Is Olive Tree Restaurant the best in the genre in Anaheim’s Little Arabia? Quite possibly.
I know that is a bold header (to be certain) considering Olive Tree Restaurant is across the street from so many respected and beloved institutions such as Aleppo’s Kitchen, Little Arabia Cuisine, and Al Wadee (all within a stone’s throw of its location on Brookhurst) but they have earned it with over 11 years of feeding the masses.
Olive Tree serves traditional Palestinian fare and their owner will tell you as much as you sit down to your table. He is a hands-on owner that relishes in explaining the menu, featured dishes, the proper way to consume each dish, and he will return to be sure you are enjoying your meal. It is refreshing to see this kind of devotion to the craft and it really takes the overwhelming part of trying unfamiliar cuisine out of the experience as I observed with the table behind me that was clearly out of their element.
You see, the owner isn’t just selling you a plate of food – he is inviting you to enjoy a piece of his culture.
The menu is vast and offers all of the Mediterranean
& Arabic favorites you would expect including Kebob, Shawerma, Kufta, and Falafel – but none of this is what you look for at any restaurant that prides themselves on “authentic and traditional cuisine that may taste better than your grandmother makes it”. Well, not my grandmother to be sure, but you see where this is going…
Get what they are known for: Lamb Shanks and Rice.
Sounds too basic? It isn’t. Olive Tree slow cooks the Lamb Shanks for 5 hours which creates “fall of the bone” tender Lamb meat that requires very little seasoning to create a powerful flavor and distinct mouthfeel (think meat cooked in a Crockpot or French Oven). A pair of massive Shanks are then perched upon a thick bed of aromatic Rice that features 17 separate spices and Chickpeas that takes savory to an inconceivable level. What really puts this creation over the top, however, is the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce you dip the Lamb in. Light, tangy, and absolutely refreshing – I could eat this Sauce alone as a Soup… although I don’t recommend that.
I know some (okay, just Arshad) will question the $19.00 plate cost but they (“they” being Arshad) will be blown away by the portions which are easily enough to feed two and also comes with a complimentary cup of their supremely tasty Lentil Soup.
Fantastic service, sublime Arabic recipes, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere? A recipe for 5 stars every day. This one is worth going out of your way for.
Anwar Daleq
Olive Tree Restaurant
Address: 518 S. Brookhurst St, Ste 1, Anaheim, CA 92804
Website: Facebook
Email: olivetreeoc@gmail.com
Phone: (714) 535-2878