Sitting along Lancaster Avenue in Paoli, The Olive Tree’s quaint establishment had always caught my eye as I frequently drove past its royal-blue sign. My friends and I decided to finally try the Greek restaurant for ourselves one sunny Sunday evening. Stepping inside, we encountered a waiting area decorated with intricate lights and wall pieces. The floor consisted of smooth, polished pebbles before transitioning into brown wood further inside. A light gray plume of smoke flowed through the air, at first to our confusion, before we noticed the charcoal grill in the back where the chefs were diligently cooking.
When a hostess seated us 10 minutes later, we noticed the beautiful Greek paintings that embellished the walls and the various olive trees and orchids in each corner. This evening the restaurant was somewhat packed, and the chatter of voices surrounded us as we began ordering.
We started with the mezedes, small dishes to be shared with friends or family, and ordered Crispy Calamari. When the Grilled Calamari arrived instead, the waitress quickly brought back the correct dish. Served with fresh lemons and a lemon dill aioli sauce on the side, the Crispy Calamari offered a wonderful combination of flavors to begin our meal with. It was nicely chewy, and the fried part did not easily fall off like some other calamari. Although it could have been crispier, the dish was still generously seasoned and appetizing.
For our mains, we selected the Grilled Chicken Gyro Platter and the Pastichio, or Greek lasagna. Our entrees took 30 minutes to arrive, which is worth noting for diners on a time constraint. The chicken platter featured grilled pita bread, fresh tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, fries, a side of tzatziki sauce and stuffed grape leaves. The chicken was deliciously juicy and had a distinct charred flavor, pairing well with the refreshing tzatziki sauce. While the large-cut vegetables were aesthetically pleasing, their larger size made them quite difficult to eat with the chicken in a single bite.
The second entree, the Pastichio, had a rich and buttery flavor. The dish consisted of a three-layer casserole filled with Greek noodles, seasoned Angus sirloin and creamy Mornay sauce, all served with a side of soft, stretchy pita bread. The pasta was long and round, and a subtle nutmeg flavor elevated the lasagna. Although the shape of the pasta and the separate parts of the dish made it hard to eat all together, the Pastichio was still delectable and filling.
Our experience at The Olive Tree was especially enjoyable, enhanced by the artisanal decor and exceptional customer service. We left with two small boxes of leftovers from each main dish. The total cost for our meal came out to be just under $80, excluding tax and tip. If you ever want to indulge in authentic Greek cuisine, or just share a pleasant time with your friends or family, The Olive Tree is a fantastic choice!
Ashley Du can be reached at [email protected].
