- Attraction: Olive & Lamb
- Location: 2424 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://oliveandlamb.com/
What happens when Persian family recipes meet the heart of Northeast Minneapolis?
You get a culinary experience that transforms a simple corner spot into something extraordinary.
Olive & Lamb specializes in authentic Mediterranean and Persian cuisine, bringing signature dishes made with the utmost passion and the finest ingredients to the University and Lowry intersection.
This isn’t your typical Mediterranean restaurant – it’s a counter-service spot that delivers recipes from the chefs’ and owners’ Persian and Iranian families.
The restaurant occupies a space that was previously home to Marina, but Olive & Lamb has completely reimagined the concept with a focus on high-quality, authentic Persian and Mediterranean flavors that go far beyond the standard gyro.
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Keep Exploring →Must-Try Menu Highlights
The Legendary Lamb Shank: This tender, flavorful masterpiece arrives as a sizable portion that’s spectacularly prepared. Served bone-in with rich broth, rice, and salad, it’s tender meat that falls right off the bone. The dish has developed such a following that customers frequently request its return when it’s temporarily unavailable.
Sambosa Perfection: The vegetarian sambosa features a delightful mix of potato, onion, and herby oregano at just $5. What makes it truly special is the accompanying green spicy sauce that customers describe as “life changing”. These golden, crispy triangles pack incredible flavor and represent exceptional value.
Kabob Excellence: Persian cuisine truly shines through their kabobs, which many consider the best in the Twin Cities. The beef-and-lamb kabob is generous enough to serve two people for just $15, while the presentation features multiple skewers arranged on a wooden structure over a large dish of rice.
Outstanding Gyros: Multiple visitors praise the gyros as some of the best in the Twin Cities, featuring delicious meat and bread with fresh quality greens and ripe tomatoes. The gyro wraps are particularly popular for being less messy than traditional pita versions.
Falafel Done Right: These aren’t ordinary falafel – they’re traditional, fluffy, herby fried balls of ground chickpeas, served five for $5. Customers consistently rate them as some of the best falafel and hummus anywhere.
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Discover MoreUnique Flatbread Experience: The flatbread impresses with its great texture and satisfying crunchiness, topped with gyro meat, tomato, onion, olives, feta, and mozzarella cheese.
Appetizers and Small Plates
Creamy Hummus: House-made hummus arrives creamy and rich, served with warm pita bread. This authentic preparation showcases the restaurant’s commitment to traditional preparation methods.
Spanakopita Excellence: Their version of Greek spinach pie features flaky, crispy pastry with creamy, rich spinach filling for $6. The contrast between the crispy exterior and smooth interior creates a perfect bite.
Roasted Eggplant Delight: The excellent roasted eggplant salad gets topped with a fried egg and served with pita bread. It’s perfectly sized for sharing among four people and offers a wonderful introduction to Persian flavors.
Atmosphere & Dining Experience
Converted Character: The restaurant occupies a beautiful old converted building that’s nothing fancy but creates an authentic, welcoming atmosphere. The space feels very spacious and bright, making it comfortable for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners.
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Keep Exploring →Counter Service with Heart: While it’s counter-service, the experience feels warm and personal rather than cold and workmanlike. You order at the counter, but the team brings your food directly to your table when ready.
Spotless Environment: The restaurant maintains exceptional cleanliness standards, with consistently clean dining areas. This attention to detail extends throughout the entire space.
Neighborhood Gem Feel: This is the kind of place you’d want to visit multiple times a week if you lived in the neighborhood, but it’s also worthy of being a destination spot. The atmosphere transports you from Northeast Minneapolis to a taste of Persian culture.
Other Considerations
Exceptional Value: The pricing at Olive & Lamb represents outstanding value for the quality and portion sizes. Items like the sambosa at $5 and falafel at $5 for five pieces offer incredible bang for your buck. Even substantial entrees like the beef-and-lamb kabob at $15 provide enough food to share.
Convenient Parking: On-site parking is available, which is a significant bonus in the Northeast Minneapolis area where street parking can be challenging.
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Discover MoreMultiple Service Options: Whether you prefer dining in, takeout, delivery, or even curbside pickup, Olive & Lamb accommodates various preferences. They’re available on major delivery platforms for home dining.
Dietary Accommodations: The menu caters to different dietary preferences with vegan, vegetarian, halal, and healthy options. Rice bowls provide excellent alternatives for those who prefer not to eat pita.
Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant works well for families, with generous portions that can easily be shared and a casual atmosphere that welcomes all ages.
Quick Service: Despite the high quality, service remains fast and efficient, making it perfect for lunch breaks or quick dinners.
Olive & Lamb
📍 2424 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
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