Olive You Need Is Sea: Where Mediterranean Bites, Breezy Vibes, and Skyline Sights Come Together for a Waterfront Experience That’s Fresh, Flavorful and Totally Fort Lauderdale.

September 27th, 2025

🌊 Olive & Sea: Mediterranean Flavors with a Waterfront Vibe

Perched atop the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Olive & Sea takes guests on a flavorful mini Mediterranean getaway. The rooftop looks out over the Intracoastal with boats drifting by, the Fort Lauderdale skyline in the distance and a vibe that is effortlessly lively but never over the top.

Our server, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable woman, guided us through the menu with stories and recommendations that made it feel like a curated tour of the menu. Her along with other staff members had us at “hello,” and by the end, we were hooked on every dish that was suggested.

🥗 Mezze and Sides That Pop

We kicked things off with the mezze. Freshly baked kasha bread arrived with creamy baba ganoush, tangy labneh, smooth hummus, and cool tzatziki, alongside marinated red peppers and olives. Every vibrant bite hit just right and tasted absolutely fresh and full of flavor.

The sides kept the energy going. Falafels were crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, paired with tahini and a bright Israeli salad of cucumber, tomato, charred jalapeños and parsley. The subtle heat from the jalapeños was a welcomed complement, never overpowering. Each of my colleagues had a personal favorite side, but mine was the Fried Brussels sprouts, which were tossed in a screamingly tasty harissa chili oil, but with a touch of yogurt to cool things down. Also, Fried artichokes were a crowd-pleaser as a citrusy, crunchy delight thanks to lemon-preserved aioli and a sprinkle of sumac. Each plate was colorful, bold and totally Instagram-worthy.

🍤 Mains That Make Waves

Chef Yair Acevedo brings Mediterranean classics with a modern twist, all featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood and ethically chosen spices. The Faroe Island Salmon was seared to perfection, served with roasted potatoes, tahini yogurt, citrus-pickled cucumbers, and crisp shallots. The Seafood Pasta combined clams, shrimp, and sausage in a saffron clam broth with linguine, with the smoky chorizo adding just the right pop.

The Fattoush Salad brought crispy pita, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions tossed in bright sumac dressing and finished with creamy avocado. Lamb Kafta Skewers were packed with savory flavor, and Chicken Skewers marinated with za’atar and garlic delivered all the Mediterranean vibes.

🍕 Pizza Worth the Hype

We were too full to try the pizzas ourselves, but our server spilled the tea—they are a big deal. The Short Rib Pizza layers tender short rib, pickled onions, and a drizzle of harissa aioli for a savory kick. The Golden Cheese Pizza balances roasted nuts, truffle, and goat honey in a sweet and savory flavor mashup. It’s clear these pies are crowd favorites. You could say the buzz around them is off the crust.

🍰 Sweet Finishes

Dessert was a no-brainer. Baklava was flaky, nutty, and perfectly sweet, while pistachio gelato added a creamy, refreshing counterpoint. Every bite felt like the perfect Mediterranean mic drop.

🌅 The Olive & Sea Experience

Every dish is plated with care, finished with sprinkles of sumac, mint, or Mediterranean spices. The combination of rooftop views, lively ambiance, and attentive service makes Olive & Sea more than a meal—it’s a full-sensory experience.

Olive & Sea is open for breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Friday and Saturday until 11:00 PM. Find it at 1881 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, adjacent to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 954-527-6716. Follow @OliveandSeaFTL on Instagram and Facebook for daily specials and seasonal dishes.