Enjoying a Mediterranean Feast at Olive Tree Restaurant

Olive Tree Restaurant is a charming family-owned Mediterranean restaurant located in Lancaster, New York. Known for its warm hospitality, delicious food, and cozy ambiance, Olive Tree has been a favorite neighborhood eatery for over 20 years.

In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes Olive Tree Restaurant so special, from its menu items to its history. Whether you’re a frequent guest or considering your first visit you’ll learn everything you need to know about this wonderful Mediterranean dining destination.

An Authentic Mediterranean Dining Experience

The moment you step inside Olive Tree Restaurant, you’re transported to the Mediterranean through its decor and aromas. Beautiful Spanish tile, earthy colors, and touches of Mediterranean art instantly set the mood. The scent of garlic, herbs, and grilling meat float through the air, getting your appetite ready for the feast ahead.

Olive Tree’s menu features classic Greek and Mediterranean specialties made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Appetizers like dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), hummus, baba ghanoush, and spanakopita whet your appetite Main courses range from gyros and souvlaki skewers to moussaka, pastitsio, and other Greek comfort foods. Daily specials and seafood selections add variety to the menu

No matter what you order, each dish is bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Herbs like oregano, parsley, and dill add vibrance, while olive oil, lemon, garlic, and peppers add zest. Dishes strike the perfect balance between savory and tangy, earthy and bright. The flavors transport your tastebuds to the seaside tavernas of Greece.

Signature Dishes Spotlight Quality Ingredients

While Olive Tree’s entire menu showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients, a few signature dishes really highlight the restaurant’s culinary talents.

The char-grilled souvlaki skewers marinated in olive oil, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs emerge tender and full of flavor Choose from chicken, beef, shrimp, or a combo The skewers are served over a fresh Greek salad with tzatziki sauce – a perfect meal.

Another star is the pastitsio, a Greek take on lasagna. Layers of pasta, seasoned beef, and béchamel sauce are baked into a rich, comforting casserole. It’s an Olive Tree classic.

Seafood lovers rave about the shrimp saganaki. Shrimp are sautéed in a pan with olive oil, tomatoes, feta cheese, and spices until bubbling and delicious. Served with warm pita bread, it’s a sharing dish you won’t want to miss.

Finally, the baklava makes a sweet finish to your meal. Flaky phyllo dough layered with honey, nuts, and spices – it’s the quintessential Greek dessert. A small piece satisfies your sweet tooth after a hearty meal.

Weekend Brunch Brings Breakfast Favorites

In addition to lunch and dinner service, Olive Tree Restaurant serves weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Their brunch menu has all your breakfast favorites along with Greek twists.

Start your morning right with pancakes or French toast. Or opt for a more traditional Greek breakfast like the avgolemono – eggs and rice soup. Hearty egg dishes like omelets, scrambles, and eggs Benedict fill you up.

Of course, Olive Tree adds Mediterranean touches to classics. Try the gyro omelet with tomato, onion, gyro meat, and feta. Or the stuffed grape leaf omelet wrapped around fluffy eggs. For a sweet and savory combo, order the ham steak with pineapple rings.

No matter what you choose, it’s served with a smile in Olive Tree’s cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Bloody Mary’s and mimosas add a special touch. Brunch at Olive Tree makes weekends extra special.

The History Behind this Neighborhood Gem

Olive Tree first opened in 1998 by the Nicandri family. Greek immigrant Dino Nicandri brought his passion for authentic Mediterranean cooking to Lancaster, NY. Dino and his wife Anna strived to recreate the Mediterranean flavors of his homeland using high-quality, fresh ingredients.

For over 20 years, Olive Tree has thrived as a family-owned establishment. Today, it’s run by Dino and Anna’s sons – you’ll often find them greeting guests at the entrance. The Nicandri’s warm hospitality and dedication to delicious food has kept customers coming back year after year. Patrons appreciate the hard work that goes into each meal.

While the ownership has remained constant, Olive Tree has evolved with the times. They’ve expanded their menu and modernized the interior decor. Daily specials keep things fresh and interesting for regulars. But at its core, Olive Tree’s commitment to serving high-quality Mediterranean cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere remains the same.

What Sets Olive Tree Apart

What keeps customers coming back to Olive Tree Restaurant again and again? Here are a few stand-out qualities that set this neighborhood eatery apart:

Consistency – Olive Tree serves high-quality dishes consistently. You know exactly what you’ll get each visit – excellent Mediterranean fare made with fresh ingredients.

Portion sizes – Meals are served in generous portions so you get your money’s worth. The hearty dishes ensure you leave satisfied and full.

Personable service – The friendly, attentive service makes you feel like part of the family. Servers learn customers’ names and favorite orders.

Cozy ambiance – From the warm decor to the inviting patio, Olive Tree’s ambiance enhances your dining experience.

Value – With average entree prices around $15, Olive Tree offers delicious Mediterranean food at reasonable prices.

These qualities come together to create an excellent overall dining experience that keeps guests coming back. Olive TreeRestaurant has been a reliable neighborhood favorite for over 20 years for good reason.

How to Enjoy Your Visit

If you haven’t visited Olive Tree Restaurant yet, now you have a good idea of what to expect. Here are a few tips to make the most of your first or next visit:

• Come hungry! Their generous portions mean you’ll probably have leftovers. Try a few different dishes so you can sample the menu.

• Make reservations on weekends. Olive Tree fills up, especially for Sunday brunch.

• Request patio seating if weather permits. It’s picturesque and relaxing.

• Chat with your server for daily specials and their personal menu recommendations.

• Pair your meal with wine or beer to complement the flavors. Ask about their Greek wine list.

• Save room for baklava! You don’t want to miss this sweet, sticky Greek delicacy.

• Relax and savor your meal. Olive Tree’s cozy setting encourages you to linger.

Olive Tree Restaurant has become a Lancaster staple thanks to its inviting atmosphere, stand-out Mediterranean dishes, and unwavering hospitality. Next time you’re craving authentic Greek flavors or seeking a new neighborhood spot, consider stopping by Olive Tree. We’re confident you’ll leave happy and full after enjoying this Mediterranean feast.