Review: The Raging Olive, in Burlington, Ontario

The Raging Olive Dip Trio - I get cravings just looking at the photo!

There's a new place in Burlington for freshly-made, zesty Middle Eastern appetizers. Move over Montfort (even though I still love your Montfort Chicken dish) - The Raging Olive is competing with you when it comes to satisfying my cravings for hummus.

Nestled in a strip mall on Fairview Street by Walkers Line, The Raging Olive is a little gem of a spot. The decor is colourful, clean and cozy. Along the walls are booths, and the tables have wire chairs with comfortable white cushions - a small touch that makes this restaurant more than just a quick dine and run spot. It's a place to take your special somebody for a nice lunch or dinner.

While waiting for your meal, you can enjoy watching Discovery World on the TV above the fireplace, or peek at what's happening in the kitchen.

The menu is pretty standard overall - quite similar to Montfort's, with a few minor exceptions. The appetizer list is exciting - Chicken Tikka ($8.99), Hummus with Meat ($6.99), and Bathenjane Salad (roasted eggplant, tomato paste, fresh garlic and spices on lettuce - $5.99) stand out. What's also nice is that you can choose "Assorted Maza"  - four of the appetizers in servings for one person, two or four people ($8.99 - $29.99). This option is perfect if not planning for a full feast. 

We chose to start with the Raging Olive Dip Trio served with spiced "Raging" olives ($8.99) - the dips are signature dips including Bethejane, hummus rich with tahini flavour, and the creamy feta and banana pepper  dip - Tirokafteri.  It's served with a bowl of warmed pita wedges and the dips are generous. You need more pita bread to enjoy everything on the plate. If you want to try at least one appetizer, this is the one to try. All of the dips are made fresh, on-site from scratch. The hummus in particular tastes homemade, with a rich addition of tahini, giving it a slightly heavier sesame aftertaste.

The Specialty Chicken Dish (regular $15.99), served with a side of home fries is very similar to Montfort's signature Montfort Chicken dish. We were accidentally served with the flavour-lacking rice,  instead of home fries. The flavours of the marinated chicken and pineapple complement each other perfectly. The order of home fries that came a few minutes later was mixed fried potatoes with green and red peppers. The dish is also served with a choice of salad - the Greek Salad (additional $1.50) is generous, flavourful and fresh. It's served before the main entree and satisfies feta cheese cravings.

Homemade dressing, and just the right amount of feta topping this Greek Salad makes for a perfect dish inbetween the appetizer and main entree

The Specialty Chicken dish has grilled marinated chicken and pineapple that give it a punch of flavour.

The Superfalafel Sandwich ($10.99) is a generous dish, with moist falafel pieces served in a pita. You choose from fries, home fries or rice. A garden salad is served before the sandwich. This is a good vegetarian choice that fills you up.

With any entree, garlic aioli and curried onion are provided as a topping.

What makes this a must-visit again restaurant are the appetizers. The menu also includes a great selection of vegetarian-friendly choices, so everybody can enjoy a meal. While short-staffed during our visit on a Saturday afternoon, the restaurant does provide friendly service and great food.

Review: 3.5/5

The Raging Olive

537 Fairview Street

Burlington, Ontario

Tel: 905-681-8500

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