Restaurateur and longtime South Orange County resident Omar Chmait first envisioned creating a dining experience honoring his Lebanese heritage in 2010. Two years later, with unwavering support from his family, Omar turned his dream into reality by opening The Olives Branch.
A culinary destination where authenticity meets refinement, The Olives Branch brings fine Lebanese cuisine to the heart of San Juan Capistrano. Diners experience the Lebanese tradition of welcoming guests with endless hospitality and generosity and are served deliciously handcrafted delicacies of endless varieties and magical tastes.
- Outdoor Dining & Hookah Lounge
“Generosity and hospitality are the hallmarks of Lebanese culture and food is a celebration of life,” says Omar. “Our menu is a testament to the vibrant tapestry of flavors that define Lebanese cuisine; it is a celebration of life where every dish is a symphony of tastes, aromas, and textures.”
Catering
- Corporate: From the boardroom to the lunchroom, The Olives Branch has you covered.
- Wedding: Every couple has a unique vision for their special day. From classic to non-traditional Lebanese cuisine, The Olives Branch brings your ideas to life!
- Private: Hosting a bridal or baby shower, or throwing a birthday party, bar mitzvah, or holiday party? The Olives Branch will make your event extra special and unique.
*Menu Includes:
- Vegan Meals
- Chilled & Hot Mezza
- Shish Kabobs & Soups
- Dinner Salads & Desserts
- Red & White Wines
- Margaritas & Martinis
Omar says The Olives Branch honors his Lebanese grandmother who, alongside Omar’s grandfather, prepared food on special occasions and holidays and in the dark of night so not to be seen, distributed meals to less fortunate families. “Her act of kindness symbolized an Olive’s Branch of peace to the community,” says Omar. “The restaurant shares her culture and food with Southern California.”
Opening the restaurant was Omar’s father’s idea, a suggestion made shortly after retiring in ‘08. “Dad’s not the ‘retired’ type; he needs to be busy,” says Omar. “He became happy again once I agreed. I was not going back on my word.”
Omar describes working alongside his father, Nabil, as “an amazing and spectacular experience.” Omar’s wife, Hind, and mom, Ghania, who Omar says cooks as well as his grandmother and ensures the restaurant’s recipes remain true to her mother’s recipes, also work at the restaurant.
Nabil first arrived in America from Lebanon to study at the University of Texas at Houston and purchased two restaurants while a student. After graduating, he spent time in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon where Omar was born. The family moved to America when Omar was 2. Today, Omar and his wife are parents of daughter, Serena, 12, and son, Bassim, 9.
“At The Olives Branch, you’ll enjoy the freshest, most flavorful entrees made famous by our signature blend of imported and authentic Mediterranean spices. Every meal is an invitation to savor tradition, embrace community, and create cherished memories,” says Omar. “Welcome to our table; welcome to The Olives Branch!”
*Partial menu listing. Full menu available at TheOlivesBranch.com
949.373.5633 / TheOlivesBranch.com
31105 Rancho Viejo Rd., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
