4 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Mediterranean in Studio City
Best Mediterranean in Studio City
Master Critic Review
Olive & Grill
8.3
Modern Mediterranean restaurant featuring an enchanting outdoor terrace beneath olive trees with live music and belly dancing creating a romantic atmosphere. The Lebanese-influenced menu emphasizes shareable mezze plates and grilled kebabs, with hookah service adding to the authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops, Chicken Kebab, Fattoush Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Romantic olive tree terrace with live entertainment and authentic Lebanese cuisine
Who should go: Date nights, celebrations, Mediterranean food enthusiasts
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for quieter ambiance, weekends for energy
What to order: Lamb chops, fattoush, and any grilled kebab with hummus
Insider tip: Request outdoor seating under the olive trees for best atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $10-12, street parking moderate difficulty on Ventura Blvd after 7pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - date night worthy without being stuffy, jeans okay if paired with nice top
Noise level: Moderate indoors, louder outdoors during live music - plan for festive energy not quiet intimacy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially for patio - book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually accommodated within 10-15 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive mezze selection including baba ghanoush, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, grilled vegetables
Vegan options: Good options - most mezze can be made vegan, grilled vegetable plates available, skip the dairy-heavy items
Gluten-free options: Moderate - grilled meats and many mezze work, but pita is central to the experience, ask about rice options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but depends on your style - the outdoor terrace with olive trees is genuinely romantic, but live music and belly dancing create energetic vibes not quiet conversation. Perfect if you want memorable atmosphere over deep talk. Request outdoor seating early in evening before entertainment starts for best of both worlds.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, weekday dinner maybe, weekend dinner unlikely. The outdoor patio books solid on weekends. If you walk in, you'll likely get indoor seating faster than patio. Bar seating available first-come with full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids 8+ who can appreciate the experience - the entertainment and shareable plates work well. Not ideal for toddlers or kids needing quick service. Earlier dinner times (5-6pm) before crowd peaks are most family-appropriate.
How does the hookah service work? Available at outdoor tables only, $25-35 per hookah with multiple flavor options. Server will set up and maintain it. Note it adds significant atmosphere but does create smoke even outdoors - request non-hookah section if preferred.
What's the right amount to order for two people? Plan 3-4 mezze plates plus 1-2 main kebabs to share. The portions are generous and Middle Eastern dining is meant for sharing. Start conservative - you can always add more. Budget $70-90 for two before drinks.
Best For
Better for: Choose Olive & Grill over competitors when you want theatrical dining experience with live entertainment, authentic outdoor Mediterranean atmosphere under actual olive trees, or hosting celebrations where the venue itself creates the energy. The commitment to live music and belly dancing multiple nights weekly is rare in Studio City.
Skip if: You're seeking quiet intimate conversation, prefer modern fusion over traditional Lebanese preparations, want trendy small plates over classic mezze, or need guaranteed fast service. Also skip if your date is sensitive to hookah smoke outdoors or prefers minimalist modern ambiance over festive traditional vibes.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 10:30pm
Friday11:30am - 11:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 11:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 10:30pm