L'Olivo in St Albans

The food was lovely once it arrived. We didn't want starters just a main course, we're old! The kitchen doesn't seem set up for this choice (it cannot be that weird). So if you don't want a starter the timing of the arrival of the main course seems to be delayed completely by the full starter eating time. We'd have ordered bread if we'd known as after half an hour you've drunk your drinks and are feeling a tad peckish. We arrived at 6, ordered about 6.15 and our plates didn't arrive until 6.50. Lovely food once it arrived.

Had a lovely meal at this restaurant. The service levels were really good, and the food was really enjoyable. Having an Italian restaurant of this calibre in the area without travelling to London is a bonus.

Great service and food. Our waitress Christina was very attentive throughout our meal. The team were quick to present our dishes and top up our wine glasses. Some lovely dishes on the menu. The squid ink pasta with seafood was divine. The complimentary crema di limoncello was a nice touch at the end of our meal. Highly recommend.

We have dined at this restaurant many times and the overall experience has always been outstanding. In our view this is the best Italian restaurant in Hertfordshire. Many thanks to all the wonderful staff for their incredible welcoming hospitality, cuisine and attention to detail!

We had a very enjoyable dinner. The service was fantastic and the food (ravioli, scallops, duck and lamb) delicious - highly recommended!

Went to visit for my sons birthday...food was simply delicious and authentic and went down a treat...strongly reccomend the lamb rack...wow !!! The staff couldn't do more to make it a special occasion.... Price was very affordable at less than £40 per head which is cheap for Hertfordshire. Not too keen on the glass dividers put there during covid but we're already planning our next visit.

Superb evening. Really wonderful food. Some of the best pasta we have ever tasted. Excellent service. Can’t recommend highly enough. Thank you to Murat and his team from us all.

Excellent evening. Had the special which was 3 types of fish in white wine sauce and it was delicious. Gamberoni starter was excellent. Service was very good and decor is very nice. I quite like the glass screens between tables which helps privacy. Don't know if these are a legacy of Covid or a design feature, but they work well. Only niggles were that we weren't offered bread as is standard in all restaurants and the desserts were average. Price was fair for the quality of food and service. Will definitely go again.

We had a lovely meal at L'Olivo with friends. First time since Sergio left. Staff were all very pleasant and attentive. It was VERY lively there and difficult to have a conversation due to everyone shouting over everyone else. Friday night excitement! Our food was good, and we asked if the chef could make up some veal escalopes in breadcrumbs (milanese). This was not a problem. So all four diners asked for it. Three of us asked if we could have a small portion of spaghetti bolognese to accompany it. Again, nothing was too much trouble. What got lost in translation was that we had 3 plates of bolognese with sone veal on top. Very nice - until the bill came up. I don't normally check it but as it seemed a little on the high side I did on this occasion. We were charged £15 each for the veal - perfect! But we were also charged £66 for three portions of spagbol. In fairness they were full portions which we were unable to finish. However at £37 for a main dish, I thought it was very steep. Point of this is not to criticise the food but to suggest to anyone else requesting this to order 1 portion of spagbol to be shared. It would be the size we wanted and the cost would have been what we paid under the previous management. A good night though and we would return when next in harpenden.

Cannot recommend L’Olivo highly enough. Amazing food, friendly and efficient staff and lovely atmosphere. Micheal Wright

First time visiting under new management. Unfortunately, not the same special experience we had enjoyed previously. Our table for 5 was very cramped, so 2 of us had to sit sideways - and we are regular sized. The selection of Italian bread had breadsticks in bags which were placed on the top, hiding the other 2 types of bread. Our local pub serves better bread baskets, with warm, artisan bread... The food was ok but the dishes were not brought out at the same time, with the same waiting staff making multiple trips. And, they brought out the main course before the empty starter dishes had been cleared. The interior is more upmarket than your standard Italian but they need to up their service.

Really good service here. Great traditional Italian options and also some amazing octopus specials. Highly recommended!

This was our first visit and we were testing the waters with a view to a future booking for a special event. We certainly weren’t disappointed. Excellent service and some delicious food made for a great dining experience. The scallops and sea bass were particularly good. This is the best restaurant we have found since coming to live in the area … we’ll be back!

This is our second visit as we don’t live in the area. Our first visit was amazing and our second visit on Friday 12 January was even more amazing if that’s possible. Thank you for the quieter table on the right hand side as you go inside. It’s for 4 and slightly quieter. I’m a coeliac and so many times I’ve had problems when we eat out. Not in this restaurant, no problems at all. By feeling confident that the food will not cause an allergy I can enjoy the delicious menu. My chosen dish was adapted and was out of this world. Thank you to everyone for making our dining experience another success. Just wished we lived closer

Even though Sergio has retired the superb service quality of food and ambience remain the same. Murat and his team are extremely attentive and very friendly and whatever dish was served, starters, mains or deserts were spot on

Food 5* Service 5* Atmosphere 5* This was our first time back under the new ownership and can honestly say our evening was absolutely fantastic. We can’t wait to come back! Thank you

Food was very good. The staff could not have done more and I will not hesitate to recommend. We had a meal with family that we do not see very often. My lamb was second to none!

Very good food and superb service. I had the lamb cutlets for my main. They were cooked exactly as requested and perfectly seasoned. Already looking forward to my next visit!

We booked in for a birthday meal and have had the BEST experience. I'd been before under the previous management and had always loved it. This evening though was a different level. The food was first class, the staff were attentive but not intrusive and...

The food and service was amazing. Cristiana and Daniela were so attentive and friendly and they made our visit so special, thanks so much girls! We will definitely be visiting again soon!.

Such a lovely meal here with my wife. Not only great food, excellently cooked, but backed up by genuinely superb, lovely and caring service. So often places deliver one or the other, but L'Olivo have got all bases covered. Thanks for making the evening special...

The service was spotless ! Great atmosphere, we went for my sisters birthday and it was absolutely amazing! The food was great, the host who served us made us feel really welcomed. We couldn't have chosen a better place for this occasion! Thanks a lot!!

This meal was for my birthday and it did not disappoint. We were given a lovely quiet table and the service was really great. We started with cocktails and we each had different dishes from the menu. The food was imaginative and well presented. I...

Absolutely wonderful. Great service, very friendly and attentive. Great food. A lovely meal for our anniversary.

Just the two of us having a celebratory meal at this well-renowned restaurant. We had three courses plus house champagne and coffee. Could not fault the cuisine, service or atmosphere.

Since Sergio and Joanne are not there is not the same place. I know the team there are trying however what is missing is the Italian warmth and character. Food is a lttle bit blend in comparison. Really shame. The food wasn't bad at all...

We went after all of the recommendations we’d heard - and were not disappointed. It was exceptional - the food, the drink, but also what stood out was the quality of service; extremely attentive. Very high quality food and the place itself is very nicely...

I surfed the net and found this restaurant. TBH I probably wouldn't have found it any other way, because it wasn't exactly in the middle of everything. However, I'm so pleased I did. I've frequented many Italian restaurants over the years and only but a...

Great good, excellent friendly service. I was recommended by friends and wasn’t disappointed. The octopus starter special was amazing.

The dishes were exquisitely presented with flavour to match. The service was very attentive and friendly but not overbearing

We have visited L’Olivo a couple of times and had great food & service. While it is pricey we had been ok with that for rare special occasions. Our latest visit was really poor though ...the staff seemed really stretched , continually made mistakes (we...

Everything we ate this evening was delicious. As a vegetarian, I sometimes struggle to find anything I would want to eat but here there was choice. I had bruschetta, melanzane parmigiana, pumpkin and ricotta tortelloni and a panna cotta all perfectly cooked and super tasty....

Such relaxed atmosphere that makes the night feel so special. Have visited twice for 2major celebrations (50th birthday -couple) and for 18th birthday special meal (family). Each time food has been superb and service exceptional

Taken as a treat by some friends and you can see why you have to book early to get in. Simply brilliant food for every course, sharp service and knowledgeable. Great wine list. Really recommend

We had a lovely meal at this great little find. car park is full but plently of street parking. There was a Lovley air conditioned area which we wre able to sit in due to a cancelation. (we had not booked till the day and...

Secured a last minute cancellation for Friday night. Excellent restaurant on every level. Staff, service, food, ambience. In a world of amateurs, this is a true professional. Thank you and we will certainly return

Yet another fabulous meal on Friday. Beautifully cooked, charmingly served our no 1 restaurant for special occasions. Sergio is such a good advisor re wines to go with the dishes ordered. Everyone is friendly and welcoming but leave you alone to enjoy your meal. All...

Fully deserves its high rating. Food and service were really good but wanted to note how they went above the usual. We were a table of four and a young waitress accidentally dropped a small amount of red wine over one of us. Lots of...

We ate here for the first time with friends and we had such a fabulous evening. We started things off with a very nice cocktail and were then shown our table. The restaurant had such a lovely feel about it and was buzzy without being...

It is difficult to choose from this interesting menu. The bresaola and the bruschetta are recommended and the Puttanesca pasta is excellent. Good and varied wine list.

We’ve been here quite a few times. We have so far always enjoyed the food, the service and the atmosphere. A good little date night place.

Everything perfect. Atmosphere service and food. Couldn't be faulted. We will definately use it again and we have recommended it to other groups

A real treat! Only go to this lovely restaurant for special occasions.... staff food and atmosphere all 100%. Love love love 🥂

Visited with friends on Saturday evening had a lovely meal with good service. Enjoyed our evening on the terrace. Definitely going back to try out the menu.

We ate here twice during our 6 night holiday and both times the food was amazing, staff attentive and pleasant, would definitely recommend

We have visited this restaurant several times and always loved the experience so tend to choose for special occasions as we see it as reliably excellent. Unfortunately last night was disappointing as the service was a complete let down. We booked for my husband’s birthday...

First visit to the restaurant which had been recommended to us by some friends. Lovely decor, cosy feel, busy but to loud. Service was quick, efficient & friendly. Food was fantastic too, as was the wine. Overall a fantastic experience, would highly recommend and will...

Excellent atmosphere and food. Lovely personal service. Waiting staff were attentive but not OTT. Enjoyed whole experience - thank you.

We have always seen going to L'Olivo as a delightful treat usually with Lee and Julie! Sam and l love the service Sergio's team provide in this family run restaurant. The atmosphere is exceptional and we can't wait for our next visit. Mark and Sam

Great food service was impeccable, couldn't do enough for you,everything on menu was great,diverse choice, couldn't fault it. Being Italian myself I said to waitress if it's as goog as my mums I'll have it,so she recommended something else octopus,which was amazing. Only thing is...

I have to say the food quality and portion size was very reassuringly good The steak sauce was old school and delicious . The fillet steak medallions were ample for the money. All served on very hot plates which is rare these days . One...

An absolute gem of a restaurant, four of us had dinner for a birthday celebration. We are all experienced diners so we were expecting an enjoyable evening but L'Olivo delivered above our expectations. The staff are charming and very good and although the prices are...

Another excellent evening here at L'Olivo. We ate here as a party of 4 on 23/3 and as is usual had to book weeks in advance for a Saturday night table. Lovely warm welcome from the owner as usual and we were quickly shown to...

The food was amazing, fresh and very favourable. Lovely friendly service, and charming waiters. Sadly you need to book ahead.

It is never easy catering to a larger party but L’Olivio handled everything perfectly We were shown to our seats and drinks orders were taken along with our food orders. Inside the restaurant is beautiful & there is a very classy feel to the place.We...

We have been to a number of outstanding Italian restaurants including some in the most illustrious in London's west end and none are better than L'Olivo. The fact that we had to book 5 weeks in advance for a Saturday night in itself speaks volumes...

We visited l’olivio to celebrate Mother’s Day. A warm and friendly welcome accompanied by excellent service. We had scallops “ The Old Way” , served in a cream and cheese sauce that was fantastic without being to rich, followed by steak in dolcelatte sauce, cooked...

Thank you to everyone at L'Olivo's for an outstanding evening last night. Food was truly exceptional with very attentive table service. Every course was served to a high standard - flavours and presentation were mouth wateringly delicious. We look forward to returning to dine with...

Been meaning to visit the restaurant for a while and finally got a chance in February. Was very busy due to it being Valentines weekend but still kept up the great service and food was outstanding. Me & my husband are both Italian and can...

We went here for my birthday and Friday and it was fab. They had put little happy birthday things on the table which made me feel very special. The atmosphere is really good, staff always on hand but not over the top and the food...

A belated Valentines Day meal and one that didn't disappoint. Busy, as to be expected on a Saturday, but remarkably well managed and organised. Whilst perhaps too busy for some tastes, there was a real buzz around the place and everyone was clearly enjoying their...

We went to O’livio last night for my birthday. First time of me ever going there and it was for my birthday. It’d come recommended to me by a few people and it is recommended to book in advance. I can see why it’d been...

This place never fails to deliver, absolute top quality food with fantastic service. I chose my starter and main from the specials, both truly special.... can’t wait to go back!

Visted this lovely restaurant on Saturday 9th February. Lovely atomosphere and staff very friendly.. The food was lovely my husband had the veal and said it was the best he has had.. will be returning... Can be a bit noisy but that is because it...

You need to book here because it is so popular. Because I always leave things until the last minute I am seldom able to eat here. This time my friend booked. The food was excellent and the service matched. I took the server’s advice on...

The family booked here to celebrate my brothers 30th birthday. I could not fault one thing. The food was fantastic, the service was spot on and there was a great atmosphere. I would have to say it is the best restaurant around this area by...

Lovely dining at this Italian for evening dinner.Great busy atmosphere though noisy!Tables rather close together. Great menu with extensive choices and service very attentive and friendly.Prices for food and drink reasonable. Car parking difficult if restaurant spaces full.

The food is good, and typical Italian, BUT there are no soft furnishings (Carpets nor curtains) so the noise level is very high and echo-ey. Very difficult if one has older members in the party who are hard of hearing.

I surprised my husband for his 50 th 10 friends arrived early and were seated by the staff So when we arrived he didn’t see them The evening was. Delight Food was amazing Staff were helpful and attentive We all head a wonderful evening x

Love this place - fortunately for us it's a stone's throw away. Great Italian food, seasonal and freshly cooked. Service is really like being in Italy!

It had been sometime since my wife and I had visited it requires to be booked well in advance. We can certainly say that the excellent quality of the food has not diminished at all. The service is also excellent although the parking can be...

My first visit to the restaurant and this won’t be my last, the amazing Service started when I picked up the phone to make the reservation and ended when I left the building it was that faultless The food was delicious and the menu full...

Excellent food, very impressive service! Coats taken on arrival, water for the table placed as you sit down, orders taken promptly from a wide ranging menu (+ a few specials), food prepared and served quickly without the impression of being rushed. Nice choice of desserts...

We had our work Christmas party last night Most welcoming staff, polite and friendly 🙏 The food is amazingly tasty and 💖ambient I’d recommend this venue for any occasion

great food great staff great atmosphere everything was top drawer food was excellent and a really good menu and lots of choices

I went there for my birthday and we were well looked after. The food was the best I've tasted. It was very full and quite noisy but all in all we had a lovely night. Thank you

4 of us for dinner. All thought it superb. Starters were meat balls, scallops and i had the octopus stew which was one of the best dishes i have ever eaten. For mains two had sea bass and risotto which was reported to be excellent...

Food was excellent as always. Sergio and his excellent team looked after us for a birthday celebration. Can't wait to go back again.

My wife & I went to L'Olivo with another couple who are two of our best friends. We actually went in July 2017 but Tripadvisor doesn't go back that far. Our visit was a celebration of my wife's birthday and we chose L'Olivo because we...

Great dinner as always. The pumpkin tortelloni was beyond divine and the espresso martini was the best ever!

A true Italian restaurant which sits right at the top of the top. Great choice of starters and mains, magnificent dessert and a great wine selection. The service was impeccable, friendly and efficient staff. We had a lovely evening to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Very...

Very enjoyable dinner at L'Olivo. Welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, excellent food. Definitely worth a visit!

Always fantastic food delicious flavours served by friendly service love the daily specials board offering alternatives to the set menu

In August, my wife and I went to L'Olivo for my birthday. The dining room was so packed with tables that we could barely move. Being a unique room full of people speaking at the same time, the noise was quite loud and I had...

From start to finish it was excellent. The food, service and ambiance were superb. I’m looking forward to going back.

Lucky to get a booking at short notice. They had a cancellation and so glad we went. The food was very tasty and well presented. The service was good and typically Italian. Nice choice of wine and the knowledgeable waiter chose a bottle for us...

This is the best restaurant for miles. Friendly, warm welcome, delicious food beautifully cooked and presented. Not cheap but you get what you pay for. A perfect evening thanks to the whole team!

Really good food, one of the best Italian food ive tried in england... Definetly will come back again!

We love this restaurant - lovely homemade Italian food served in a friendly environment We have enjoyed many great evenings with friends and also enjoyed early evening meals with our daughters. The service is brilliant !

We sat down at our table and ordered some drinks while perusing the food menu, we were showed the special board, the wife ordered the figs and calf liver from the specials board, she gave me a taste of the figs, the were absolutely fantastic....

One of the best places around when I am back in the countryside. Food quality to compete with any top restaurant. Welcoming staff and great drinks. I came for a birthday meal for my parents, can say it did not disappoint and will be returning...

Heard about this unique place from friends Grab some couple time away from the house and went on a dinner date. Fantastic family ownership really passionate about what they do and how they care about customers Place filled up fast but service was quick and...

The restaurant was buzzing when we arrived and our table was ready so we were shown to our seats immediately. All our meals were faultless and the speed of service was just right. Looking forward to a return visit

The title says it all. It's off the beaten track and exceeds expectations every time. The food and service is excellent and we always way more than we should. Staff are friendly and approachable bit let's face it, it's all about the food. Fantastic!

We had heard a lot about L'Olivios - it has quite a reputation locally so you have to book well ahead. But for once the reputation is justified. Great food, great atmosphere and great staff. Thank you for making my husband's birthday so special.

The pasta was definitely not like mama used to make, ie. congealed.It was not great value and the service not exactly Jeeves, more like Del boy.Will not be going back any time soon

We found this restaurant on TripAdvisor and were surprised by how highly rated all the reviews were. It was a pleasant surprise to see L’Olivo lived up to this reputation and even surpassed it. We had a mixture of fresh pasta dishes and chicken-we strongly...

Our second visit, this time for our wedding anniversary and this place does not dissapoint. Excellent food, attentive staff. First class

We pre-booked a table for 5 for dinner @ 20.00 hours. On arrival, we were shown to our comfortable table and our drinks and food orders. Looking arround, every table was taken and the place was buzzing which must prove that this place is doing...

I think all Italian restaurants are a bit expensive compared to others and L'Olivo is right up there with the rest of them but I have to say that it's worth every penny. The food is absolutely divine, the staff are friendly and the service...