy for the kindness. We concluded this debauched indulgence with a lemon tea, black Americano, and accompanying Sambucas. This was truly a Christmas extravaganza rich in great food, music but, most of all, chat, laughter, and friendship. Our compliments to their talented chefs for all their hard work and efforts. Thanks, Manos, for a memorable Christmas present, and to Costas, Chimmy, and all at Olive Tree for an unforgettable dining experience and making us feel so welcome. We'll now be looking forward to your New Year's Eve brilliance; we've already booked. So, you have been warned! I would advise all who love friendliness, innovative cuisine, and professional service to book early as tables will go. So, until then, please keep smiling, and we'll be seeing you soon.

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. 2018-12-26

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Service very good. Staff friendly.

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. 2018-12-24

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A friend and I went here for brunch... the food was excellent and friendly efficient staff!

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. 2018-12-21

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Love the look of the place, they also cater for those fussy eaters amongst us ;-) you know who you are. Great place to visit on a Friday, great entertainment and food to help you unwind after a stressful week at work.

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. 2018-12-17

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Lunch menu was amazing, fresh and tasty! Loved octopus as starter and lots to choose from the dessert menu.

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Venture259398 . 2018-12-11

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Excellent food, great party atmosphere and reasonably priced. They had entertainment last night but not every night so you need to check. Would recommend

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_lisabond89 . 2018-12-09

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Took my wife for lunch to Olivetree and we both had an amazing meal. I had sardines and my wife the garlic prawns for starter, followed by penne with fillet beef strips and pork belly with mash... fantastic food. Didn't plan on having a desert but the tiramisu was to die for. Washed down with the house merlot and both of us contented. Great food and service in lovely surroundings.

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Dean W . 2018-12-02

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Really enjoyed an impromptu lunch at this great restaurant on Loughton High Street. Its a lovely looking place and the tables are well spaced so you don't feel like you're eating with the people next to you!

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JonEden . 2018-11-25

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Dined here Saturday night and the restaurant managed to exceed the good reviews we saw on here.

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masonfitzgerald . 2018-11-25

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We we visiting the area and saw the reviews and menu for The Olive Tree, which looked great. We had three starters to share, scallops, soft shell crab and prawns. The prawns in particular were amazing with a fantastic sauce. For mains we had the Dover sole and steak, both equally delicious. The presentation of all the dishes was elegant and eye catching. The kids were well looked after with spaghetti bolognese and ice cream. The service was flawless and very friendly, we felt like a part of the family!

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BFitzgerald25 . 2018-11-25

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Manos and his team looked after our group of 12 brilliantly last evening. We had supplied our menu choices in advance which helped the process a lot: we were served exactly at 8pm as requested, all dishes were excellent with no complaints around the table; we were not rushed; treated extremely well and the noise level (without live music) was completely acceptable for our group. Well done the Olive Tree: we'll be back in the Spring.

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Valerie L . 2018-11-22

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The Olive tree has been my favourite restaurant for a while now and having gone on Friday they have changed their menu a bit and now I love it even more. I had the lamb cutlets and it was the best meal I have ever had! Staff are all amazing and are always more than happy to help, live music on Fridays too which is great and a lovely atmosphere! I would recommend the Olive Tree to anyone for any occasion!

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GraceGarrett . 2018-11-20

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Once again The Olive Tree excelled.... absolutely fabulous Sunday roast, cooked to perfection. And as always a fantastic atmosphere, amazing host Manos Filaitis and his team

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Gina K . 2018-11-18

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We had a recent family birthday

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Abxxxxx . 2018-11-18

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Booked a table for 2 for lunch with a business contact. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the quality of the wine list. Excellent value, great service. The restaurant was very quiet which surprised me. Perhaps we need to rave about it a bit more to make it popular.

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Pambos P . 2018-11-14

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We had been for a walk in Epping forest and we chose The Olive Tree for its excellent reviews. We ordered starters and mains from the Sunday set menu, service was friendly, drinks and starters came quickly. The starters were tasty and well presented. And then we waited and waited and waited for our mains. We complained a couple of times to one of the waiters, we were told that the mains were being plated and that they would be with us in a couple of minutes... twenty minutes later nothing had arrived. When we complained again, the staff was genuinely sorry and offered some drinks on the house that we refused as we were driving. At the end, after one whole hour waiting for our meal, we decided to leave as it was getting late and we were not hungry anymore. We asked for the bill for the drinks and starters but they told us that we didn't have to pay anything as a commercial gesture. That was fair but we left really disappointed, angry and frustrated as the food looked gorgeous and we were looking forward to our meal. It completely ruined our Sunday lunch, what a shame. I think the problem was that they had large parties, one of them of 20+ people and it completely collapsed the kitchen. I doubt that we will be returning after this distressing experience but if we did, we would make sure that there aren't any large parties. Restaurants should know how to prioritise regular customers over large parties.

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Jorgifish . 2018-11-12

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