Brittany B.
Yelp
Oh I love a good first impression and Fig & Olive did not disappoint. Following the surprise that the restaurant is attached to the Galleria, we were offered complimentary champagne, and amazing service upon entry while waiting for our table. As a party of 8, we were seated in semiprivate room facing the Galleria (not ideal but you can tell they're making an effort to conceal this) with a virtual fireplace gyrating on the television.
Our waitress was attentive and kind.
The bathrooms were clean, and luxurious.
But as we waited for the remainder of our party, the illusion began to fade.
First, somehow, somewhere in the restaurant was a constant beeping. This was not a "I didn't change the smoke alarm" beeping, or "food is ready in the kitchen" beeping but some unidentified, every 10 minutes or so , immediately takes you out of the fantasy of a luxury dining experience beeping.
Secondly, the restaurant was near empty during brunch hours...odd for sure, but no sweat, maybe it's a hidden gem.
Third, the offerings. We ordered the mimosa carafe with pomegranate, orange pineapple juice and apple cider. The idea is fantastic. We were not recommended two orders. For eight folks it included one very VERY "affordable" bottle of champagne.
My cucumber cocktail was premixed (not ideal), but strong (ideal).
Although it's understandable that the brunch menu is designed to honor the South of France, the portions per the price were surprising, in the worst way, even for the gaunt eaters of the group.
*the Mediterranean dips sharing appetizer (on the for the table menu) is likely designed to be shared between 2. No more than 3. It would be appreciated if this could be communicated to parties when they inquire about shareable appetizers. My assumption that a menu titled "For the table" would comfortable feed more than two, but I suppose I should have asked.
*the Yellow fish Tuna Carpaccio ($24)- whoop whoop, an appetizer that can be shared between more than 2 folks. Under salted, but otherwise delicious, flavorful, and texturally.
*Lemon ricotta pancakes- arrived too thick and overworked. 4 members of the party ordered the dish. 2/4 thought their entree was undercooked, turns out they were stuffed with lemon ricotta. Additionally, if you plan to order, know that this is not a sweet entree, and likely not designed to fill. We did not find out until our dishes arrived, and we inquired about the size and seemingly raw center.
While I love the tapaesque concept, we just wish the portion sizes and important notes of each dish ("would you like to order another, you mentioned this us for sharing, it's designed to feed x people" or "that dish is popular, it's a small portion, most people order it with or "just so you know this pancake is filled, it may look raw in the center, but I'm actually it's cooked to temp and what you see is the filling", we're communicated as it's not evident from the menu or the pricing.
As a cherry on top, two waiters who were not assigned to our section used our section as an escape room to text while avoiding the eyes of management...they literally behaved as if we were not sitting there dining. This is the first time in a long time, I've felt in more ways than one like an invisible diner.
Unfortunately at this pricepoint, the bulk of our experience was underwhelming, but I wish them the best, and hope this was a one off. Everyone is entitled to an off day now and again.