5-star Reviews

I visited this restaurant after checking Open Table for dining suggestions in the Boston 'burbs. I must say I was not disappointed. The rooms were cozy (for being right on Mass Ave). The authentic (crusty) Italian bread served upon arrival was enjoyed to the last crumb. The menu offered a lot of choices for all tastes. The Asparagus Frittata (appetizer), was light, full of asparagus and flavor. I had the shrimp with fusilia pasta. Lots of large shrimp and wonderful flavors. The wine list was adequate, and by the glass very reasonable. Service was very attentive and knowledgable. Was my first visit, but won't be my last.


I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT!
My boyfriend took me here for my 24th Birthday and I loved it. The Bruschetta was awesome! The wine list was phenomenal! And they even complimented me on my dress. I am going to go again for a special occasion.


I found their menu online while I was researching (and branching out from) North End restaurants. There were a couple of extremely yummy-sounding vegetarian dishes on the menu and I was all set to book my reservation when I thought, "Hey, let's see what Yelp! has to say!" I am sorry to say I was swayed by the consensus at the time...and ended up going someplace else.
      Well, thank goodness this place popped back into my head several weeks ago. I decided to try it anyway and my fiance and I had an absolutely wonderful time there! I thought the food was incredible - we shared a Mista salad (which actually came with more stuff than it listed on the menu) - great dressing too. We also got the risotto-stuffed peppers which were Divine! For my entree I got this incredible dish: Ravioli di Carcioffe (homemade artichoke and fontina cheese ravioli, tossed with spinach, tomatoes, sweet corn [interesting choice!], butter, and sage in a mascarpone cheese sauce.) It really was flavorful and creative, and actually wasn't as heavy as it sounds, although hey, it IS cream/cheese sauce. I would totally get it again. The bread was fresh and plentiful and comes with dipping oil or butter. My fiance had (and was very happy with) the Pollo Bona Bocca (chicken breast filled with prosciutto and fontina cheese, breaded and pan-fried, served in a marsala wine sauce with a lightly-fried risotto cake.) They seemed to have at least three (if not more) different types of risotto which is very unusual. We finished up with cappuccino but had zero room for dessert, even though the Torta di Ricotta e Limoni was completely tempting me.
      This restaurant is laid out very well. There is small bar area, a sort of garden-esque area in the front facing the windows, a darker, more private side area which is probably good for larger parties, and a huge dining room. The service was attentive but not annoyingly so. We were there a full two hours and never felt rushed; we were left alone to talk and eat slowly and were checked on periodically. Perfect.
      I was incredibly happy with Ristorante Olivio and we are definitely putting it into our Italian rotation.


Excellent Italian food. We were a table of 8, mostly all Italian and loved it. Everything was brought out hot and fresh and for a large party coordinated perfectly. The lemon ricotta pie was the best ever. We will definitely return.


Olivio's serves food like my plump Italian mother would make...if my mother were plump or Italian. I love this place for it's North End food and atmosphere as well as its lack of North End hassle. The courses are affordable for the quantity and quality. We have enjoyed quality antipasti here and a three course meal with portions so large that you can split them between two people with hearty appetites. They have martinis that are worth a try and their espresso panna cotta is not to be missed.


Each time we have been to Ristorante Olivio recently, we have had wonderful charming service, excellent food and an overall great time. We look forward to the renovation that is planned as the bar is popular and always crowded; this will open up space for more casual dining. The rest of the restaurant is delightful with windows overlooking the street, wood floor, simple decoration, and warm atmosphere. The noise level can be a bit overwhelming at times due to the windows, wood floors, etc. But a delightful casual evening with dependably excellent dining.


I went to Olivio's last night for the first time. ...I went on a former co-workers recommendation as well as looking at the menu online before hand. My husband and I were taking my mom out for a birthday dinner, and in the event that she wanted to go to the north end, I found this back up place. Sure enough – she offered the north end as one of the places she wanted to go, and I quickly said (after my husband put it out) that I agree that the north end can be a hassle with parking and deciding and all and since it is a cold night, why bother?
      That is when I mentioned Olivio's. And thankfully I did. My mom, sister, husband and I were all very happy with the food we got. The bread they brought out to start was warm and very italian like. We agreed the olive oil was strong but good. We started with antipasto assortimento de Olivio to share and it was just the right size for four. We proceeded with The Chicken Parm (My husband), Butternut Squash Ravioli (Sister) salmon and Risotta (mom) and Polla bona Boca (myself). All were just the right size portions, the chicken dishes that my husband and I got were huge- we both ended up leaving with leftovers, the wine selection was great, the cofffee and Canollis at the end were amazing as well. the service was very friendly and attentive – we were told about the specials and given time to order and look over the menu. ... I loved the atmosphere and layout of this place and will go back again for sure....