Tucked away in a busy little laneway, this recently renovated Italian restaurant cafe can cater to all needs whether it be an early breakfast, afternoon coffee fix or an intimate candlelight dinner. The staff were inviting. They provided helpful service and explained the menu items well. All items could be changed to suit your needs. There is a large indoor seating area for up to 110 or you can dine al fresco. A private facility upstairs can also be booked for functions. Olio aspires to be a risotto house but also has a good range of pizzas and pastas.
Parmalat pizza 10" [buffalo mozzarela, prosciutto, dressed wild rocket & parmesan] ($16) Buffalo mozzarella was so goood, the saltiness of the prosciutto balanced out well with the rocket, crust and base were toasted well.
Pollo e fungi, 10" [mozzarella, wild mushrooms, organic chicken & basil pesto (with added spinach on request)] ($16) Overall we found this pizza pretty good, mushrooms are missing since our friend asked for them to be taken out, the chicken was a little dry but other than that the crust and base couldn't be better.
The organic penne with homemade veal & pork meatballs in a San Marzano tomato sugo ($25), was cooked to al dente, the herbs smelled really fresh and the serving size was pretty decent.
Hot Chocolate $4.50 Hazelnut Latte $4.30
When we went to Olio it wasn't too busy, so it was easy to have a conversation and relax. The projected black-and-white Charlie Chaplin movie was a novelty but we were sitting right next to it so it was a little distracting at times. Love the super friendly staff and chilled atmosphere, and would definitely come back to try one of their risottos.
View Larger Map (03) 9650 2190 info@oliocucina.com.au 30 Block Place Melbourne, 3000 Opening Hours Sun to Tues: 8am - 5pm Wed to Sat: 8am - 11pm
Price range: entres/sides- $5-9, mains- $15 -25, assorted cakes/desserts- $4.50+
Specialty: risottos
Service: very helpful, welcoming
Interior: unique Italian decor, mid 1950's black and white movies playing on projector, large seating area
Music: Italian/French music
Vegetarian options: all items can be changed to suit your needs
Gluten Free options: all risottos
Eftpos: ✓
