Discovering Urban Olive Mediterranean in the Heart of Raleigh
Nestled in the vibrant landscape of downtown Raleigh, Urban Olive Mediterranean stands as a welcoming destination for those seeking the authentic, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean region. Located at 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, this establishment has become a notable part of the local culinary scene. The restaurant prides itself on creating an atmosphere that balances modern urban sophistication with the warm, communal spirit traditionally associated with Mediterranean dining. Whether you are a local resident navigating the bustling streets of North Carolina’s capital or a visitor exploring the historic charm of the area, the restaurant offers a space where quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation take center stage.
The philosophy behind Urban Olive Mediterranean is rooted in the belief that food should be both nourishing and celebratory. By focusing on the foundational elements of Mediterranean cuisine—fresh produce, high-quality olive oils, lean proteins, and aromatic herbs—the kitchen team aims to provide a dining experience that feels both familiar and refined. The interior design reflects this ethos, utilizing clean lines and an inviting layout that encourages guests to slow down and enjoy their meals. It is a place where the pace of city life seems to soften, allowing the focus to shift entirely to the plate and the company at the table.
In an era where dining out often feels rushed, Urban Olive Mediterranean strives to maintain a sense of intentionality. The menu is crafted to highlight the diversity of the Mediterranean basin, drawing inspiration from various coastal traditions while maintaining a cohesive culinary identity. Every dish is approached with a commitment to consistency and flavor balance, ensuring that the essence of the region is captured in every bite. For those who appreciate the intersection of culture and gastronomy, this location serves as a bridge between traditional Mediterranean heritage and the contemporary palate of Raleigh.
Key Highlights of the Dining Experience
Commitment to Fresh Ingredients: The kitchen emphasizes the use of seasonal produce and high-quality staples, ensuring that the natural flavors of the Mediterranean are preserved and highlighted in every preparation.
Atmosphere and Design: The restaurant features a thoughtfully designed space that blends urban aesthetics with a relaxed, welcoming environment, making it suitable for both casual lunches and more intimate evening gatherings.
Focus on Culinary Heritage: By drawing inspiration from the diverse traditions of the Mediterranean, the menu offers a curated selection of dishes that honor time-tested cooking techniques while appealing to modern tastes.
Prime Downtown Location: Situated at 500 E Davie St, the restaurant is easily accessible to those working or visiting the downtown Raleigh area, providing a convenient yet distinct escape from the surrounding city activity.
Beyond the food itself, the experience at Urban Olive Mediterranean is defined by the hospitality extended to every guest. The staff is dedicated to maintaining a professional yet approachable demeanor, ensuring that the service complements the quality of the cuisine. This attention to detail is what helps the restaurant stand out in a competitive culinary market. It is not merely about serving a meal; it is about contributing to the social fabric of the neighborhood by providing a reliable and enjoyable space for people to connect over shared plates and conversation.
As the culinary landscape of Raleigh continues to evolve, Urban Olive Mediterranean remains steadfast in its dedication to its core values. The restaurant continues to refine its offerings, always keeping the guest experience at the forefront of its operations. Whether you are looking for a quick, healthy lunch option during a busy workday or a relaxed setting to unwind after a long afternoon, the doors at 500 E Davie St are open to provide a taste of the Mediterranean. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-executed food that brings people together in the heart of the city.
Ultimately, Urban Olive Mediterranean invites you to explore a menu that celebrates the richness of Mediterranean culture. By prioritizing quality, atmosphere, and a genuine passion for hospitality, the restaurant has established itself as a meaningful part of the Raleigh community. We look forward to welcoming you to our table, where the focus is always on providing a memorable and satisfying dining experience that reflects the very best of our culinary inspirations. Come visit us in downtown Raleigh and discover why our approach to Mediterranean cuisine continues to resonate with so many in the local area.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Live music
Rooftop seating
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Salad bar
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
On-site parking
Usually plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Menus
Photos
Reviews Urban Olive Mediterranean
Yaakov Bressler
30-05-2026
Delicious food, warm energy, great service. Super vegetarian/vegan friendly.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Stephen Davis
30-05-2026
Excellent customer service, and amazing food to match! I highly recommend giving them a shot if you are in the area. More
Courtney Bland-Fowler
30-05-2026
I absolutely love the vibe here. The team is amazing and they seem to work really well together. The food is absolutely delicious and fresh. The food display proves that. I will definitely come back. More
Saied B
30-05-2026
Got a Steak Bowl , to break my fast today. The bowl was only filled half way(would recommend at least give more rice ), The steak wasn’t great ,was chewy, tough. On a positive note I would give is the side ingredients in the bowl(sauces and … More
Tyler Likus
30-05-2026
WOW! This was my first ever experience eating anything close to this and it was PHENOMENAL. Not only was the food top tier, but each employee I interacted with was SUPER kind and beyond helpful. 10/10 would definitely recommend to anyone and will be going back!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Jake T
30-05-2026
Amazing food and amazing staff. Mo made sure to take care of us and our food. I highly recommend trying this place out!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Chip Darnell
30-05-2026
There's a REASON these reviews are so good. The food ROCKS and the care shown by this family-run business shines through. Shout out to Alex who I had to call after my experience to tell him how great everything was. This time it was my son and I but next time my wife's definitely going to check this out with me. 🙂
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Ibtisam Zatari
30-05-2026
The food was delicious at the Urban Olive Mediterranean. Great authentic Mediterranean food with a big selection on the menu. The menu has vegetarian dishes and Reasonable prices. The service is superb. Staff are friendly and provide great customer service. Always smiling and very accommodating. Cleanliness is amazing. Definitely will be our routine restaurant outings.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Ruby Mendoza
30-05-2026
I ordered from their catering menu for our son's 2nd birthday and I was blown away with their service to say the least! Everyone loved their food and asked where I had catered from. The food was ready for us on time, everything was packaged so nicely, and of course the food options were delicious! They even cut the kabob's in half to make them more party-friendly. I will definitely be catering food from them in the future.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel P.
30-05-2026
Great food! I had to get second because my family ate half my food. 🤣 It was that good.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Cher A (CherA)
30-05-2026
Love having fresh and healthy choices at the Transfer Co Food Hall. The falafel appetizer was exceptional and paired well with the gyro platter that came with Urban rice and 2 sides. Loved having choices of sides so had the Hummos and Tabouli but look forward to going back to try more items.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Large vegetarian selection
The Housekeeper
30-05-2026
I don’t normally make things five stars but this place deserves it.
Urban Olive absolutely blew us away. It’s tucked inside a really cool food hall, … More
Michelle Misavage-Jones
30-05-2026
I did a large take out order. Everything was ready on time and correct. They were very helpful getting everything to my car. The food was delicious!! More
Louise Farmer
30-05-2026
This place is great! I've had four different entrees and enjoyed them all. Delicious fresh food and beautiful presentation. The staff are friendly and helpful. More
Jim Burnette
30-05-2026
Delicious food snd great service. Everything is fresh and served up with a smile! We’ll be back soon! More
Holly Bergen Weiss
30-05-2026
We enjoyed our dinner here yesterday! They were very nice and the food was good. We got the falafel bowl, yum!!! The falafel was really good! Gluten free as well!!! It’s inside a food mall that was very cozy and had a nice vibe. More
Ahmed Alimami
30-05-2026
our new favorite Mediterranean spot in town. Everything is fresh, healthy, and flavorful. Wonderful food and great service will definitely be back soon More
Maria Cortese
30-05-2026
This was my first time here and it was amazing! I’m Lebanese so I know good Mediterranean food. The service was great as the gentleman taking my order was very friendly and attentive, answering all my questions! And the food came out fast. 10/10! More
Yaakov Bressler
30-05-2026
Delicious food, warm energy, great service. Super vegetarian/vegan friendly.
Food: 5…
More
Lori Murphy
30-05-2026
They are the kindest people in the world, especially to someone who can't always make up her mind, and their food is insanely good! This is the second time that we have eaten here and everything that we have ordered for the family has been … More
king fuad
30-05-2026
Urban Olive is hands-down the best restaurant in downtown Raleigh right now. The food is incredibly fresh and authentic, the prices are actually reasonable for the quality you get, and the customer service makes you feel like family. I’ve … More
Reviews Urban Olive Mediterranean