Welcome to Olive Cafe
At Olive Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in Kansas City, the essence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine comes to life. Drawing on cultural roots, this charming establishment offers a delightful fusion of flavors, highlighted by their renowned hummus and perfectly grilled kabobs. Guests rave about the spacious, inviting ambiance reminiscent of a country grocery store, where the aromas of spices and grilled meats beckon. With attentive service and hearty portions, each visit promises both satisfaction and authenticity. Whether enjoying a gyros platter or indulging in housemade pita, Olive Cafe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports diners to the heart of the Mediterranean.
- 9530 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134 Hotline: (816) 763-0009
Welcome to the Olive Cafe, a delightful gem nestled at 9530 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134. This quaint cafe encapsulates the heart and soul of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, offering a cozy ambiance reminiscent of an old-fashioned grocery store. As you step inside, the aroma of spices wafts through the air, beckoning you to explore an array of authentic dishes that promise to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Lebanon and beyond.
Olive Cafe stands out not just for its food but for its warm, hospitable service. Customers like Craig P. have noted the attentive staff, making you feel right at home. Whether you're dining alone or with friends, the cafe creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages you to linger a little longer.
- Signature Dishes: The highlight of Olive Cafe includes their tantalizing Gyro Platter for just $13.99, served with your choice of soup or salad, and the mouthwatering Chicken Kabob Platter at $14.99. Don't miss the expertly seasoned Lamb Chops available for $19.99, a dish that patrons rave about for its rich flavor and tender texture.
- Wraps and Sandwiches: For those on the go, the Chicken Shawarma Wrap at $11.99 is a crowd favorite, perfect for a satisfying meal without the fuss. The Hummus Gyro, Hummus Chicken, and other delightful combinations are also priced at $11.99, each served with fresh pita.
- Grocery and Community Feel: The cafe doubles as a grocery store, offering a selection of Middle Eastern staples such as canned hummus, olives, and unique spices. It’s a place where you can not only dine but also shop for authentic ingredients that inspire your own culinary adventures.
What truly sets Olive Cafe apart is its unwavering commitment to freshness and authenticity. Patrons like PattyJo Samira E. rave about the hummus being the best in Kansas City, while the lentil soup offers a taste of home for those familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine. The cafe embraces a casual vibe, making it an ideal spot for a laid-back outing; just keep in mind that it's not a formal sit-down restaurant.
As you navigate through this charming establishment, keep an eye out for their homemade pita bread, a delectable addition to any meal. The cafe’s outdoor and indoor seating also allows for enjoyable dining experiences in various settings, whether you prefer the fresh air or the cozy indoors.
In summary, Olive Cafe is more than just a restaurant—it's a community hub for lovers of Middle Eastern food. With generous portions and fair prices, it’s a place where you can savor every bite and leave with not just leftovers but also a newfound appreciation for authentic cuisine. If you find yourself in South Kansas City, consider stopping by this oasis of flavor. You'll likely agree with Thomas R. that it’s worth the trip, no matter how far you have to travel.

Really enjoyed the Olive Cafe. Great food and attentive and hospitable people working there. It feels like an old fashioned country grocery store. I enjoyed a Gyro plate. Give it a try!

The food was delicious and portions were plentiful. You will definitely take left overs home to enjoy later. Service was quick and polite.

When I say I've eaten and hundreds of middle eastern restaurants, I mean it. And this is by far my favorite, the chicken and the the hummus are perfect. Come and you will not regret it

Great place to try. I've never been to Lebanon, but I'm guessing this is very much what the country would feel like. The ambiance is that of an old grocery store in a poor country. Service was good and friendly. The food is very good. Sandwiches were good. The baba ganoush was excellent.

I've been to almost every middle eastern place in KC, and I've yet to find a place that can top the consistently delicious offerings of Olive Cafe. They have THE BEST hummus and baba ganoush in the city. Their meats are all delicious, so whether you get the entrees or sandwiches, they are tasty. I'm not a fry person, but their fries are amazing. Their lentil soup is also delish and takes just like what I had in Egypt & Morocco. Their prices are fair, and bonus, you can shop their grocery while you wait. There is inside/outside dining but it's not posh, very hole-in-the-wall-esque. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is often there's a long wait, and the staff aren't always as customer-centric as we are used to. It's a KC must try.

My favorite place to shop and dine in the go. The god odd delicious and every Thursday they will have fresh lamb to buy if you are a meat lover. It has various spices and the guys are always happy to help you find something

Food taste, quality, authenticity- 5,5,5! Lentil soup is REAL Middle East lentil soup, first I've found in KC. Atmosphere and ambiance- Arab Gulf local neighborhood type cafe/grocery. Staff- quick to warm up and share a smile. Value for money- top marks here as well. Only problem- 26 miles from my house! If you like or love Middle East food put Olive Cafe on your list to go out of your way for. I doubt you will be disappointed.

If you're looking for a solid Mediterranean joint in the South KC area, look no further. Whenever I'm craving a good hummus and chicken shawarma combo, this is the place I go! While it's definitely not a nice "sit-down restaurant" (I would not recommend this place for a first date), they do offer both outdoor and indoor seating. They also serve and sell their own housemade pita bread. They USED to offer a lunch buffet, but post-covid it doesn't look like they plan on bringing it back anytime soon.

Olive cafe is an amalgamation of a great Middle Eastern grocery store and the buffet. The store offers staple Middle Eastern products like canned hummus, olives, mango juice etc. and the buffet offers the freshest food you'll ever eat! From fresh salads to the canned apricots and pineapple in syrup served in the buffet, everything was top notch! Here's my observation with regards to the- Food: 1. Chicken kebabs were soft, flavorful and delectable. 2. Hummus, salads, pita, falafel- delicious! 3. Lamb shanks, chicken legs- delicious to the core, perfectly cooked with herbs and spices. 4. All veggies- eggplant, zucchini, fries- Delicious! 5. Lentil soup and clove flavored rice- what a combination! Perfect food for soul! Please do try this combination. 6. Chicken kofta- Oh so yummy and not chewy at all! Ambience etc: 1. You enter the cafe and head straight to the buffet area on your right. 2. Clean store and extremely well setup buffet area with spacious seating. 3. Food is self service ofcourse and you eat in high quality disposable plates. The cutlery is disposable too but it's of a high quality so the plastic doesn't crack on you while you eat. 3. You pay at the counter after you're done and leave with a full tummy and a happy pocket! I loved eating here and will return soon.

To echo everyone else's reviews, do not judge this one by the exterior, especially at night. Located toward the back of a really small strip of shops, you really have no reason to be in the area, unless you're coming here. The signage from the street is so faded that you could drive right by it. I did. We went for dinner around 7pm. You order at the counter and wait at the tables in the back. In between the two areas is the grocery portion of the store. The owners are from Palestine and they were patient with us asking questions about the menu. After we ordered, we wandered the aisles. I saw some items that reminded me of my trip to Turkey, such as the raw honeycomb and rose water flavored Turkish delights. The food was on point, but almost too salty. The saltiness didn't really become an issue until afterwards. There was so much food! Unless you're a very hungry athlete or a superhero a la the first Avengers, you will have leftovers.