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Restaurant

The Olive Tree

19 Park St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Recommended by 47 people

Updated

Find The Olive Tree

19 Park St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9699 9152
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Olive Tree

A South Melbourne fixture since the early 1970s, The Olive Tree pairs honest Italian classics with char-grilled steaks in a rustic dining room of exposed brick. Run by the founder's daughters, the dining room still delivers old-school floor hospitality where multi-generational tables gather over bowls of duck risotto and stuffed calamari. Steaks like the thick porterhouse arrive char-grilled to order, notably plated with baked potatoes and vegetables rather than billed as separate add-ons. Regulars often tote their own vintage bottles—BYO wine is welcome—before finishing the night with house hazelnut gianduitto.

  • Steaks Plated with Sides: Unlike contemporary steakhouses that unbundle sides, cuts like the porterhouse arrive complete with baked potato and vegetables.
  • Decades of Family Heritage: Founded in the early 1970s, the dining room maintains genuine family-run floor hospitality across generations.
  • BYO Wine Welcome: Patrons can bring their own wine bottles to pair with prime steaks and classic Italian dishes.
RestaurantItalianRestaurant

What's On at The Olive Tree

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose The Olive Tree

Discover why Melbourne diners have returned to this South Melbourne institution since the 1970s.

  • Inclusive Sides with Premium Steaks

    Steak cuts are served accompanied by inclusive sides like potatoes and vegetables rather than being unbundled into extra charges.

    Most places charge extra for sides, but not at The Olive Tree.

    Luke Arthur

  • BYO Wine Freedom

    Guests can bring their personal wine selections to accompany their dining experience at reasonable price points.

    prices are extremely reasonable and BYO wine is permitted.

    TEBCO Electric Bicycles

  • Family Welcome Spanning Decades

    Generations of diners return for decades knowing the family-run warmth and standards remain completely reliable.

    Tarnia and Sonia (the daughters of the Founder) welcome you in like family and their service throughout the day is exactly perfect

    Mark C - Sir Lunchalot

  • Personal Care and Hospitality

    The hospitable and attentive service gives diners a reassuring, home-like comfort with every visit.

    making you feel like a valued guest every single time.

    Denno Y

  • Decades of Group Gatherings

    Long-standing friendship circles and families rely on the spacious, comfortable dining room for decades of reunions.

    We have been having our quarterly get togethers at The Olive Tree for 30 years.

    Bern OGorman

  • Multi-Generational Celebrations

    The spacious layout easily hosts multi-generational families and celebratory groups with welcoming comfort.

    family friendly restaurant which is suitable for both children and elderly.

    Cindy C Rahardjo

Traditional steaks and Italian classics executed with generous hospitality

  • Eye Fillet Steak

    Eye fillet steak was a must-have experience if you’re ever in Melbourne. Char grilled with mushroom sauce and vegetables at a quality level the likes of which you see in few restaurants these days.

    Payam Fazli

  • Rack of Lamb

    We ordered a rack of lamb and stuffed calamari (on Specials menu). The food was amazing!!

    Annette Poon

  • Porterhouse

    This was genuinely one of the best steaks I’ve ever had — perfectly cooked. The 500g Porterhouse, priced at $56 with sides included, was exceptional value.

    Luke Arthur

  • Garlic Prawn

    Garlic prawn included the highest quality of king prawn I have ever tasted in Australia, period.

    Payam Fazli

Before you head over

Practical dining tips to help you make the most of your visit to The Olive Tree.

  • Bring Your Own Wine

    Plan to bring your own special bottle of wine to pair with your char-grilled steak, as BYO wine is welcomed alongside reasonable menu pricing.

  • Included Steak Sides

    Steaks come bundled with sides such as baked potato and vegetables at no extra charge, so there is no need to over-order separate sides.

  • Bookings & Table Availability

    The restaurant can fill quickly with couples and large groups; while walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, advance reservations are advised, especially during busy seasons.

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