Olive Tree Cafe (Cash Only)

How have I been on Island for 3 years and have not tried this place??? I've missed Greek food.... thank you! So amazing. So affordable. So delicious!!

We enjoy Greek food, but there are much better options on the island. The chicken portion of the Souvlaki plate consisted of only 2-3 pieces of chicken. I wanted to return it, but I was already home.

Such good food, such sweet staff and such fast service! Takeout and cash only spot with some fun rotating daily specials. The baklava was in particular super good and not totally drenched in honey (which we preferred!).

Genuine, casual dining with phenomenal service and great prices. Seasoning is gentle so the natural flavor of the ingredients really comes through. Great for those that typically find restaurants in Hawaii to be too salty. The salads and vegetables in each entree marry well with their main dish and there is a spread of very well priced appetizers available for tons of variability between different visits. Be prepared with cash because they do not accept cards or mobile payment. A nice wine shop next door compliments the BYOB policy here at Olive Tree Cafe. Great place for impromptu meals because the food comes out quickly and there is a good amount of parking available.

Top notch salads, both the Greek and tomato are fantastic and I always get the extra side of feta. The hummus and grape leaves are both very good and I love the fresh baklava. Only take out for now and still cash only, but worth the minor inconvenience. Weekly Specials! Sun/Mon - Spanikopita Tues - Chicken with saffron rice Wed - Lamb shank Thurs - Vegetarian eggplant Fri - Greek lasagna Sat - Salmon souvlaki

Great food, remember to order early if you're trying for the daily special. This is a walk up/take away spot with very friendly staff.

this is the best greek food I have ever eaten in America! I love greek food and have been in Greece. we had baba ganoush, soulvaki lamb, greek caviar with pita and baklava! everything was incredibly delicious!👌🏻👏🏻👍🏻

Aloha everyone, I have been enjoying this restaurant for a long time & I got my kids into there food. I recommend that you try spanakopita made fresh on weekends. They have great daily specials as well in case your in the mood fish or wrapped grape leaves. See you there. Aloha always, Kay

#1 comment. BRING CASH. They do not accept credit cards. Call ahead for your order, you will be happy you did. I'm and out. The food is fresh and cooked to order. The organic chicken breast is seasoned well and goes great with the Greek salad and mouth watering dressing with vinaigrette and feta cheese. The Baba ghanoush with fresh pita is amazing! Get 2 orders, you will want more! Friendly staff, great service. Our go to for Greek food. Enjoy!!!

Bring cash or local checks only! 2025 January and take out only. Keep in mind. Ordered the Chicken Souvlaki, Lamb Shawarma, and Pita +Hummus. Food and service are great as always! I've been coming here since 2016 and will keep coming! Knocked off a star because I wish they would bring back the outside and inside dining from time to time. It was such a lovely atmosphere that I so dearly miss. They gotta do what's best for the business though, I get it. I'd still recommend anyone to take out.

Take out only, call ahead, or you will wait 15-20 minutes with nowhere to sit. Would be be that hard to put a bench outside? Friendly staff, lots of regulars, cash only. Went there for baba ganoush and hubby got a lamb souvlaki. He said it was good, BG was so so, baklava same. Open for dinner only. Modestly priced for what it is. On the corner of a shopping mall, not too far from Whole Foods. No Greeks evident in theiir open kitchen but aloha served.

Nice spot with good food. The service is kind slow so is better to make a phone call . the price is ok . The place is not that big but well designed. They have so many Greek food options. Such as Hummus, Gyro and falafel etc. The parking is easy since they have a space for that. Have fun

Really good tasting Greek food. There is usually a line after 6:00 and Yes, there is a constant struggle for that elusive parking spot if you want to park inside their tiny lot. Post Covid - Take Out & Cash only! No more Dining inside or on the outside patio. Bummer! Good news is the food is still made fresh & still has that authentic Greek taste! Sad news of the Owner passing away on the door with a temporary closing over next weekend, but business and its focus on quality continues to thrive. I will try calling ahead next visit to hopefully decrease the wait as each order is prepared fresh! Five Fabulous Stars and a prayer with condolences to the family and friends of the Family Owner Savas Mojarrad.

Food was delicious my daughter says the best greek she's ever had. 5star. I finished everything and other people couldn't keep there hands off my food it was so good.

Best Greek/Mediterranean food in Oahu,hands down. My favorite place to eat and it's cash only. The service is cool, unusually just call in the order. Pro tip. It's take out only right now but hopefully they allow indoor seating soon! Very clean and nice inside. Def coming back next time on Oahu.

Fabulous! The owner is a kind hearted gentlemen. The food is fresh, healthy and delicious! Most of all very affordable! Mahalo to the staff!

It's basically all Greek to me! Olive Tree Cafe has been here in Kahala Korner since I can remember just right outside Kahala Mall and thought this would be perfect as I was craving something Greek...specifically Tzatziki Sauce! Souvlaki it is! New Zealand Lamb marinated and grilled is served in a warm pita with the amazing tzatziki sauce and I also got the Greek Salad (greens, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, peppers, onions, feta and olives) with a side of lemon herb dressing. Souvlaki is just gorgeous!! Served with a side salad as well (oops!) I ended up stuffing the salad in the pita lol and omg what a happy dance moment as it was just so flavorful and the explosion of it all satisfied my cravings!! The salad was okay...super fresh and yummy don't get me wrong, the dressing was a perfect and added so much freshness to the salad, after I ate the olives and feta the rest was basic and I guess since the Souvlaki came with a small salad I was over it half way through. Walking in they seem to embrace the pandemic takeout only vibe as the inside is quite small all the tables are flipped over even on the outside, and as myself and others ordered were told it will be 20-25 minutes and to wait outside. As everything is made to order I didn't mind at all and appreciate the time it takes to make each dish which I did time it just right as I entered back in it was just done. You pay when you receive your order (Cash or local checks only) and the dude made a specific point to the receipt and said there is our phone number on the top and to please call next time so I didn't have to wait. As we all didn't mind waiting so for some reason it does bother them, even as a person who called in her order for pick up he told her she was too early and to wait outside. That type of vibe is very negative and I didn't like but hey that's their system...we still Olive you! Thank you

Easy no frills just order and go. This place has been around for a minute and has some of the best Mediterranean food out there. I'd definitely recommend to order ahead and then make sure you have cash since it is a cash only place. Got their special of the day and the babaganoush (roasted eggplant dip) similar to hummus but I think more flavorful. The line and wait isn't long if you call in a phone order but you can always go in person and order. Outstanding service and quality of food for some good Mediterranean dishes. Definitely recommend.

Got the lamb platter. $15 cash only. Yummy lamb and delicious pita. If I had been smart I would have put the side salad in the pita to give it a little more filling. Pita was just lamb and taziki sauce. Wish there had been a little more sauce but other than that delicious and good service. Try to order ahead as the place was packed on a Tuesday night! Clearly a favorite of many around here.

This may be the worst "Greek"/mediterranean restaurant I've eaten at. It probably should be a one star but some of the shareables were decent. It's a small restaurant, there were tables and chairs sort of stacked outside and some inside but I think it's now just a takeout restaurant. They don't take a card, it's cash only maybe because you could claim fraudulent charges on your credit card after eating here. I don't know. We started with hummus, baba ghanoush, and a Greek salad, all tasted fresh and they were good. The pita which was served with these appetizers were your standard fare nothing special. For entrees we got the lamb souvlaki and the lamb shaorma/shwarma, and it was definitely mutton not lamb. It was so gamey that it rendered it inedible. Maybe the chicken would be better who knows. You couldn't put enough tzatziki sauce to drown out the gaminess. Oh did I tell you this place was pricey, so with their small portions there isn't much value here. But given the gaminess of the lamb it was a blessing that their portions were small. I hope there's other Greek restaurants on the island because this fell short by a country mile.

Good no frills greek food! There is a 15-20 minute wait ... it sure would be nice if the owners would set out chairs for waiting customers. The special on Wednesday was their lamb shank. It was super, moist fall off the bone tender and flavorful. The fish souvlaki, spicy lamb shaorma and falafel plate were good but nothing special. Overall a good meal. Fyi they only take cash or local checks.

The Lamb Kebab was good, the runny "Tzaziki" sauce was flavorful. It is still takeout only, but you can find a table in the mall. We bought something cold to drink at CVS.

Always discovering great places due to cravings. This place blew me away! I was looking for a Greek/Mediterranean place and everywhere else just fell short. This place is delicious! We usually order: + Hummus & Pita + Lamb Souvlaki + Chicken Souvlaki + Dolmadakia + Baklava + Extra Tzatziki sauce, of course. Portions are perfect. Staff are funny and very friendly. We've always ordered take-out, but there is plenty of parking in the lot. Only downside is that it's cash only. Highly recommend! Yelp 2023 Challenge: 10/30

Love going there...haven't been in a while since pre-Covid when we could dine in. Unfortunately STILL can't dine in. But they were still pretty busy so that makes me happy. Don't forget cash or checkbook. They don't accept card...luckily I always have a check on me since I had only enough cash to throw in a tip. I only went for Baklava for the Hub's Bday. I bought the last 11 pieces. Most places are half the size...theirs are like Napple-sized! Hubs is very particular, but it got his approval. He said could be flakier...but I did buy it the night before so not sure if that had anything to do with it. Also got 2 piecse of ouzumisu...their "tiramisu." I don't like ouzu so didn't think I would like it much. It was very good. Super light and not too sweet. I'm not a dessert person, so you know it's not too sweet if I can handle. Can't wait for them to re-open the dining, but til then I guess I just need to do take out. It's right outside the mall, close to my yoga...so convenient especially since that parking lot is sooo manini.

I put sumac (Mediterranean tart berry flakes) on everything I love Mediterranean food sooo much! As a vegetarian, this place is heaven. They have the best hummus and falafel on the island. This is not hummus that watered down stuff one gets at most places, this is the type one actually finds in a restaurant along the coast of Greece and Italy, thick, creamy yet ultra smooth. And the falafel sandwich is epic, never oily, perfectly crispy and delicious with the slight spiciness of herbs. It pairs so well with the thick tahina and crispy vegetables. I have to talk about the vegetables, their salad puts most places to shame. The lettuce is always super crispy and fresh even next to a hot item like the falafel. Eaten here dozens of times over the last decade and never had a single bad piece of lettuce. And their salad dressing is amazing, made from feta they import in themselves. Not like the cheap salty overly tangy stuff at the grocery store masquerading as feta, this is what one actually gets in the South of France, creamy yet delicate in flavor. I also like to get their tabouli which is always minced well with extra mint and parsley. I still haven't figured out how to make my own that I make at home as good. This with a side of hummus is the perfect meal in my humble opinion. Their Gigantes are also yummy if you like dill, this is a dish of the largest beans you will ever see marinated in a mild oniony tomato sauce. Accompanied either their amazing soft pita bread which comes from Turkey. Can't get more authentic Mediterranean food unless you travel to there. Don't forget to check out their little Mediterranean market next door when it's open to pick up some of that amazing feta and olives for your next tapas night at home!

Freshly made Greek food! I came here on a random weeknight and there was a steady flow of customers waiting in line to place their order and pick up their order. Each order took anywhere between 20-25 minutes to service. The music was on brand with the restaurant and the cooks worked diligently to service each order. They are cash only! So please make sure you have cash before you place an order!! We ordered to go: Lamb Souvlaki - so tender, warm, well seasoned and delicious! Dolmadakia - Slightly tangy and very well stuffed grape leaves. Hummus - Because I love to load up on hummus Apple juice - Because why not? Overall, I'm super happy with Olive Tree Cafe and happy to have another place to get my greek food fix!

Food is still decent but it's bummer for those that live far-- it's cold before we get home! I completely understand not wanting to open dine in the way it was (silverware, ceramic plates etc) BUT at least put a dang trash can outside and let customers sit at the tables. That would take zero extra staff. No waiters, no dishwashers, etc. zero change to the process they have now. I wouldn't mind eating out of the disposable containers, I just need a place to sit and enjoy and a trash can to dispose in afterwards. That's all we're asking :(((((

A long overdue review of this place, anyone looking to find good mostly Greek food look no further. I've had almost every item on the menu, and while I don't love everything, I can most certainly say everything is absolutely delicious! (I have yet to try their desserts however...) Though they are take out only nowadays, you can wait comfortably in the parking lot, or in their outside area with some sort of Mediterranean music playing. At least that's what I think it is...? My one and ONLY complaint, is: that they are not open more often! If there was some way to maintain the food quality and be open all the time, I would live there. In closing, please, I beg of you, go to this restaurant? I would hate to see this amazing restaurant be left undiscovered. You won't regret it. If you do, well, I'm not sure what to tell ya lol. PS; I never got his name, but the gentleman with longer hair at the register is always nice to me. Thanks for always making my meals a clean number as opposed to the extra ¢1 I owe sometimes.

The place is a little quirky, but the food is good, fresh and even addicting. They offer a limited menu of Mediterranean Cuisine for carry-out only. (Dine-in never reopened after the pandemic.) It is best to call in your order and pick up about 20 minutes. They only accept cash, no cards.....no exceptions. I ordered the fresh fish souvlaki. I think the fish was mahi mahi. The pita tasted freshly made and there was plenty of fish. The fish was covered in a delicious lemon/garlic dressing. Salad on the side was included and could be added to the souvlaki. I loved it. I also ordered the tabouli salad. The salad came with 2 generous heaps of tabouli that was very fresh and a garlic/lemon sauce on the side. Very good. I also had a serving of the misu cake. The cake was excellent, light and moist. I'm told it is made with ouzo. They got our order correct, but we reviewed it before we left. The place gets very busy as this is a local favorite.

Haven't been here in a while, didn't realize they only do take out, no dine in, not even on the patio. Another important fact, they only accept cash or local checks. That being said, they food is amazing. As for the ambiance, it's just your standard take out place.

Food is awesome at a decent price. Cash only though. service was great and got food fast.

We have very fond memories of this place from the 2010's. It's sad to see the current state of it. 4 years after Covid and they're still keeping it take-out only. A few minutes late opening. No warmth or hospitality upon entry. They do not provide a place to sit to wait on your order. The music volume was so low...it makes you wonder if they're deliberately trying to get folks to call-in their orders and stay in their cars before pickup...it's sad. Its sad because of what this place used to be. When the new owner took over, he said that he was going to honor the original owners legacy... It's become a (cheap) capitalization on the original recipes...while denying the community the atmosphere and experience we loved. I'm not coming back until the owner re-opens the restaurant, the liquor store, and re-discovers the atmosphere and hospitality that made this place special.

This spot shifted to takeout only during the pandemic and never returned to dine-in. That might be sad to some but it works just fine for us as the dining room was always a bit too crowded, too squishy, and too much of a Kahala scene for us. Show up right when they open at 5pm if you can, place your order, and wait patently for your food. The food is fresh and oh so tasty but the kitchen is not even one bit faster than they were before. Souvlakis are terrific and the pita they're served on are like soft pillows. The dressing for the fresh green salad served on the side is terrific. The side of eggplant baba ghanoush is a must as it's just so good and even the olive oil pour on top is top rate. Simple and quality food, all done well. This place is the best of its category and worth whatever wait is needed!

First time trying this place as my friends wanted some good Greek food. We walked over from Kahala mall and we were bummed that it still hasn't reopened for dine in but we were happy to do take out. I ordered the chicken Souvlaki which was served in a warm Pita bread with marinated and grilled chicken with tzatziki sauce. It was great! I also ordered humus which was good. We also ordered som baklava which was also a favorite, the baklava was really good and great to get for dessert. You order then are asked to wait outside and when your order is ready then you pay. They won't let you eat your takeout outside of the restaurant so be prepare to just pick up and leave. Utensils are not provided unless you ask. I took off a star because I didn't think they were that friendly. After I paid, I didn't know where my food was, I was supposed to have assumed it's the bag on the counter even though there were multiple people picking up food. When I went back in to ask for a fork, no smiles, nothing. I've heard of folks getting yelled at eating outside so just don't do it, take your food and eat it at home. I took photos of my food right outside and my friend said it looked like the employee was ready to yell on his intercom for me to put the food away since he turned off the music, grabbed his intercom and started looking at us taking photos of our food. The food however was ono. They were very busy at the 5 pm opening and recommend you call your orders in before they open at 5 pm. They were answering the phone from 4 pm. We didn't preorder but stood in line and our food took about 20 minutes. The food was delicious so I'll probably be back if I'm in the area.

Takeout only. Healthy, fresh, and VERY delicious. We've been in Honolulu for just over 2 weeks, have eaten there 3 times! Try the specials--a good deal, always excellent. LOVE their Greek salad and baba ghanoush Don't know why they don't have outdoor seating--hate to contribute so many takeout containers to the landfill.

So freaking good! The hummus, the swarma, the baklava is all so good! BYOB and a wine store next door, invite your friends and have a blast! I typically get my food to -go and never disappointed!

This place is Takeout Only currently due to Covid, so it might be best to call ahead if you don't want to wait. Our food took about 15 minutes and they call your name when it's ready on a speaker (you can just wait in your car). We have been searching for some Mediterranean food since it's hard to find here on the island and we miss it so much from the mainland! FOOD: +Lamb Souvlaki (~15), comes in pita bread with a side of salad with dressing. The lamb was seasoned well and tender. Sauce was really good. +Falafel plate (~11), comes in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce. Not as crispy as I was expecting, however, it still tasted good. +Hummus with pita bread (~5), decent +Baklava with pistachios (~3 each), decent, left wishing it was crispier layers +Mango Glass Drink (~6) from Belgium, really tasty drink to share. My favorite was the Lamb Souvlaki and I want to try the Ahi Souvlaki next time!

It was disappointing to come from Waikiki to a Cash only, take out only business. It just would have been nice to know earlier in advance. Other than that it was good.

Came here last night because I was really craving Greek food. Haven't been here in years. I ended up getting the chicken platter and husband with the lamb. Both were really good. Came with a side salad. Just wished the portion was alittle bit bigger.

I seriously don't know why they don't have 5 stars! I have been ordering there for 12 years and was NEVER disappointed! food is always good and staff is always friendly! you need to have baklavah for dessert!

Great food, well-priced and quick service. Mahalo to keeping prices reasonable and serving lots of great Greek/Mediterranean food options.

Food is always tasty- high quality ingredients. Worth the long line and being cash-only. Despite being busy, they always get it right and they're friendly and upbeat. My go-to place for greek food!

Greek cuisine in Kahala, Honolulu, Hawaii... It took me a while to visit this restaurant which opened in 1995. Yeah! In the past, it was closed on Mondays. Now, it's opened daily at 5pm. I had to plan to have dinner there... and bring cash... and do takeout! Luckily, the nearby Kahala Mall has air conditioning and some tables and chairs where customers can sit and dine comfortably. I appreciate the free parking lot which is shared with Kapa Hale and other businesses such as Oliver, an adult beverage shop. My Fresh Fish Souvlaki was delicious! It was moist and tender with a tasty Greek yogurt dressing: tzatziki sauce! I enjoyed the green salad from local sources and the chewy-soft pita! I'd return again if I was in the area and craving yummy, authentic Greek food!

Started coming here over a decade ago and without a doubt has always been the best Greek food on island. I haven't come since the pandemic and was worried this would be another victim to the post pandemic food situation... but their quality of food has not changed. Unfortunately neither has their customer service. They have always been known to be very short and not very friendly, so as long as you know that going in you won't be disappointed. Back in the day we used to grab a bottle of wine from next door and share a meal outside, but they never reopen their seating area, so now it's take out only now. Hopefully one day it will reopen! Come early. Lines get long and it's CASH only. I was pleasantly surprised that their prices have not gotten crazy high with inflation. Can still get a decent meal for about $14. Def coming back again soon.

I used to really enjoy the food and employees here. But today I had the Greek Lasagna special, dolmades, humus and a baklava. I'll start with he positive note the baklava is still exceptional. With the shuttle taste of rose water behind the bold pistachio and honey flavors. The humus was a disappointment I could barely taste the tachina in it and there was a bit of spicy pepper flavor. A bit much for me. The consistency lacked that nice creamy texture and had a a bit granularity in it. I make much better at home. The lasagna though it had good tomato sauce and lamb flavor they used round noodles underneath. Overall it was a bit bland. The ricotta / béchamel was near flavorless. Very disappointing. I think they forgot the garlic. Ok the dolmades was great as usual which was the second positive note. I'll be back because I do like the place but it appears to have taken a step back. Oh no seating inside or outside which means everything is to go. I'm pretty sad to reduce the rating after all these years.

Olive Tree used to be a "go to" for takeout but it's going downhill the dolmas were dry and hard on our last order ... and their cooking is slapped together... lacks care and a sense of pride

Consistently fine food, can get busy but worth the wait. We're regulars! (Cash or local check only )

This cute little Greek cafe is hidden on the side of Kahala Mall near McDonald's! The first person that showed me this place was my father. He would always want me to try different types of cuisines! At first I was skeptical because the only type of food I would eat is Japanese food! However, I'm so happy I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried Olive Tree! Greek food is SO YUMMY! ***What I ordered **Hummus (10/10) I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! The hummus tasted so good and the olive oil MHM! CHEF'S KISSES! Perfect appetizer and it's at a very reasonable price! **Shaorma Plate (10/10) This plate comes with spicy ground lamb patties served with their tatini sauce! Also it comes with a small salad on the side! This was soooo good and super juicy! You NEED to get this! Overall, I love the food here and service was good! I made a phone order and they told me it will take 20 minutes for them to make the order (I feel like that's reasonable). I will be back here again when I want Greek food!

Decent food, OK prices but come on guys. Open the damn seating. It's not the pandemic anymore. By the time I get home the food is cold. Cash only will definitely deter many people. A good alternative WITH seating is Doner Shack, either in Kakaako or Downtown.

Greek food!!! This place was such an interesting experience. We tried to go on a Monday and they were closed for repairs or something. Tuesday we tried again. Open! The first thing you notice is there is no dine in. You can only takeaway. Hmmm ok. There were probably dining options at some point? It's also cash only. Be prepared. Pricing is pretty decent for Kahala. We ordered dolmas, baba ghanoush, the chicken special, and lamb souvlaki. They were great about keeping the pita on the side. I ate the baba with veggies from home. It was excellent. The chicken was excellent. The lamb I had one bite of because my toddler and partner devoured it. The one bite was great! Call your order in to save time. I wish I had done this because standing around the parking lot waiting to hear your name is awkward, particularly with a hungry child.

The food is absolutely fantastic. We ordered several different things and they were all equally delicious. I can't wait to try everything on the menu!

As a 20+ year customer I was extremely saddened by the passing of Savas Mojarrad some years ago and then the sudden passing of his manager too. I have so many fond memories of dining there and never had a bad meal. The food and service has always been great making those long lines and time lost worth every minute . This all being said one of the next best things about Olive Tree Cafe was the ambiance and energy . Regardless if you dined inside or outside it was always great food , wonderful people and charming . Since Covid it seems they have never returned to dine in and I honestly believe it lost its charm and many customers have since started walking away. I really wish management would get back to the old ways and bring back dine in. Without a doubt I believe Savas Mojarrad would be sad to see his place with so few smiles crowding the room and to see the festive atmosphere gone. BRING BACK DINE IN !!

My wife and I love Greek/Mediterranean food and have even wanting to try Olive Tree for a while (heard great things). However, living on the Windward side, it's hard to make it out during the hours they're open. Finally, FINALLY, we made it and we're so glad we did. Got the falafel x2. Soft pita, flavorful hummus, falafel was well seasoned. Probably the best on the island. The side salad (which I piled into my pita) was great, but I regret not eating it on its own as the provided salad dressing was fantastic. Overall verdict, I'd probably say best falafel on the island, though I craved a banana pepper or something pickled (which I found in the fridge). However, the flavors across the plate were fantastic and the price was also good value (and consistent with the prices I saw on here). Will be back. P.S. please open for lunch so I can be back sooner.

I've been getting take out her for over 20 years. Food is always fresh and very delicious. I love their fish Souvlaki, hummus, spanakopita, and side salad. The prices are extremely reasonable.

This our favorite Greek restaurant on the island. Everyone in my family loves it. Great food.

Suddenly, we are in the Mediterranean, and absolutely happy with the food that we get from this restaurant, whether lamb, chicken, or fish, pita, hummus, or baklava it's fantastic

Olive Tree Cafe is ultra consistent. They provide high quality, tasty Mediterranean food, the same way every time! They have been closed to in restaurant dining during the pandemic but they pack the food to go very well and it does travel to your destination nicely. I've been eating and bringing friends to Olive Tree Cafe for over 15 years and no one has ever been disappointed! My praise and gratitude go to the friendly, hard working staff that have kept things as they have always been after the sad loss of the owner several years ago.