The Olive Bistro Introduce
Introduction / Overview: Experience True Palestinian Warmth and Flavor in Clifton, NJ
For discerning diners in New Jersey seeking an authentic and memorable Middle Eastern restaurant experience, look no further than The Olive Bistro in Clifton. More than just a dining establishment, this is a welcoming Palestinian restaurant and true Family restaurant that prides itself on delivering generations of rich culinary heritage right to your table. The atmosphere is consistently described by locals as warm, welcoming, and cozy, where the staff strive to make every customer feel "right at home."
The Olive Bistro is a local gem that stands out for its commitment to both quality and tradition. Patrons consistently rave about the food being "absolutely delicious" and "truly authentic Palestinian," with many highlighting signature, complex dishes like the Maqluba. This commitment to traditional, high-quality cooking means The Olive Bistro doesn’t just serve a meal; it offers an experience. Whether you are looking for a satisfying Lunch, a flavorful Dinner, or a late-night bite, the extensive menu and friendly, attentive service—often featuring exceptional staff members like Om Omar, who ensures everything is "just right"—make this spot a must-visit destination in Passaic County.
Location and Accessibility
Conveniently situated to serve the greater Passaic County area, The Olive Bistro is located at 1116 US-46, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA. The restaurant’s position right off Route 46 makes it easily accessible for customers commuting or specifically traveling to enjoy the authentic cuisine.
Accessibility is a key priority, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors:
- Main Road Access: Located directly on US-46, it’s easy to get to, a huge plus for those traveling from other parts of New Jersey.
- Parking: The facility offers a large Free parking lot, eliminating the stress of finding a spot and making it incredibly convenient for family and group visits.
- Universal Accessibility: The restaurant provides comprehensive accessibility, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
- Atmosphere and Amenities: The mood is described as both Casual and Cozy. Amenities include a clean Restroom and complimentary Wi-Fi. The establishment caters well to all Crowd types, including Family-friendly visits and Groups, while also being ideal for Solo dining.
- Family Friendly: Specifically set up to welcome families, the restaurant offers High chairs and a dedicated Kid's menu.
Services Offered
The Olive Bistro offers a full suite of services to accommodate all dining preferences, from on-site feasts to quick meals at home.
- Comprehensive Service Options: Customers can enjoy the food through Dine-in service with Table service, Takeout, Delivery, and advanced options like Curbside pickup and No-contact delivery.
- Full Day Dining: Serves delicious food throughout the day, including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with offerings for Late-night food and Quick bite options.
- Specialty Dining Periods: A special Lunch Menu - Pita Sandwiches is available on Monday - Friday from 11 am - 3 pm, with options like the Falafel Sandwich ($13.00) and Beef and Lamb Shawarma Sandwich ($17.00), all served with fries.
- Private Events: Offers a Private dining room for special gatherings and celebrations.
- Event Support: Provides full Catering services for off-site events.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu is packed with choices including Coffee, Comfort food, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Small plates, and dedicated Vegan options and Vegetarian options.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Features / Highlights
The Olive Bistro is more than a typical middle eastern restaurant; it is a destination for specific, high-quality, and authentic culinary elements.
- Authentic Palestinian Cuisine: The restaurant is known for serving local specialty dishes like Maqluba ($45.00), which is frequently hailed by customers as "the best... ever had" and "perfectly done," and Chicken Musakhan ($25.00).
- 100% Halal Food: The establishment proudly offers Halal food, ensuring that the high-quality meat entrées meet the dietary standards of the community.
- Exceptional Grilling Expertise: The From the Grill section is a major highlight, featuring expertly prepared options like Lamb Chops ($39.00), Shish Kabob ($30.00), and the impressive shared platter, the Olive Bistro Mix Mashawi ($34.00), which one reviewer noted was "juicy and grilled just right."
- Signature Homemade Drinks: The menu includes refreshing, house-made cold beverages like Fresh Lemonade with Mint ($6.00) and hot drinks like House Made Arabic Mint Tea ($3.00) and Arabic Coffee ($4.00).
- Renowned Desserts: The shop is a hub for Great dessert, particularly featuring traditional Middle Eastern sweets like Knafeh ($10.00), Baklawa ($7.00), and unique items like Knafeh Ice Cream ($8.00).
- Freshly Baked Pies: Offers a variety of unique Fresh Baked Pies on thin-crusted dough, including Lahm Bi Ajeen ($10.00) and Zaatar ($7.00), which are perfect for small plates or quick bites.
What is Worth Choosing: The Maqluba Experience and A Culinary Trip
For the ultimate authentic experience at The Olive Bistro, a New Jersey local should choose the dish that defines the restaurant’s heritage: the Maqluba ($45.00). This incredible Palestinian House Special, which translates to "upside-down," is a layered presentation of meat (chicken or lamb), seasoned rice, and fried vegetables. It’s not just a meal; it's a ceremonial dish praised by reviewers for being "beyond amazing: perfectly seasoned, rich in flavor, and beautifully presented." The fact that it requires a longer preparation time and is a substantial meal makes it the perfect centerpiece for a family or group dinner.
To complement the Maqluba, start with the Bistro Trio ($18.00) from the Cold Appetizers section. This sampler plate allows you to explore the foundational flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with a selection of popular dips like Hummus and Baba Ghanouj, preparing your palate for the rich, complex flavors of the main course. For a final touch, ensure you indulge in the Knafeh ($10.00) dessert, a sweet, cheese-filled pastry that exemplifies the Great dessert highlight of The Olive Bistro, offering a truly sweet ending to your authentic culinary journey.
The Olive Bistro Menu
Lunch Menu - Pita Sandwiches
Monday - Friday 11 am - 3 pm. Served with fries
- Falafel Sandwich $13.00
Crispy chickpea patties deep fried and served in pita, with lettuce, tomatoes and onions topped with tahini sauce
- Beef and Lamb Shawarma Sandwich $17.00
Mix of lamb & beef marinated with our house spices and cooked slowly on a stand-up rotisserie, served in pita with lettuce, tomato and onions topped with tahini sauce
- Farooj Sandwich $15.00
Rotisserie chicken marinated in our house spices and slowly cooked on a rotisserie. Served in pita with garlic paste and pickles
- Kofta Sandwich $15.00
Seasoned ground beef and lamb skewer wrapped in pita with hummus, spiced onions, and parsley
Lunch Menu - Prefixed Lunch Special
Monday - Friday 11 am - 3 pm. Served with fries
- Prefixed Lunch Special $20.00
Please choose one appetizer, house soup, house salad, and one entree (all placters served with one skewer and house rice)
Lunch Menu - Cold Beverages
Monday - Friday 11 am - 3 pm
- Orange Juice $4.00
- Fountain Sodas $3.50
- Fresh Lemonade with Mint $6.00
- Bottled Water $1.50
- Salam Cola $3.50
- Drink Palestina $3.50
- Cranberry Juice $4.00
- House Lemonade $3.50
- La Ziza (Non-Alcoholic) $6.00
Plain
Cold Appetizers
- Olive Bistro Spread $30.00
Hummus, baba ghanouj, labneh, muhammara, 2 pieces cheese rolls, 2 pieces fried kibbeh
- Hummus $9.00
Creamy puréed chickpeas, tahini lemon & garlic topped with olive oil
- Hummus with Meat $12.00
Creamy puréed chickpeas, tahini lemon & garlic topped with olive oil
- Muhammara $9.00
Roasted red bell peppers and walnut dip drizzled with pomegranate molasses
- Labana / Labana Plus $9.00
House-made yogurt spread or house-made yogurt spread with walnut, mint, and olive oil
- Baba Ghanouj $9.00
Grilled puréed eggplant, tahini, lemon & garlic with olive oil
- Bistro Trio $18.00
Hummus. Muhammara, baba ghanouj
- Zaatar Chips $6.00
Fried pita drizzled with Palestinian olive oil topped with zaatar
Hot Appetizers
- Fried Liver $16.00
Pan fried lamb liver, served with onions and tomatoes
- Zahir $12.00
Fried cauliflower served over Tahini sauce topped with olive oil & drizzled with pomegranate molasses
- Falafel (6 Pieces) $8.00
Crispy chickpea patties, tahini sauce & toppings
- Fried Kibbeh (4 Pieces) $15.00
Crispy cracked wheat stuffed with meat and pine nuts
- Sambousek (4 Pieces) $10.00
Crispy puff pastry stuffed with seasoned ground beef
- Musakhan Rolls (4 Pieces) $12.00
Rolled flatbread layered with sumac-spiced shredded chicken. Caramelized onions, topped with toasted almonds
- Olive Bistro Wings (8 Pieces) $14.00
Breaded chicken wings smothered in our signature buffalo sauce, deep fried to perfection
- Foul $9.00
Fava beans topped with olive oil & tambala (garlic. Lemon, green pepper)
- Musabaha $11.00
Chickpeas swimming in creamy sour and pungent dressing, then finished with a generous drizzle of olive oil
- Fattet Hummus $12.00
Layers of pita chips, chickpeas, yogurt, and toasted pine nuts
- Cheese Rolls $12.00
Thin phyllo dough and an herb cheese filling
- Fried Cheese $9.00
Mild white cheese
- Sujuk $13.00
Slices of beef sausage
- Shakshouka $16.00
Sautéed tomatoes, poached eggs, peppers, onions, garlic
- Sautéed Tomatoes with Filet Mignon $16.00
Sautéed tomatoes, filet mignon and onions
- Sautéed Filet Mignon $16.00
Sautéed filet mignon with onions
- Mafaraka $10.00
Mix of eggs & potato
- Ijeh $10.00
Scrambled eggs with a heap of parsley
- Batata Harra $9.00
Chopped russet potatoes sautéed in a spicy infusion
Soups
- Lentil Soup $8.00
A light comforting blend of pureed red lentils and fresh herbs
- Freekah Soup $8.00
An ancient strain of wheat that hails from the Middle East with shredded chicken infused with cardamom and Palestinian spices
Fresh Baked Pies
All pies on thin crusted dough
- Lahm Bi Ajeen $10.00
Ground meat blended with peppers parsley, and herbs
- Zaatar $7.00
Crushed thyme leaves, sesame seed and sumac
- Zaatar and Cheese $8.00
Thyme leaves and cheese
- Sujuk with Cheese $10.00
Ground beef sausage spice, topped with mozzarella cheese
- Olives and Cheese $8.00
Black olives and mozzarella cheese
- Mahamara $7.00
Roasted pepper, sesame, spices and olive oil
- Musakhan $8.00
Chopped red onions and sumak mixed with olive oil
- Mixed Veggie $7.00
Mix vegetables with mozzarella cheese
- Three Cheeses $8.00
Mozzarella, halloumi, and akawi
Salads
- Arabic Salad $10.00
Chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onions, mint lemon olive oil.
- Tahini Salad $10.00
Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, mint lemon, tahini topped with olive oil
- Fattoush $12.00
Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, parsley, mint, sumac, pita chips, lemon, oil
- Tabouleh $12.00
Parsley, mint, onion, bulgur, lemon, olive oil
- Cucumber & Yogurt Salad $9.00
Chopped cucumber, mint, garlic, yogurt
- Arugula Salad $12.00
Arugula lettuce, cucumbers, dried cranberries, walnuts, strawberries and olives in a balsamic vinaigrette
Vegetarian Dishes
- Falafel Platter (6 Pieces) $16.00
Crispy chickpea patties, hummus, tabouleh, & house rice
- Stuffed Peppers $18.00
Sweet bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables in tomato sauce
From the Grill
All entrées are served with house rice and house salad
- Olive Bistro Mix Mashawi $34.00
A combination platter of grilled entrees, a skewer of filet mignon kabob. Skewer of chicken kabob & a skewer of kofta kabob
- Mix Mashawi for Two $49.00
3 kofta kebab, 1 shish kebab, 2 chicken kebab & beef shawarma
- Mix Mashawi for Four $95.00
6 kofta kebab, 2 shish kebab, 4 chicken kebab & beef shawarma
- Mix Mashawi for 6-8 $145.00
9 kofta kebab, 3 shish kebab, 6 chicken kebab & beef shawarma
- Shish Kabob $30.00
Marinated filet mignon cubes
- Chicken Kabob $23.00
Marinated chicken breast cubes
- Kofta Kabob $21.00
Seasoned ground beef and lamb mix
- Lamb Chops $39.00
Baby lamb chops grilled to perfection
- Grilled Shrimp $29.00
Jumbo golf shrimps grilled to perfection
- Shawarma Platter Lamb and Beef $22.00
Specialty marinated lamb and beef
House Specials
- Chicken Musakhan $25.00
Palestinian dish composed of roasted chicken baked with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts served over taboon bread
- Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat $34.00
Seasoned rice and ground beef rolled in grape leaves
- Maqluba $45.00
Personalized Palestinian dish that consists of chicken or lamb, seasoned rice, and fried vegetables placed in a pot which is flipped upside down when served, topped with toasted nuts and parsley
- Kidreh $23.00
Roasted lamb or chicken over our signature spiced rice with chickpeas topped with pine nuts and almonds
- Farooj $15.00
Rotisserie chicken served with rice or French fries
Kid's Menu
- Crispy Chicken Tenders (3 Pieces) $12.00
Organic chicken tenders marinated in Yama's special recipe served with a side of French fries
- Chicken Kabob $12.00
One skewer of grilled chicken and a side of French fries
Sides
- Olive Bistro Signature Rice $8.00
Yama's house seasoned rice, with chickpeas topped with toasted pine nuts and almonds
- French Fries $7.00
Homemade potato wedges
- Sweet Potato Fries $8.00
Homemade sweet potato wedges
Dessert
- Knafeh $10.00
Personalized crispy shredded filo dough layered with sweet cheese. Soaked in simple syrup & topped with pistachios. 15-20 min baking time
- Rice Pudding $7.00
Flavored with orange blossom water and rose water for this dreamy Palestinian dessert known as Ruiz wa Haleeb
- Baklawa $7.00
Flaky puff pastry soaked in honey and sugar with tender pistachios stuffed between layers of dough
- Knafeh Ice Cream $8.00
Kanafeh flavored vanilla ice cream
- Baklawa Ice Cream $8.00
Baklawa flavored vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate Lave Cake $12.00
Served with vanilla ice cream
- Treese Leche Cake $14.00
- Festival $14.00
Pistachio mix fruit roll cake
- Cheese Cake $14.00
Cold Drinks
- Fountain Sodas $3.50
- Fresh Lemonade with Mint $6.00
- Bottled Water $1.50
- Salam Cola $3.50
- Drink Palestina $3.50
- Orange Juice $4.00
- Cranberry Juice $4.00
- House Lemonade $3.50
- La Ziza (Non-Alcoholic) $6.00
Non-alcoholic malt beverage. Choose flavored raspberry, plain, apple or pomegranate
Hot Drinks
- Hot American Coffee $3.00
Freshly brewed Arabica coffee
- Cappuccino $6.00
- Espresso $3.50
- Double Espresso $6.00
- Arabic Coffee $4.00
Roasted coffee beans infused with a mix of fragrant cardamom
- House Made Arabic Mint Tea $3.00
Black tea & mint
The Olive Bistro Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Happy hour food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
The Olive Bistro Photos










The Olive Bistro Location
The Olive Bistro Reviews
maqlubaseasonedparkingplattermixed grillmint lemonadetipiftarappetizersfattoush
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The Olive Bistro is AMAZING! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff make you feel right at home.The food is absolutely delicious — the Maqluba was beyond amazing: perfectly seasoned, rich in flavor, and beautifully presented. Truly the best Maqluba I’ve ever had!The hookah was also fantastic — smooth, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Om Omar took care of our hookah and she was so sweet and attentive, making sure everything was just right for us. Her kindness and great service made the experience even better!If you’re looking for authentic Palestinian food, friendly staff, and a cozy place to enjoy a great meal and hookah, this is the spot. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!
September 28 · Yasmein JhuryI’m so glad I found this gem in NJ! The food is truly authentic Palestinian and absolutely delicious just off route 46 in Clifton, NJ. The magluba was perfectly done — full of flavor and so satisfying. The fattoush was fresh and crisp, and the mix mashawi was juicy and grilled just right.Portions are really generous, so you definitely won’t leave hungry. On top of that, parking is convenient. Warm hospitality (I was a bit short-tempered with the waitress earlier and felt bad about that), great food, and easy to get to — I’ll definitely be coming back!
September 14 · Nguyen Thanh TuanWe were in town for the weekend looking for authentic Middle Eastern food, and we’re so glad we found The Olive Bistro. They serve true Palestinian cuisine, and it felt just like mom’s home cooking. From the moment we walked in, we felt at home.Our party of seven was warmly welcomed by a wonderful hostess, and our server was absolutely amazing, attentive, knowledgeable, and full of personality. Honestly, the entire staff was fantastic. We even had the pleasure of meeting the owner and his father, both of whom were incredibly gracious and hospitable.Now, the food, wow. We ordered makluba (one with lamb and one with chicken), and each dish was generous enough to feed three to four people. We also tried the mansaf, my personal favorite, and it was absolutely delicious, with portions large enough to share. Every single item we ordered was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.I truly can’t say enough good things about this place. The Olive Bistro is worth every mile, and I’d gladly make the five-hour drive again just to eat here.
September 22 · Reitha AbedDon't need to think twice to come here. The food was so good, the service even better.It was our first time trying Palestinian food and we had no idea what to order. Our server was so sweet and patient with us. Huge selections on the menu. They also have big parking lots with disabled parking. Tons of seating from small groups to big parties. Definitely worth a visit!
September 08 · 3amonmondaynightThe Olive Bistro – Clifton, NJDining at The Olive Bistro Clifton was like boarding a one-way flight to the Levant — minus the TSA lines and jet lag. From the moment we walked in, the hospitality was outstanding: warm, courteous, and genuinely welcoming.🍽️ Our Table Was a Mezze Masterpiece:We started with a Mixed Cold Mezze Platter that featured their divine Hummus, smoky Baba Ghanouj, tangy Labneh, and bold Muhammara. Each dip was rich with authentic flavor and paired perfectly with their piping-hot, ballooned Fresh Baked Pita — arguably the best pita in NJ.Next came the Lahm B'ajin Flatbread (Meat Pie) and a plate of Hot Appetizers: crispy Kibbeh and golden Beef Cigars served over fresh greens and lemon wedges.🔥 Mains That Deserve a Standing Ovation:Half Rotisserie Chicken – Tender, juicy, and perfectly roasted over seasoned rice.Mixed Grill Platter for Two – A carnivore’s dream with Shish Tawook, Kafta Kebab, Lamb Kebab, and Beef Shawarma, served with rice topped with toasted almonds and red onion. Every skewer was seared to perfection and oozing flavor.🥤 Refreshments with Personality:House Special Mint Lemonade – A frosty, citrusy dream.Classic Lemonade – Clean and refreshing.Salaam Cola – A charming regional twist with nostalgic fizz.🍰 Sweet Ending:The Künefe with Ice Cream stole the show — gooey, crunchy, syrup-soaked perfection crowned with pistachios and creamy vanilla. Finished with a cup of hot, aromatic Mint Tea, it was the perfect end to a flawless meal.⭐ Final Thoughts:If Michelin gave stars for hospitality, authenticity, and wood-fired pita alone, The Olive Bistro Clifton would be glittering. Every dish was executed with care, flavor, and finesse. Whether you’re a mezze maniac or a grill enthusiast, this place is a must-visit.– Come hungry. Leave speechless. Return often.
July 20 · Asad Sheikh
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