The Olive (Norfolk Island)

Ahoy there! Continuing our cruise adventure, we found ourselves on the picturesque Norfolk Island, greeted by its charming small-town vibes and affordable shopping delights. After a delightful morning stroll and some retail therapy (trust us, it’s wallet-friendly here), we embarked on a quest for brunch. Lo and behold, we stumbled upon a cozy little gem known as The Olive.

The moment we laid eyes on The Olive, it felt like a slice of New Zealand had found its way to Norfolk Island. The building exuded that rustic cafe charm you’d encounter in a quaint Kiwi town. The bustling crowd of patrons further enhanced the welcoming sight, all in search of a satisfying meal – a precious find indeed on this tranquil island.

What sets The Olive apart from your typical eatery is its dual identity. Not only does it serve delectable dishes, but it also doubles as a platform for local artisans to showcase their handicrafts and products. As we perused the intriguing array of local wares, our anticipation for brunch grew.

Upon seating ourselves, the menu instantly felt like a warm embrace from home. The offerings encompassed a similar range of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, burgers, classic baked goods, and comforting beverages. It was a haven of familiar flavours and aromas, a welcome respite during our island escapade.

We commenced our culinary journey with a couple of muffins and a generous cookie. While the flavours escape my memory, a glance at our photos suggests they were almond and the other, perhaps peach or apricot. Regardless of the specifics, both muffins were a testament to baking perfection – moist, dense, and just the right size, and they are baked fresh. They complemented our long black and cappuccino beautifully, infusing our brunch with a delightful caffeine kick.

The cookie, however, deserves a special mention. Loaded with mixed nuts, it delivered a delightful fusion of chewy and crispy textures. Its substantial size only added to the pleasure of each bite, making it an irresistible treat.

Finally, our attention turned to the burger, a cornerstone of cafe cuisine. The beef burger (AU$20.00) was a symphony of flavours and textures, featuring lettuce, tomato, beetroot, cheddar cheese, onions, and barbecue sauce. Served with a side of fries and aioli, it checked all the right boxes. The patty was juicy, and the accompanying ingredients harmonized beautifully. However, the unsung hero of this burger tale was the bun – delightfully bouncy and far from crumbly, it held the ensemble together flawlessly. The fries, possibly of the frozen variety, were expertly cooked – crisp on the outside and pleasingly fluffy on the inside.

In essence, our meal at The Olive was a nostalgic journey to the comforts of home. Its unpretentious, slightly imperfect presentation added to its authenticity, reminiscent of a homemade feast lovingly prepared by grandma. The ambiance was cozy, and even with the bustling crowd, we received our food promptly, a testament to their efficient service.

Clean, laid-back, and oozing with the right vibes, The Olive offered a quintessential Kiwi dining experience on the shores of Norfolk Island. Amid the chaos of a day when a cruise ship doubled the island’s population, this charming eatery remained an oasis of hospitality and decent food. We departed with satisfied hearts and rejuvenated spirits, grateful for our discovery of this culinary haven.

The Olive
Address: Burnt Pine 2899, Norfolk Island
Phone: +672 3 24406