Why Locals Love Wild Olive YYC
Wild Olive YYC is a vibrant Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Calgary’s Marda Loop neighborhood, offering an authentic taste of the Levantine culinary tradition in a warm and welcoming setting. At 2409 33 Ave SW, this gem impresses with its handcrafted dishes that celebrate the fresh, wholesome flavors of Mediterranean cooking, executed with heartfelt care and expertise by a dedicated mother-and-son duo.
The menu at Wild Olive YYC reads like a loving tribute to Lebanese home cooking, featuring an array of enticing pies, mains, and salads that beckon the senses. Start your culinary journey with their flaky, golden Za’atar flatbread, infused with thyme, sesame, and sumac—a perfect harmony of earthy and zesty notes. Or try the Sfiha, an open-faced pastry generously topped with spiced beef and ripe tomatoes, delivering a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. The Cheese pie, layered with three different cheeses and fresh herbs, offers a creamy, comforting bite, while the Spinach and Chicken pies each bring unique bursts of lemon and garlic-laden richness that make every morsel memorable.
For mains, the Kafta Bil Sanieh stands out as a must-try dish: fragrant grilled kebabs resting on a bed of roasted potatoes and stewed tomatoes, accompanied by tender rice that soaks up every luscious drop of tomato sauce. The vegetarian-friendly Moussaka invites you to savor eggplant, chickpeas, and tomatoes simmered slowly in quality olive oil, creating a dish that’s both hearty and soul-soothing. Meat lovers will delight in the expertly grilled Beef with Rice, paired with roasted vermicelli, or the delicate Sayadieh, a spiced fish preparation that sings with coastal Mediterranean charm. The Fasoulya, kidney beans simmered in a garlic tomato sauce, further demonstrate the kitchen’s skill at elevating simple ingredients into unforgettable meals.
Complement these rich entrees with fresh, vibrant salads that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful. The Fattoush salad provides a refreshing crunch with crisp vegetables and toasted bread tossed in a tangy sumac vinaigrette, while the Tabbouleh captivates with its bright parsley, bulgur, tomato, and lemon embrace, all delicately kissed by olive oil. The Mediterranean Bean Salad and classic Greek Salad round out the offerings, each bursting with freshness and Mediterranean authenticity.
What truly elevates the dining experience at Wild Olive YYC is the palpable passion and hospitality permeating the space. Reviewers frequently praise the attentive service and the genuine enthusiasm of the staff, especially owner Salwa, whose warmth and generosity make every guest feel like part of the family. The intimate, cozy atmosphere—a reflection of the home-cooked meals they serve—invites you to linger over plates bursting with layers of flavor, crafted with traditional techniques and fresh ingredients.
Patrons often highlight the freshness and authenticity of the food, with many calling the Greek salad, falafel, and tabbouleh some of the best in Calgary. The Kibbeh Bil Sanieh, a rich and perfectly spiced dish, earns special mention for its comforting depth of flavor. Regulars rave about the white kidney beans and express a heartfelt connection to the kitchen’s hospitality and authenticity, making Wild Olive YYC a cherished destination for locals craving genuine Lebanese fare.
In essence, Wild Olive YYC invites you to a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean flavors, where every bite tells a story of tradition, love, and exceptional culinary craft. Whether you’re new to Lebanese cuisine or a seasoned aficionado, this restaurant promises a deeply satisfying, soul-nourishing feast that will keep you coming back for more.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Free parking garage
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 16, 2026
We ordered takeout from Wild Olive today and everything was absolutely delicious! The flavors were fresh, authentic, and beautifully done. The Greek salad, falafel, and tabbouleh were easily the best I’ve ever had — so flavorful and perfectly prepared. The Kibbeh Bil Sanieh was incredible as well, rich and seasoned just right. You can really tell that care and quality go into the food here. We’ll definitely be ordering again. Highly recommend!
- Mar 7, 2026
I already know this place is going to be a regular spot for me, while most of the food in Marda Loop is good, this place is on another level entirely. Try their white kidney beans, try anything, its all incredible. The staff is also so kind and open, the woman serving us genuinely seemed excited for us to try the food, and offered us samples when we were unsure what to get. Love it, so excited to try other things next visit.
- Mar 2, 2026
We were a hungry family waiting at the light entering Marda Loop when we noticed this restaurant. We could park behind in the alley and went in unsure of exactly they serve. The kind owner explained the Lebanese food, we were only a little familiar, and made a quick sample plate to help decide which turned into a wonderfully satisfying meal.
- Jan 28, 2026
Unbelievable food! You have to go!! I couldn’t get over how tasty the dishes were. What a wonderful duo; mother and son. Mom making the food, and son serving the dishes. I am so lucky to live close by and I’m very happy there is somewhere worth going out for dinner again. I wish I had some pictures. I had the vegetarian dish (Musakaa). Just crazy good.
- Jan 17, 2026
If you’re looking for delicious and truly authentic Lebanese food, Wild Olive is a must-visit! The food is made fresh on the spot — you can taste the love and tradition in every bite. It reminded me of homemade meals that bring comfort and joy. A special shout-out to Salwa, the wonderful owner! She is the sweetest and most welcoming person you’ll ever meet. Her generosity and kindness make you feel like you’re visiting family, not a restaurant. Whether you’re craving real Lebanese flavors or want to discover something new, Wild Olive is the perfect place. I highly recommend visiting and experiencing this warm, home-cooked goodness for yourself!
- Dec 22, 2025
Mouth watering home cooked Lebanese dishes! We had the most authentic Lebanese food at this family owned restaurant. We were so happy with the service and the whole experience. Well worth the visit! We will be back dining there again for sure!
- Dec 1, 2025
If you haven't tried the newly opened Wild Olive restaurant in Marda Loop, you definitely must! It is a refreshing change of cuisine from the usual. Furthermore, the food is actually home cooked and more than a feeling! The hostess is the super sweet, warm and charming lady who puts in just that little extra to make you feel at home with a flair of Beirut. I have tried two dishes so far: a fish dish called sadiyeh and a beef dish (I forget what it is called) and I am definitely going back for more! To my delight, they sell homemade baba ganoush too! I would hate to see this place go out of business due to lack of foot traffic! Please support this local restaurant so others can get a taste of Lebanon in the middle of Calgary!
- Nov 27, 2025
I found this amazing new restaurant in Marda Loop where the owners were warm and inviting, and the food was off the charts, amazing! They’ve only been open a short time, but as a former business owner and foodie, I want to spread the word and make sure this business is beyond successful! Fresh ingredients… Cooked by mama… Lots of vegan and vegetarian options as well as delicious meat dishes (enjoyed by others at the table). If you know it, how chickpeas are cooked you’ll understand the work that goes into making these fresh dishes. Sneak peek, the hummus is made from scratch. No can opener needed If I can sweet-talk the owner into making a dairy free rice pudding, she will see me every week. Lunch is slow right now, so take advantage of the opportunity to pick up or dine-in, in the afternoon. I watched them handle a rush for dinner and it was service with a smile. They are not cutting corners so please be patient. If you want to grab something, they have a grab and go cooler OR phone ahead if you’re in a rush. Come as you are to this little gem. Lots of the construction is clearing out, but if you can’t find parking on the street, WILD OLIVE has parking behind the restaurant. Welcome to the neighborhood. Mediterranean food so close to home… I feel blessed. PS. I saw some posts about their lack of presents on social media. I understand that’s how the world moves quickly. This restaurant has put their energy, time and resources into amazing food, and with word-of-mouth, they can continue making quality food that tastes incredible! You know how fast bad news travels… Let’s see how fast good news travels. I dare you. Rayna
