Dig in for pizza, Thai dishes

A chef displays pizza.

What you need to know:

  • YUMMY. Olives Italian Kitchen & Bar is definitely on the money when you want good pizza and a treat of authentic fare
  • For taste buds: The menu reads like a dream and one is never left in doubt that they are in for a treat of authentic fare
  • Main item and recommends: Pizzas are their main thing and the Olives special pizza that is served with spicy tomato sauce, mushrooms, fresh basil, black olives, onions and jalapeno peppers is to be recommended

I have fond memories of Olives in Centenary Park when I remarked on how they had the potential to be a first rate eating joint; and in terms of food and general set up, they scored full marks. However, the service seemed to be their Achilles heel, a matter that has since been remedied and not a moment too soon. Their present address is more upmarket and offers easier access though not as centrally located as before.

For taste buds
The menu reads like a dream and one is never left in doubt that they are in for a treat of authentic fare. It is always handy to have the Italian translation into English so that one need not ask the hired help the meaning of the word Bruschetta bread (fresh tomatoes, garlic and olive oil on toasted bread) or penne Arabiiata (pasta penne served in a rich tomato garlic and chili sauce).

Main item and recommends
Pizzas are their main thing and the Olives special pizza that is served with spicy tomato sauce, mushrooms, fresh basil, black olives, onions and jalapeno peppers is to be recommended. Less fancy is the Roma pizza. If you are not up to pizzas, then check out the their Thai menu that features noodles and tofu. Not forgetting the squeamish punters who are very contented with a tilapia filet in tomato sauce served with mashed potatoes.

The service has vastly improved and their pizzas are very good and Olives is definitely on the money.

If you go…

Our rating: Worth a visit
The Place Olives Italian Kitchen & Bar
Address: Plum opposite The Surgery, Naguru Kampala
The Space: An improvement from Centenary Park
The Crowd: Expats as well as the hoi polloi Ugandans
The Bar: Coke/Fanta, coffee and wine
Recommended dishes: Pizzas are very good not to mention the spinach and ricotta cannelloni
The damage: At least Shs 50,000 for a decent meal and a couple of sodas
Sound level: Good
Parking: Available
Daily specials: Ask the waiter
Smoke free zone: Not allowed
What we liked: The pizzas are definitely worth the wait
If you go: Daily for lunch and supper

NOTE: Ratings: Not to be missed, worth a visit, OK/so so, don’t waste your time. These ratings are purely the reviewer’s personal reaction to food, ambience and service factoring in price. The menu listings and prices are subject to change.