OLIVA Italian Mediterranean Cuisine

I spilled all over the table and ground and they offered to move us tables and great everything really worth every 4 dollars per mile

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Quick service and great food. The diversity of Oliva makes it an ideal place for groups with different cravings. The staff was so polite and kind. The Baklava was AMAZING.

The food was delicious, fresh, warm, and well-prepared! One could experience the passion placed into the preparation, cooking, and ordering of each ingredient! Moreso, the service, atmosphere, and pleasurable environment wrapped around the experience! I am SO grateful I treated myself to my 35th birthday lunch today! I will absolutely return with my loved ones!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the Oliva’s Special Chicken Parmigiana, and it was absolutely delicious! The chicken was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and the portion size was great. The restaurant had a calm and quiet atmosphere, which made the dining experience very enjoyable. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout the meal. Everything from the food to the service exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and look forward to coming back again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely phenomenal experience at Oliva! From the moment we walked in, the warm Mediterranean ambiance, beautiful lighting, and welcoming staff made us feel right at home.
We started with the Crispy Calamari appetizer perfectly fried, tender inside with just the right amount of seasoning, served with a bright marinara and zesty aioli that had us fighting over the last pieces. Absolute perfection!
For the main course, the Lamb Shank was the star of the night. It was slow-cooked to fall off the bone tenderness, incredibly flavorful with rich Mediterranean herbs, and paired beautifully with a velvety risotto and roasted vegetables. Every bite was pure comfort and elegance easily one of the best lamb shanks I’ve ever had!
The service was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, and the atmosphere is elegant yet cozy,perfect for a date night or special occasion.
If you’re in the Madison area, do yourself a favor and go to Oliva. You won’t regret it. We’ll definitely be back soon! Highly recommend the lamb shank and calamari.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All of the lamb options were fantastic, and the red lentil soup was an excellent start to our meal.
Recently under new ownership - while the lamb entrees were still fantastic, the red lentil soup was still tasty but thin, and the bread/olive oil seemed quite lackluster.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lamb Shish Kebab, Red Lentil Soup

Arrived late close to closing. Staff did a great job and we never felt rushed. Food was excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice dinner!

Had a great dining experience at Oliva Italian Mediterranean Cuisine in Madison tonight 🍝✨
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the presentation of the dishes was excellent, and the combination of Italian and Mediterranean flavors made the meal really enjoyable. A nice place for a relaxed dinner with good food and a comfortable atmosphere in Madison. Definitely worth trying if you are visiting the area. #MadisonWI #ItalianFood #MediterraneanCuisine #Wisconsin

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I can only speak for the Italian side of the menu… but wow. You couldn’t find ingredients this low quality at your grocery store if you tried.
I was recommended the chicken parm. Tough, dark meat chicken scraps with what can only be described as “kid spaghetti and sauce”. The table bread was likewise cheap quality and very overpriced.

The sever was nice, its a good little cute mediterranean dinner spot. They brought out bread before the meal which wasn't terribly appetizing, it wasn't bad though. The cheesy bread appetizer iss NOT worth getting, the calamari was chewey and very fishy. I got the Oliva's special chicken parmesan. The chicken breading was soggy from the sauce. I didn't mind the sauce, but it wasn't for me. This version of the chicken parm was served with odd noodles as well, wouldve preferred the fettucine that the regular parm comes with. Food wasn't bad but definitely not worth the price.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Excellent food, clean atmosphere, and great service. A local favorite for in-house pizza and Mediterranean. Nice wine menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Can't say I've ever had a better calzone.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place was a pleasant surprise! We went out to vote yesterday and saw they were open for lunch! The service was great, she was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu selection! We ordered few menu items and shared them! I would have to say that the Lamb Shank special was amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We are so happy that this place is open for lunch again, our server Jenny was amazing and was able to accommodate us! Also, they have Happy Hour all day Monday!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5