Hello dear
At Olea, we celebrate the essence of community through a vibrant breakfast and brunch experience in the heart of Brooklyn. As a proud LGBTQ and women-owned establishment, we offer a welcoming environment for all. Our menu showcases bold flavors and fresh ingredients, highlighted by dishes like our savory lamb hash and colorful avocado toast. The inviting atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and attentive service, makes it perfect for gatherings with friends or family. With options for both vegans and carnivores, Olea caters to diverse palates. Join us and indulge in a culinary adventure that connects people and flavors, one dish at a time.
About
Discovering Olea: A Breakfast & Brunch Haven in Brooklyn
If you’re searching for a cozy spot to indulge in delightful breakfasts and brunches, look no further than Olea. Nestled at 171 Lafayette Ave in Brooklyn, this inviting eatery is a true culinary gem. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Olea welcomes everyone with open arms, exemplifying its commitment as a women-owned and LGBTQ-owned establishment.
Olea shines with a menu that caters to diverse dietary preferences, boasting an array of vegan and vegetarian options that are as flavorful as they are vibrant. Expect a lively atmosphere, suitable for family gatherings, casual brunch dates, or a fun night out with friends. The space is designed to offer a comfortable vibe, complete with outdoor seating and gender-neutral restrooms, making it a welcoming spot for all.
Highlights of the Menu
As you browse through Olea's enticing offerings, keep an eye out for their exclusive grocery items, such as spicy marinated olives and eggplant salad, perfect for taking a piece of Olea home with you.
From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is filled with warmth and chatter, creating the ideal backdrop for enjoying meals made with fresh ingredients. Patrons rave about the lamb hash and the chicken shawarma sliders, accolades echoing through testimonials with experiences that highlight both the attentive service and the quality of the dishes.
With options for happy hour specials and catering, Olea provides flexibility for every occasion. The establishment is not only ready to satisfy your cravings but goes the extra mile, featuring free Wi-Fi and a full bar, ensuring that you can unwind and connect over great food and drinks.
In conclusion, Olea is not just a restaurant—it’s a community hub where delicious food is served with genuine care. With its robust menu, inviting environment, and focus on inclusivity, Olea offers an unforgettable dining experience. So, gather your friends or bring your family, and head over to Olea for a brunch that will linger in your memories long after the last bite.
“ The food was incredible; the lamb hash was our favorite. The food pictured was more than enough for three of us family-style. It wasn't very busy when we went and the servers were attentive while offering us enough space to enjoy our meal and catch-up. ”
“ I had brunch here with my friend and the food and service were both really good. We did not have to wait on a Sunday afternoon and were seated right away. The decor is very cute and inviting. It seems like everyone there was having a nice time chatting with their friends. Everything we ordered was delicious. We got the chicken shawarma sliders, eggs purgatory, and the savory French toast. The chicken shawarma was so flavorful and tender. I am still thinking about it. Will definitely be back! ”
“ Lamb pasta (valentines weekend special) was delish - perfect amount of sauce and noodles had the right level of bite. The dips were solid but I feel like the paella was a skip. It wasn't a true crispy bottom like paella should be, it was more like a rice with seafood on top ”
“ Who doesn't want to come into a warm neighborhood restaurant with sunlight windows, generous wait staff, and delicious food? My friend knew Olea - but this was my first visit. We both had tea and Mediterranean lamb chili as it was gluten-free and had good labeling on the menu. It was scrumptious! I'll be back for sure! ”
“ Wow, what a surprise! A friend suggested we check this place out for brunch and glad we did. I had the Green Eggs and Lamb which was much needed after a workout hours before. We split the Feta-Labneh dip and the Fried Brussels, everything tasted great and came out promptly. Forgot to snag photos, BUT the ambiance is there and I could see this being a popular place for a Hinge/Bumble/whatever dating app meetup. We sat at the bar and service was quick and personable. ”
“ Cozy neighborhood Mediterranean restaurant. Absolutely adore the interior and the dishes are fabulous. We ordered the dips, garlic shrimp, seafood paella, short ribs, lamb pasta and warm salad, and they were all delicious. The warm salad is definitely not something to sleep on! Highly recommend and great place to have a long dinner with friends. 5/5 ”
“ I almost cannot bear how adorable this place is! We were looking for a restaurant on Saturday night for the three of us who have different dietary preferences and restrictions. I figured Mediterranean would fit the bill and Olea's array of tapas, many of which are vegan, convinced me that it would be just the right place for us (my husband likes meat, my friend is dairy- and gluten-free pescatarian). Originally I had tried to get a reso for Miss Ada but that wasn't happening. Olea encourages walk-ins but takes a few reservations (they had a 9pm available but we had 10pm bar plans). We were able to get a table outside right when we arrived around 7pm and the place filled up soon thereafter. The outside seating area is quaintly-appointed with cushioned folding chairs. We felt so comfortable and the pacing of service is leisurely which was exactly what we wanted on a late summer Saturday night. They have heating lamps as well, so I am sure late into fall is OK out there. We started with drinks (they have a nice Lambrusco-yay!) and za'atar-spiced olives, then my friend and I split the Impossible meatballs which are delicious, perfectly cooked with an excellent tomato sauce and the creamiest vegan feta that I've ever had. This is a must-order and I don't always love meatballs. I also had the split pea soup which is excellent and hummus and endive leaves. I've had better hummus, this one is a little bland for my liking, but not really an issue for me. Let's just say these plates may be called "small plates" but small, they are not. I also tasted my friend's shishito peppers which is an enormous portion and perfectly crispy and salty. Get this to share if you can as it compliments a lot of the other dishes so well. Prices are so impressively fair, as I mentioned the plates aren't tiny but medium sized, priced as though they are small plates. Pretty cool in this day and age of walking out of a place hungry after dropping a small fortune. It is what it is and I like to eat out so I take it in stride (unless it's truly a rip-off), so Olea is a nice departure from that type of situation. Olea is literally the perfect place to have a long dinner with friends and good conversation. One of my favorite pursuits. ”
“ Loved everything about olea! Food: we ordered three apps and 2 mains for 4 people and it was a great amount of food for us! My favorite was the spicy feta labneh dish - which was just so flavorful and had this honey crunchy bites in the center, which were incredible! The brussel sprouts were also so well made! The halloumi is another winner and thankfully they gave enough to share! The Greek paella was perfect for a warm day - I liked the mix of the dips with the lamb! The braised garlic chicken was well made but not my favorite. I'd come back and just order the apps next time! Ambience: lovely indoor and outdoor area! It got loud by 8pm on Friday night inside, but still very pleasant Service: great service! Price: good prices for portion sizes and quality ”