Although in the heart of student land, this delightful restaurant caters for all ages. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere in this down lit and candled eaterie, with what I can only describe as semi-booths covered in striped upholstery, and plain dark wood tables running along the high windowed wall and in the remainder of this (kind of!) L-shaped room. It has exotic flower displays here and there and original artwork on the subdued coloured walls.
While reading the menu, we were served with gorgeous fresh bread, green olives and a dish of peppery olive oil, along with a jug of water with sliced lemon and lime. There was the choice of a set dinner menu of £17.95 for two courses or £19.95 for three, but we decided on the à la carte as over all the prices were good.
My starter was pan seared ox tongue with horseradish crème fraiche. The meat was tender and beautifully cooked; the horseradish crème fraiche was sharp and piquant. My dining chum chose the veggie platter that comprised North African cous cous, flat bread, hummus, tzatziki, olives, falafel, tomato and harissa sauce. This was a generous and flavoursome serving with a fine variety of textures and flavours. My choice was linguine with grana padano and the sauce of the day, which was mushroom and rosemary. Without being overwhelming, the herb was clearly in evidence in the sauce, all of which was mopped up by the delicious toasted garlic bread.
Although we were both full, we were tempted by the pudding menu and opted to share the rhubarb jelly with raspberry and elderberry compote and vanilla ice cream. The rhubarb flavour was clear and tangy, and the compote and ice cream gave just the right amount of sweetness after a satisfying meal.
I have dined at Pink Olive on several occasions and have never been disappointed by their inventive, varied, fresh and delicious meals. Staff are relaxed, efficient and unobtrusive. About 10.30 as we were about to leave, two late diners arrived and were welcomed in as the kitchen was open. Now that’s impressive after serving a busy restaurant on a Saturday night! A special lunch deal is available at £7.95 and £9.95 for two and three courses respectively.