The Olive Bistro Launching Meze and Wine Bar Concept Across From Joe’s On Juniper

Husband and wife owners Sari and Kay Masri are expanding the popular Mediterranean cafe into their 'dream restaurant.'

UPDATE (October 11, 2018): The Olive Bistro in Midtown Place Closes, Will Reopen Nearby As Expanded Concept

Sign up now to get our Daily Breaking News Alerts

Opt out at anytime

The Olive Bistro, an Atlanta staple since 1997, is opening a third location but expanding on the popular casual cafe concept.

Husband and wife owners Sari and Kay Masri have inked a deal to launch The Olive Bistro Meze and Wine Bar at 1075 Peachtree Street in the 12th & Midtown development.

Situated in suite 4 on Juniper Street “directly across from Joe’s on Juniper,” The Olive Bistro Meze and Wine Bar is a “dream restaurant” for the Masris.

“We have always wanted a true meze/wine bar,” Kay Masri Friday told What Now Atlanta in a telephone interview.

“We opened in [Little Five Points] in 1997 and quite frankly scaled back on authentic dishes as people were still unaware in Atlanta of authentic Middle Eastern [cuisine] in early 2000. Now, the global palettes run wild in beautiful Atlanta and we want to embrace our roots with meze, international wines, liquor, aperitifs, and brunch.”

The nearly 1,900-square-foot space will be “bigger than what we’re used to but still intimate,” utilizing a larger kitchen to expand the menu and libations offered.

Additional entrees and kabobs will be added to the menu and a full bar will offer an extensive wine list, craft beer, and liquor.

“Our goal is to create something like you would find in Tel Aviv or Morrocco.”

The Olive Bistro Meze and Wine Bar won’t strictly offer Middle Eastern eats but rather Mediterranean across the board, according to Masri.

For example, some menu ideas were “picked up in Greece,” and the couple’s summer trip to Tel Aviv will inspire the beverage program.

There could be an outdoor area with seating as well, but those plans are still being discussed and finalized.

Complimentary two-hour parking will be available, but “we want to encourage people to walk, bike, scooter, or ride-share.”

“Walk in, sit in the lounge, the bar, have a meze and a wine or a beer or cocktail, and just sit and enjoy the afternoon on Juniper.”

The Olive Bistro is currently in the permitting process with the City of Atlanta, and if all goes according to plan, Masri hopes to open October 1.

“We’re never going to be the largest restaurant group in town but we don’t want to be. We’re hands-on and will always be.”

Existing locations of The Olive Bistro are in the Midtown Place shopping center and Vinings.

The Olive Bistro - 1075 Peachtree Street
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Gmail
Photo: Google | Graphics: What Now Atlanta
Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

2 Responses

  1. I don’t understand the popularity of this place. The food is mediocre at best and is more of an American understanding of the good than anything authentic. There are much better options for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.

    1. Best hummus I’ve ever had. I can’t name another place in Atlanta better than this it’s all chains and like you said “American takes” on middle eastern food. Olive bistro is definitely not that especially with the chef being for the Middle East, most authentic in the city.

Leave a Reply to Ken Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Search