Fresh Mediterranean Flavors in the Heart of Huntington Beach
My husband, Tim, two teens and I have pretty varied culinary palates – my son and I fancy ourselves fledgling foodies and seafood aficionados with an emphasis on ethnic dishes, my daughter leans toward familiar vegetarian favorites and Tim is our family’s resident carnivore – all meat, all the time. If your tribe is anything like mine, you’ll happily embrace any eatery that offers an abundance of options for everyone. But finding one that also delivers on consistently delicious dishes in a fast casual concept that elevates the family-friendly dining experience? Look no further than Olive Pit Fresh Mediterranean Grill in Huntington Beach.
From its extensive menu of fresh, flavorful cuisine crafted from all-natural ingredients to the team of welcoming staff members, Olive Pit Grill delivers on all fronts. You will literally have your work cut out for you in deciding between the sheet number of mouthwatering options including a plethora of starters, salads, homemade dips, flatbread pizzas and wraps, kabob plates, customized entrées and an array of sweet treats for dessert.
Co-Owner/Chef Yianni Koufodontis’ passion for Mediterranean foods is clearly influenced by his own upbringing where “cooking is more than an art form, it’s a way of life.” Growing up in a culture “where eating is the focal point of all Greek family gatherings” inspired Yianni and his partner George Makridis to open the first Olive Pit location in Brea in 2008, followed by the equally popular Surf City location two years later. The pair “wanted to create a restaurant that became a part of your life, somewhere you would be happy to eat daily.” For our family’s part, we’d have to say they nailed it.
For starters, the crispy asparagus spears with lemon-garlic aioli is completely addictive and the dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with turkey, rice, pine nuts, raisin and dill and topped with a sweet lemon sauce) and the yummy yellow lentil soup are my personal faves.
Popular entrees range from a tender roasted half chicken, lamb chops, filet of sole, lamb sausage, grilled salmon, kabobs (shrimp, lamb, chicken or steak) paired with your choice of small bites (think oven roasted potatoes, stewed green beans, basmati rice) and a super fragrant, perfectly doughy pita for dipping.
If you’ve saved space for something sweet – the homemade baklava (phyllo dough, layered with almond, walnut, pistachio, cinnamon and drizzled with honey citrus syrup) with vanilla bean ice cream is an fan favorite. Our son, who considers himself somewhat of an expert on tiramasu, raved about Olive Pit’s rendition made with shredded phyllo, marscapone, espresso and chocolate.
