LIZ L

Dec 10, 2023
Olive Terrace Bar & Grill – Santa Clarita, CA

This is the time of year that I like to stick close to home and so I have the perfect excuse to seek out hidden gems in Santa Clarita. Now, if you have followed me you will know I tend to prefer spending time in a bit glitzier surroundings, oh, let's say, like Manhattan, Rome or Paris, LOL.

But! This weekend we stumbled on a place that would shine in any of those cities -- seriously, I am not kidding. And, I didn't expect it. I saw on Open Table, that Olive Terrace is considered "Exceptional". I didn't believe it. The SCV is known for pedestrian meat and potatoes chains, heavy on protein, light on flavor and elegance. Olive Terrace proved me wrong.

First of all, you step from the parking lot in a slightly elevated strip mall (am I being too harsh on Gateway Village? I have to spend more time sleuthing there) into a magical environment enveloped in greenery and ornamented with twinkling lights and gleaming glassware everywhere you look (see my photos). It was a bit breathtaking and I was so ready to be transported right into the heart of the holidays. OK, so, the ambiance is festive and beautiful. Lots of wood, marble, elegant wine bottles all around you -- a connoisseur's dream.

Then there is the service -- professional, European style polish, friendly without being overly familiar, iykwim? The manager glides around perfecting everything, setting up a room for a large party. Even though we were there on a sleepy Sunday in the middle of the afternoon, it was packed. Our server, Audra, was such a joy -- recommending the right dishes for us as vegetarians, making sure we had everything we needed just at the moment we needed it. There were others who brought steaming dishes to the table, smiling all over us, sincerely happy to be there, proud of working at Olive Terrace (I asked) and primed to make sure we were delighted with our choice.

I can't even begin to describe or summarize the menu. Let me try: everything, everywhere, all at once -- got it? Dozens of anything you could want from soup to nuts, literally. We had to study it for at least fifteen minutes to even narrow the choices we were presented. If you are a carnivore, plan on double that -- you name it, it's there.

But not so fast -- everything is there but with a twist, a new angle. Like the artichoke jalapeno appetizer, so tasty and different but made me realize how good those two vegetable are together. Same for the baked eggplant parmesan that I chose and the zoodles caprese made from zucchini as thin as angel hair. You could have paella (how's that for gourmet?) or calamari or a pomegranate salad. You should study their full menu, as I cannot do it justice here without exhausting you.

Just a look at the dessert choices is enough to sell anyone on this amazing classic OG upscale venue. Why they chose Valencia is a mystery to me, but I am so glad they did. Step aside WeHo tawny celeb-laden glam clubs. Run, don't walk, to Olive Terrace while all this golden glory lasts.

BRIELLA COLLINS

Dinner – October 4th, 2023
Olive Terrace Bar & Grill – Santa Clarita, CA

Nestled in the heart of santa Clarita, Olive Terrace is a hidden gem that transports your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. From the moment I stepped inside, the ambiance was inviting, exuding a warm and rustic charm that set the perfect stage for an authentic dining experience.

The menu at Olive Terrace is a culinary journey through the Mediterranean, boasting a delightful array of dishes that cater to various palates. The flavors are a symphony of freshness, with each ingredient meticulously sourced and blended to perfection. The aromatic herbs and spices infused into their dishes elevated the taste to an entirely new level.

I had the pleasure of trying their signature dish, the Mediterranean Platter, which was a sensational assortment of flavors and textures. The hummus was velvety and rich, the falafel crispy and flavorful, and the stuffed grape leaves were a true delight. The combination of flavors was a true celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.

The attentive staff at Olive Terrace provided exceptional service, enhancing the overall dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and genuine enthusiasm to cater to my preferences was commendable.

Overall, Olive Terrace is a culinary haven for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Mediterranean. I wholeheartedly recommend Olive Terrace for an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves you craving for more.

JODI JACKSON'S HOLLYWOOD

Lunch – September 4th, 2021
Olive Terrace Bar & Grill – Santa Clarita, CA

Tucked away in a mini-mall called The Gateway is an oasis of pure culinary pleasure. You can tell just how good the food is by all of the people in the restaurant. A Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. Customers are couples, girlfriends, and families, all enjoying their divine food.

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