A new family-owned restaurant has arrived in West Allis and is already settling into the local food scene.
Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill opened its doors in February and to celebrate its arrival, the restaurant held a grand opening celebration March 30.
Here’s what to know about Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill.
What is Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill?
Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill is a family-owned halal restaurant offering a mix of Mediterranean and American-style dishes, with a focus on fresh, made-to-order meals.
Owner Ali Najjar said the idea for the restaurant came after years working in the food industry, combined with a passion for hospitality and family traditions.
“As a family, we grew up eating Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food,” Najjar said in an email interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Olive Flame was created as a way to share those same comforting, home-style meals with the community.”
Mixed grill platter with grilled meats, rice and pita is served at Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill in West Allis.
Where is it?
The restaurant is located at 1119 S. 108th St. in West Allis, about two blocks north of Greenfield Avenue.
Najjar said the family chose West Allis because of its welcoming and supportive community.
“We wanted to be part of a city where people appreciate small, family-owned businesses and where we could build real connections,” he said.
What are the hours for Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill?
Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Grilled chicken served over rice is pictured at Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill, 1119 S. 108th St., in West Allis.
What’s on the menu?
The menu blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, with strong influences from Levantine cuisine.
Popular dishes include chicken shawarma, chicken shish tawook and beef kofta kebabs, along with sides like hummus, baba ghanoush and Mediterranean salad.
All meats served at the restaurant are 100% zabiha-halal, and dishes are made fresh to order using traditional spices and cooking methods.
Najjar said the restaurant specializes in shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish consisting of marinated meat that’s roasted and stacked in a cone shape on a vertical rotisserie.
A full menu can be found here.
What makes Olive Flame different?
In addition to its halal offerings, Najjar said freshness and family tradition are at the center of the restaurant.
Everything, from seasoning blends to grilling methods, reflects how meals are prepared at home.
“Being a family-owned business, we take pride in creating a personal connection with our customers,” he said.
The interior of Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill is shown in West Allis.
A takeout spot with a personal touch
While primarily a takeout-focused restaurant, Olive Flame aims to provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for guests.
“We want every customer to feel welcomed, appreciated and taken care of,” Najjar said. “Most importantly, we want the food to feel like a home-cooked meal − something people can look forward to coming back to.”
More than just a restaurant
For Najjar and his family, opening the restaurant represents years of hard work and a long-term dream.
“It’s more than just a restaurant,” he said. “It’s a way for us to share our culture, our food and a piece of our home with the community.”
For more information on Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill, visit oliveflame.square.site
Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Olive Flame-Mediterranean Grill opens in West Allis
Dining and Cooking