The Wee Olive Renfrew lunch review by Robert Blair

Our core team of Robert and Paul visit The Wee Olive to find it is serving up some of the most unique and tasty cuisine anywhere in the region

When you think of the town of Renfrew, you perhaps don’t assume that it’s going to be a hotbed of authentic Syrian cuisine. Yet courtesy of The Wee Olive on Canal Street, that’s precisely what it has become. 

When viewing the premises, husband and wife duo Lynsey and Tarek said they “could feel a good vibe” as they came in and that’s apparent from the minute you cross the threshold. 

Inside The Wee Olive, photo ©Mill Magazine

Airy, adorned in flowers and bustling with positive energy, The Wee Olive feels like a place that is made for not only the consumption of a spectacular meal, but to instil a sense of belonging and community in those who take the trip. 

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While the friendly service is ultimately an excellent feather in their cap, it would all be for naught if the food wasn’t exceptional. Thankfully, that isn’t a concern here from the very moment that they delivered a tantalising mezze plate in front of us. 

Following a very rewarding dalliance with their homemade hummus and olives, Paul is soon enraptured when he locks eyes with what is known as the ultimate shawarma. A mighty wrap complete with peri peri fries and a side of hummus and salad, I could very clearly see he was astounded before he even opened his mouth to praise how each aspect works in perfect harmony. 

The Ultimate Shawarma, photo ©Mill Magazine

As if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, our hosts pulled out all the stops and provided us with two dishes apiece. Next up for Paul was the lahm’majun, which came complete with flatbreads, Scottish ground beef, Middle Eastern spices and a whole lot more. As he savoured every bite, Paul knew he should’ve stopped but he physically couldn’t permit himself to leave any. 

Syrian Eggs, photo ©Mill Magazine

Soon, I’d find myself in a similar predicament. Beginning with Syrian spiced eggs, it’s no exaggeration when I say this is a dish I have found myself frequently pining for since. 

Next, I tangled with a hot honey halloumi flatbread that bustled with flavour and ensured I was more than satisfied by the time I eventually threw in the towel. 

Inside The Wee Olive, photo ©Mill Magazine

With every dish cooked from scratch, it was all so good and fresh that even the salad dressing is worth writing home about. Following a round of cakes, Paul also savoured an oat milk latte with rose that he was very enamoured by, claiming it was like nothing he’d had previously. 

If you’d like to get a little taste of the Middle East on an afternoon in Renfrew, there is truly nowhere that’s doing it with the authenticity and quality of The Wee Olive. 

The Wee Olive, 21 Canal Street, Renfrew PA4 8QE, 0141 316 0872. Instagram.