The Olive Grove, Cambridge Travel Guide

Family Heritage and Opening Story

The Kontakos family traces its hospitality roots to a village pub on Elafonisos that opened in 1936. Later ventures in Greece included Capari Suites, Kouzini restaurant and Canal Bar before the Cambridge site launched on 1 April 2013 as the first UK location. A second restaurant opened in Bury St Edmunds in 2022. The Cambridge restaurant maintains the same emphasis on simple, classic Greek and Mediterranean cooking drawn directly from island traditions.

Menu and Typical Meal Flow

Diners begin with shared meze such as tzatziki, grilled halloumi, calamari or hummus before moving to mains or street-food items including souvlaki wraps, gyros, skepasti, peinirli and mixed grill. Kleftiko appears regularly. Portions are generous. Starters range from five to nine pounds, wraps and street-food items from ten to thirteen pounds, and mains from fifteen to twenty pounds. A full bar operates alongside the food service. Visits commonly last one-and-a-half to two hours, though takeaway collection creates regular foot traffic at the entrance.

Physical Setting and Interior

The restaurant occupies the ground and first floors of a town building on Regent Street near Parker’s Piece. The ground floor contains the main dining area, bar and accessible toilet. Additional seating is reached by stairs on the first floor. The interior is fully air-conditioned with movable tables and chairs. No outdoor terrace exists at this location. The setting is a typical mid-sized urban restaurant rather than a destination venue with views.

Access and Transport Options

The site lies within easy walking distance of Market Square and St Andrew’s Street. A bus stop sits within 150 metres, served by frequent city routes including The Busway. Cambridge railway station is a six-to-seven-minute bus ride or fifteen-to-twenty-minute walk away. Queen Anne Terrace car park lies roughly 200 metres distant and includes Blue Badge bays. Street parking nearby is limited by time restrictions. A small unmarked step marks the main entrance; otherwise ground-floor access is level.

Practical Details for Visitors

Reservations are recommended at peak times. Highchairs and baby-change facilities are available. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options exist on the menu. Live Greek music nights occur periodically. The restaurant remains open daily from midday until 10 pm with no seasonal closures. Ground-floor facilities support wheelchair users, though the first floor and its toilets require stairs.