Olive Thyme, a slight play on words is designed around the true Turkish Culture of bringing people together to enjoy amazing flavours matched with hand selected locally sourced and boutique wines.
About Us
Get to know more about us and you will start to enjoy dinning even more
Discover
Our Philosophy
Just like its proud owners Olive Thyme is where Turkish tradition meets modern inspiration and thinking to bring you the best of both worlds served with our warm Turkish Hospitality.
Meet us
About
Sibel
Sibel is the true inspiration behind Olive Thyme, with a keen eye for antique collectable pieces and an enthusiast interior designer you can certainly see the subtle touches and her stamp throughout the venue.
Migrating from Ankara with her family (a rather large one), Sibel’s food journey started around turkish cuisine thanks to her father’s restaurant in Wellington New Zealand and her mothers passion to feed people.
Her experience in several boutique restaurants in Wellington enhanced her food and wine knowledge. Sibel has furthered her studies with a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management with a focus on front of house service.
Cold windy Wellington nights are believed to be the driving force behind Sibel’s mature palate, she loves a glass of red wine. Sibel is never one to cut corners she has dedicated time travelling and enjoying many wine region experiences across New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
Sibel has melded her traditional family and community values to bring her guests an authentic heartfelt dining experience at Olive Thyme.
Sibel
Restaurant Owner
About
Yalcin
Yalcin’s passion for food started early in life back in Ankara working for authentic restaurants serving the traditional foods of Anatolia to the biggest food critics known to mankind (the Turks!)
He later moved to New Zealand to reunite with his high school sweetheart who had migrated few years earlier (there is an amazing love story here maybe Yalcin can share with you over a Turkish Coffee).
Yalcin was one of the first pioneers bringing the Turkish cuisine to the land of the long white cloud, specifically Wellington.
In his time in Wellington he worked front and back of house for two of the most successful Turkish restaurants, while continuing to invest in his own development with successful completion a Bachelors of Tourism & Management.
With a young family it was time to enjoy the sunshine and Brisbane is now home, moving across the ditch in 2003 he has owned and operated a food establishment concentrated on Turkish Cuisine.
Passion to learn and grow is what drives Yalcin, he spent months touring every corner of Turkey ( Gaziantep for baklava, Bursa for iskenderoglu, Kayseri for manti, Hatay for muammara and humus) to taste and learn the unique traditional methods from its origin that he brings to your table today coupled with his strong interest in sustainable food and studies in permaculture and organic growth.
Yalcin
Restaurant Owner
Client Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it – here’s what our clients say:
There is just no words to simply define this restaurant! It definitely is a must see and do experience! I cannot even compare it to any of the other Turkish restaurants in Brisbane as the quality of service, food and ambience of Olive Thyme is second to none! It’s a beautiful fine dining experience however it also makes you feel so at home! The menu is extremely creative and the staff are incredible with their service! Definitely something Brisbane has needed for a very long time and safe to say they delivered above and beyond! You truely need to experience it for yourself to understand this review!!
Sheb Yanik
Customer
OMG this place. You need to go here if you love great food and good service! I took my wife here for her Bday dinner, words can not describe the service or the well cooked dishes to perfection. This is a real review and you need to go check this revamped restaurant out ASAP! Dont stress about the back pocket to much the menu is reasonably priced and the setting is perfect for any occasion! Thankyou very much to the staff and in particular the manager and owner for making my wife’s meal memorable! Namaste & Much love
Zeno Chimalli
A perfect Turkish experience. The food was to die for. The staff and owners are so passionate about their menu & restaurant. We were made to feel right at home from the moment we entered. If you are looking for authentic Turkish in Brisbane then don’t go anywhere else, this is your spot! Thank you for having us! We will be back!!
Ben Michalke
Incredible! Absolutely delicious food and very friendly staff. Even though we arrived on a busy Saturday night they were more than accommodating and squeezed us in. A thoroughly enjoyable dining experience from start to finish. We will be back soon!
Caitlyn Pollard
Make sure you go in a group and share, because you will want to try everything! I shared a wonderful lunch on Saturday in this beautiful restaurant; lovely, elegant surroundings, amazing food and excellent service. A wholly enjoyable dining experience!
Chrissy Russell
We went with a small group of friends. Our food was delicious, service was fantastic and always with lovely smiles. One of our friends has major food intolerances and she was looked after so well and with consideration to her restrictive diet. We were very impressed with this as the hostess really went out of her way to make sure she did not have anything in her chosen dish that would not suit her. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting a cosy atmosphere, friendly service and delicious food! Great night out.
Sandra Greenwood
What an experience. The food was of excellent quality and taste. Really large portions and delicious. The staff were incredible, attentive and polite. The owner is passionate about her culture and it really shows. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant.
Danielle Barry
Wow !! What an experience starting with warm welcome by Gracious Host Sibel and ending with Delicious rice pudding. We were genuinely delighted. Food, service and yes the fresh decor all very impressive. Shall definitely let friends know and will come back often with friends and family. Thank you Sibel & Team for the exceptional experience.
Oz Udz
The best Turkish real traditional food I’ve ever tasted in Brisbane! The Lahmacun is the bomb with the correct ingredients, first time I’ve ever came cross a restaurant doing the right way, and not copying like others.. Highly recommend to visit and try the best traditional food and deserts. The service is spot on and kindly people with lots of smiles 🙂