Olive Branch Delights Cape May Diners

After a brief hiatus, brothers George and Argie Mallous returned to Cape May County’s dining scene last year with this popular Greek eatery in Villas.

STYLE

Modern Mediterranean taverna offering fine dining at moderate prices with an extra helping of hospitality. Family owned and operated, this is not the opa-shouting, plate-smashing Greek restaurant you may have seen in movies. It’s a warm and calming retreat that invites conversation and camaraderie.

THE SCOOP

The departure of brothers George and Argie Mallous from the Pier House in 2019, after 18 years of co-owning the restaurant, left a gaping hole in Cape May’s dining scene. Their return with Olive Branch in April of 2020—even though initially offering just takeout and outdoor dining—gave locals a lift. Indoor dining began in the spring of 2021.

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THE MENU

Greek classics, featuring one soup, four salads, a dozen appetizers and 10 meat or fish entrées. Top three guest favorites are the feta-and-summer-watermelon salad; fire-grilled lemon-oregano octopus sourced from the Mediterranean; and slow-braised lamb shank with rice pilaf and feta. We also recommend the chicken avgolemono soup with rice, lemon and egg; and the pork-tenderloin kebob with marinated onions and peppers.

HEADS UP

This popular restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so come early for dinner (like, 4:30) or around 7:45. The outdoor terrace fills up first, and becomes more festive after dark when strings of lights add to the ambience. Inside, the round table in the rear dining room is the choice for families.