Whenever we get into a chat about our time on Isla Mujeres, we inevitably land on the island’s excellent food quality and variety. You may be surprized that the restaurant that is sited as many of our family and friends absolute favourite is not a Mexican restaurant, but a Mediterranean one. Olivia’s Taste of the Mediterranean is a fusion of Greek, Bulgarian, Moroccan and Turkish cuisine. Almost two decades have evolved and Olivia’s has stood the test of time by continually delivering their cherished dishes in a lovely garden seating or next to an open window near the open kitchen. Everything is made from scratch daily in their kitchens and you can witness as much if you pass by their bustling kitchen on your way to or from the local’s beach.

Last year we met Lior the shared owner of Olivia. This year Yaron introduced himself to us. We have spent many happy times gathered around their largest table under a palapa in the garden.

The garden area is exquisite and we know why this place is so special to so many.

In Greece it is very traditional to start your meal with mezedes, AKA tapas. Small plates to keep you just satisfied enough until your main meal arrives. They also wake up your taste buds for what’s to come. The Greek tapas at Olivia was a lovely combination of fine feta cheese drizzled with olive oil, green olives, creamy tzatziki, an incredible eggplant and red pepper dish, and right out of the oven Parmesan bread.

For our mains we ordered the Moussaka. A layered, baked dish with ancient Middle Eastern roots, likely evolving from an Arab dish of spiced meat and eggplant. Olivia’s version is described as a traditional Balkan casserole with ground beef, eggplant and a creamy Parmesan béchamel sauce. A rich dish, perfectly complemented by the accompanying fresh tomato salad with onion and parsley. 

Next was Spanakopita, the iconic Greek spinach and feta pie, with roots in the ancient Byzantine era. Originating from a need for portable, nourishing meals for workers, it combines Mediterranean staples like wild greens, spinach, feta cheese, and olive oil wrapped in delicate, flaky phyllo dough. The Olivia version was crispy and delicious and combined the a fresh tomato sauce, hard boiled egg and house marinated olives made for the perfect bite. 

Once again dessert had to be passed up as we couldn’t justify another morsel. One of our attentive waiters (3-4 of them took care of us through our time there), offered to pack up our leftovers which I enjoyed again last evening.

There is no wonder why more and more people are enthralled with a stay on Isla Mujeres. Long standing restaurants like Olivia’s keep the throngs coming back for more.

Kath’s quote: “Greek food is not about complexity, but about a perfect balance of ingredients.“ — Diane Kochilas

Love never fails.

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