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Hot Olives Reviews List
Hot Olives
In the little over a year since we have been at our new location at the corner of Fairbanks and New York in Winter Park, your response has been very gratifying. Not only have all of our old friends followed us to this new location, but in the time since we have relocated, we have had the pleasure to welcome many new faces to the Hot Olives family of valued guests.
Whether you join us "inside" or "out," we promise you will always receive the same great sevice, and enjoy the same wonderful menu items, on which we base our reputation every day.
Our sincere thanks for your continued patronage. We look forward to your next visit!
See more Hot Olives details
Whether you join us "inside" or "out," we promise you will always receive the same great sevice, and enjoy the same wonderful menu items, on which we base our reputation every day.
Our sincere thanks for your continued patronage. We look forward to your next visit!
51 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 51 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(21)
- fit for foodies(20)
- romantic(18)
- good for groups(17)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- notable wine list(11)
Hot Olives Reviews List
Review 1 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good but
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was too dark. As the sun went down and natural light faded we could hardly see our food. Other than that everything was great;-)"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not vegetarian friendly
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There were very few vegetarian menu options. We asked if meat could be left out of the crepes or the fritatta and they said no, that they were pre-made. So not only was there no effort on their part to accommodate us, the food apparently wasn't even fresh. We ended up cobbling together some sides that we read off the menu as accompanying meat dishes. Again, no effort on the server's part to help us out with that. The food did taste good but the preceding ordeal colored the experience."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 3 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, great service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Interesting foods with what I think was a Mediterranean theme. The music (almost Latin) didn't quite jive with the menu, but it wasn't dustacting...just an observation. The olive tapenade starter with the bread basket (no charge) was quite delicious."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 4 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Food, Poor Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at Hot Olives was so delicious! I highly recommend anything on the menu. The service however, was not so good. It took an extremely long time to place a drink order and to get the drinks. Besides the service, it was great."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sandy3816
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Enjoyed our Dinner, Excellent food."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Finish up your Park ave stroll here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The excellent menu makes it hard to decide but our server was great to elaborate on our options. Everything we ordered was timed perfectly, hot, and delicious...which is an understatement. Artichoke/ mushroom flatbread was excellent. Everyone was more than pleased with their entrees.
Iron chairs on tile floors are hard to move around without making very loud unpleasant noise, and somewhat uncomfortable.
We will definitely be coming back and exploring the menu further. I suggest the Russian Pinot Noir."
Iron chairs on tile floors are hard to move around without making very loud unpleasant noise, and somewhat uncomfortable.
We will definitely be coming back and exploring the menu further. I suggest the Russian Pinot Noir."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 7 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food is always good and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food is always good and service was very good."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We arrived at Hot Olives at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We arrived at Hot Olives at 6:30 pm on a Saturday night with a 7:00 reservatione. We loved the look of the bar area but were whisked to our table right away so didn't have he chance to check it out. Our server was attentive and the food was very good. I guess we were disappointed because the service was too efficient. We had hoped to linger a little longer. The only complaint we have is that even though the dining area wasn't crowded we and another couple were seated right next to each other and had no privacy.
Since this dinner was part of our anniversary celebration, it just wasn't what we were expecting. It would probably be a great place for just a casual dinner but not a special occasion."
Since this dinner was part of our anniversary celebration, it just wasn't what we were expecting. It would probably be a great place for just a casual dinner but not a special occasion."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 9 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Big party handled with ease
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Hot Olives with a party of 17 and found both the food and the service to be wonderful. A delightful find, we were especially impressed with the service (handling such a large group is no easy feat) and the food was scrumptious. We really liked the conch fritter and calamari, and the grouper was prepared perfectly. We will definitely make it back to Hot Olives again!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 10 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everyone was very accommodating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everyone was very accommodating of our time crunch. Our large party was made to feel welcome. Service was impeccable, but unobtrusive. Food was absolutely delicious and portions were perfect."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We loved the seating near
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We loved the seating near New York more than other areas we've been seated before. The lighting, music, candles all made it a great date spot. Wine was very good (Kenwood Artisan series, '07 Cab), the callamari wasn't fantastic (too breaded), but the salads (wedge & tuna), tapanade and grouper were all delicious."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 12 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Food was seriously terrible.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was seriously terrible. I could not eat my meal as it was dripping with bacon fat. It was not good at all. Very disappointing. The total bill for three was 130$ and not good at all."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
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Review 13 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
So much potential, but blah food.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It has the elements of a restaurant that should be very good. Good location, cool decor, etc. However, for a Friday night it was empty. Rightly so, the food was so weak we were immediatly dissapointed. That was just the appetizer. Once the main course was served the dissappointment continued. There is an obvious issue in the kitchen. I can only assume they have a cook, not a chef. Fix this and your restaurant will stay full."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
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Review 14 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Ambience was perfect for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Ambience was perfect for a romantic or quiet night out. Food was outstanding. Service was perfect. We would definitely go
Again and strongly recommend. I was in hospitality for 10 years and am critical when I eat out
Again and strongly recommend. I was in hospitality for 10 years and am critical when I eat out
I have no complaints."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We looked forward to visiting
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We looked forward to visiting Hot Olives at its new location. It was a disappointing and expensive experience. We were seated immediately; however, it required in excess of 15 minutes to bring 2 rather simple cocktails and a glass of wine to the table, despite the fact that there were 2 bartenders attending to 2 patrons sitting at the bar and the restaurant was only moderately full. The bigger disappointment came with the main entree (served before we could finish our salads). I ordered the 'panko' chicken dish and it was coated with bread crumbs, not the light, flaky rice-based product professional chefs use to prepare these dishes. If you wish to spend a lot of money for a very average meal, this is the place for you."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
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Review 16 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Will be back...food, service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Will be back...food, service and ambiance.Music was adjusted to lower for talking. Overall a great experience."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Loved it before. This time, a bit l
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Been there several times -- loved it twice. This last time, not so much.
Service was a bit slow. No draft beer at all. Requested to sit in one part of restaurant, and hostess didn't even break a stride to consider that while taking us to where she already wanted us to be.
And the food was just average. (Burger a bit overcooked. Spinach dip a bit bland. Crab cake and signature hot olives very good.)
Still a fun place with a unique menu. Just hope next visit's a bit better, like prior ones."
Service was a bit slow. No draft beer at all. Requested to sit in one part of restaurant, and hostess didn't even break a stride to consider that while taking us to where she already wanted us to be.
And the food was just average. (Burger a bit overcooked. Spinach dip a bit bland. Crab cake and signature hot olives very good.)
Still a fun place with a unique menu. Just hope next visit's a bit better, like prior ones."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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Review 18 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Families with children should
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Families with children should be seated in a different section on a day like Valentine's Day. e were next to two tables with little children; this definitely altered the "romantic ambience" we felt when we first arrived."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
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Review 19 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food and service were outstanding!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service were outstanding!! A great place for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great night had by all!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a delicious dinner and excellent service. The waiter recommended a bottle of wine and it was wonderful!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The front facing patio is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The front facing patio is enjoyable but on winter evenings it's too cool out there without some type of chiminea or heat lamp."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First impressions are not
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First impressions are not always right. Upon arrival for our first visit we were seated at a two top in what was a hallway in the past. This place must do so much business it has put tables in the walkway between dining rooms. We asked if there wasn't some other table but were told this is it. The table squeezed in next to us was six guys who were celebrating Saturday night without a date. Not a pretty start. From this point everything turned for the better. Nice wine list by the glass. Good list of starter with large portions. Entres come in two sizes for those who had some starters. Everything was really good. Service was excellent and very knowledgeable. We will go again. We will not let them put us at that table. We would eat at the bar"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
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Review 23 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was excellent. Our server
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent. Our server was not very informative and not great. We'd go back for sure."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service was outstanding, appetizers
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was outstanding, appetizers were great...especially the "Hot Olives"."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great all around dining and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was very well presented and the flavors were great. The service was fantastic even on Valentines day. of great importance is that they have a very good Gluten free menu and a staff that understands and works with you on your needs. My wife has Gluten issues and having a great restaurant that has great food and a super staff make a world of difference in your evening! I would give them 6 Stars if I could they are that good. we will be back often."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 26 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It is probably not possible
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It is probably not possible to have better service than we had at this restaurant. Food was exceptional; most difficult part was deciding which entrees to order--great variety on the menu. Would definitely return when back in the Winter Park area."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Had the shrimp and grits which
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had the shrimp and grits which was good. My friend had the turkey, strawberry jelly sandwich on the raisin bread. Thought it could be a better turkey in the sandwich instead of the deli sliced turkey. Spicy pecan salad was also good."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Hot Olives
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Enjoyable experience and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyable experience and the food was delicious! Will definitely go back."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Hot Olives
Based on the average of (23) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic