+1 614-826-3020
Nestled in the heart of Columbus at 4519 N High St, Olive & Lime Cafe is a delightful Mediterranean and Halal restaurant that beckons diners with its rich culinary heritage and warm, inviting atmosphere. This gem serves up an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, expertly blending vibrant spices and fresh ingredients that evoke the essence of home-cooked meals.
From the moment you step inside, you are welcomed by a clean, well-organized space offering plenty of indoor and outdoor seating—perfect for intimate dinners or lively family gatherings. The ambiance strikes a harmonious balance between casual comfort and elegant simplicity, making it an ideal spot to savor both a quick lunch or a leisurely feast.
Olive & Lime Cafe’s menu is a treasure trove of Mediterranean favorites that excite every palate. Start your indulgence with a comforting bowl of lentil soup or the irresistibly spicy hummus dip enhanced with tahini sauce. The aroma of freshly baked pita bread and the flavors of the zattar manakish transport you to bustling Mediterranean markets. For the main course, the chicken shawarma sandwich proves to be a standout, stacked with marinated, tender meat rich with complex spices, while the lamb chops offer melt-in-your-mouth tenderness paired with jasmine or saffron rice that’s fluffy and aromatic.
If you’re dining in a group, the family sharing plates are a perfect way to experience a broad spectrum of the menu’s delights. Whether you opt for the small or medium platter, expect a generous spread plated with chicken kebabs, beef and lamb kaftas, juicy shawarmas, hummus, baba ghannouj, fattoush salad, freshly baked bread, and homemade pickles and sauces. It's a culinary celebration designed to bring friends and families together around the table.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the expertly grilled red snapper or the fish sayadiyah, each dish crafted to showcase fresh, delicate flavors paired with the right balance of herbs and spices. Vegetarians are not left behind, with options like the falafel sandwich and the mujadarah—a satisfying mixture of lentils and rice that’s wholesome and hearty.
No meal at Olive & Lime is complete without a sweet finish. The pistachio cake and walnut baklava deliver sublime, nutty sweetness with a perfect crunch, while the traditional Turkish coffee and soothing Turkish tea offer calming closure to a memorable dining experience.
Customer feedback consistently highlights the attentive service and the genuine flavor authenticity that Olive & Lime brings to Columbus. George, a regular guest, praises the generous servings of fall-off-the-bone lamb paired with aromatic jasmine rice and appreciates the cozy, attentive atmosphere that feels both familiar and welcoming. Jay Siefring’s experience with the family platter underscores the freshness and quality of every element on the plate, emphasizing the multicultural draw of the place, where families gather to celebrate traditional flavors. Moira Donovan’s fondness for vegetarian options and fresh-pressed juices attests to the thoughtful inclusivity of the menu, ensuring every visitor finds something delightful to savor.
All told, Olive & Lime Cafe stands out as a culinary refuge for those craving authentic Mediterranean and Halal cuisine in Columbus. Whether you are seeking bold, spicy dishes or light, flavorful vegetarian fare, this restaurant delivers a profound and warm dining experience that lingers long after the last bite. It’s a place where quality, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality come together in every dish.
For reservations or takeout, call +1 614-826-3020 and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that is truly Olive & Lime.
Have not been to this restaurant in a year. Today’s Christmas Day lunch was great. The kebab and an order of fall off the bone lamb was wonderful. Ample serving of the meats and great jasmine rice. Left plenty to bring home. Of course it was necessary to have dessert there as well as to bring more back to enjoy with the left overs. Always a good feel to the restaurant. Attentive help especially when it came time to ask for explanations of the choices and food items. Don’t wait a year as I did….go now.
We had a great meal and chose the family option so we could enjoy the. Various options available by chef. It was a very pleasant experience with high quality fresh everything. The flavors were wonderful and the preparation was as expected. You know you’re in the right place for great Mediterranean food when 75% of the restaurant is filled with non- English speaking families enjoying traditional Mediterranean dishes.
Great family restaurant. Family meals complete with saffron rice, variety of meats, fatoush salad, hummus, baba ghanoush, labne, garlic sauce, pickles and fresh made pita bread. The food is delicious. A lot of seating but can be challenging to find a table during busy times.
I really love this restaurant, it’s been a go to for Mediterranean food in Columbus for a bit now, and I’m always impressed. I love the vegetarian platter, and the walnut baklava is incredible. Fast and friendly service. Great place to grab a meal with friends and family! I also love their fresh pressed juices
Really loved the food here! The lamb and rice were delicious, and the chicken shawarma was full of flavor. Their salad and French rice were also great, especially with the sauce they serve on the side—adds a perfect touch. Tried their Turkish tea too, and it was a nice, calming finish to the meal. The place is quiet, clean, and well-organized with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Overall, a great spot to relax and enjoy a good Mediterranean meal!
Five stars feels insufficient. We came with family, Ohio Food Lover, and we were treated to a full experience. Salad, lentil soup, and two platters. My favorite was the saffron rice (yellow) with a variety of beef and chicken. Their pitas are wonderful: so fresh and chewy. They have a spicy red sauce that my son and I drained one bowl and we were, graciously, given a second. The ambiance and service were perfect along with the best Mediterranean food I've experienced. I apologize very few pics, I got the food and couldn't stop eating. I had three pitas stuffed with rice and meats topped by that amazing red sauce.