Fig & Olive: 5 Fabulous Reasons To Dine At The Melrose Place Hotspot

Fig & Olive is certainly a standout restaurant in West Hollywood. With other locations in New York, Washington, Chicago and Newport Beach, California, the Melrose Place Fig & Olive certainly remains the most-buzzed about.

Fig & Olive, founded by Laurent Halasz, has a passion for the best olive oils, flavors and cuisine from the Riviera and coastal regions of the South of France, Italy and Spain. The 8,000 square feet of light-filled space includes double height ceilings, two floors of dining, bar/lounge, enclosed patio with an abundance of rosemary plants and open kitchen.

Check out five fabulous reasons to dine at Fig & Olive Melrose below.

#1. The Stylish Decor

Fig & Olive's elegant and warm design with limestone stucco walls, terra-cotta ceiling and green rosemary and olive trees exudes the essence of the Mediterranean. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by an impressive display of extra virgin olive oils. A long, white marble communal table and tasting bar, ideal for informal gatherings, stretches across the room, lit by pendant lights and backed by displays of wines. The main dining room is elegant and intimate, with olive branches crafted in black wrought iron and lit with candles. An open kitchen is illuminated by shelves of glowing olive oil bottles.

#2. Haute Happy Hour

No cheap beer and nachos here. Fig & Olive elevates the idea of a traditional happy hour with their own Aperitivo Happy Hour 5-7 p.m daily with delectable small dishes including Tuscan artichoke, truffle mushroom croquette, lamb albondigas and F&O slider burgers. Specialty cocktails are just $8 and wines by the glass start at $6. Standout libations include the "Summer In Provence" with gin, house-made rosemary-thyme syrup and Cucumber Cosmo with organic cucumber vodka, and elderflower liqueur.

#3. The Mediterranean Menu

Fig & Olive's signature dishes embody the restaurant's passion for the best olive oils and cuisine from the Mediterranean region. Each meal begins with a taste of three distinct extra virgin olive oils with the restaurant’s freshly baked rosemary olive oil fougasse bread. Entrees are known for featuring spices and flavors from the coastal Riviera of France, Italy and Spain. Definitely try the grilled branzino glazed with a fig balsamic vinegar, served with figs and snow peas finished with a sweet Picholine olive oil, and grilled lamb chops smoked with a bouquet of herbes de Provence and finished with a rosemary olive oil. Decadent desserts include chocolate pot de creme with crunchy praline financiers and dessert crostini, Amarena cherries, mascarpone and pistachios on shortbread. The menu also includes an exceptional wine list including more than 30 varietals from the south of France, Italy and Spain that are offered by the glass or bottle along with a selection of champagne.

#4. In Good Company

With its decadent menu and luxurious decor, it's no surprise that Fig & Olive is a celebrity hotspot. A-Lister such as Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Linonel Richie, Hilary Duff and Kristin Cavallari have all been spotted at the Melrose Place staple.

#5. Fig & Olive Gives Back

Fig & Olive continues its ongoing effort to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the restaurant offered a prix fixe dinner at $55, with selections curated by executive chef Wilfrid Hocquet and nutritionist Elissa Goodman, where guests experienced the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. Fig & Olive kicked off their "Pink Thursdays" happy hours 7-10 p.m., beginning Oct. 6, showcasing Pink Bites, starting $3, Pink Bubbles starting at $10, Pink Wine, starting $10, and Pink Cocktails, starting at $9. Part of the proceeds from both of these special limited-run menus will be donated directly to NBCF to aid breast cancer research and awareness.