The Olive Tree, York Travel Guide

Free Guide: Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.

A brief summary of The Olive Tree

Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.

Nestled in the heart of York at 10 Tower Street, The Olive Tree offers a refined Mediterranean and Italian dining experience. Known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and a menu inspired by the South of France, Italy, and the Mediterranean, this restaurant combines a cozy ambiance with attentive service. Its location near York’s historic Clifford’s Tower adds charm, making it a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking authentic flavors in a welcoming setting.

1–2.5 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.3 Very good · 521 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon12 pm–2:30 pm, 5 pm–10 pm
  • Tue12 pm–2:30 pm, 5 pm–10 pm
  • Wed12 pm–2:30 pm, 5 pm–10 pm
  • Thu12 pm–2:30 pm, 5 pm–10 pm
  • Fri12 pm–2:30 pm, 5 pm–10 pm
  • Sat12 pm–10 pm
  • Sun12 pm–10 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
10 Tower St, York YO1 9SA
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Take the local bus services 10 or 11 from York city center, which run every 10-15 minutes and stop within a 5-minute walk of Tower Street. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£3 one way. Note that buses may be less frequent on Sundays.

Taxi

A taxi ride from York railway station to The Olive Tree takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £6-£10. Taxis are readily available outside the station and can be booked in advance.

Walking

From York city center, The Olive Tree is accessible by a 15-20 minute walk over mostly flat terrain. The route passes through pedestrian-friendly streets, suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Discover more about The Olive Tree

A Culinary Journey through the Mediterranean

The Olive Tree prides itself on delivering a menu deeply rooted in Mediterranean and Italian culinary traditions. Drawing influences from the South of France and Italy, the restaurant emphasizes freshness with a philosophy of sourcing ingredients from the garden, sea, and field directly to the table. This commitment to quality is evident in dishes such as the Olive Tree Special Chicken, grilled tiger prawns, and seafood paella, which showcase the vibrant flavors and aromas characteristic of the region.

Atmosphere and Setting in Historic York

Situated on Tower Street, The Olive Tree benefits from a charming location close to York’s iconic Clifford’s Tower. The interior exudes a cozy Mediterranean vibe with a spacious and spotless environment, making it suitable for a range of guests including families and wheelchair users. The ambiance strikes a balance between lively and relaxed, enhanced by friendly and attentive staff who contribute to a welcoming dining experience.

Menu Highlights and Dining Experience

The menu offers a varied selection of starters, mains, and specials, including antipasto platters, crispy calamari, truffle risotto, and grilled fillet steak. Seafood lovers can enjoy dishes like seared tuna steak and king prawns Bora Bora. While portion sizes are moderate, the quality and taste are generally praised. The restaurant also caters to different dietary preferences, though vegetarian options may be somewhat limited.

Service and Guest Considerations

Service at The Olive Tree is noted for being attentive and friendly, with staff often going the extra mile to ensure a pleasant visit. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and maintains high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. It operates with lunch and evening service hours, offering flexibility for various dining occasions.

Community and Sustainability Values

The Olive Tree’s dedication to freshness and seasonality reflects a sustainable approach to dining. By prioritizing locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce, the restaurant supports local suppliers and reduces environmental impact. This ethos resonates through the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.

Notable Features and Visitor Tips

Beyond the food, the location provides scenic views of York’s historic landmarks, contributing to the restaurant’s appeal. Visitors should consider making reservations during peak times to secure a table. The Olive Tree also offers delivery through popular platforms, allowing guests to enjoy its Mediterranean flavors at home.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Dec · before 9am or from 11pm

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 40% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 60% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 70% of the busiest month
  5. May: 80% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 90% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 90% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 80% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 70% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 50% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 40% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 7am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 8am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 9am: 30% of the busiest hour
  4. 10am: 40% of the busiest hour
  5. 11am: 50% of the busiest hour
  6. 12pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  7. 1pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  8. 2pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  9. 3pm: 50% of the busiest hour
  10. 4pm: 40% of the busiest hour
  11. 5pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  12. 6pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  13. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  14. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  15. 9pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  16. 10pm: 40% of the busiest hour
  17. 11pm: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

Explore The Olive Tree on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Olive Tree, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to The Olive Tree, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near The Olive Tree

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

York
More of the city

Explore more of York

Explore York, a captivating city where medieval history meets modern charm. Discover York Minster, The Shambles, and a vibrant food scene in this must-visit UK destination.

Explore York
United Kingdom
More of the country

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to York

Discover York with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with curated tips and seamless booking options.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore York like never before with Evendo, your free, comprehensive travel guide app. Discover top attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites with ease.

  • History of York and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience York like a local
  • Easy navigation through the app and city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Imagine stepping into the historic city of York with a guide in your pocket. Evendo is designed to help you make the most of your trip by offering detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Whether you're wandering through the ancient walls of York Minster, exploring the history-rich Shambles, or indulging in a meal at the renowned Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Evendo has got you covered.

The app provides rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easy to plan and organize your trip. No longer will you have to hunt for the best spots to visit or the easiest way to get there. With Evendo, all the information you need is in one place.

York is a city teeming with history and culture. Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to dive into its Viking past or take a leisurely stroll along the River Ouse. Evendo's curated local tips ensure you experience the city like a local, whether you're enjoying the nightlife at Evil Eye Lounge or shopping at the Shambles Market.

The app also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, eliminating the hassle of multiple bookings. With features like 'Near Me,' you'll always know what's around you, and our easy navigation ensures you won't get lost in the charming streets of York.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.