The Olive Bistro is a Mediterranean restaurant that brings together fresh flavors, warm hospitality, and a relaxed dining experience in Clifton, NJ. Conveniently located at 1116 US-46, this inviting spot is a favorite for guests looking for a meal that feels both satisfying and thoughtfully prepared.
With a strong 4.70-star rating from 577 reviews, The Olive Bistro has earned a reputation for quality that customers trust, whether they are stopping in for a quick bite, settling in for a leisurely dinner, or gathering for a special meal.
Its menu spans breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and catering, with options that suit a wide range of tastes and occasions, from comforting favorites to healthier selections, organic dishes, happy-hour bites, and late-night food. The restaurant also serves local specialties, adding a distinctive touch that helps make each visit memorable.
What makes The Olive Bistro especially appealing is the flexibility it offers modern diners. Guests can enjoy dine-in service, take advantage of takeaway and kerbside pickup, or choose no-contact delivery and standard delivery for added convenience.
On-site services make the experience even more accommodating, while table service, seating, and a private dining room create the right setting for everything from solo dining to group celebrations. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a comfortable place to unwind without sacrificing style.
With coffee, comfort food, and a welcoming menu available throughout the day, The Olive Bistro is designed to be a dependable destination for lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Accessibility and guest comfort are clearly a priority as well. The Olive Bistro offers wheelchair-accessible car parking, entrance, seating, and toilets, helping ensure that more guests can enjoy the restaurant with ease and confidence.
Additional conveniences like restrooms, Wi-Fi, and free Wi-Fi add to the overall experience, while accepted reservations make planning ahead simple and stress-free. Payments are easy too, with credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments all accepted.
Whether you are looking for a dependable neighborhood restaurant, a welcoming place to dine with family and friends, or a flexible Mediterranean option for any time of day, The Olive Bistro delivers the kind of quality, comfort, and service that keeps customers coming back. Call +1 973-330-0291 to plan your visit.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at The Olive Bistro
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Creamy puréed chickpeas blended with tahini, fresh lemon, and garlic, finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Creamy puréed chickpeas blended with tahini, fresh lemon, and garlic, topped with tender filet mignon and finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Smoky grilled eggplant puréed with tahini, fresh lemon, and garlic, finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
A rich blend of roasted red bell peppers and walnuts, delicately spiced and drizzled with pomegranate molasses.
House-made strained yogurt spread, delicately blended with mint and finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Crisp baked pita drizzled with Palestinian olive oil and topped with fragrant za’atar.
A generous selection of hummus, baba ghanouj, labneh, and muhammara, served with two cheese rolls and two fried kibbeh, accompanied by warm pita bread.
A flavorful trio of hummus, muhammara, and baba ghanouj, served with warm, freshly baked pita bread.
A generous selection of hummus, baba ghanouj, labneh, and muhammara, served with four cheese rolls and four fried kibbeh, accompanied by warm, freshly baked pita bread
Crispy golden fritters made from ground chickpeas, blended with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, fried to perfection.
Crispy cracked wheat shells delicately stuffed with seasoned ground meat and toasted almonds, perfectly spiced and fried to golden perfection
Soft rolled flatbread filled with sumac-spiced shredded chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and toasted almonds for a perfect balance of savory and crunch.
Golden, crispy fried puff pastry filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef
Tender beef liver pan-seared with aromatic spices, served with fresh red onions and sliced tomatoes.
House-breaded chicken wings seasoned with our signature spice blend, deep-fried to crispy perfection and tossed in our homemade spicy sauce.
Thin phyllo dough and an herby cheese filling
Crispy golden cauliflower served over creamy tahini sauce, finished with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of sweet pomegranate molasses.
Slow-cooked fava beans mashed with garlic, lemon, and cumin, finished with extra virgin olive oil and served with warm pita bread.
Warm whole chickpeas in a creamy tahini and lemon sauce, finished with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of cumin. Served fresh with warm pita bread
Layers of crispy pita and warm chickpeas topped with creamy yogurt and tahini, finished with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of golden ghee.
Golden-fried white cheese, crisp on the outside and warm and creamy within, served fresh and perfectly seasoned.
Eggs gently poached in a rich tomato sauce simmered with garlic, chopped onion, olive oil, and warm spices. Served bubbling hot with fresh bread for dipping.
Succulent filet mignon sautéed with vine-ripened tomatoes and sweet onions, delicately seasoned and finished to perfection.
Tender filet mignon sautéed to perfection with sweet caramelized onions, delicately seasoned for a rich and satisfying flavor.
A comforting blend of sautéed potatoes and farm-fresh eggs, gently scrambled with aromatic spices for a hearty, homestyle favorite.
Fluffy scrambled eggs blended with fresh parsley and lightly seasoned, a simple and classic Palestinian favorite.
Crispy chopped potatoes sautéed in a bold, spicy garlic and chili sauce, finished with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon.
Savory slices of beef sausage sautéed to perfection, served with fresh sliced tomatoes and lemon wedges for a bright, flavorful finish.
Marinated chicken breast cubes char-grilled to perfection, served with grilled vegetables, our signature rice, house salad, and warm spicy bread.
Marinated filet mignon cubes char-grilled off the skewer, served with grilled vegetables, our signature rice, house salad, and warm spicy bread.
Seasoned ground beef and lamb blended with aromatic spices, grilled on a skewer and served with grilled vegetables, our signature rice, house salad, and warm spicy bread.
House-marinated American lamb chops grilled to perfection, served with grilled vegetables, our signature rice, house salad, and warm spicy bread.
A generous combination of one skewer shish kabob, one skewer chicken kabob, and one skewer kofta kabob, grilled to perfection and served with grilled vegetables, our signature rice, house salad, and warm spicy bread.
A hearty assortment of three kofta kebabs, one shish kebab, and two chicken kebabs, served alongside tender beef shawarma, grilled vegetables, house rice, and warm spicy bread.
A generous feast featuring six kofta kebabs, two shish kebabs, and four chicken kebabs, served alongside tender beef shawarma, grilled vegetables, house rice, and warm spicy bread.
A lavish feast featuring nine kofta kebabs, three shish kebabs, and six chicken kebabs, served alongside tender beef shawarma, grilled vegetables, house rice, and warm spicy bread.
Plump jumbo Gulf shrimp grilled to perfection, served with our signature rice and a fresh house salad.
A 16 oz prime rib eye grilled to perfection, juicy and full of flavor, served with your choice of spicy potatoes or seasoned fries.
Prime skirt steak marinated for 24 hours and grilled to perfection, tender and full of bold flavor, served with your choice of fresh fries or rice.
A flavorful blend of thinly sliced lamb and beef shawarma, served over rice with pickles and fresh onions for a perfect balance of savory and tangy.
A cherished Middle Eastern specialty featuring finely chopped jute leaves slow-simmered in a fragrant, lemon-infused broth with hints of garlic and warm spices. Traditionally served with tender chicken and aromatic rice, creating a rich and comfor...
A traditional Palestinian favorite featuring roasted chicken baked with caramelized onions, sumac, allspice, and saffron, topped with fried pine nuts and served over warm taboon bread. (Please allow 30 minutes for preparation.)
A personalized Palestinian classic, perfect for two to three guests. Layers of tender chicken, seasoned rice, and fried vegetables are slow-cooked in a pot, then dramatically flipped upside down at the table and finished with toasted nuts. (Please...
A personalized Palestinian classic, perfect for two to three guests. Layers of tender lamb, seasoned rice, and fried vegetables are slow-cooked in a pot, then flipped upside down at the table and finished with toasted nuts. (Please allow 45 minute...
Roasted half chicken served over our signature spiced rice with chickpeas, topped with toasted pine nuts and almonds
Tender roasted lamb served over our signature spiced rice with chickpeas, finished with toasted pine nuts and almonds.
Tender grape leaves delicately rolled with seasoned rice and ground beef, gently cooked to perfection for a classic and flavorful favorite.
A traditional Bedouin specialty featuring tender lamb served over fluffy rice and shrak bread, finished with a rich, tangy jameed yogurt sauce for an authentic and memorable experience
Juicy rotisserie chicken slow-roasted to perfection, served with your choice of rice or crispy French fries.
Juicy rotisserie chicken slow-roasted to perfection, served with your choice of rice or crispy French fries.
A light and comforting blend of puréed red lentils simmered with fresh herbs and delicate spices.
A hearty Middle Eastern classic featuring ancient freekah wheat and tender shredded chicken, gently simmered with cardamom and traditional Palestinian spices.
House-seasoned rice, delicately infused with warm Mediterranean spices and folded with tender chickpeas, finished with toasted pine nuts and sliced almonds for a refined, nutty finish.
Potato wedges, perfectly seasoned and crisped to a golden finish, with a fluffy, tender center
Sweet potato wedges, lightly seasoned and crisped to caramelized perfection, offering a delicate balance of sweetness and savory depth.
Thin flatbread topped with seasoned ground meat blended with peppers, fresh parsley, and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection.
A fragrant blend of crushed thyme, toasted sesame seeds, and tangy sumac.
A savory blend of thyme and melted cheese baked over warm flatbread for a perfectly balanced, comforting bite.
Spiced ground beef sausage topped with melted mozzarella cheese, baked to a rich and savory finish.
A savory combination of black olives and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection.
A colorful medley of fresh vegetables topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection.
Warm flatbread topped with melted cheese, baked until golden and perfectly bubbly.
A rich blend of roasted red peppers, sesame, aromatic spices, and olive oil, crafted into a bold and flavorful spread.
Organic chicken tenders, delicately marinated in our signature blend of herbs and spices, lightly breaded and crisped to golden perfection. Served French fries.
A skewer of tender, flame-grilled chicken, marinated in our signature blend of herbs and spices, charred to perfection. Served with your choice of fragrant rice or French fries.
A personalized portion of delicately crisped shredded filo pastry, layered with luscious sweet cheese and baked to order. Finished with fragrant syrup and a generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
A personalized portion of delicately crisped shredded filo pastry, layered with luscious sweet cheese and baked to order. Finished with fragrant syrup and a generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
A personalized portion of delicately crisped shredded filo pastry, layered with luscious sweet cheese and baked to order. Finished with fragrant syrup and a generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
Delicate layers of flaky pastry enveloping finely crushed pistachios, baked to a golden crisp and finished with a fragrant honey syrup for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
A traditional Palestinian delicacy of gently simmered rice and milk, perfumed with orange blossom and rose water. Silky and delicately sweet, this timeless dessert offers a beautifully aromatic finish.
Velvety vanilla ice cream infused with the warm, buttery essence of traditional knafeh, delicately accented with hints of sweet cheese and toasted pastry notes for a refined, nostalgic finish.
Luxuriously smooth vanilla ice cream infused with the rich, nutty essence of traditional baklava, layered with notes of toasted pistachio, delicate pastry, and a whisper of honeyed sweetness for an indulgent Mediterranean-inspired treat.
Golden, crisp chickpea falafel crafted with fresh herbs and warm spices, served alongside creamy hummus, vibrant tabouleh, and Yama’s house-seasoned rice for a beautifully balanced Mediterranean spread.
Tender sweet bell peppers filled with seasoned rice and garden vegetables, gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting, homestyle classic elevated with Mediterranean flair.
A refreshing medley of finely chopped tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sweet onions, brightened with fresh mint, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil for a clean, vibrant finish.
Finely chopped tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet onions tossed with fresh mint and lemon, gently folded in creamy tahini and finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a rich yet refreshing balance.
Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and sweet onions tossed with parsley and mint, lightly dressed in lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Finished with a touch of sumac and house-made pita chips for a bright, herbaceous salad with satisfy...
Finely chopped parsley and fresh mint delicately folded with tender bulgur and sweet onion, dressed in bright lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for a vibrant, herb-forward classic.
Crisp chopped cucumbers folded into creamy yogurt with fresh mint and a hint of garlic, creating a cool, refreshing accompaniment with a delicate Mediterranean touch.
Peppery arugula and crisp cucumbers tossed with sweet strawberries, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and briny olives, all gently dressed in a refined balsamic vinaigrette for a beautifully balanced blend of sweet and savory.
prefixed lunch special
Falafel Sandwich: Perfectly seasoned chickpea croquettes, fried until crisp and nestled in warm pita with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, and velvety tahini sauce.
Beef & Lamb Shawarma Sandwich: Thinly carved beef and lamb, marinated in aromatic house spices and slow-roasted on a traditional rotisserie, served in warm pita with garden-fresh vegetables and silky tahini sauce.
Farooj Sandwich: Aromatic house-marinated chicken, slow-roasted on a traditional rotisserie, sliced and served in warm pita with velvety garlic spread and bright, crunchy pickles
Kofta Sandwich: House-seasoned beef and lamb kofta, grilled on skewers and wrapped in warm pita with velvety hummus, sumac-spiced onions, and bright parsley
Chicken Kabob Sandwich: Perfectly seasoned chicken kabobs, grilled to perfection and sliced from the skewer, served in warm pita with velvety garlic sauce and bright, crunchy pickles.
Shish Kabob Sandwich: Perfectly grilled shish kabob, sliced and served in warm pita with vibrant tomatoes, red onions, tangy pickles, and velvety white garlic sauce.
Hear from our valued guests
Everything we ordered was delicious, The staff was attentive and we had a nice conversation with Usama and we also met his father who was understandably beaming with pride. Everything they do is well thought out and executed . We ordered Hummus, Falafel, Zaatar/Cheese break, meat pie and the star of the show was the Mansaf (this is not something that you normally find at your average Middle Eastern restaurant
Very good place for halal Palestinian food . Food was great. Service was little slow but employees were friendly. Usually busy in the rush hour. Price was reasonable. There’s an automatic 20% gratuity on dine-in . Plenty of parking in the parking lot . Recommend.
Had been wanting to try this place since they opened, and it did not disappoint. We had the mix mashawi for two, fries, labneh, and a zaatar with cheese pie. For me, the standout was the shish kebab that came with the mix platter. The white sauce paired very well with everything, and the shish kebab meat was extremely tender and flavorful. The rice is also superior compared to other halal restaurants I’ve been to in the area. My least favorite item was the zaatar with cheese pie, but I’m probably just not used to that flavor and would choose another topping next time. Overall, an excellent place with delicious food all around. Will definitely be back. The only downside was the mandatory 20% gratuity added to the bill, which felt a bit unnecessary for a party of two rather than a larger group.
Service and food atmosphere Team specially Maria was always checking if everything is fine and the food is delicious which was really amazing. We felt so warm hosting with Maria and her team. Thank you for this wonderful experience , that actually my second time and everytime is better than before Thank you all Thank you Maria 🥰🥰🥰
Fantastic experience 👏 As soon as I packed my car in the parking lot, I was welcomed by the delicious aroma of the food making itsnway into the parking lot. I knew in that moment why it was high rated. Not only was the food delicious, the service is impeccable. They were constantly checking in, making sure we were well taken care of. Felt so pampered!
Olive Bistro was absolutely amazing. The maklube Palestinian dish was to die for. The flavors were authentic, rich, and perfectly balanced. You can truly taste the freshness in every bite. Everything we ordered was made to order and came out fresh and delicious. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, welcoming, and made the entire experience feel special. From beginning to end, it was a 10 out of 10. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back!
You will feel at home at this place the ambience, the furniture, the comfort of the chairs, the design elements or bring you back to the love of the Middle Eastern food. We ordered some appetizers as you see in the pictures with me, falafel platter, and I mean Andre was this delicious kebab platter with rice. I recommend this place with 100% certainty. You will have a beautiful time. When I was there a newcomer came to the place and was interested in the pita bread and the other table, which didn’t know one another shared their pita bread with that newcomer when you talk about love and humanity and sharing food this is the place to be.
We go to the aquarium store next door often, but this was our first time stopping to eat at The Olive Bistro and wow! The restaurant has such a warm atmosphere: very CLean, chill music that’s not too loud & good vibes. The food was super delicious, packed with flavor and spices, and the portions were a decently nice too. Zero complains. Our server, Sulaf, was incredibly friendly and helpful. She even taught us a couple of words in Arabic, Shukriya! Got to try some of my favorites and something new plus dessert. We’ll definitely be coming back and inviting friends. A New fav.
Olive Bistro is a must-try Palestinian restaurant a true gem in Clifton, NJ! From the moment you walk in, the soothing décor makes you feel right at home. The young lady who served us was an absolute delight and made the experience even more enjoyable (should’ve asked for her name 😕) We ordered the Olive Bistro Mix Mashawi, mint lemonade, hummus, knafeh, and Arabic coffee what a flavorful feast! Every single dish was delicious. Honestly, 20 out of 10! The portions were generous enough for us to take some home, which was a bonus. We absolutely loved this place! It’s just as good as the Olive Bistro in Little Falls, NJ. We came all the way from Long Island and will definitely be visiting again. Viva Palestina! 🇵🇸
Olive Bistro is honestly the best restaurant I’ve tried across New Jersey and New York so far. From the moment we sat down, everything was just perfect. The service was exceptional—the waiters really took their time to guide us through the menu since we were unsure what to choose. Their recommendations were spot on, and they were very honest about timing, letting us know that some dishes would take around 25–35 minutes. Everything came out exactly as promised, right after our appetizers, which made the whole experience feel smooth and well-organized. The staff were incredibly attentive throughout. My sisters and I were constantly asking for things, and they were always there—friendly, patient, and genuinely happy to help. Now the food… absolutely amazing. We tried the makluba, mansaf, and waraq al-enab, along with a variety of mixed appetizers—and every single dish was outstanding. Every bite was full of flavor, authentic, and clearly made with care. It’s rare to go somewhere where everything you order is that good. This place truly stands out, and I honestly can’t wait to go back again.
Common questions about The Olive Bistro
The Olive Bistro is located at 1116 US-46, Clifton, NJ 07013, United States , US-46, 1116 US-46, United States.
You can reach The Olive Bistro by calling +1 973-330-0291.
The Olive Bistro has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 577 customer reviews.
The Olive Bistro features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
The Olive Bistro features the following service options: Kerbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
The Olive Bistro features the following highlights: Serves local specialty.
The Olive Bistro features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
The Olive Bistro features the following offerings: Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour food, Healthy options, Late-night food, Organic dishes, Private dining room, Quick bite, Small plates, Vegan options, Vegetarian options.
The Olive Bistro features the following dining options: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
The Olive Bistro features the following amenities: Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
The Olive Bistro features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
The Olive Bistro features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, Tourists.
The Olive Bistro features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
The Olive Bistro features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
The Olive Bistro features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
The Olive Bistro features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
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