The Green Olive Brings Strong Mediterranean Flavor

What the ratings suggest

The Green Olive carries an impressive 4.8 Google rating from more than 700 reviews, a strong signal that most diners leave satisfied. Public feedback consistently centers on flavorful Mediterranean food rather than polished surroundings. Its moderate price classification also positions it as an everyday meal option rather than a special-occasion restaurant.

The available reviews describe a small, casual operation where food quality does most of the work. Diners praise the restaurant enthusiastically even when calling the ambience merely adequate. That distinction matters: The Green Olive appears best approached as a compact neighborhood spot for a satisfying plate or a takeout order, not as a roomy destination for an extended group dinner.

Food earns the strongest marks

Falafel, fries, gyro meat and hummus all receive positive mentions. One diner found the falafel good and compared the fries favorably with California-style fries, while also singling out the accompanying guacamole-style sauce. Another praised the gyro meat and hummus. Broader comments describe the cooking as fresh, flavorful and attractively presented.

Vegetarian choice is another useful advantage. One reviewer specifically noticed a good selection of meat-free options during an initial visit. Although the sample feedback does not provide enough menu detail to identify the full vegetarian range, falafel is a clearly mentioned place to start.

Consistency may not be perfect. One diner reported a good first experience followed by a disappointing second visit, without providing enough detail to isolate the cause. Even so, the overall Google score and volume of reviews suggest that positive meals substantially outnumber the misses.

A small room with mixed service notes

The restaurant’s size is the clearest practical limitation. Multiple reviews characterize it as small, and one diner chose takeout because the room felt crowded. A party of 13 found the setting unsuitable for a large group and reported a stressful ordering process, confused orders and an initially unwelcoming interaction at the counter.

Smaller parties appear to fare better. Other reviews describe the service as great, attentive and knowledgeable, with staff helping diners understand the menu and checking on the table. Taken together, the feedback points to a team that can provide warm, capable service under normal conditions but may be strained by a sudden large party.

There are also some concerns about upkeep. One reviewer noticed stained ceiling tiles and other visible maintenance issues. That does not appear to have diminished the praise for the food, but diners who prioritize a polished dining room should set expectations accordingly.

Best way to try it

The Green Olive looks most dependable for solo diners, couples and small families seeking casual Mediterranean food. Takeout may be the better choice during busy periods or for anyone sensitive to tight spaces. One reported order took about 25 minutes, so it may not always function as a quick grab-and-go stop.

The strongest first order from the available feedback would center on falafel or the gyro plate, with hummus or fries alongside. The room and service receive mixed notes, but the food and 4.8-star public rating make The Green Olive a compelling Des Moines option for a straightforward Mediterranean meal.