Black OliveFresh, clean cookingWe really enjoyed the food. In many ways it was unpretentious, which i loved. I get tired of the glossy, trendy. the owner was making the rounds and acted like family. The waitress could easily have been his daughter. Nice white linen tables and brick walls. The food was really done really well. You have to like fish to go....I have never been to Greece but I imagined the food was very authentic to true Greek cuisine. Everything was lightly grilled to perfection, lots of lemon, freshly herbed.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFresh the Greek wayThis is no ordinary Greek restaurant, but it takes all the best elements of Greek dining (simplicity, freshness, unadorned flavor) and combines it with an understated elegance and comfort. We felt transported to the Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens and the staff and proprietor could not have been more accommodating and welcoming. Great wine list too.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial Occasion MealThe Black Olive was definitely an experience! If you love seafood, this is definitely the place to eat. You can get a tour of the fish case with an indepth explanation of each type. And wow the fish was amazing. So fresh, and the sauce perfectly complements it. I also highly recommend the octopus salad, and the lamb shank. The only downside is a bit slow service, but you shouldnt' eat here if you are in a rush. The busboy does a great job bringing bread and refilling drinks, and the waitress was very knowledgable. The environment was nice as well, but they really should iron their table cloths. We also had a wine spot on our table, which shouldn't be there in an upscale restaurant. Overall great food and ambiance. I would highly recommend!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWowExcellent food, simply prepared with Greek accents. Tremendous fresh fish. Knowledgeable and attentive but not cloying service.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMBest food ever! Try the seafoodBest food ever! Try the seafood platter. Amazing food for an amazing deal.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMNice food and serviceWe had lunch there. The sea bass was very fresh and delicious, the lamb was one of the best I've ever tasted!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food at Black Olive isThe food at Black Olive is remarkable--diverse choices including many outstanding fish options with various preparations. The service was excellent as well. The prices are a bit high, but overall, very enjoyable.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous foodDined here with 8 colleagues and we are extremely impressedwith the food. Seeral remarked that the lamb was the best they ever had! The person that had fish also raved. This place definitely has great food.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFish TourWe were surprised to be taken on a tour of the fresh fish selections. Each type of fish was described and shown to us. We did order the fish, and it was great. Very friendly, professional staff.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDelic food, res didn't countUnfortunately, we had an 8:15 reservation but were seated at 9:15. The host/hostess were apologetic, but we were surprised that there was no compensation (a drink, desert) for the crazy delay. The waitress did not seem to care that we had been waiting- or think that might effect our dining experience. The food was delicious, but the wait was quite disappointing.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, but...We had a fine meal, everything tasted really great: calamari, saganaki, bacalva. But the service was slow for a Wednesday evening. But this would not stop us from a return visit just for the food..5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMBest seafood experience in town.Undoubtedly the best seafood experience in Baltimore. Makes me go back again and again. Very good wine list as well.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGo thereGreat staff--very accommodating, friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. The Black Olive is a dining experience--not just a place to have a meal. The food was outstanding. We'll go back for sure!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply wonderfulFrom the fish tour to the small plates, everything in this restaurant is lovely! I don't believe I've ever had better food. Thank you Black Olive!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMrecommended by friend on arecommended by friend on a business trip,surprisedby the variety of sea food choices,fresh fish,cooked inexquisite sauces,the bread was out of this world5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner was delicious ! ServiceDinner was delicious ! Service lagged for us this evening but didn't terribly affect out overall rating.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding service from startOutstanding service from start to finish. Staff knew wines and beers well and the display of fresh fish with explanations of each was fabulous. We liked everything we ordered, from the appetizer sampler to the main course and dessert. Would go back!!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMMy friend likes Greek food,My friend likes Greek food, so I suggested the Black Olive. Our waiter was very attentive. We ordered tzatziki & horiatiki salatas as appetizers. Both were delicious, but I was disappointed in the lack of olives. My salad contained 1 kalamata olive. When I've traveled to Greece or my Greek friends prepare salads, they add plenty of olives. Also with the restaurant named "The Black Olive," I thought the kitchen would add more than 1 olive to a salad? I did not complain. (I did not want to embarrass my friend). If I did complain, my issue would have been remedied, no doubt. Our entrees: bronzini & sea scallops were FABULOUS. The asparagus accompanying our entrees was phenomenal! Baklava with ice-cream for dessert was a nice finish.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you like fresh fish preparedIf you like fresh fish prepared whole this should fit the bill. Black bass is highly recommended.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you love seafood, thisIf you love seafood, this is a very good place to visit. The Grill Octopus was delicious.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMReally enjoyed our appetizersReally enjoyed our appetizers (Saganaki Plate and sardines wrapped in grape leaves were delicious) the village salad was perfect to share and the grilled red snapper and bronzini fileted at the table were both amazing. We had requested a table near a window and it was perfect! Service couldn't have been better. Attentive but not overwhelming. We will be back to try the lamb!4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome place. Very happyAwesome place. Very happy with the service, food and ambiance. Will definitely go back.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWholefish is the way to go!This was my first time here and definitely not my last! We had stuffed calamari with feta cheese and other fantastic apps. For dinner we had a fish for 3 and it was filleted tableside for us along with fisherman's soup. Everything was beyond excellent. We dined later in the evening so we had the back room all to ourselves. I would love to go when the weather is warmer and sit outside.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Black Olive is a gem.The Black Olive is a gem. My boyfriend and I went and because there are so many great items to choose from on the menu, we pick 4 appetizers and split an entree. Everything was cooked to perfection. The stuffed calamari highly recommended!
The service staff was very knowledgeable, friendly, was tentative without being overbearing.
Overall, a wonderful experience and I sent friends and clients there, they haven't been disappointed.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always, perfection. I tookAs always, perfection. I took a client and she was thrilled, from the bread to the perfectly prepared fish and roasted vegetables.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMHad an outstanding experienceHad an outstanding experience all around! Thanks Black Olive!4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Food, Excellent Service!The Black Olive was wonderful! The food was freshly prepared the taste was authentic. The service was great and our server was knowledgeable about the food selections. They even took notice of us as we celebrated a special event! I am impressed with servers who pay close attention to their guests. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, with a couple caveatsThe fish was super- fresh, tasty and delicate and we appreciated the choices. Village salad tasted very aromatic and does good justice to the quality produce the restaurant uses. The ambiance was nice and cozy: we liked the brick walls and musicThe service was good but not flawless, from having to pay for a bigger fish than we expected (they charge per person, so a fish we got for our kids cost us a fortune) to the busboy pouring tap water into cups full of bottled. My biggest surprise was a complete lack of side dishes besides the asparagus that came with the fish: no rice, cous cous, elegant potato dish - I like Mediterranean but would have preferred a more hearty dinner. All this said, fish was great and desert made a great endin3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best Greek dining in Baltimore!The Black Olive is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is always superb and the service excellent. There is a new Greek restaurant in the area, but the food quality and preparation does not even come close to the excellence of the Black Olive. The local owners provide a warm welcome and a superb dining experience. I have many food allergies, and I have always been accommodated and dined well. I highly recommend the Black Olive.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing food!Wonderful seafood! Amazing service! We can't wait to return.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service. Fish was freshGreat service. Fish was fresh and excellently prepared. Will definitely go back.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastically fresh mediterraneanFantastically fresh mediterranean seafood. Fresh and prepared as it was meant to be - not by some goofball chef trying to make a sauce out of obscure ingredients. The Black Olive is a great place to enjoy a wonderful meal. You feel like the entire staff has your best interest and satisfaction at the top of the priority list. Never intrusive, just professional and enjoyable. The Greek wine and incredible seafood will keep us coming back.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMIt's definitely not the pitsWhat a nice surprise. Black Olive exceeded all expectations from the black olives served before our meal to the grilled sardines to the spinach pie. The service was friendly and our server knew her wine list and menu. Wow! I can't wait to go back.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome food ambiance and serviceThis was our first time here. I found it by googling best restaurants in Baltimore and it was rated #2- we hav been to #1 but what caught my eye about this restaurant was the pride and rave of their whole fresh fish selection which btw is filleted table side. We all love fish so for us this should be #1. I was with my two sons, one I just picked up from the airport and the ambience is warm and quite a history you read about in the menu. They serve warm olive bread- Sooo yummy. We started w stuffed calamari and hummus apps. Excellent. We had sea bass and branzino filleted table side and it was excellent our waitress was so informative friendly and attentive. Dessert- omg the baklava ice cream a must w Greek coffee. Great experience3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently Good ChoiceAgain and again and again. The Black Olive is always good - good food, good service3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMOur server was extremely knowledgabOur server was extremely knowledgable about the food and was extremely friendly and made us feel very comfortable.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't rush it!I'm not certain whether to complement on the comfortable table chairs or complain that the guests were lingering too long!
We had an 8:15 reservation and were told when we arrived (a few minutes late) that they were "desperately" waiting for tables to open. OK, so we waited for an opening at the bar and then had a drink. We were sat about 35 minutes late.
Once seated the food was fantastic, good ambiance, our waitress was energetic and helpful and yes, the chairs were nicely padded. The flavors of the food were well blended and we look forward to returning.
My suggestion - a reservation at 6:00 is good, 9:00 is good, 7-8:00? Don't if you're in a hurry.
Oh yeah, and don't forget to tip the bartender when whisked of to your ta3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMQuaint restaurant locatedQuaint restaurant located just off the Harbor area. Food was excellent although choices limited. Fish entrees especially great. Service somewhat slow but overall a relaxing atmosphere. pricy but well worth it.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWow, just...wow! 5 stars.This is a 5 star experience. The atmosphere is elegant and yet rustic, the exposed brick is beautifully executed with lovely little details throughout the space. No need to worry about parking as not only is it plentiful, there is valet! Upon entering the restaurant prepare to be greeted by a staff that is professional, friendly and eloquent. There is simply no way to describe the fare in words, it must be tasted! Try everything! The most delicious seafood in Baltimore! Sustainable, local and organic this restaurant cares about the environment, its guests and even how your food was raised and collected. The meal was wrapped up with the restaurant's own invention; baklava ice cream! We will be back....SOON!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMmy bday cele with daughterPauline is the most gracious host. He committment to quality food is heart warming. Our waitress's filet of the Dover Sole was a work of art to watch and one of the most delicious delights from the sea.
the marinated Octipus is the reason I chose Black Olive over the other 10 rising restaurants in Baltimore for my birthday dinner wiht my daughter.
But we both realized that it is the combination of quality food and impecable service plus the warmth of a family run business that will keep us coming back.
Black Olive is the best seafood restaurant in Baltimore and best value!
Best,
Jerry3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Black Olive is one ofThe Black Olive is one of very best restaurants in Baltimore. It has not lost its charm or the highest quality seafood. The Black Olive also continues to have a well trained staff and the service is excellent3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMBlack Olive was a wonderfulBlack Olive was a wonderful find. The service was super attentive, there were two people assigned to our table of 5 people. After pondering the menu for a bit, they took us to the back and showed us all the fresh fish on ice, and gave us a description about the flavor and textures of all the different fish, and little historical stories about them. For five people we all shared two appetizers, two of their seafood platters, and sea bass for two, and it was enough food, that we didn't order any desserts, even though those looked quite nice too. The food was very good (mildly seasoned so that you can taste the fish). The owner came out at the end and talked with us for a while, which was a nice touch. Strongly recommended.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMMade us feel very welcome.Made us feel very welcome. Staff was quite knowledgeable about the food. Fish was very fresh and grilled to perfection. My friends had lamb and that was beautifully cooked also. Eggplant appetizer was killer. Abundant portions. Decent wine list, but not exceptional.all in all, a wonderful experience and I picked up a card, so if I am back in Baltimore, I will go again.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMBlack Olive is a well knownBlack Olive is a well known Greek restaurant in Baltimore, with very fresh seafood, well prepared and served.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWhile fish is the Black Olive'sWhile fish is the Black Olive's strong suit, we opted for a lamb over couscous and the Greek Village Pie. Both were superbly spiced and served with flair. The server was well versed with all of the menu items and knew the wine list cold. Nice evening. Yes, it is expensive, but no more so than other excellent restaurants.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAAA+++++Absolutely delicious food and the staff really knows the menu and are very knowledgable about the items they serve!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGive your review a title (optional)Extremely fresh seafood, perfectly prepared. Service was attentive and courteous. The hostess was efficient and kindly organized a taxi for me after my meal. There cannot be a better place for fish in Baltimore. I highly recommend it!2/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had lunch during RestaurantWe had lunch during Restaurant Week. Selections were limited, but we were impressed by the quality of what we sampled. We'd like to return to try more dishes.1/27/2013 12:00:00 AMfirst time to black olive,first time to black olive, definitively not the last, food was great, service excellent. Sunday evening and it was busy, so that tells you they are good at what they do.1/13/2013 12:00:00 AM