Downtown Bethlehem is home to many outstanding restaurants that offer a variety of different cuisines. If you have yet to have wander outside of Main Street, then it’s time you take a walk down Broad Street to Twisted Olive. Making its appearance in downtown in 2013, Twisted Olive has become a local favorite. Chef Steve Kershner and his wife, Sherri, have created an intimate dining experience for guests along with incredible food that brings in flavors from around the world. Whether you decide to eat in the dining room or grab a seat out on the deck if the weather permits, you’re guaranteed to have amazing meal.
Options for starters are endless. Along with a wide variety of cocktails to choose from there are numerous of small plates to share. From French Onion Soup Dumplings to Grilled Octopus, we had a hard time picking just one. I already knew I was going to try the Twisted Dirty Martini for a cocktail. Instead of choosing our usual favorite appetizer of calamari we went with the Seared Prosciutto-Wrapped Tuna with limoncello, shallots, capers, garlic butter, roasted tomatoes and micro greens ($13.50). The prosciutto created a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the tuna perfectly rare on the inside. The sauce gave just enough acidity to the dish, and the tomatoes brought a much welcomed freshness. This dish, along with many others, can be ordered as a large plate as well if you’re more interested in having this as your main course.
Though the tuna was more than enough for the both of us, we both ordered soup to start off with as well. I couldn’t turn down a creamy cup of Crab Bisque ($4.50), which had a generous helping of crab in it. And my guest, who is a huge French onion soup fan, went with the French Onion Soup Au Gratin ($5). The fresh multigrain bread that came out with our appetizers was perfect for soaking up the soup we couldn’t get with our spoons.
It wasn’t hard for me to choose my entrée once I saw the Steak on a Stone ($33.50), which is a filet mignon served on a hot stone that you cook to your desired temperature. This is not only visually appealing, but a delicious way to literally play with your food. The filet comes with a porcini mushroom sauce, blue cheese sauce, sea salt, garlic roasted mashed potatoes and asparagus. My filet was incredibly tender, and being able to cook it myself made me appreciate the flavors even more. If you’re a steak lover, this unique dish is something you must have at Twisted Olive.
My guest also went with a hearty meat dish for dinner, ordering the Braised Lamb Shank with a rosemary red wine sauce and mushroom risotto ($25.50). This dish itself was impressive, with a generous size lamb shank that was fall-off-the-bone tender. The risotto was perfectly executed and the sauce truly brought everything together. He had to bring the rest of his home though, while I proudly cleaned my plate. For once my in life I didn’t have room for dessert, but the next time I visit I plan on indulging in something sweet off their dessert menu.
Twisted Olive dishes out amazing food and an even better atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy an after-work cocktail with friends or an intimate dinner with the ones you love, you can expect to get great service and food. They also offer lunch Tuesday through Saturday. If you plan on going for dinner though, I highly suggest making a reservation ahead of time. At 7:30 on a Saturday night you can expect a full dining room and almost every chair at the bar to be taken! Make sure to get a seat out on their patio, too, before the warm weather disappears until the spring.
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Tuesday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Address and Phone Number:
610-419-1200
51 W. Broad Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018
Website: TwistedOliveBethlehem.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TwistedOliveBethlehem
Cuisine: American (New), American (Traditional), Barbeque, Greek and Mediterranean, Italian, Pizza, Sandwiches and Thai (according to Facebook page)
Other Notes: Major credit cards are accepted. Parking is available on-street and in a lot. The restaurant offers a full bar which specializes in “creative cocktails,” according to Twisted Olive’s Facebook page.
Kristina Gonzalez is a lifelong Lehigh Valley resident who works in the publishing industry. She enjoys dining out regularly and trying new restaurants in the area.
Seared Prosciutto-Wrapped Tuna with limoncello, shallots, capers, garlic butter, roasted tomatoes and micro greens ($13.50)
A cup of Crab Bisque ($4.50)
French Onion Soup Au Gratin ($5)
The Twisted Olive’s Twisted Dirty Martini
Steak on a Stone ($33.50) is a filet mignon served on a hot stone, which allows each diner to cook it to their desired level of doneness.
Braised Lamb Shank with a rosemary red wine sauce and mushroom risotto ($25.50)
