Olive & Olive Mediterranean Restaurant

Walking along Sisowat Quay with the Mekong drifting by, the first thing that caught my attention was the relaxed buzz spilling out of Olive & Olive Mediterranean Restaurant. I first ate here after a long afternoon of client meetings nearby, and it quickly became one of those places I bookmark in my head for repeat visits. Located at #101 Sisowat Quay Phnom Penh, 12200, Cambodia, the restaurant sits right where locals, expats, and travelers naturally cross paths, which already says a lot about its appeal.

What stands out immediately is how confidently the kitchen handles Mediterranean food without overcomplicating it. The menu leans into familiar flavors from Greece, Italy, and the Levant, but everything feels fresh and grounded. On my first visit, I ordered the grilled lamb with rosemary potatoes, and the server explained how the meat is marinated overnight using olive oil, garlic, and herbs to keep it tender. That small detail made a difference on the plate. The lamb came out juicy, not heavy, and balanced with a simple lemon yogurt sauce that didn’t overpower the dish.

I’ve since returned with friends who are more plant-focused, and they were just as impressed. The mezze selection is a real highlight. Hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh arrive in generous portions, clearly prepared in-house. One of the chefs mentioned they follow traditional preparation methods, especially for the hummus, soaking chickpeas longer than usual to get that smooth texture. According to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Mediterranean-style eating patterns are linked to lower risks of heart disease and improved overall health, and meals like this make it easy to see why.

The dining room itself feels casual and unpretentious, with warm lighting and tables spaced well enough for conversations to flow without shouting. I once overheard a couple discussing their travel plans while sharing seafood pasta, and they summed it up perfectly by calling it a place you can settle into without rushing. That’s accurate. You don’t feel pushed to order quickly or leave fast, which makes it ideal for both lunch breaks and long dinners.

Service has been consistently attentive without being intrusive. During one visit, I asked about gluten-free options for a colleague, and the staff walked us through several menu items that could be adjusted easily. That level of care builds trust, especially for diners with dietary needs. Online reviews echo this experience, often praising the team for being knowledgeable and genuinely welcoming.

Price-wise, Olive & Olive Mediterranean Restaurant sits comfortably in the mid-range for Phnom Penh riverfront dining. Portions are fair, ingredients taste high quality, and the value feels justified. The seafood dishes, particularly the grilled sea bass, are popular for a reason. The fish is sourced locally when possible, and the simple olive oil and herb preparation lets the freshness speak for itself.

There are a few limitations worth noting. During peak evening hours, especially on weekends, tables can fill up quickly, and walk-ins might wait. Also, while the menu covers a wide Mediterranean spread, those looking for ultra-authentic regional specialties from one specific country might find the selection more pan-Mediterranean than niche. Still, for a restaurant that balances flavor, atmosphere, and consistency, that trade-off feels reasonable.

After multiple visits across different times of day, it’s clear this is not a one-off good experience. It’s a place that understands its location, respects its ingredients, and delivers food that people actually want to come back for. Whether you’re checking reviews before choosing a riverside dinner or already strolling along Sisowat Quay wondering where to eat, this spot fits naturally into Phnom Penh’s evolving food scene.