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Last updated on May 11th, 2013 | Written By Carol Ferndale

The Olive Tree Greek Restaurant Headingley

I have fond memories of holidays in Greece: as well as the sheer impressiveness of the Parthenon and the sunwashed beauty of the many small islands, another thing that lingers in my memory is the loveliness of the food, with memories of eating stuffed tomatoes, mixed grills and generous salads al fresco at the end of a warm summer evening.

So it’s good to know that if you live in Leeds there is authentic Greek food to be had locally, in the group of three award-winning Greek restaurants run by enthusiastic Greek Cypriot-born husband and wife team George and Vasoulla.

Award winning Olive Tree restaurant

In fact The Olive Tree in Headingley, (branches also in Rodley and Chapel Allerton), is the only Greek restaurant in the UK to be listed in the Good Food Guide, and when you savour their lovely Mediterranean dishes ranging through the delicious dips such as taramasalata, hummus, tsatsiki, to sizzling kebabs of lamb and chicken, and fresh crunchy salads of tomato and feta, it is not difficult to see why. There is also a good choice of seafood, from sardines to swordfish.

Student offer at the Olive Tree

The real bargain on offer at The Olive Tree for students is a full three course slap-up menu for a tenner if you have your student ID card with you, and this is exactly the meal I enjoyed a few weeks ago. Out of the range of starters I picked dolmades, which are stuffed vine leaves. The vine leaves themselves have a unique and sharp taste which nicely sets off the minced lamb and rice filling, which is delicately flavoured with fresh mint.

Tasty Greek cuisine

The main course was a sublime moussaka with layers of eggplant, courgette, potato and tomato on a bed of seasoned minced lamb, and all topped by a soft, smooth cheesy béchamel sauce. The dessert was no disappointment either – warm baklava of soft crumbly filo pastry and tasty chopped almonds and pistachios. This gave a real melt-in-the-mouth feel that made the perfect ending to the meal.

Good service at the Olive Tree Greek Restaurant

The Mediterranean flavours of The Olive Tree are perfectly complemented by an extensive wine menu that offers a wide variety of reds, whites and rosés. The atmosphere at The Olive Tree is great and the service is very good. The restaurant looks right out onto the pavement and you can either sit in and watch the people go by, or sit out at tables on the pavement continental-style if you wish. A service charge is added to your bill, so you are not fretting over how much to leave for a tip.

Pubs nearby and good pre-movie restaurant

The Olive Tree is nicely situated between two of the Otley Run pubs, The Three Horseshoes and the New Inn, being pretty much a stone’s throw from each. Additionally, just around the corner you have the Cottage Road Cinema, making The Olive Tree the ideal place to enjoy a special meal before or after a good movie.

So if you are looking for a real taste of the Mediterranean in Leeds, look no further than the Olive Tree restaurant. Check out Tastecard for a free trial where you can save up to 50% on your meal at the Olive Tree and many other restaurants.

About the Writer

Carol Ferndale