First opened in 1971, The Olive Tree has operated from the same Park Street address for more than five decades, run by the founding family through subsequent generations. The restaurant's reputation rests on its traditional steak and fish house menu, which favours generous portion sizes and classic preparations over trend-driven plating. Regular dishes sit alongside a rotating specials board that might include stuffed calamari or a rack of lamb, and the kitchen caters for dairy-free and gluten-free diets without treating them as an afterthought. The dining room retains a warm, slightly time-worn character that regulars describe as part of its appeal, offering a change of pace from newer, design-led openings nearby. Service is a particular point of pride, with long-serving staff and family members greeting many diners by name, and a private dining room is available for group bookings of up to 24 without charge on weekdays. The Olive Tree remains BYO for wine, with corkage applying, which keeps a meal here more affordable than its longevity and reputation might suggest. It draws a mix of long-term local regulars and visitors who've heard about the restaurant's history, and continues to close on public holidays in keeping with its family-run, unhurried approach to hospitality. For anyone after a straightforward, generously portioned meal with a side of South Melbourne history, it remains a dependable choice.