Olive Grove

12 Best Ln, Canterbury CT1 2JB
$$ Mediterranean

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 12 Best Ln, Canterbury CT1 2JB
  • Cuisine: Italian | Lebanese | Mediterranean | Moroccan |
  • Cost: | Inexpensive
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner | Late |
  • Parking: Street |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Cash | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: 1227764388
  • Features: Full Bar, Late Dining, Outdoor Seating, Private Room, Takeout Available, Happy Hours, Free Wi-Fi,
  • Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Meet for a Drink, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Quick Bite, Date Night,

Photos

Olive Grove - Olive Grove

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Monday Hours 11:45 - 22:00
Tuesday
Tuesday Hours 11:45 - 22:00
Wednesday
Wednesday Hours 11:45 - 22:00
Thursday
Tuesday Hours 11:45 - 23:00
Friday
Friday Hours 11:45 - 23:00
Saturday
Saturday Hours 11:45 - 23:30
Sunday
Sunday Hours 11:45 - 22:00
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Customer Reviews & Ratings

3.96 out of 5 stars based on 555 votes

Overall: 1/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 1/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 1/10
Jan 17, 2023
Lisa O.
Unfortunately we had to wait an hour for our food, we had to get to the theatre which I told them and they bought the food out as we had to leave. So we literally had to stuff it down and arrived just in time for the show. From what I could taste, the food was flavoursome. The manager was very good and offered us a free drink while we waited for 5 minutes for our food to arrive, which ended up be a further 25 mins! I asked for the bill and it was on the house. Great recognition of poor service. We were very disappointed as we’ve eaten here a number of times. Due to small children we don’t get out much as just a couple so this ruined a rare date night out for us :-(

Overall: 2/10
Food: 2/10
Service: 3/10
Ambience: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Jan 04, 2022
Sue H.
Our first time at The Olive Grove. Their website made it look inviting and with both menus being Halal we decided to go there to celebrate a 16th birthday. Really wish we had made a different choice. Ambience pretty much non existent Waitress acted as though she really didn’t want to be there - no comment or little touches were made with regard to my newly 16 year old apart from when we were leaving and a throw away “oh happy birthday” was made. The food was really awful. A hair in the soup - then Veal escalopes that were so tough you struggled to cut through them! “Rosemary Bread” without the Rosemary. No ice cream desert as the freezer was not working. Everything combined to make this an unmemorable event and needless to say we will not be returning. Total waste of £129
Business Response:
Dear Sue, Very sorry to hear about your experience . Would you be so kind to email us at [email protected] with more details so we can investigate . Look forward hearing back from you Team Olive Grove

Overall: 6/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 5/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Jan 13, 2023
Alex D.
Sat us downstairs in a cold dark room, with a constant draft flowing through. Food was average nothing special, this place used to be great, service was ok.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 17, 2023
Julie L.
Lovely restaurant very friendly and welcoming staff. Nice range of food at reasonable price. Fully recommend.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 16, 2022
Rebecca S.
Very nice service and the food was great

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Apr 30, 2022
Simon A.
Delicious Moroccan/Lebanese food in authentic surroundings with good service. Definitely recommend.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 07, 2021
Theresa T.
All the food in our party of 11 was piping hot except for 1 canneloni which wasn't. Didn't have time to ask for it to be changed as we were going to the Marlowe. Otherwise we had a very enjoyable experience and would visit again

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 06, 2022
Mags S.
Was in a group of 5, 3 of which had not been before and we all really enjoyed the food. Great tasting and good portions.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 05, 2022
Tim Q.
We really enjoyed. Well done

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 14, 2021
alan d.
A lovely evening well looked after by the staff always helpful and friendly and quality of food excellent

Overall: 5/10
Food: 4/10
Service: 5/10
Ambience: 4/10
Value: 3/10
Apr 27, 2022
SUSAN t.
The staff were very friendly but although it was quiet, the service was slow. The lasagne was so stodgy, we did get a small refund but it spoil the evening. We have been many times before and loved it. Shame!!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 17, 2023
Elaine J.
Greeted nicely with friendly smile. Food was presented well Made to feel very welcome.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Jan 16, 2023
Carol D.
Waiting for a menu after being seated was annoying. Unsure why not given at the time. Never been here before but we definitely return.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 19, 2022
FREDERICK T.
Food was prompt and hot, service was quick....

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 13, 2022
Louise S.
Really welcoming atmosphere and attentive (and unobtrusive) service. Food was delicious and authentic, and cooked to perfection. Such a nice vibe about this place would absolutely recommend.

Overall: 2/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Nov 29, 2021
Florence G.
Really slow service, food was ok

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 28, 2023
Yolande M.
Really good atmosphere and delicious choice of Mediterranean dishes. Will definitely go back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 19, 2022
Danielle B.
Staff were very attentive and the food was so fresh! Thank you

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 16, 2023
John B.
A very pleasant experience overall, with subtly spiced food and fine service. As a very old man, I found the restaurant not quite warm enough, but that won't put me off going again!

Overall: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 5/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 7/10
May 17, 2022
Mary M.
Forgot to include/bring the kofta with our mixed grill and the bread was missing.. Waiter didn’t know what kofta would look like.. Ordered glass of wine came back later to ask what size! Mains brought to next table waited to long for the cutlery needed.. Other table complained dish not as described on menu. Basically staff training needs.. Food was tasty but too much for as described on menu for 2 people

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 02, 2022
Lorraine R.
Lovely food. Sat by a window, it was a bit chilly but it was snowing outside. The meze wasn't that hot, maybe waiting for the other dishes to be ready?

Overall: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Mar 25, 2023
Christine R.
Staff welcoming, but clearly very stretched. Service was extremely slow, it was lucky we were not in a hurry. Food choices were reduced by an unexpectedly busy day earlier in the week, we were told by the smiling and apologetic waiter. Overall a mixed experience.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 21, 2022
Stewart B.
Good food and friendly service. A little lacking in atmosphere downstairs.

Overall: 6/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 7/10
Apr 21, 2022
Jo W.
I think it is offering too many options on the menu, the food just wasn’t that great, service was ok though. Wouldn’t return.

Overall: 2/10
Food: 1/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 2/10
Dec 11, 2021
chiela d.
We were greeted and seated quickly by friendly staff. 2 guests ordered pizzas and they were good. 2 ordered from the the Italian dishes and 1 from Lebanese and all three dishes were very poor. Very bland and nothing Italian about them. Very disappointing and can not recommend this restaurant unless you go for pizza. Also, bought two cocktails from early evening offer but paid full price :-(

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Feb 23, 2023
Tina B.
Waitress kept hanging around even tho we were no where near finished. Don't rush customers - wasn't that busy. Some green veg would have been nice.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 17, 2021
Gary W.
Good food, friendly service in pleasant surroundings

Overall: 5/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 3/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Oct 10, 2022
Philip B.
Advertised as Italian/Mediterranean anything but Italian disappointing

Overall: 5/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Apr 09, 2023
Alison T.
The waiter was friendly. The food was ok. The restaurant looked shabby though and the toilets smelled mouldy. Didn’t feel very clean.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 18, 2023
Sue M.
Delicious food very good customer service

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 23, 2023
Jacqueline Mary H.
Excellent overall, food was great as usual but we would have liked the restaurant to be a little warmer

Overall: 3/10
Food: 2/10
Service: 5/10
Ambience: 4/10
Value: 3/10
Apr 18, 2022
Fiona S.
Food was bland, very disappointed. Expensive for what we had. Waiting staff were trying their best. It's a shame as it's a nice place.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 13, 2021
Lynne H.
Loved the choice of different menus

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 23, 2021
Kim B.
Thank you for an amazing experience. We all loved the food and thought it was good value for money. We will be back soon.

Overall: 0/10
Food: 0/10
Service: 0/10
Ambience: 0/10
Value: 0/10
Aug 03, 2022
Tom P.
Booked In advance. Was told on arrival that there was a 45 minute wait for DRINKS (not even food) and that we should leave. Won’t ever come here again and will be recommending that all my friends AVOID OLIVE GROVE

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 19, 2022
Barbara P.
The service was friendly and helpful. The chicken kebabs were delicious and the lasagne excellent. Lovely atmosphere.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 21, 2022
Nicholas P.
Lovely meal, great service

Overall: 1/10
Food: 3/10
Service: 1/10
Ambience: 1/10
Value: 3/10
May 15, 2022
Jean M.
I had phoned earlier in the day and made a reservation for that evening. On arrival the man gestured to their adjacent restaurant. We said "No", it is for upstairs, at the Olive Grove. We were not checked on system, just taken upstairs and told sit anywhere. We did. A few minutes later , he returned asking for our order. We had not even seen a menu!! One was brought to us, a few minutes later. Eventually we were asked if we required a drink, from the menu. When this arrived we gave our food order. Starter and mains. Again the starter was slow in arriving, as was the main. During the meal, no one asked "How was everything". On finishing our mains, no one asked if we would like to see dessert menu. With this, one of us went across to the waiter, serving at another table. When he had finished serving, I asked for the bill and would pay then. On finishing my payment, the bill was taken from me. I stopped him to say I like that to go with my card payment receipt. If they were experiencing a problem, as some places are at the moment, it should have been mentioned on booking. Also a few words at the end, would have been pleasant--we just felt hurried!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 12, 2022
Sheryl H.
This was my first visit and I will definitely be back. The staff were very friendly and the food was excellent and served quickly. We had theatre tickets so could not enjoy the full extent of the varied menu and ambiance.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 31, 2022
Pip H.
really good service with friendly staff. Main course took a long time to arrive but staff apologised. Desserts were disappointing. Nice atmosphere - thanks

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 28, 2023
Samantha S.
Really enjoyed the meal, didn’t feel rushed.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 02, 2022
Lucy G.
Loved the water but pizza needs more sauce. Lovely though

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 13, 2023
Peter E.
Great atmosphere All the staff were upbeat and very responsive Selected the gluten free options Really enjoyed the experience Recommend

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 09, 2022
Joanne L.
Very cold upstairs from draught from open doors downstairs

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Jan 09, 2023
Caroline P.
Food was excellent. Service was great. Restaurant had a really lovely feel to it.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 22, 2022
Gary S.
Lovely tasting food, great service and great choice on the menu

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 20, 2022
Sally B.
Delicious food, attentive young waitress. Would recommend

Overall: 4/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 2/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Aug 14, 2022
Catherine B.
Really disappointed in the reduction of veggie/vegan options (vegan cous cous tagine). The service was not good. We have been before and we are really disappointed our experience was not as good as before. Not in a rush to go back.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 24, 2021
Jackie P.
Only vegan dessert was not available so customer left disappointed

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 13, 2021
Linda H.
staff we very welcoming and helpful and extremely considerate with one guest was was gluten free.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 06, 2022
Dawn M.
Great experience

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 3/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 24, 2023
Vivian U.
We have seen this place over the last5/6 years and have always wanted to try it. Well we were not disappointed, just wish we had dined here along time ago. We will definitely come back here and recommend to all our friends and family.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 22, 2021
Catherine W.
The Olive Grove was great. They accommodated us, a party of 10, at short notice and put us in a private room so we didn't have to worry about bothering anyone else. The food was great, interesting choice from 2 menus, and the service was friendly, if occasionally slow. We will definitely go back.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 26, 2022
Martin F.
Excellent Tapas pizza not the best.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Mar 11, 2023
Roma P.
Food ok but some dishes very salty, the blonde waitress seemed very stressed, and this reflected in her service. We also had to go down to pay the bill and didn't have a choice on how much tip to leave... Didn't make any effort for my daughter who's birthday it was despite telling them in advance... Missed a trick!

Overall: 6/10
Food: 4/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 4/10
Feb 02, 2022
Angela D.
The veal was tough and tasteless. The other food was OK, average but overpriced. Over £60 for three people having one course, two soft drinks and one alcoholic drink is not good value for pasta and rice based dishes. The card machine didn't work either. Overall, not a great experience.

Overall: 6/10
Food: 3/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 7/10
May 30, 2022
Niki F.
Initially asked for our party to be sat downstairs due to disabled people in our group. This didn’t happen. Food wasn’t the best. Some dishes were nice but all in all no. A lot of dishes had to be sent back due to them being cold, chips very salty, steaks not being cooked to preference. This then got forgotten about and when asked about it, they wanted to bring it back once everyone had eaten. An additional steak was sent to the table that wasn’t ordered. However service was great. Girls were friendly and tried to accommodate as much as possible despite the food being a let down.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 24, 2022
Dave C.
We ate at the Olive Grove twice in a week and on both occasions the food was excellent, service was very good and the wait time for food was not too long.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
May 03, 2022
Donna C.
Food was excellent. Staff were very hospitable, friendly and welcoming. Only downside is that it was cold in the restaurant.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 30, 2022
tracy B.
Highly recommend going

Overall: 1/10
Food: 2/10
Service: 0/10
Ambience: 1/10
Value: 1/10
May 03, 2022
Josh A.
We arrived, table wasn’t ready even though we booked. We got put in a back room and was forgotten about. After eventually preserving, 45 minutes for starter to come out and after plates were collected a further 45 minutes for mains to come out. Asked for chilli oil and it took 20 mins to come out. After asking for such a long time for food they replied by saying “it’s the Italian way to wait that long”. Would not return.

Overall: 5/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 0/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Oct 30, 2022
Karl S.
It is sad that your service was so shambolic that it shadowed you excellent food. You cannot decide to serve different wine unknowingly to the customer you need to inform them of what you have done - and then present a bill that has the wine you ran out of. Over all service amateur slow and incompetent. Table of nine all disappointed. I sincerely hope you change because you deserve success we all loved your food. Good luck.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 14, 2022
Leigh D.
Lovely food, lovely staff, lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 11, 2022
Carrie M.
Excellent atmosphere, great food served quickly by a friendly and attentive waiter.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 0/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
May 30, 2022
Mick R.
Good as always excellent, I have eaten about 5times in this restaurant always great food .service on this occasion was absolutely terrible, once seated at the table we were left for at least 15 minutes with out menu’s or a drinks order being taken .once the drinks order was taken it was another 15 minutes before we got the drinks and when I said that I didn’t have a menu I was told that they were all taken at the moment . I stayed because I knew the food was going to be good ..but I won’t be booking again .it was quite embarrassing because I had recommended the olive grove to my friend who I had taken with me this particular visit .

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 17, 2023
Heli S.
Great little restaurant with “lush” interior, great food, friendly service and very good value. Discount for the nearby Marlow theatre was an added extra. Worth a visit.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 06, 2022
Karin J.
Was a really lovely meal went for friends birthday, they even surprised her with a dessert and put candle in it and sung happy birthday, such a lovely thing to do.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 15, 2022
Liz L.
Lovely, attentive staff. Loved the decor, with the plants covering the walls, felt intimate and cosy. Not sure about the wine bottle chandelier though ( be careful standing up ). Food good except my pizza was rather burnt on the underside. Perfect location for the Marlowe theatre or Canterbury shopping. Will definitely return.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 4/10
Value: 7/10
Oct 13, 2022
Greg W.
The last time I went here was about 15 years ago. I notice it's changed around the menu being Mediterranean. The meal was excellent but the decor feels like it needs a bit of work especially the ceiling upstairs (lots of holes). In terms of value it was comparable to chain restaurants but overall I don't mind paying to support independent businesses. Staff were friendly and helpful. My son who was 11 had the lasagne but he has one of those very hot sizzling plates and was burnt (an accident). Worth reviewing giving a child one of these as they are small and don't understand it's very very hot and quite difficult to avoid on a small table. Other than that very good

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 09, 2022
Caroline D.
Enjoyed my meal, a little overpriced and felt a bit rushed. Good service and surroundings.

Overall: 0/10
Food: 0/10
Service: 1/10
Ambience: 2/10
Value: 0/10
Nov 22, 2021
Jane G.
Food not good will not be returning
Business Response:
Dear Jane Very sorry to hear about your experience . Would you be so kind to email us at [email protected] with more details so we can investigate . Look forward hearing back from you Team Olive Grove

Overall: 2/10
Food: 3/10
Service: 2/10
Ambience: 4/10
Value: 2/10
Dec 08, 2021
Nikki C.
Unfortunately it appeared that we were forgotten as we had to chase up our food order after waiting 40 mins from when we placed it. The seafood/prawns/squid were inedible, overcooked and rubbery. The pizzas were good but that was about it. Hugely disappointed as I've been visiting this place for years and recommended it to friends.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 20, 2022
Liz T.
Wonderful welcome and great food. Had a really lovely time here. Good value and attentive staff.

Overall: 3/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 3/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 22, 2022
Chris H.
Food good, service disappointing. Both courses arrived at the same time, asked for the Main course to served after entrées, they took it away and then kept it warm and served it again - will never eat there again.

Overall: 0/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 25, 2023
Roy W.
We left before we ordered as they had no wine to go with the meal what so ever!!!???

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 19, 2022
Laura A.
The food really was lovely , service was great! I can’t believe I’ve never been, but I I’ll definitely be coming back

Overall: 5/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 5/10
Feb 13, 2023
Debbie G.
Food was ok but not amazing.chips were greasy .Felt rushed and sat in a very small walkway so not as enjoyable as we had hoped