The Olive Branch

"We had been put off coming here because of a pretty weird online war between the current and former owner. But one of the boys wanted to try their pasta, so we gave it a go. Food was good. Service was wonderful. We started with the meze platter- it was good. Boy #1 had eye fillet and veges - quite salty (hence 4 stars), but perfectly cooked steak. Boy #2 had the shrimp papadelle - he was happy. I had the deep fried Camembert entree as a main - it was good. We finished with tiramisu, which everyone enjoyed. All in all, a solid effort - and good value. Best part of the dinner was the great service."

"I wii start by saing i give credit where credit is due and if i dont like something i will approach the staff and not be a troll. What a great find for a local. The steak was cooked to perfection and the chicken cutlet was super moist with the acomping mash potatoe and carrots just exceeded my expectations. Our lovely waitress Sarah was attentive and was always checking on us without hovering. We where pleasantly surprised that 2 main 2 desserts along with a bottle of red a beer and a cocktail only came to $175. Will I recommend this to people I know.. Heck Yes."

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely incredible dining experience at Olive Branch Whakatāne! From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere. The food was next-level delicious! We shared wood-fired pizzas that had the perfect crisp base and toppings full of flavour. The fresh fettuccine was cooked to perfection — rich, silky, and bursting with freshness. And the garlic wood-fired bread? Unreal. Soft, smoky, and perfectly paired with olive oil for dipping. Everything tasted authentic and made with real care. You can tell this place puts passion into every plate. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an unforgettable meal in Whakatāne. We’ll definitely be back!"

"A true culinary gem in Whakatāne. Olive Branch stands as the finest Mediterranean restaurant in town, where every dish reflects exceptional quality and care. The pasta mains were outstanding — each component unmistakably fresh, from the vibrant herbs to the rich, flavourful sauces. The pizzas achieved that perfect balance of texture and taste: crisp yet tender bases, topped with fresh, premium ingredients that brought every bite to life. Dessert was an experience in itself — the tiramisu was faultless, light and indulgent, while the strawberry cheesecake was pure class, easily among the best you’ll find anywhere. Olive Branch delivers refined Mediterranean dining with authenticity, freshness, and heart — truly the finest restaurant in Whakatāne."

"We had dinner on New Year’s Eve and it was good, just what we needed, having a 7months old baby with us (high chair available and ready at the table)! Very nice set up, clean and tidy, pleasant music, friendly and kind people (it’s run by a brilliant family), good salad and wood fired bread, pizza and calzone. (They make their own dough). Very reasonable prices. We will be back."

"The Olive Branch in Whakatāne is hands down one of my favourite spots! My friends and I hit their $12 cocktail happy hour, and it was a total win… I recommend the Negroni and espresso martini The vibe is warm, stylish, and super welcoming—the perfect place to chill and catch up. The open kitchen is spotless, which adds to the whole relaxed feel. The service was next level—friendly, personal, and made us feel really looked after. Booking was a breeze, and the food portions were generous, so we all left happy. If you’re after amazing cocktails, great food….wood fire pizza and a place with a welcoming atmosphere, The Olive Branch is the place to be. Highly recommend!"

"Absolutely love this place! We had the paella, a melt-in-your-mouth scotch fillet with veggies and red wine jus, and finished with the best cheesecake - everything was absolutely delicious! The staff were so friendly and welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. Such a great local spot we’ll definitely be back to"