The service was exceptional as always and the food was also wonderful. The attention to detail top notch. It's a little noisier than I'm comfortable with. The bar seemed like it might be quieter, maybe we'll sit there next time!
Hicham
We always have exceptional dining experiences at Olea. From the moment we arrive, the service is warm, attentive, and genuinely knowledgeable. The cuisine is nothing short of spectacular. the execution is precise, each plate is both refined and inventive, bursting with freshness and perfectly seasoned. Olea is a gem, I can't wait to return.
Lisa
Great dinner spot with some nice added touches. Staff was very friendly. Food was very good and they were able to accommodate my husband who is a vegan. He said it was the best veggie dish he's ever had. We will be back.
LoveToTravel317
Long one of our favorite restaurants in New Haven, we were disappointed by several things on a recent Thursday night: NOISE, rushed service, and cost. It's a happening place, not a serene sanctuary, but with a number of larger groups on a Thursday night the noise level was over 100 dB (I have a phone app for that) precluding conversation other than shouting. Our amuse-buche, sparkling water, drinks, bread, and appetizers were all plopped on the table at once, not properly paced, and in general we felt rushed. The too-small staff seemed overworked (even the hostess was refilling water) and, while unfailingly polite, visibly harried, thus a bit less attentive than at past visits. Our bill was $208 with one drink each (one being non-alcoholic) and a shared dessert. The appetizers and main courses remain delicious and perfectly prepared, but the amuse-bouche did not amuse, and the bonus little thank you cookies at the end were ordinary chocolate chip albeit in a cute little shape. The overpriced flan dessert assemblage was also disappointing. The modern decor is still gorgeous, and the location for downtown theater-going perfect. Next time we drive into New Haven, however, we will allow 15 minutes extra to go up State Street to L'Orchio, our other favorite New Haven restaurant (aside from Pepe's of course). I will say Olea's incredible suckling pig is rarely available elsewhere, best shared in my view as it is very rich and the serving is quite generous. I hope these comments are helpful, not only to prospective patrons but also to Olea's management. Thank you for reading.
Steven
Outstanding restaurant. And we are picky. This place is a cut above. We had bar seats. Service was outstanding. Didn't have the wine we wanted (Clio) but Aalto was recommended and we loved it. Jamon Iberico and real seared foi gras were outstanding. Gazpacho was also fantastic. Cochinillo (pork) was outstanding. Lamb was good but just a bit less tender an we like, but great flavors. Torrija desert (like French toast) was great. And finished off with a glass of Sauternes and Madeira. It was loud but all in all this place had great food, an experienced high end staff with a great vibe. Not a cheap meal, but worth it. Very highly recommended.
Larry
An outstanding dining experience in downtown New Haven. Superb food and unfailingly professional service
Danielle Long
The food here is always delicious, the wine is superb and the people are friendly. A place we keep going back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A. David
An otherwise lovely meal was ruined by the noise level. This restaurant cannot have both diners at tables and a party going on in the adjacent space.
Glow C
We come from NY for this excellent food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffrey
We went for an early dinner before seeing a show at the Shubert. My husband loves their fresh anchovies which were on the special menu. He also had a cod special that he loved. I am allergic to fish-so I had a delicious green salad followed by a special rack of lamb that was absolutely wonderful. The bread is also noteworthy-crusty and delicious.
We (last night with my wife and guests) love this place- its service, food and atmosphere (and sound ambience). We believe the best restaurant in New Haven area, maybe in Connecticut. The food is always inventive and a unique treat. Also, the guests last night were form all over the world and many Yale Graduate students! I can't more highly recommend Olea!
Mary Ellen
Exceptional menu, well executed. Innovative dishes, fine ingredients(oysters, jambon iberica, seared scallops, duck confit. Cocktails and wine list are first rate.
Ronald
The service was great from start to finish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shepard
Always a flawless dining experience at Olea. The ambience, service, and cuisine have always been exemplary. A primary 'go to' venue when a memorable experience is desired. The restaurant's leadership and staff work seemlessly to guarantee a wonderful experience. We always feel like respected members of the family when we walk through their doors. We have never been disappointed. We are confident that their standards will always remain intact. We have no conflicts of interest in this review (though we admit to the warmest of feelings for the Romeros).
Opentable Diner
We got the tasting menu with wine pairing. Everything was excellently prepared, the wine pairings were on point, and the service was top shelf.
The service was exceptional as always and the food was also wonderful. The attention to detail top notch. It's a little noisier than I'm comfortable with. The bar seemed like it might be quieter, maybe we'll sit there next time!
We always have exceptional dining experiences at Olea. From the moment we arrive, the service is warm, attentive, and genuinely knowledgeable. The cuisine is nothing short of spectacular. the execution is precise, each plate is both refined and inventive, bursting with freshness and perfectly seasoned. Olea is a gem, I can't wait to return.
Great dinner spot with some nice added touches. Staff was very friendly. Food was very good and they were able to accommodate my husband who is a vegan. He said it was the best veggie dish he's ever had. We will be back.
Long one of our favorite restaurants in New Haven, we were disappointed by several things on a recent Thursday night: NOISE, rushed service, and cost. It's a happening place, not a serene sanctuary, but with a number of larger groups on a Thursday night the noise level was over 100 dB (I have a phone app for that) precluding conversation other than shouting. Our amuse-buche, sparkling water, drinks, bread, and appetizers were all plopped on the table at once, not properly paced, and in general we felt rushed. The too-small staff seemed overworked (even the hostess was refilling water) and, while unfailingly polite, visibly harried, thus a bit less attentive than at past visits. Our bill was $208 with one drink each (one being non-alcoholic) and a shared dessert. The appetizers and main courses remain delicious and perfectly prepared, but the amuse-bouche did not amuse, and the bonus little thank you cookies at the end were ordinary chocolate chip albeit in a cute little shape. The overpriced flan dessert assemblage was also disappointing. The modern decor is still gorgeous, and the location for downtown theater-going perfect. Next time we drive into New Haven, however, we will allow 15 minutes extra to go up State Street to L'Orchio, our other favorite New Haven restaurant (aside from Pepe's of course). I will say Olea's incredible suckling pig is rarely available elsewhere, best shared in my view as it is very rich and the serving is quite generous. I hope these comments are helpful, not only to prospective patrons but also to Olea's management. Thank you for reading.
Outstanding restaurant. And we are picky. This place is a cut above. We had bar seats. Service was outstanding. Didn't have the wine we wanted (Clio) but Aalto was recommended and we loved it. Jamon Iberico and real seared foi gras were outstanding. Gazpacho was also fantastic. Cochinillo (pork) was outstanding. Lamb was good but just a bit less tender an we like, but great flavors. Torrija desert (like French toast) was great. And finished off with a glass of Sauternes and Madeira. It was loud but all in all this place had great food, an experienced high end staff with a great vibe. Not a cheap meal, but worth it. Very highly recommended.
An outstanding dining experience in downtown New Haven. Superb food and unfailingly professional service
The food here is always delicious, the wine is superb and the people are friendly. A place we keep going back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
An otherwise lovely meal was ruined by the noise level. This restaurant cannot have both diners at tables and a party going on in the adjacent space.
We come from NY for this excellent food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went for an early dinner before seeing a show at the Shubert. My husband loves their fresh anchovies which were on the special menu. He also had a cod special that he loved. I am allergic to fish-so I had a delicious green salad followed by a special rack of lamb that was absolutely wonderful. The bread is also noteworthy-crusty and delicious.
Restaurantji Recommends
We (last night with my wife and guests) love this place- its service, food and atmosphere (and sound ambience). We believe the best restaurant in New Haven area, maybe in Connecticut. The food is always inventive and a unique treat. Also, the guests last night were form all over the world and many Yale Graduate students! I can't more highly recommend Olea!
Exceptional menu, well executed. Innovative dishes, fine ingredients(oysters, jambon iberica, seared scallops, duck confit. Cocktails and wine list are first rate.
The service was great from start to finish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a flawless dining experience at Olea. The ambience, service, and cuisine have always been exemplary. A primary 'go to' venue when a memorable experience is desired. The restaurant's leadership and staff work seemlessly to guarantee a wonderful experience. We always feel like respected members of the family when we walk through their doors. We have never been disappointed. We are confident that their standards will always remain intact. We have no conflicts of interest in this review (though we admit to the warmest of feelings for the Romeros).
We got the tasting menu with wine pairing. Everything was excellently prepared, the wine pairings were on point, and the service was top shelf.
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