Ristorante Olivio

When I moved to Arlington, a little over three years ago, I was so excited that a nice Italian restaurant was so close by! I wish I could say that I recommend this place.....but I don't. We have eaten here three different times and left feeling bummed out all three. It's pricey for the quality, the food is bland, and I feel like they are hoping that since they give you pretty hefty portions you will decide that makes up for the lack in flavor. The service has not ever been stellar either. It is a cute place right next to the movie theater, so we tried them a few times because every place has an off night. Unfortunately, their chances to prove that they are better than our first impression have run out. We will not ever go back and I would suggest skipping it to anyone else that asks.

Pros: Close to the Capitol Theater

Cons: Food and service aren't worth the price.

Posted 08/26/08

February 13, 2008 was our third visit to Ristorante Olivio and by far the most disappointing. The food was bland and expensive whereas before it was just expensive. When we sat down to dinner an oafish waiter named "Gino" walked up and , with out even saying hello, rattled off the menu specials. He then strolled off without asking if we would like drinks. My wife & I were rather amazed but figured he would be back in a moment to take our orders. We were mistaken. He stood around chatting with a blonde woman for awhile, fetched a beer for the table behind us but did not return.
When Gino did reappear he took our order and we then ordered our drinks. He returned with a vodka tonic for my wife that was almost all ice and a glass of chianti for me. To say it was a "glass of wine" is generous since there could not have been more than 4 ounces of wine in the glass (for $6.00). I even remarked to Gino that there was very little wine in the glass and he responded with "Yeah, well, we don't fill 'em up ya know". If we had not have ordered I would have walked out right then.
I ordered squash ravioli which was quite good when we went here in December and January. This time the food was bland tasting and the serving tiny (six ravioli for 18.95). My wife had the fish special and it was not too "special". Just fair. Price was 21.95 and she did not think it was worth the price.
As soon as we finished eating we paid the bill and left. Gino asked if we wanted dessert but by then we had had enough of Ristorante Olivio and our server Gino.
My wife and I are very active in Winchester schools and social activities and will go out of our way to steer people in town away from this place. Why waste your money and night out on an overpriced and poorly staffed place like Ristorante Olivio?

Pros: If we had a better server the experience might have been better.

Cons: Terrible waiter. Has no idea how to deal with people. Just Awful.

Posted 02/15/08

Good solid food that is not too heavy, not a "red sauce" kind of place, never too crowded to get in and always decent service at a reasonable price. It's not one of the world's top places, but if you're looking for something nice in Arlington it's a great choice.

Pros: good not too heavy food

Cons: service is sometimes a little weak

Posted 01/28/07

Went to this place with some business clients. They wanted italian but didnt want to drive into downtown boston so I chose this place. It was my first tim there but will not be my last. My clients were very impressed with the quality of the food, compared it to the north end. The bar is also a nice place to have a drink and wait for your table.

Pros: great food, new bar

Cons: none

Posted 10/02/06

The entrees looked creative, but the taste was not there. Everything was bland. Definitely overpriced. The ambience was very nice, and the service was good.

Pros: ambience

Cons: food was not so tasty

Posted 08/04/06

I was first recommended to Olivio's by a friend of mine. You always hear about great Italian restaurants that don't end living up to their expectations. This is not the case with Olivio's. My favorite dish is the Pollo Bona Bocca. It's breaded chicken stuffed prosciutto and cheese. It comes served with a risotto cake & vegetables. The chicken is always very tender and cooked to perfection. The main entrees come only after having a delicious assortment of appetizers. I highly recommend the Bruschetta for the appetizer and the Cannolis or Tiramisu for dessert. As for the cannolis, they are by far the BEST cannolis I have ever had - anywhere. There are scattered chocolate chips throughout the filling to add to the great taste. Overall, this was a highly above average restaurant. I highly recommend Ristorante Olivio to anyone looking for a great italian restaurant. You won't be disappointed!!

Pros: Food, Value, Portions

Posted 02/05/06