Olivo, Newport

Fashion magazines encourage people to buy the latest trends, suggesting cash, cheque or credit versions of celebrity-endorsed handbags or shoes. Newport's pizza parlours are similarly graded: Pizza Hut (cash), Pizza Express (cheque) and Olivo (credit).

Olivo

Pizza Express is still the parlour of preference for Matt and Cat's pre-cinema bite to eat. However, its sophisticated interior (alcohol licence, jazz music and fresh flowers) is not really the place to spend an entire evening; and is sometimes rather compromised by kiddie parties. Thankfully not the sort of infant chimps that rampage unchecked over the gaudy carpets of Pizza Hut, but the children of the middle classes; more traditionally named perhaps and less likely to pick their olives off the pizzas: but like all children, still loud and just as likely to cavort about on the laminate flooring.

Review continues:

So, for times when only the most grown-up atmosphere will do, Olivo is the top of Newport pizza food-chain, with its Buena Vista Social Club soundtrack, genuine Sicilian waiter and, ahem, grown-up atmosphere. Which is not to say children are unwelcome - very far from it, and in the Italian tradition kids can and do come along and join in the meal, especially in the daytime. Perhaps this is to assist them in learning to eat and drink like adults... as opposed, maybe, to the English tradition where the regrettable opposite sometimes seems to be the case.

Olivo welcomed Matt, Cat and friends on a busy Saturday night; the staff accommodatingly found your reviewers a table, despite them not having booked (a last minute cancellation freed up seating for four). There's not much room but if you're willing to squeeze in it makes for a great, lively atmosphere.

Matt's prawn pasta was sublime - the entire dish exuded seafood flavour whilst always staying the right side of the line between flavourful and smothered.

Almost instantly, the party was assailed by a merry waiter who was convinced he knew Matt - from Sicily perhaps? No? Then how about Glasgow? London? New York? ...Bembridge? This cheerful buffoonery prevailed throughout the meal. The finest Italian waiters traditionally have a unique role in this country - determined as they are to crack the English stiff upper lip and insist that their charges not only eat well but enjoy a good laugh and joke. The lively waiter at Olivo proved to be more than up for that challenge, and the mirth from other tables suggested that his skills were being very well applied.

Drinks arrived promptly along with the specials and regular menus. Matt's attention was drawn to the special prawn tagliatelle, whilst Cat and the others in the party chose from the regular menu. The selection of strictly Italian food covered everything from pizza, pasta dishes, risotto and seafood, plus salads, including some interesting-sounding lamb salad. Cat opted for spinach and cheese tortellini with a mascarpone and basil sauce with fresh tomatoes.

After a reasonable interval the beautifully presented meals arrived. Cat's big bowl of pasta was spectacularly creamy - the mascarpone added depth and texture. In fact, the sauce was so delicious and plentiful, Cat asked for a portion of garlic bread to mop it up; the steaming hot bread arrived in double-quick time. Matt's prawn pasta was sublime - the prawns were small and salty, the pasta was perfect and generous: the entire dish exuded seafood flavour whilst always staying the right side of the line between flavourful and smothered.

The dessert menu was similarly classy. Featured were Italian favourites such as tiramisu, fruit terrine, sorbet and strawberry and cream pudding. Matt did not regret having the fruit terrine with its interesting and sharp combination of fresh melon, pineapple, and passion fruit all encased in a delicate jelly and topped with a serving of sweet white chocolate ice cream. The presentation was exceptional, with spirals of fruit coulis and a shake of icing sugar decorating the plate. Matt and Cat decided not to try the featured Sicilian dessert wine - Terre Arse.

This pleasant meal was finished off by coffee and hot chocolate served with amaretto biscuits and a bit more cheek from the waiter who, by this time, was convinced that he'd seen Matt on the TV. Matt was indeed on television recently, strolling up the Yar estuary with Charlie Dimmock in 'River Walks'. However, to more guffaws from your thoroughly entertained reviewers and party, the waiter suggested, with appropriate gestures, that Matt was in fact huge on TV - on an adult pay-per-view channel... Not the sort of talk you'd want children like Kye and Charmaine or Thomas and Emily to hear; Olivo in the evening really is a great place for adults - great food, great atmosphere.

PermalinkPublished: 15th January 2007
7441 views
Categories: We like, Restaurants, Newport

22 comments

Comment from: Matt (not to be confused with the other one) Email
I agree 100%.

We've been to Olivo's a couple of times for lunch - the place is so full of energy it's awesome.

Funnily enough, there was a kids party on upstairs last time we went - although it was confined and didn't affect our enjoyment of a fantastic meal.

I can't wait 'til June for the smoking ban to come in - it'll be spot on.
15/01/07 @ 22:03
Comment from: Kate Email
I have written a comment on this site before about olivios so i am glad to hear you have had a positive experience eating here. I absolutely love everything about olivios and would recommend it to anyone. The staff are friendly and the food is delicious. I am not a smoker myself so agree with the smoking comments however it would not stop me eating here as often as i can afford!
22/01/07 @ 16:07
Comment from: sarah brett Email
I agree that Olivo's is the best place to catch up with friends for a non hurried lunch , you are not hassled to hurry up and be on your way even if you are only there for a coffee and pastry, nothing seems too much trouble for the very nice staff.
25/01/07 @ 15:57
Comment from: TeeCee Email
We absolutely love Olivos and are frequent visitors both for lunch and dinner. The food is faultless, the staff superb. We have not had a disappointing meal here.

Like some of the other reviewers have remarked, you are definitely short on space and if you are unlucky enough in winter to get the table straight ahead as you enter the restaurant, then you'd better pack your thermals. Having said that, when this has been the only table available if we have 'dropped in' rather than booking ahead, we haven't turned it down.

Although my husband is a smoker, I can't wait for the smoking ban on 1 July - this will just add to the enjoyment of the place even more.

We have taken just about all our family and friends to Olivos and without exception every one of them have wanted to return.

My favourite is tagliatelli al funghi with a rocket and parmesan salad. The chicken with sun dried tomato etc pasta is also divine. Actually, everything is.

What more can I say; Just Go ... you won't be disappointed. However, do book in advance if you want to be assured of getting a table.
07/05/07 @ 20:59
Comment from: Karen Palmer-Cunningham Email
We decided to try Olivios after reading your review and agree about the excellent service and food. I think one or two less tables might make it a bit less....ummmm frantic, but it was like eating in London and not Newport, never a bad thing in my opinion! But we had our meal ruined by a fat old man who came in, was sat at the table next to us and proceded to light up and smoke while just looking at the menu. I don't smoke, but Bill does, but not inside and not when others are eating. This idiot ruined our meal, and we decicec to leave without a coffee, which had had planned to have. So as everyone else has said, roll on July 1st, and why such a good restaurant allows inside smoking nowadays anyway is beyond me.
18/05/07 @ 15:07
Comment from: Sarah James Email
Very nice indeed. Nothing unusual. Same old laminate flooring of all new restaurants now adays, same decor, same coffee machine... you know, It gets a bit boring. However, Olivos have a good selection on the menu. Better than Pizza Express I would say. Come on matt support the locals and all that. Globalisation is upon us! Just for lunch after spending a fortune in the Farmer's market - husband forgot his wallet again! We shared a crostini with sundried tomato paste, what tasted like hand made pesto and a possibly handmade and not too stong tapanade. Nice. I had the roasted vegetable, spinach and goats cheese penne. Again very nice. As much as I tried not to eat it all I couldn't stop myself - ensuing a painfully full pasta belly after. Mr had risotto - the seafood variety that can be taken as a pasta - good idea. I am assured by the lack of offering my way that he enjoyed every grain. Quite attentive service, although we seemed to have a variety of waitresses and the manager liked to check up on things which is good. At least she's not sitting out the back barking orders. Nice atmospehere. A mixture of clientele, some sitting outside smoking themselves to death if pneumonia doesn't get them first - nutters! Oh and a good house wine too. Always a good sign.
30/09/07 @ 18:55
Comment from: ringo
Not that it really needs it, but just thought I'd give Olivo's in Newport another mention. For proper Italian food served by pleasant staff (some of them proper Italians, it seems), it is hard to beat. Went there for lunch this week with our eight-month-old baby, and we had a lovely time - the staff were great with the baby, and the food, of course, was top-notch. Keep up the good work. (I'm sure you will.)
07/09/08 @ 10:52
Comment from: Adam White
My wife and I Have been to Olivos several times and it is truly great.My Granddaughter loves it too

First class service by mostly Italian waiters who are friendly and attentive. The food is always good and so is the atmosphere.

The best restaurant of its type on the Island.
11/10/08 @ 08:21
Comment from: suzan carr Email
We have been going to Olivos on a regular basis since they first opened. We love it, the atmosphere is terrific, the staff(mainly polish now) are friendly and attentive, the wine reasonably priced and the food excellent. Can heartily recommend the duck and the chicken dishes as a change from pasta. Because we are such regular customers and therefore well known to the staff, we do get little treats such as afree glass of limoncello and a dish of olives quite often. I remember that waiter from Sicily well, he was such a character and a terrible flirt, even to a woman such as me in her 60s!
13/12/08 @ 13:38
Comment from: steve foster
Been a fan since the restaurant opened.
Good to see the positive comments on these pages even from those that cannot get the name right!
It is "NOT" OLIVIO's.
Steve

31/12/08 @ 12:47
Comment from: Wendy
What a great restaurant! Decided to pop in here last night after reading positive comments on M&C, and to see it full and bustling on a cold Tuesday night in Newport was a recommendation in itself. We were seated upstairs. The staff all looked like they were taking pride in the place and, despite it being busy, I felt they were keeping track of everything, and never felt neglected.

The atmosphere was relaxed and spot on - lots of happy chatter and old swing classics playing in the background, but very easy to have a conversation.

We left entirely satisfied with the food, the service, and the very reasonable bill.
Very impressed with the food, which is mainly under £10 for a main course. I had wonderful deep fried smoked haddock dumplings with salad. Ian tried the Fiorentina pizza so he could compare it with the Pizza Express version and gave it a thumbs-up.

Puddings were equally delicious: Ian had creme brulée with pomegranate; I had banana panacotta with toffee sauce & crumbled biscuit. Superb. Really tasty, not too sweet.

We left entirely satisfied with the food, the service, and the very reasonable bill.

Last time I ate here was shortly after it first opened, and I wasn't so sure about it. Very pleased it has gone on to be so successful. I'm adding it to my own personal list of favourites!

Matt and Cat respond: Hi Wendy. Thanks for your comment. We're glad that you liked Olivo's and went there based on our recommendation. We've heard that they will be opening a second restaurant in Union Street, Ryde (in the old Post Office/Smithfields).
11/02/09 @ 09:59
Comment from: Wendy
Based on our good experience last time, we thought this was the place to go for a swift but tasty meal before heading down to Cineworld for the start of the Minghella Film Festival. It was already 6.30 and we needed to be at the cinema before 8pm. We chose a fab appetiser of various flat breads served with a range of delicious dips (I had to leave the beany one to Ian as it had bits of chorizo in it and I don't eat meat). For our mains Ian had a meaty, bacony pasta dish which he declared amazing, while I had salad with goat's cheese, sesame seeds and root vegetable crisps. I'd never have thought of mixing the crisps up with the baby spinach, but it worked and the chutneyish dressing was gorgeous.

Explaining we were in a hurry, the waiter was ultra-prompt with the bill and we were down at the cinema with time to spare. You can of course have a much more leisurely meal at Olivo's, but the speedy service was what we needed this time. Thumbs up - again!
14/03/09 @ 16:38
Comment from: Deborah
I'm a very frequent visitor to the Island and Olivio's is one of my favorite places to eat out. I have been with family and friends on numerous occasions and have always found the food and the service to be excellent .

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Deborah. We like Olivo's too and have been watching with interest as their new restaurant in Ryde takes shape. Does anyone know when it is opening?
18/05/09 @ 20:42
Comment from: Alan Bennett · http://ww.vectiscc.org.uk
My wife and I went to Olivo's on a whim, as we were at a loose end. We are late 50's and have eaten in many countries and I can say without a doubt,the food and service in Olivo's in Newport were the best we have ever encountered. I had the Sea food spaghetti and my wife had the lasagne. Brilliant. If that was not good enough, the pecan ice cream on a hot waffle was amazing. Well done, we will be back with friends. 10 out of 10
25/05/09 @ 21:29
Comment from: Willows owner
I absolutely love this place.
I usually call in here for lunch when I go shopping on my own to Newport, the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Went there a few weeks ago with a group of friends and even the owner of the Seaview Hotel was eating there, now what does that say?
The duck is fantastic, but please bring back the meatballs, they are surley missed! xx
17/07/09 @ 17:39
Comment from: Julia Email
I went to Olivo's tonight and was truly disappointed. The service was frantic (bordering on aggressive by one staff member) and far from relaxing.
Dry, bland and thorougly disappointing - less of a topping, more of a stain!
We had pizzas and I can honestly say that they were AWFUL! Dry, bland and thorougly disappointing - less of a topping, more of a stain! I went with my partner for a romantic night out but we ended up leaving straight after the main course. It took ages to pay - the card machine was broken so my partner had to leave the restaurant to go and get cash, then the waiter dropped one of the notes and didn't even notice (luckily, another customer spotted it.) The service was so frantic that we did not get to give feedback until the end and even then I don't think they were particularly interested. We weren't the only ones dissatisfied: the couple on the table next to us came in before us but were only just receiving their food whilst we were trying to pay. I've wanted to go there for ages as it looks so nice but, regretfully, I will not be going back and could not recommend it to anyone.
12/08/09 @ 22:30
Comment from: Wendy
Excellent meal at Olivo, Newport with family last night. We shared a couple of crostini to start (breads with dips and salad). My broccoli and gorgonzola risotto from the specials board was gorgeous and perfectly cooked. Ian loved the lamb and veg skewers with chili couscous (called agnello on the menu I think). Most of the rest of the party went for pizzas and calzones and in contrast to Julia's pizza experience above, they were declared delicious by everyone including my young son, who went for the tuna special. Glad I found room for dessert as the banoffee pie was spot on. Nice service, too.
10/09/09 @ 10:16
Comment from: Wendy
More great food at Olivo last night - there with 2 girlfriends, we shared a tasty antipasti platter, and I chose a vegetarian dish from the specials board for a main course, which was superb: farfalle (bow-shaped pasta) with courgette, slivers of balsamic onion, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts in a butter marsala sauce. I wouldn't have thought of putting marsala with pasta but it was heavenly, and the whole dish was beautifully silky. One of the best pasta dishes I've had in a long while. My friends were equally impressed with the special risotto.

For dessert I chose the cardamom chocolate mousse with caramelised orange flavoured with star anise. Wow! Large portion alert - it came in quite a large glass, and was more of a rich ganache than a light mousse. But so moreish I of course finished it!

Thoroughly satisfying meal - nice service, and good, busy atmosphere.
03/02/10 @ 09:42
Comment from: Kirsty Wright Email
ok just to start off, this may sound like a weird thing to ask you. Ive seen this man that works in Olivos, Newport as a waiter who also used to work in Lidl, Newport. And ive kind of got this crush going on for him. His names Mario ?. And i was just wondering if someone could help me out here.
14/02/10 @ 20:33
Comment from: Looby
6 'O'Clock club with my friends on Wednesday, another lovely meal. Good food, nice atmosphere, fab friends what more could you want!
19/02/10 @ 10:02
Comment from: Sean
Popped into Olivo for Lunch over the weekend and once again found the service and food fantastic. It was buzzing, and full, yet the service was still very efficient and we did not wait long for drinks or our lunch. With the Caesar Salad were a form of chick pea chips which were delicious, and the pasta was really tasty. Do not be put off if they look busy.
01/03/10 @ 08:35
Comment from: mandy
i love the ryde branch and popped into the newport olivo for a coffee with the other half and found the service to be rude, rushed and no where near as good as ryde. maybe i went in on a bad day but i wont be going in there again.
27/04/10 @ 09:42

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