Black Olive Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
The Black Olive is widely recognized as a premier Greek Fish Tavern, famous for its commitment to organic ingredients, traditional Mediterranean preparation, and exceptional whole seafood. While there are smaller regional restaurants and pizza shops that share this name, this guide focuses on the comprehensive Black Olive menu found at the iconic Baltimore casual-fine dining destination. In this guide, you will find estimated prices for their famous "Market Price" seafood, calorie insights, and a breakdown of their most popular items to help you plan your visit.
Whether you are organizing a high-end dinner featuring fresh-caught whole fish or seeking a lighter Mediterranean lunch, we cover everything you need to know. This includes value picks, allergen information for those with dietary restrictions, and essential ordering tips. Please keep in mind that menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and daily seafood market conditions.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
The Black Olive specializes in traditional Greek mezedes (appetizers) and charcoal-grilled whole fish priced by the pound. Calories are not officially published, but the menu heavily features lean proteins and heart-healthy olive oil.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Black Olive Menu Prices
The following Black Olive menu prices are estimates based on available menu research and standard market averages for fine Mediterranean dining. Because their signature seafood is fresh-caught and flown in, the most prominent items are listed at Market Price (M.P.) and vary daily.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Octopus | Mezedes (Appetizers) | $22.00 - $28.00 | Not published | Sharing / Starters | Sliced with olive oil and red wine vinegar |
| Kalamari | Mezedes (Appetizers) | $16.00 - $20.00 | Not published | Seafood fans | Available grilled or lightly fried |
| Traditional Dips | Mezedes (Appetizers) | $10.00 - $14.00 | Not published | Vegetarians / Value | Tzatziki, Taramosalata, or Melitzanosalata |
| Saganaki | Mezedes (Appetizers) | $15.00 - $18.00 | Not published | Cheese lovers | Kefalograviera cheese flambéed tableside |
| Spanakopita | Mezedes (Appetizers) | $12.00 - $15.00 | Not published | Lighter starter | Spinach and feta baked in phyllo dough |
| Village Salad (Horiatiki) | Soups & Salads | $15.00 - $18.00 | Not published | Gluten-Free / Vegetarians | No lettuce; features tomatoes, cucumbers, feta |
| Black Olive Salad | Soups & Salads | $12.00 - $14.00 | Not published | Side salad | Signature greens with house dressing |
| Avgolemono Soup | Soups & Salads | $8.00 - $10.00 | Not published | Comfort food | Traditional chicken, lemon, and rice soup |
Signature Whole Fish & Entrees
Note: The Black Olive is famous for its "Fish Display," where guests select fresh fish flown in from the Mediterranean. These items are typically sold by the pound at Market Price.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branzino (Loup de Mer) | The Fish Market | Market Price ($38-$48/lb est.) | Not published | First-time visitors | Mild, flaky Mediterranean white fish |
| Black Sea Bass | The Fish Market | Market Price ($42-$52/lb est.) | Not published | Rich flavor seekers | Lean with a firm texture |
| Red Snapper | The Fish Market | Market Price ($45-$60/lb est.) | Not published | Sharing | Sweet, nutty flavor profile |
| Grilled Lamb Chops | Land Entrees | $40.00 - $55.00 | Not published | Meat eaters | Marinated in herbs; served with potatoes |
| Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes | Land Entrees | $45.00+ | Not published | Local Maryland flavor | Usually served with seasonal vegetables |
| Vegetarian Platter | Land Entrees | $25.00 - $30.00 | Not published | Plant-based diets | Roasted vegetables, beans, and grains |
Popular Menu Items
When dining at a true Greek Estiatorio, certain dishes stand out as cultural staples. The most popular items on the Black Olive menu combine simple preparation with incredibly high-quality ingredients.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Octopus | Considered the "gold standard," it is slow-cooked until tender and finished over charcoal for a smoky char. | Usually a fixed appetizer price | Check official nutrition source |
| Whole Grilled Branzino | The signature experience. The fish is shown to the guest, grilled whole, and expertly filleted tableside. | Varies by Market Price per pound | Check official nutrition source |
| Village Salad (Horiatiki) | A traditional, authentic salad that avoids lettuce in favor of vine-ripened tomatoes, block feta, and extra virgin olive oil. | Usually a fixed price | Check official nutrition source |
| Grilled Lamb Chops | For those preferring land-based protein, these are legendary for their herb marinade and wood-grilled finish. | Usually a fixed price | Check official nutrition source |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Whole Grilled Branzino
This is the quintessential Black Olive experience, offering mild, flaky white fish enhanced perfectly by charcoal grilling, olive oil, and lemon.
Traditional Dips Trio
Ordering a selection of authentic Greek dips with fresh pita is a cost-effective and highly flavorful way to start a group meal.
Vegetarian Platter & Mezedes
By ordering multiple appetizers (Mezedes) and the Vegetarian Platter, families can share a wide variety of flavors family-style without the high cost of individual seafood entrees.
Village Salad (Horiatiki)
Rich in flavor but naturally lower in heavy carbohydrates, this salad relies entirely on fresh produce, quality feta, and olive oil.
Grilled Octopus
Consistently praised in visitor reports, the smoky char and tender texture make this a must-order appetizer for first-time visitors.
Tableside Fish Filleting
While not an item itself, the option to have your chosen whole fish fully deboned and filleted tableside ensures a perfect, customized dining experience.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
While The Black Olive operates in the casual-fine dining space, there are strategic ways to enjoy their exceptional Mediterranean fare on a budget.
If you are looking for a more traditional, budget-friendly family meal rather than high-end Greek seafood, you might explore the Italy's Best Pizza menu or browse casual Italian options like the Italiano Ristorante Bethpage menu and the Ray's Italian Bistro menu. However, if you are committed to the Black Olive experience, use these value tips:
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mezedes (Appetizers) Spread | Ordering 3-4 appetizers to share instead of large entrees provides variety and controls the total bill. | Premium appetizers like Jumbo Shrimp can still run high. | Focus on dips, Spanakopita, and side salads. |
| Lunch Specials (When Available) | Lunch menus often feature smaller portions or items like Lamb Sliders and Fish Sandwiches at much lower prices. | Lunch hours and availability vary by season. | Call ahead to confirm if a specific lunch menu is currently active. |
| Shared Sides | Traditional sides like Horta (steamed greens) and Lemon Potatoes are generously portioned. | They don't include protein. | Order one Market Price fish and 2-3 affordable sides to split between two people. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
The Black Olive does not currently publish official calorie counts or a nutritional guide for its menu. Because the menu is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet, it inherently features many health-conscious elements, though portion sizes and specific cooking methods will impact actual calorie counts.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Grilled Fish | Excellent source of lean protein and Omega-3s. | Low-carb, high-protein diets | High (Based on standard preparation) |
| Olive Oil & Dips | Rich in healthy, monounsaturated fats, but high in calorie density. | Heart-healthy eating | Medium (Exact amounts vary) |
| Saganaki & Phyllo | Fried cheeses and butter-layered phyllo dough will be the most calorie-dense items. | Indulgent cheat meals | High (Based on traditional recipes) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Navigating allergies at an independent, scratch-kitchen restaurant requires direct communication with your server. The Black Olive accommodates many diets naturally, but cross-contact is always a potential risk.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Most grilled meats, fish, and salads are naturally GF. | Avoid pita bread and phyllo-based dishes (Spanakopita). Request salads without croutons/pita. |
| Seafood & Shellfish Allergy | The entire kitchen and grill handle heavy volumes of fish. | The risk of cross-contact is extremely high at a Greek Fish Tavern. Speak to a manager before ordering. |
| Dairy-Free | Feta cheese and yogurt-based Tzatziki are prevalent. | Most salads and grilled items can easily be prepared without cheese if requested. |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Look for the Vegetarian Platter, traditional dips, and Horiatiki salad. | Vegans should ensure no feta or honey is used in their specific order. |
Special Menu Sections
Drinks and Wine List
The Black Olive is celebrated for its extensive and award-winning wine list.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Wines | Rare Mediterranean varietals like Assyrtiko and Moschofilero. | Prices vary widely by bottle/glass. | Pairing with fresh seafood. |
| Signature Cocktails | Mediterranean twists on classic drinks. | Standard fine-dining bar prices. | Pre-dinner celebrations. |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This guide is specifically designed for readers who want to plan their dining experience effectively:
- Diners preparing for Market Price: People who want to understand how whole fish pricing works before they sit down.
- Health-conscious eaters: Readers comparing the Mediterranean diet options available.
- Couples and groups: Those looking for the best shared appetizers and value tips for fine dining.
- People with dietary concerns: Diners who need to know about GF options and seafood cross-contact risks.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most of your visit to The Black Olive with these practical ordering strategies.
- Visit the Fish Display before ordering. Don't just order blindly from the menu. Ask your server to walk you to the ice display to view the daily catch and select the exact size and type of fish you want.
- Always ask for tableside filleting. If you aren't comfortable navigating fish bones, the expert staff will gladly debone and prepare your whole fish at the table.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Because fresh seafood fluctuates based on market conditions, daily prices will vary.
- Make a reservation in advance. As a popular destination in a busy district, walk-in availability can be extremely limited, especially on weekends.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. While this restaurant doesn't publish calorie counts, always communicate severe allergies directly to the chef due to the shared kitchen environment.
- Watch for delivery markups. If ordering through third-party apps like DoorDash or UberEats, expect menu prices and service fees to be notably higher than dining in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Black Olive have a menu with prices?
Yes, most appetizers, salads, and land entrees have fixed prices on the menu. However, their signature whole seafood is listed as "Market Price" (M.P.), meaning it fluctuates daily based on seafood market costs.
How much does a whole fish cost at Black Olive?
Depending on the species (like Branzino or Red Snapper) and the weight of the fish, expect to pay roughly $38 to $60 per pound. A typical whole fish for one or two people can easily range from $50 to over $100.
Where can I find calories for the Black Olive menu?
The Black Olive does not officially publish calorie counts for its menu items. Diners tracking macros should rely on standard estimates for grilled seafood, olive oil, and Greek sides.
Do prices vary by location?
Yes. It is vital to note that "Black Olive" is a common restaurant name. The famous Greek Fish Tavern in Baltimore will have completely different menus and higher prices than a regional "Black Olive Pizza" or neighborhood grill.
Does Black Olive have an allergen menu?
There is no separate, published allergen menu. Guests with severe allergies, especially to finfish or shellfish, must speak with the kitchen directly to assess the high risk of cross-contact.
What are popular items on the menu?
The most popular dishes include the Charcoal-Grilled Octopus, Whole Grilled Branzino, the traditional Village Salad (Horiatiki), and the Herb-Marinated Lamb Chops.
What are the best things to order?
For a complete experience, start with a trio of traditional dips and the grilled octopus, followed by a whole Mediterranean fish chosen from the ice display and filleted tableside.
What are the cheapest/value items?
The Avgolemono soup, simple side dishes like roasted lemon potatoes, and shared vegetarian appetizers are the most budget-friendly options on the menu.
Is there a kids menu?
There is no formal, printed kids menu. However, fine dining establishments of this caliber can usually accommodate children with simpler requests, such as plain grilled chicken or pasta, if you ask your server.
Is there a dress code for The Black Olive?
The dress code is generally considered "Casual Elegant." While formal wear is not required, most guests opt for business casual or smart evening attire.
Can I order online for delivery?
Yes, takeout and delivery are available through their website or major third-party delivery apps. Keep in mind that delicate items like whole grilled fish are generally best experienced fresh in the dining room.
Are delivery prices different?
Yes, if you use third-party apps like UberEats or DoorDash, you will likely encounter inflated menu prices, service fees, and delivery charges compared to dining in or picking up directly.
Conclusion
The Black Olive menu offers an authentic, premium Greek culinary experience centered around fresh, organic ingredients and expertly grilled seafood. While "Market Price" fluctuations mean your final bill can vary, understanding the menu structure-from shared Mezedes to tableside-filleted whole fish-ensures you get the most value out of your visit. Whether you are navigating a gluten-free diet or simply looking for the best grilled octopus in town, planning ahead makes all the difference.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
