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Oliveto Café & Restaurant Reviews List

Oliveto Café & Restaurant

Oliveto Café & Restaurant offers seasonal cuisine in the Northern Italian tradition, including wild game, fresh pastas, wood fired pizzas and authentic vegetable and poultry dishes.



ALL RESERVATIONS ARE FOR THE DINING ROOM ONLY. WE DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS FOR OUR CAFE.
See more Oliveto Café & Restaurant details
215 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
(215 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 215 reviews
5 stars
(104)
4 stars
(72)
3 stars
(23)
2 stars
(11)
1 star
(5)
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.1 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(155)
  • neighborhood gem(115)
  • special occasion(113)
  • notable wine list(74)
  • romantic(58)
  • good for groups(37)
Oliveto Café & Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

classical spoons

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is a classical masterpiece .Its consistently beautiful ~the service is graciousness and expert...the space is lovely and like a lake lantern,The food is the top ~.the tower of Pisa,, its the top ,~ Its the Mona Lisa...... Cole Porter would write this food ..This is a classical restaurant ..with the power to sustain its quality and yet to invent new and fresh concepts with sparkle.... classical spoons...."
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of our long-time favorites

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The cafe downstairs is wonderful, as is the restaurant upstairs. This has been one of our favorite lunch and dinner places for the past 20 years or so. The bread pudding downstairs is the best ever."
Dined on 6/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Expensive but great

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Delicious ribeye (Pre-sliced when served) and halibut.
Strawberries in season and nice dessert.
Excellent service.
Right across from BART in great neighborhood.
$100 for dinner for two sans du vin. Very pricey."
Dined on 6/13/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Early Summer

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Enjoyed the Halibut after a beautiful salad of the freshest young greens. Apricot tart dessert was great. . Another guest had beef with a braised (or steamed or creamed) nettle side that I tasted and thought delicious."
Dined on 5/12/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of the better restaurants

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We've dined there twice, each time the food was wonderful, service great and the experience what you hope for in fine dining."
Dined on 6/12/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

YUMMY

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is a busy little place. We had three of the menu items and all were really fabulous. Their buratta, giblet and polenta, scrab !!!! We brought a bottle of our own wine ($18 corkage) and the waiter selected and served us a lovey glass of appropriate wine for our first couse. Fabulous banana pudding dessert.
Really great experience all around!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Upstairs Downstairs

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/08/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This review is for the upstairs, not the ground level cafe (which is also great). Service is really top notch - the do a good job of being knowledgable without being aloof; their staff fits in with the neighborhood feel and is an important part of the experience. The food we had was really good and there were a few things on the menu that we had never tried before - if you want to be adventurous and have something new, this is a great spot. They also have traditional items and an extensive wine list including a lot of Italian wines. You will not be overfed with overly large portion size, but neither will you feel that the entrees are too small."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/03/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Oliveto always has unique and delicious food."
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/01/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I always find the food very good, but not outstanding as it used to be. The flavors while quite good in the various dishes didn't achieve the perfect combination to rate the food outstanding. Service was properly attentive."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great Food --- But Kitchen Was Slow

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/01/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was our second time eating at Olivetto's. As with the first visit, the food was excellent. While our server was really professional and nice, the timing between courses was unacceptable. It took 30 minutes for our two glasses of wine to arrive at the table and almost 45 minutes for our first course to come. There was another lull before we saw our second course. Then one entree arrived, while the hostess said that my order had been misplaced. Another delay. To cap things off, our coffees arrived well after dessert was finished. I normally would not make such a big deal about this -- problems happen in every restaurant -- but after 2.5 hours of badly botched service, something on our bill should have been comped."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
+1point
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Review 11 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/31/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Not as good as previous visits. Our waiter was friendly but overstretched; less attentive to our decisive table of 2 than to larger tables and those who needed explanations of dishes. We had to ask for bread; drinks took a long time to arrive. The frisee salad with orange, pine nuts and avocado was excellent, but other dishes did not stand out. The grilled peach panzanelle that came with the pork porterhouse was basically a pile of croutons. The Swiss chard in which the vegetarian involtino was wrapped was too tough for the steak knife to cut through and it was bland. The puddle of parmesan fonduta on which it sat had a strange viscosity and mildness. We don't mind paying top dollar -- and did for this -- but this time it was not worth it."
Dined on 5/31/2013
+1point
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Review 12 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/28/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I have lunch when I am over in the East Bay occasionally at Oliveto's, My hen dish was particularly delicious. (I did have to send it back because it wasn't fully cooked...but, when returned, delicious."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

pretentious and over-rated

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/26/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This place takes itself far too seriously. The food is just so-so, but it thinks of itself as a Michelin 3 Star establishment and charges accordingly. I would skip this place and go to Chez Panisse. Oliveto couldn't hold Chez Panisse's spatula."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 14 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Great food if you ignore service

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/22/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"7 of us recently went here to celebrate a graduation. The waiter seemed pleasant enough, but the service he provided was poor. After a bottle of champagne, our wine didn't arrive until after most people had finished their appetizers. One appetizer never arrived. After he poured it, it told us it was the last bottle - so much for keeping to a taste. He poured the acid crystal sediment into peoples glasses. Harmless but nobody wants it in their glass and he was unapologetic about it when it happened. While the food was very good, many people prefer the pairing of food with wine - properly served. To them, this would be a disappointing event - with a mandatory 18% tip added on despite the indifferent service."
Dined on 5/22/2013
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Review 15 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Delicious Italian Food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/21/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I dined recently at Oliveto Restaurant. I had lunch in the upstairs restaurant on a Tuesday afternoon. My party had the pan roasted chicken leg (akin to cooking under a brick) which was served with young broccoli and a earthy polenta. The chicken was outstanding with a crisp skin, flavorful, juicy meat and a judicious topping of a salse verde. We also tried the penne bolognese, which came with al dente winter wheat penne and a wonderful meat bolognese. The wines were great and well priced. The service was impeccable from start to finish."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 16 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/20/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our waitress LIsa was a gem. Funny, attentive, and just great all around service. The rabbit was awesome."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Oliveto's Delights

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I was pleasantly surprised to visit Oliveto's after many years away (for no particular reason other than tha abudant culinary choices throughout the Bay Area). I had the Hen Egg, Asparagus, and Morel Mushroom appetizer while my wife had the navel orange, avocado and frisee dish---both were perfect, tasteful, elegant and exceptionally well prepared. Each bite was a celebration of the superb combination of ingridents. We had the agnolotti dal plin as an intermediate dish, and the halibut as the main dish---our dessert (the Strawberry ShortCake Sundae---that's my name for it) was outstanding, creative and satisfying. We will re-visit Olivetto's next month just to make sure we weren't dreaming!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

service kind, food salty and greasy

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/13/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food was poor. Several dishes too salty. The liver with strawberries nauseatingly greasy. Olives served at the beginning of the meal scant, and we had to ask for bread to be put on the table. One of the worst dining experiences we've had in this area. I regretted having chosen this restaurant for our evening out. The service was friendly, but the food was bad."
Dined on 5/13/2013
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Review 19 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Not as great as last time

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We went during the "Faire is Fowl" special dinner week. As usual, the food was good. But it was not spectacular. It did not "wow" us. And we think that for these prices we should be "wowed." The duck, for instance, was certainly no more tasty than what is regularly served at the Bay Wolf at significantly less cost. The wine, a single glass of which averages around $15, was good but not exceptional, and the pour was quite modest. And the table we were at -- there were three of us -- felt a bit cramped. The restaurant was filled to capacity and therefore rather loud. So, we do intend to return to Oliveto (we've had some very enjoyable dinners there in the past) but most likely not on one of their theme nights."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 20 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"One of the best restaurants in the east bay. Delicous food, top notch service, and elegant. Had a wonderful experience that I will not soon forget."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

too much for too little

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/07/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Very dissapointed with the unnecessarily high price for a glass of wine - no reason to only have $15 per glass Pinot Noir.
Also, pasta portion very small.
Overall, a rather staid place good for well-to-do grandparents.
"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 22 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Watch the salt!

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is our 3rd visit to Oliveto this year (one regular dinner, one Whole Hog, this Hen Dinner) and two have suffered from SEVERE oversalting on the vegetables. Not the starch or the meats, just the veggies. Whoever's doing that station need to have their salt-shaking hand whacked with a wooden spoon, LOL. Mgmt handled it nicely, gave us a credit offset on our bill. Otherwise, Hen Dinner was very good to excellent. Duck and goose liver starters were amazing; closest to foie gras you can get now. Guinea hen roulade and roast pigeon were very good. We love to finish with Oliveto's perfect cappuccinos and housemade biscotti, which redefine what biscotti should be but so seldom are. Expensive place but worth the splurge."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 23 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sophisticated food with first-class

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Sophisticated food with first-class service and an exceptionally well laid-out wine list make this a favorite."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Disappointing

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This was always our go to place for special occasions - both "fowl" courses were under cooked butnwe couldn't bring to anyone's attention since our waiter was nowhere to be found. Oliveto is resting on it's laurels - so many other better options."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 25 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

It's all in the food

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"When all the variables of linen, service, flash and presentation are summed up, the quality and essence of the food, ingredients and cooking still is what counts.
The 'bird dinner' with guinea hen at the center was beautifully put together. A liver dish on toast, another with home made boudin blanc sausage set in peas and fava beans was among the best sausage I have had, ever. Wood fire cooking of duck breast and the guinea hen had a deft touch of smoke without killing the delicate meats.
Each of the 5 dishes we had were perfect.
"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 26 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wonderful food but the worst service we've experienced in a restaurant in a long time
The waiter was too busy with too many tables and unable to handle our party
"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Disappointing vegetarian dish

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/30/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Pasta with vegetables wrapped in chard (like dolmas) was ok, but it was swimming in a pool of cream sauce with cheese. Disappointing!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 28 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful Experience

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The food was amazing; I had the porterhouse. The server was friendly and the drinks were well made.
I would definitely come back.
"
Dined on 4/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Started with the daily cocktail

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Started with the daily cocktail special. I usually only drink wine but after the excellent waiter told us about this drink we had to have it.
Delicious. The appetizer selection had so many interesting things it made it hard to decide but with help again from the server we made two excellent choices, quail and Burratta with spring vegetables. Next two pastas done to perfection, and then dessert. Our waiter was knowledgeable about each dish and made the dinner that much more enjoyable.
"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Everyone was impressed by

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everyone was impressed by the food. It was very fresh, however really overpriced. In addition, our waiter talked a bit too much about his expertise in wine, etc.... and it got a bit ridiculous. It felt as if he would not leave us alone. Once the restaurant became busy again however, we could hardly find him. I would rather try the cafe downstairs if I eat at Oliveto's again."
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2011
Special Features: kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 31 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Oliveto is our go-to special

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Oliveto is our go-to special occasion place. The food and service are always outstanding, and this time was no different. We order course by course, and take out time dining. They understand this, we have never felt hurried or any pressure to "turn" the table. The food is fresh, excellent, and the constantly changing menu is always full of new delicious finds."
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Went with a group of 6 and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Went with a group of 6 and very much enjoyed it. Started with cocktails at the bar downstairs - all were good. Then went upstairs for dinner. Appetizers were good but nothing special - we had halibut with sea urchin, an avocado and frizee salad, their smoked sausage, and a cold scallop and citrus dish. They all just lacked a little something to make them special. However, the entrees were delicious. Everybody was incredibly pleased. Desserts were spotty - some excellent, some just good. But with cocktails, 3 bottles of wine, and a 3-course meal we spent ~80 per person. Not bad for all of that and a very good time."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 33 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

a great restaurant with innovative

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"a great restaurant with innovative menu and lots of fun. bit costly but worth it!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 34 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I have been wanting to eat

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I have been wanting to eat at Olivetto's for years, boy do I wish I had gotten there sooner. The food, staff, ambience was all a 10!
I can not wait to go back. What a memorable evening. If you have not tried this restaurant I recommend you get yourself over there pronto!
"
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 35 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Disappointed for the first time

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My college roommate and I have been coming to Oliveto annually when she is in town, and have always enjoyed our food. This year we were disappointed for the first time: my guest's pasta dish was too salty, and my stuffed quail was just okay. Also we couldn't taste the coriander in the salad with the toasted coriander vinaigrette. Sad because this was a special occasion we always look forward to. On the positive side, the drinks were great: the bartender responded to my request to go easy on the rum in my mojito, and to tone down the sweetness on my friend's mojito. We also shared a seasonal special drink made with blood orange, and we both loved it."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2007
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Review 36 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food quality outstanding,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food quality outstanding, though portions rather small. Service a bit slow. Noise level high with tables close together."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 37 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Oliveto: Still Top Notch

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Been trying to get to this restaurant for many years now, to eat at what was one of the original leaders in the California cuisine revolution. It's nice to see they've remained current and popular! Delicious food, great service, and definitely a good dining experience!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This is our neighborhood gem

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is our neighborhood gem and we are loyal repeat patrons. But this time, it was a miss. Scallops carpaccio as first course with a unhappy result the next morning! Lost a day in bed. Need to be careful in the future."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 39 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We have dined here in the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We have dined here in the past. As always the food and service are always superb."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 40 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fabulous! I can't wait to return.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 04/15/2013
 2006
Dined on 04/15/2013
 2006
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I had not been to Oliveto for several years, having been hugely disappointed in the food on past visits. However, I needed to find a special place for a reunion dinner with an old friend. I requested a quiet table, and the hostess seated me in the perfect spot. Our server was well-informed and gracious, as well as patient - with the length of time we needed for catching up before ordering and with my special need for food without garlic. The food was incredible! It is the best meal I have had in months, at a price that was no higher than many mediocre meals I have eaten elsewhere. I was blown away. As was my guest, a foodie from the Boston area. I can't wait to return!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 41 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Complaints

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife chose carpaccio for her first dish and the first taste found the fish had gone off. The man at the next table found a friend who came over to talk to him. He stood up immediately adjacent to our table, invading our space, and had a loud conversation for a number of minutes with no regard for others. This was ignored by the staff. The menu choices were limited. I enjoyed the martini!
Please send these comments to the restaurant."
Dined on 04/15/2013
 2008
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Review 42 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I like the atmosphere of the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I like the atmosphere of the restaurant. It was very romantic and just a nice place to have a delicious dinner. The waiter was kind and helpful, and gave us everything we needed. Food was amazing. It's on the expensive side for me, but worth it for my beautiful girlfriend."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 43 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We were seated on time and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were seated on time and our server was right there to give us her insights into the menu and wine list. She was very knowledgeable and friendly.
We chose 3 starters and 3 pastas to share among the 6 of us. Each of these dishes were well prepared, presented and tasty. The entrees were delicious.
Wee had a great time and hope to return soon."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 44 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Yes, fabulous, but they did

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Yes, fabulous, but they did mess up our order and we got out of there $300 later..."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 45 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The greatest part about the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The greatest part about the food at Oliveto is that everything is fresh and local. The taste of each item is vibrant. I love the pasta dishes here. At first I was a little disappointed that they no longer offer to make the pasta dishes larger for an entree. But it worked out well since we ordered two pastas and shared one entree for two people. This allowed us to taste more dishes. We ordered the scallop carpaccio with blood oranges and squid ink as an appetizer. It was ok, but not one of my favorites. The squid ink and orange flavors were too strong and masked the sweetness of the scallop. But, overall, the food is very good, although a bit pricey. The portions were the perfect size for us. The ambiance and wait staff are always nice."
Dined on 04/08/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 46 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Their family-style Sunday

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Their family-style Sunday night supper was ample and delicious."
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 47 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This was our first experience

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was our first experience with Oliveto. Everything about it was excellent. The food was fantastic, our server was knowledgeable and attentive, and the ambiance was lovely. It was a bit pricey, but the quality of the food and service made it worthwhile. We will definitely be back."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 48 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The grilled, under a brick

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The grilled, under a brick chicken, was superb. It was delightfully seasoned and paired w/polenta. Lovely chicory salad and marvelous desserts. I would go again ASAP"
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 49 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food and service were excellent

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food and service were excellent overall. Menu is varied and had something for everyone at the table."
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 50 for Oliveto Café & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Both the wild mushroom salad

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Both the wild mushroom salad and my pork and vegetable dinner were so oversalted that salt was the only flavor! I had to send it back as it just wasn't acceptable. The replacement was better but not worth the price at all! I also had to send back my mother's 93rd birthday dinner as we asked in advance if it was large scallops or the small ones and server said large, but they came small and the pasta was way under. The only good part of the dinner was the wine I brought with us. Also, only the server apologized for the meal and I would have expected the chef to come out and say a few words or reduce the cost of the meal. I didn't take it farther because I didn't want my mother's birthday to have any more negatives."
Dined on 03/28/2013
 2013
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