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Mediterranean

The Olive RestoBar

Weekend brunch or lively happy hour with friends.

Closed now $$ Local FavoriteBrunch SpotCasual Vibes
7.3/10
Great Scored by Nadia Petrossian · How we score
№ 01 · The Brief

Downey gets a Mediterranean room that works every shift

Tucked into a shopping plaza on Apollo Way in Downey, The Olive RestoBar has become a standout destination for Mediterranean fare in the southeastern reaches of Los Angeles County. With a stellar 4.5-star rating built from nearly 3,000 reviews, this restaurant has clearly struck a chord with diners seeking approachable, flavorful food without the fuss. It occupies that sweet spot between casual and special, making it equally suited for a quick lunch or a leisurely weekend gathering.

The menu spans the best of Mediterranean cooking, with fresh salads, grilled meats, and shareable mezze plates leading the charge. Breakfast and brunch offerings round out the experience, giving diners reason to visit any time of day. The cocktail program deserves equal billing, with creative drinks designed to complement the bold, herb-forward flavors on the plate. Diners often gravitate toward the hummus and shawarma platters, though the brunch specials draw their own devoted following on weekend mornings.

Inside, the atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and stylish. Warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a layout that accommodates both intimate two-tops and larger group gatherings create a versatile space. The bar area adds an energetic focal point, while the overall design keeps things feeling contemporary without veering into stuffy or overly formal territory. It's the kind of place where a business lunch and a celebratory dinner can both feel right at home.

Whether the occasion calls for a lazy Sunday brunch, a lively happy hour with cocktails, or a dinner spot that satisfies a craving for Mediterranean classics, The Olive RestoBar delivers a well-rounded experience. Its consistency, welcoming service, and flavorful menu make it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the Downey dining scene.

№ 02 · What to Order

The order, from the record

№ 03 · Insider Tip
!

Arrive early on weekends for brunch, as the popular morning slots fill up quickly with regulars. Reservations are recommended for parties of four or more.

Nadia Petrossian · Top of Los Angeles
№ 04 · The Verdict

What earns the 7.3

01
Downey's Mediterranean anchor

The shawarma and hummus trio give the kitchen a reliable center while the shakshuka pulls in a weekend crowd the neighborhood didn't reliably have before.

02
Bar as equal partner

The cocktail program is built to sit alongside the herb-forward plates rather than trail behind them, which is why happy hour reads as a draw in its own right.

03
Room built for range

A layout that holds both two-tops and larger parties lets the same restaurant cover a business lunch and a celebratory dinner without picking a lane.

How we score

The Insider Score is our own 10-point editorial rating, set by the writer who covers the room. It is never an average of other sites’ stars, and it is never for sale. It weighs three things:

01Track record

How highly a kitchen rates, across how many diners, over how long.

02Consistency

Whether recent diners still agree with the long-term verdict.

03Distinction

What the kitchen does that its category does not.

The Olive RestoBar earns a 7.3, great on our scale for Mediterranean in Los Angeles.
Nadia Petrossian
Nadia Petrossian
Columnist

Nadia Petrossian writes the column for Top of Los Angeles: old LA against new LA and who the city feeds. A Glendale Armenian-American.

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