By Brooklynn Wong
Little Arabia may just be Anaheim’s best-kept secret.
Mostly concentrated around Brookhurst and Ball, but extending outwards a few blocks in each direction, is a collection of Arab-owned businesses, among which are some of the city’s best restaurants.
In the 1990s, immigrants from Arab nations began inhabiting the area and buying businesses. One such business is The Olive Tree Restaurant, at 518 S Brookhurst St.
Established in 2006, the restaurant boasts food from Palestine, Libya, Syria, Saudia Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.
The restaurant is widely recognized as very authentic, and has been called the best Middle Eastern cuisine in Orange County more than once.
A visit to The Olive Tree did not disappoint.
On a weeknight, the restaurant was fairly empty. But don’t be fooled—during Ramadan, The Olive Tree is one of the most popular places in town. A buffet is perennially offered at that time, during iftar—the meal that breaks the fast each day after sunset. Reservations are an absolute necessity then, as the restaurant sells out almost every night for that month, with hundreds of individuals served in any given evening.
Ramadan 2019 is coming up relatively soon—beginning May 5 and ending June 4—so get in while you can.
Before your entree, you will be treated to a bowl of excellent lentil soup.
And speaking of entrees, I recommend the “Veggie Plate.” A large platter that easily serves as two meals, it is a sampler of all the best meatless Middle Eastern fare—hummus, grape leaves, baba ganoush, falafel, tabbouleh and tahini.
If you’re looking for meat, another tasty option was the Sheesh Tawouk, a chicken kebab with rice, vegetables, and a delicious lemony yogurt sauce.
There are several options, daily specials, and sandwiches to boot, if you prefer smaller, cheaper options.
The Olive Tree is open noon to midnight every day.
The prices are reasonable, but not low. Expect to pay $15-$20 for any one of the plates that makes a full meal, including a main dish and sides.
Right in the same plaza as The Olive Tree are several other options as far as restaurants go, and a Middle Eastern bakery is not far away, if you still have room for dessert.
Anaheim’s Little Arabia makes for a unique night out, and according to many, The Olive Tree is its crown jewel.
