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The Olive Bar
Category: Food Specialty Food Specialty Food [Edit]
232 E Campbell AveCampbell, CA 95008
(408) 370-1901
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 11 am - 6 pm
Thu 10 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 7:30 pm
Sun 8:30 am - 3 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for The Olive Bar
Review Highlights
"They also have Balsamic Vinegars too."
(in 15 reviews)
"...while at the Campbell's Farmers Market and was very happy I..."
(in 6 reviews)
"The oils are delicious and I am hooked."
(in 24 reviews)
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Paige B.
San Jose, CA
9/22/2011
The people who work here are so friendly. You get a discount when you bring back your bottles to be refilled. Taste the olive oils to really get an idea of the different types that are out there. They have some amazing ones to try. I also love their flavored balsamics (fig and blueberry are favorites!).
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Review from J n B G.
Los Gatos, CA
10/13/2011
Let me explain the rating:
5 stars for product / selection: the balsamic vinegars available here are incredible. We always purchase our balsamic vinegar from The Olive Bar (the blackberry ginger is our favorite, but they're all worth trying). Seriously, you'd be hard pressed to find better balsamic vinegar elsewhere.
2 stars for sales tactics: getting miked up and repeating the same phrases over and over ("extra vir-JOHN-ee olive oil!;" "free Sunday communion right here folks!") at the Sunday farmer's market is totally obnoxious. The very worst, however, is when the owner disappears into the store to sweet talk an interested customer, but DOES NOT TURN THE MIKE OFF!! Everyone at the farmer's market is treated to the trite conversation going on inside. I suspect most market shoppers don't notice because they make their purchases and move on. I, however, enjoy making small talk with some of the vendors, and the repetitiousness of the owners's sidewalk pitch gets annoying after a while. I feel sorry for the market vendors who are located right next to this particular store.
Get rid of the mike and I'll gladly bump my star rating to 5. -
Review from Alan M.
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you want one of those olive oil / vinegar glass cruets where the vinegar part is shaped like grapes (and who doesn't?)... well you're in luck here, as there is quite the selection. Also a number of different flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars (the fig and the other one with ginger were pretty good). Coconut oils too.
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Review from Bob L.
Portland, OR
3/26/2011 1 photo
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Olive Bar
232 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 370-1901
This is where I buy, order and have shipped the high end olive and truffle oils we use in the kitchen. The fig and raspberry balsamic vinegars are impeccably delicious. There is nothing better than to dip real bakery bread in olive oil and balsamic vinegars. It's also a good health habit to eat a piece of whole grain bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before having a meal to help with the digestion of sugars. Often I have two or three cloves of raw garlic with dinner since I'm not as big a fan of vitamins like some.
Mozel a presto! -
Review from Darren T.
Orange, CA
10/26/2010
This place has no alcohol, not that kind of bar.
I love to cook, and having the right oil can make the difference. This place has a selection of oils and Balsamic vinegars in all kinds of flavors. I picked up the Tuscany oil, which makes my chicken parm all that much better. Want to make a great homemade dressing, check out their pairing list, and sample as much as you like. The people there are great, and care for their customers. -
Review from Matilda P.
Campbell, CA
6/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I love the balsamic's from the Olive Bar. I have tried several, mixed with Olive Oil to make salad dressing and bread dips- much more tastier than any dressing I can buy, and healthier! I'm not a olive oil snob, so I just buy organic olive oil from Whole Foods - it's cheaper ;)
* Fig goes good with every salad I've made
* Strawberry and Pomegranate work well with Spinach
* Peach is sweeter, and doesn't taste good when used with oil for a bread dip.
Staff is very friendly and helpful. Bring back your bottles for a re-fill and it's a dollar cheaper :) -
Review from Teri C.
2/6/2009
Driving around the Downtown Campbell area and I was intrigued by The Olive Bar. The Husband initially didn't know what to think, but in the end, I had to drag him out!
And like everyone says, Ed and his wife are really the friendliest people, very down-to-earth and really get to know you. (It would definitely be one of our favorite neighbor stores if we lived in the area!) They are so helpful and just really want you to enjoy your experience there.
The Olive Bar is the cutest place and they really let you try all their different oils and balsamic vinegars. I mean, you almost have to try all their suggested combinations because it just takes you to whole new level of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
In the end, we brought a bottle of their Black Currant Balsamic Vinegar, the Tuscan/Herb Italian Olive Oil, and their limited stock White Truffle Oil. (And we probably would have gotten more if we weren't flying home!)
They also started a frequent buyer card program, which is definitely a plus! The Husband has already announced that he's trying to figure out a way to stop by and stock up before the long drive back to Vegas! Haha! -
Review from Alison T.
12/21/2007
Olive (I love) the Olive Bar!
There's more goodness than regular olive oil to be had here.
After encountering a horrendous line of cars while attempting to go to Valleyfair Mall, we decided to take a detour and walk the streets of downtown Campbell to do some of our holiday shopping. We were pleasantly surprised to find some great holiday treats at this newly opened (6 months) specialty store.
It isn't a pretentious store at all, or priced too expensively. Ed (the owner) helped us to understand how to taste olive oil correctly, and we were eager to try the different kinds. Ed suggested mixing the olive oils with their collection of balsamic vinegars, with the best pairings being garlic olive oil with black currant balsamic or the meyer lemon olive oil with strawberry balsamic (tasted like almost like strawberry lemonade with a kick!). Those would taste delicious over meat, roasted vegetables, or even the strawberry combo could be poured over vanilla ice cream! Yup, you heard it here - ice cream!
I bought some delicious pomegranate balsamic as a gift, and would definitely recommend buying some for the foodie in your life too. The prices for a bottle of oil or vinegars start from about $13.99, which is very reasonable for specialty olive oil and flavored vinegars.
So check it out and find out why we olive (all love) this place! -
Review from Amanda G.
Updated - 1/14/2010
Stopped in here yesterday with a friend, and ended up tasting several oils and vinegars.
I was intrigued by the pairings, (listed on a wall, that I never would have noticed if the owner hadn't pointed it out.)
I ended up buying strawberry balsamic vinegar, and lemon olive oil.
I tried it on spinach last night, and it was pretty good.
I absolutely LOVE the strawberry balsamic! So much flavor, for so few calories! I'm racking my brain to come up with more ways to use it.
Maybe chicken or pork next week????
The woman working there, who is one of the owners was lovely as always, and very patient with us, (we were there for quite a bit...We were kind of indecisive since there were so many good pairings.)
This is a great little jewel in our downtown. A perfect example of fantastic small business owners, selling a quality product sourced locally as well.
I was very happy to hear they use olives from a few hours away, and the bottles are packaged in Oakland.Listed in: My 'hood, Campbell, Ingredients, Ingredients
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/29/2009
This past X-mas we bought a few gifts here, (olive oils and balsamic vinegar,)
The staff was… Read more »
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Review from Mercy B.
Milpitas, CA
12/13/2007
It was one of those Sunday mid-afternoons where some girlfriends and I had just met for brunch in downtown Campbell and made our way through the farmer's market.
I'm always looking for unique food items from our area to send to out of town relatives.
The store is well organized and I had a great time sampling all the different types of olive oils and vinegars. I ended up purchasing a bottle of sherry balsamic vinegar - and yum! I love it on my salads!
Ed and Chrystie are definitely olive and vinegar connoisseurs!
I would have given them 5 stars - but I'm disappointed that you're not able to order on-line. You need to call them or go down there to have something sent out - and quite frankly, there are times when I would rather just have the ability to order on-line when times get busy - especially around the holidays. -
Review from Aaron C.
San Jose, CA
6/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Stopped in here while at the Campbell's Farmers Market and was very happy I did. Not only were they very warm and greeting they were very educational in the was of oils and balsomics. I learned a great deal and never felt rushed or a burden whole there. A great experiance and great products. Pricing was very reasonable for quality. I will be back here again!!!
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Review from Rebecca D.
Los Gatos, CA
3/15/2009
How have I not written a review for this place yet?
This place is a true find. The couple who owns it are really friendly and nice.
Really good quality, and a great variety to choose from.
My all time favorite is the Garlic Olive Oil, followed by the Basil Olive Oil.
Today I picked up the Tuscan Herb and the Lime.
The vinegars are really great as well, I've gotten the Peach and Red Apple Flavors, and they really add something special to your food.
A really great place to stop in at when you come to the Sunday Farmer's Market. -
Review from Dianna E.
San Jose, CA
3/28/2009
This is the ultimate artisan food boutique for people who want to seem like they're brilliant in the kitchen even if they only have 15 minutes to put together dinner...
Case in point - The Italian Herb Olive Oil...there are 5 herbs infused into this perfectly pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the result is nothing short of FABULOUS!! Boil up some plain pasta - a penne or tortelloni works great - and drizzle a litle of this magical potion over the top....It'll taste like you spent 2 hours slaving away in the kitchen, extra bonus points if you chop up some sundried tomatoes and grate a little parmesan...your tastebuds won't know what hit you! And all in less than 20 min!
The Balsamic Vinegars are impressive along with an expansive array of tapenades, stuffed olives and Olive Oil body products...
Enjoy! -
Review from Pat N.
San Jose, CA
5/21/2011
My favorite place in the country to find Olive Oil and Balsalmic Vinegar. They are set up for sampling of ALL wares, and are extremely helpful, understanding, politely attentive and friendly. They have tasting parties sometimes too, I believe.
I rarely go to the farmer's market without stopping in. -
Review from Ann L.
10/21/2007
I stopped in to take a look around The Olive Bar. It's been open for 3 months a lady told me. You can help yourself to 15 or so olive oils and drink them! It's weird for me to drink olive oil but that's how to Really taste olive oil.
The kinds I saw there:
Integrate 100% organic
Basil from Tunisia
Coratina from Australia
Manzanilla from Spain
meyer lemon from Tunisia
Picual from Spain
Koroneki from Greece
Phonecian 100% Tunisian organic
Frantoio from Australia
Ascalano from Calif
Barnea from Australia
Noccelara from Italy
Garlic from Tunisia - most popular, I tried it and it was good
Arbequina from Spain
Hojiblanca from Spain
They also have Balsamic Vinegars too
Hrs:
Closed Mon
T & W 11-6
Th 11-7
Fri & Sat 10-8
Sun 9-3
Credit cards taken. -
Review from Katherine L.
Santa Clara, CA
1/30/2008
I was supposed to go on a walk with some friends on the hiking trail next to downtown Campbell. Weather was fine until we got there. It started to pour and was windy. We decided to go to the Farmer's Market and shop in the different stores. At the end of dowtown, we discovered the Olive Bar. I read and heard about it so much that when I saw it, I screamed, "OH it's the Olive bar!"
The owner, the husband warmly greeted us. The wife helped us, as we sampled the different olive oils and tapende. -
Review from Alison D.
San Jose, CA
8/1/2010
A wonderful place that offers excellent olive oils and balsamic vinegars of many varieties. I have purchased several of the flavors of both vinegar and oil and tasted all of the flavors they have to offer. They give a different spin to many foods. I leave there inspired to cook new recipes. Also, they offer cooking classes which I think is really cool.
My favorites are the Hot Chipolte Oil, the Strawberry Balsamic, and the Vanilla Bean Balsamic. Other notable flavors are the Lime Oil, Butter flavored oil, and Pomegranate Balsamic. -
Review from Dragisa M.
Campbell, CA
8/2/2007
First when I walked in I was on my way to get a drink...Bar or no bar. Ahhhh an Olive Bar!!! But I like olives in my Martini :-)
Ok serious now. That place reminded me a little store in Saint Tropez (I love that town) and looks like that the folks there decide to bring the European Olive Way to Downtown Campbell. The result is amazing, the products are very good and you can taste something like 15 different olive oils and 10 balsamic vinegars.
After that if you do not find what you like, you should ask the owner's for help. They are very charming and very helpful about their products.
After 15 minutes in that shop you'll never get your oils and vinegars anywhere else.
I find few links about them already online....enjoy !!!
http://www.community-n...
http://www.the-oliveba...
"D" -
Review from Sami P.
Campbell, CA
9/10/2009
What a fun place to learn so much about olive oils, balsamic vinegars and occasional cooking workshops on pairing foods, flavor accents and a plethora of fun culinary finds from ceramics and artwork to olive infused soaps and lotions.
The owners are very pleasing and generous, in fact Don Eduardo offers olive oils and balsamic tastings on a regular basis!
The Olive Bar play a variety of fun and festive feel good music. For anyone that plugs into an iTunes music channel, you cannot monitor every single song that randomly pops up - especially if you have a store full of customers and you can't hear the music. The owners are great and you will see that other reviews will state just as such. -
Review from Patricia A.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2007
Blue cheese stuffed olives...that's my new addiction next I am going to try the clam chowder by Gil I can't wait.
Great oil variety and great people a must for the turkey Trot! -
Review from Grant T.
Burlingame, CA
4/26/2009
Strolling the farmers market, we parked ourselves at a bench to eat our Indian wraps and were entertained by a family of singing kids......flashback of the sound of music, abridged family version? Anyhow, it was Ed that lent his microphone to the kids and it was great fun! The entire farmer's market crowd was applauding in awe - was the little girl really two years old!!??
We walked into the store, unknowingly shadowed by Ed, the owner. We must have really looked new to olive oil bars. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and just was genuinely nice. Tried his suggestions of oil complimented by balsamic and they were delicious. Just picked up a bottle of Tangerine Balsamic vinegar (to try out a desert idea), but will be back again to see what else his shop inspires me to conjure up in the kitchen.
Thanks Ed! -
Review from Linda L.
3/10/2008
Ed and Christi are delightful! You can tell they have a true love for their product. (I'm just waiting for them to introduce a line of olive oil-based skin care! UPDATE 4/08: Received a message from owner - they now carry olive oil based skin care products.)
I've begun buying in the larger bottles because it's about the only oil I cook with. They also have a wonderful selection of balsamics - which saves me from my previous routine of having to order online.
This is a great place to get a gift of olive oil and vinegar. I've found that giving wine as a gift can be a bit dicey if I'm not sure of my recipents preference. However, I've yet to come across a friend or acquaintance who hasn't jumped for joy over a gift of oil and vinegar!
They are a wonderful addition to Downtown Campbell and I hope they hang there for a very long time (at least as long as I remain in Campbell:) -
Review from Elizabeth R.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/19/2010
My cousin, from Utah, read some reviews about this place, so my sister and I decided to investigate. I found out I didn't know anything about the evoo until I came here. Our teacher was so knowledgeable (and not in the snobby kinda way). He also happened to be one of the owners. I just love stores that aren't 'super' big, because they still have an identity.
My cousin asked us to taste the strawberry balsamic vinegar, lemon olive oil, garlic oil, black currant balsamic vinegar, Tuscan/herb Italian olive oil, and basil olive oil. We mixed, matched, drank and bought some too!
I bought the raspberry balsamic and Tuscan/ herb Tuscany Italy olive oil. I wished I could have also bought the basil olive oil, black currant balsamic vinegar, garlic olive oil and the strawberry balsamic vinegar too, but my kitchen is so compact :-) I'll be back for these guys later tho. -
Review from Roman S.
Campbell, CA
10/7/2009
Garlic Oil - enough said
Bring lots of bottles.
The people working there are amazing. Great selection of oils and vinegars, and ofcourse its very good quality. -
Review from Rosetta C.
Campbell, CA
9/18/2009
This shop has everything from olive oils, balsamic vinegars, stuffed olives to olive lotions. If you want to have the real deal, head on over to The Olive Bar. They have a really wonderful selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars that you can sample and mix and match. The owers are wonderful and will help you to choice from their great variety. I think I've had a sample of all their olive oils and my favorite is the garlic olive oil. It's really delicous on some Ritz crackers. The infusion of the garlic oilive oil and the buttery taste of the Ritz cracker is a combo you can"t beat. It's mouth watering and addicting.
I love the fact Ed (the owner) is outside during Farmer's Market on Sundays giving samples of olive oil & balsamic vinegar combinations. Great way to get people to stop and try something new. -
Review from P G.
Palo Alto, CA
7/19/2011 5 photos
Great, local business that allows you to roam through the store freely and without harassment. If you don't know much about olive oils, vinegars, etc. then this is the place for you. They will educate you slowly and carefully so that you understand why its important to cook with fresh, well-made ingredients including olive oil. Did you know you can use olive oil for some medicinal purposes as well? If that's your purpose, buy HIGH quality! Check out The Olive Bar on your next trip to downtown Campbell.
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Review from Michelle P.
San Jose, CA
7/18/2011
I buy my husband's favorite basil olive oil here. Everything is good and you can sample before you buy.
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Review from Jen W.
Santa Clara, CA
6/25/2008
The Olive Bar is an awesome place. Ed and his wife are the most friendly and welcoming shop owners I have ever met. You are welcome to walk in and try samples of their amazing olive oil and vinegar. I recommend stopping by on a Sunday morning while visiting the Campbell's Farmers Market and have a chat with Ed about Olive oil. Ask him questions about olive oil, and he'll give you hundreds of answers and facts. My favorite olive oil is their garlic olive oil, this ingredient goes great on anything! I saute veggies with it, cook fish with it and I also mix it with Olive Bar's balsomic vinegar and put it in my salads. mmMMmmmM yummy.
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Review from Sherri H.
San Jose, CA
4/7/2009
This is THE place for special olive oils from all over the world. The owner is friendly and helpful, and the prices are quite reasonable as well, especially considering the real-estate they must have to pay for. Great find!!
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Review from clay a.
San Jose, CA
8/26/2010
Great friendy people, a true pleasure to talk to!
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Review from Kathryn L.
Dublin, CA
10/30/2009
They've got an amazing selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, my favorite of which is their black current balsamic vinegar. Aged for 18 years, everyone I've served it to raves about it. The little old ladies that work there are nice and helpful also. We were there on a Sunday during Campbell Farmers' Market time and the owner was posted outside giving little toy cars away - my toddler loved it!
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Review from Denise C.
Campbell, CA
4/7/2008
This place is GREAT and I'm so glad its in Downtown Campbell! Owners Ed and Christi are very delightful and have a huge variety of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars - all available for tasting too. The flavors are so fresh and amazing. I really never thought olive oil could taste this good. I love their product and will never buy EVOO at the local grocery store again! Yum! BTW - I found out while at this past weekend's Farmers Market that The Olive Bar will have a cooking class on April 24! Take a guess where I will be?!
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Review from Mike L.
San Jose, CA
7/5/2009
They have an amazing selection of oils and vinegars. It's really something to see all of this in one store. I have choices to select my fruit-blended olive oils for my salads or dessert pairings or some of the vegetable and herb oils for some dinner entrees. All around, you don't know anything about olive oil until you visit this place and get an idea. They send out emails that are helpful, too. In this economy, the price is a small detractor, but back when I was making decent money, this was the place to go. Now perhaps, it's turned into a special cooking ocaission venue.
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Review from David B.
Campbell, CA
9/19/2008
Being the seasoned chef that I am, I sometimes find it difficult to locate certain types of oils. Ed and Chrystie are the greatest asset to the connoisseur's of the kitchen. Not only are they educated of olive oil, but all their oils are extra virgin! I tip my hat to these two very colorful business owners.
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Review from Chris L.
Redwood City, CA
8/8/2007
While shopping in downtown Campbell last week, curiosity got the best of me when I came upon the Olive Bar. Its unique appearance had stirred my interest. I had never been to anything like this before. It wasn't long before I was greeted by the store owner Ed Desoto and began my education in the fine art of olive pressing.
I likened my experience to something between the Discovery Channel and the Mayberry grocery store. Ed was warm, knowledgeable, fascinating and above all entertaining. It's been a long time since I've experienced this kind of customer service and attention. Not to mention the education.
For un-matched olive oil selections and old fashioned service I recommend you visit the Olive Bar in Downtown Campbell. -
Review from Karen P.
Mountain View, CA
6/23/2009
Have you ever wanted to drink a shot of olive oil?
Neither had I until I walked into this shop. The olive oil is so delectable, I never imagined it could taste so earthy, creamy and be so fragrant. The balsamic vinegars are also quite delicious. When I'd heard you could drizzle a good balsamic vinegar on ice cream and have it for dessert I thought "yuck" but after having tasted it here, I say absolutely!!
Located in downtown Campbell you have to check it out. Prices are reasonable for the quality you are getting. And be sure to buy plenty, I almost ate the entire bottle of olive oil myself. Nothing better on past or for dipping with french bread...heaven! -
Review from ali c.
San Jose, CA
9/1/2007
this place is one of the most interesting shops i have ever been to!! it specializes in olives, olive oil and balsamic vinegars! you get to try everything too! i loved the garlic stuffed olives and the anchovy stuffed olives.. i ended up buying a bottle of the strawberry balsamic vinegar which is so sweet and fruity!! the best part about this store is the owner ed. he is one of the most kind and genuine store owners i have ever met! next time i visit, i am going to buy a bottle of the meyer lemon olive oil! the prices here are pretty reasonable considering there aren't many stores like this in the area!
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Review from dominique f.
Campbell, CA
9/14/2007
make sure , you do have a joke for Ed the owner when you come in.Very good olive oil and outstanding balsamic.I used the strawberry one in my chicken dish....thanks Ed
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Review from tammi r.
San Jose, CA
7/22/2008
I went to the Olive Bar because I met a gay couple while waiting for a friend, and they had just bought olive oil at the Olive Bar, and they raved about how it flavored their rice. I waited for the right time, and I wandered in to find Ed behind the counter. He asked good questions about my rice choices and directed me to a couple of flavors he thought I might like. I am excited-- this is a neighborly, friendly business owner with some knowledge of his product. The oils are delicious and I am hooked!
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Review from Starlene F.
Rocklin, CA
3/2/2009
I love the items at the Olive Bar! My parents brought me some items when they were visiting family in San Jose. I now order their items online. Ed and Chrystie are wonderful and they ship the orders so quickly! I bought several items for Christmas gifts and everyone loved them. My favorite item is the Garlic Olive Oil. I also love the stuff olives. Great Store and wonderful owners!
