The Olive Tree in Historic Downtown Hiram

About three years ago, my husband and I quit eating meat; that means no seafood, beef, pork, chicken or any other animal. However, we still enjoy eggs and dairy products. That limits us on our dining options; especially when we want to go out with our friends who eat meat. So, now I’m on a mission to find vegetarian-friendly restaurants that my meat-eater friends will enjoy too.

Recently, I dined at the Olive Tree in downtown Hiram with my husband and parents. I was nervous about trying this location (if you’ve lived in Hiram for some time you know why). The building has housed several failed restaurants in the almost six years that I’ve lived in Paulding County; I was beginning to think the place was cursed.

We arrived at 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday. Several tables were already dining, but it wasn’t packed by any stretch of the imagination. Upon entering the restaurant, we received a warm greeting and were promptly seated. Every member of our dinner party was impressed with the Olive Tree’s ambiance.

Upon perusing the menu, I found that the vegetarian options are somewhat limited; but in the end, the food was delicious. On this trip we ordered the zaziki (in this case a cucumber and sour cream spread with spices) served with warm pita, spanakopita (a spinach-filled pastry), the Olive Tree light pasta (penne and veggies in a garlic butter sauce), eggplant Parmesan and our carnivore-friendly dish was the moussaka (an eggplant and beef casserole that my parents ordered). The restaurant also serves vegetarian lasagna, pasta with marinara, several salad options and a few other vegetarian appetizers.

Not only was the food great, but the service was amazing. Our server, Bri, was knowledgeable about the menu and patient with us while we pondered what to try. My parents, especially my father, are notorious for taking a long time to order. However, Bri never got frustrated or rushed us into making a decision. She didn’t hover, but never let our tea glasses get empty and was always prompt about clearing the dishes.

The Olive Tree has two other locations. My only complaint about this location is that it doesn’t serve the full Olive Tree menu that can be found online. Apparently, the other locations have more vegetarian options.

Overall, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy vegetarian cuisine and you can’t convince your friends to try a meat-free restaurant, the Olive Tree is definitely worth the visit.

Website: http://www.olivetreerestaurants.com/index.html

Address: 37 Beatty St., Suite 115, Hiram

Phone: 770-439-0203

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

                                                  Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

                                                  Saturday: 4 to 10 p.m.