The Olive Tree Restaurant is a hidden oasis of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Anaheim, CA

Joe Abdo loves to cook. In 2005, during his retirement, he saw a restaurant for sale. Now, the Olive Tree Restaurant is bringing people from across the county for home-cooked Middle Eastern food. Most of the clientele are students and the main contributors to the daily specials menu. Knowing that they are a little homesick, Papa Joe will make the dishes that remind them of home. He treats his kitchen as an extension of their homes, even wiping down their table and cleaning their dishes. And you really do feel at home. Joe likes to talk to everyone, asking you how you are and how you like the food. Plus, he makes everything fresh. No canned goods in his kitchen! So don’t be surprised if they run out of items. The prevailing wisdom suggests you come early or it will be sold out. Also, the Olive Tree Restaurant has both al fresco dining and an interior dining room.

Your meal begins with homemade pickles and pita bread. Yes, I said homemade. They are so scrumptious! 

I’m not a big fan of pickles, but the radishes, peppers, olives, and cucumbers were so good and crisp.

Hummus is pureed garbanzo beans with tahini, lime juice, and garlic. This is the best hummus I have ever had. Most hummus that you find in Greek restaurants is very lemony and can give it a sour flavor. Joe’s Middle Eastern version tastes fresh and not overly citrusy. You can actually taste all the garbanzo bean flavor as well as the accents of the tahini, lime juice, and garlic. I love the presentation with the whole garbanzo beans resting in the middle, like a nest. Use the pita bread to scoop this up and enjoy! Thumbs up, way up!

The Daily Special on this occasion was Lamb Shanks with Basmati Rice. The lamb shanks were marinated in 17 spices and were fall-off-the-bone tender. These spices actually cut through the gamey flavor, converting anyone into a lamb fan! Just ask my mom! The basmati rice was flavorful and not like the version you would get at an Indian restaurant. The rice can easily stand on its own, rich in flavor and spices. The flavor was so enticing that you feel compelled to eat more – very addictive. Thumbs up, way up!

Saturday’s Daily Special is Saya Deia (marinated, fried whole tilapia). The whole fish presentation is beautiful. The fish is marinated for 12 hours in Joe’s special blend of spices. I can see why people come here on Saturdays just for this dish. The tilapia was fried to perfection and very tender. The fry process locked in the juices making the fish moist as well. The rice underneath was almost like a Louisiana-style Dirty Rice with pieces of fried fish. The rice has so many flavors and spices, it could be a meal in itself. Tahini and special fish sauce (almost like a salsa) were served on the side. Each sauce added its own unique flavor to the fish and the rice. Experiment and see which flavor you prefer. Thumbs up, way up! Go early as they sell out of this item each and every Saturday. I’m serious! During this interview, Joe received 10 calls either asking if he still had fish left for the day.

I am so happy I found this hidden gem and can’t wait to come back again. My eyes are on the Kufta! Save an order for me, Joe!

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 stars

Service: 5 out of 5 stars

Décor: 4 out of 5 stars

Food: 5 out of 5 stars

For more information:

Olive Tree Restaurant

512 S Brookhurst St Ste 3

Anaheim, CA 92804-2448

+1-714-535-2878

Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 12pm-9pm