Olivo - Ristorante Italiano in Guildford

This was the closest I've ever got to experincing actual Fawlty Towers. Still reeling from an utterly surreal dining experince saturday evening. The restaurant seems lovely- really beautiful and atmospheric, already decorated for Christmas. The waiting staff were very attentive. However, a number of things happened this evening which surprised me... Firstly, our food took over an hour to arrive. When we'd been waiting for almost an hour, we asked where it was, and were told apologetically that there was a large party of 20 upstairs that had to be served at the same time and that was why ours was late. However, a different waitress told us it was because our meals had been given to another table by mistake. Not sure what really hapened. They were very apologetic and we finally got our meals. Things were also not going too well on the table next to us either, who got brought the some glasses of red wine multiple times despite repeatedly saying we orderered white - WHITE!! Finally got our meals (delicious). We were given a soft drink on the house each as an apology. Our meals really were lovely. However, our enjoyment of them was interrupted by loud angry arguments that appeared to breaking out in the enttrance to the kitchen in front of our table, involving some staff members (not sure if with each other or with customers, but something very heated was going on!). Things then got more heated, but elsewhere in the restaurant; things started kicking off with a (seemingly very drunk) customer. There was loud swearing, squaring up and angry arguing and everyone in the room was staring. I hastily asked for the bill at this point as I was worried about it turning into a physical fight and we were pretty close to the action! Waiting staff kept coming over to us to apologise and to try and explain what was happening, and to assure us it isn't usually like this... The bill was brought over to us and we paid. I must admit that after this expereince I was surprised they hadn't taken the service charge off, but had still charged us the full amount for service. Being very British, we didn't say anything and dutifully paid it. But then, as we were about to leave, and chatting, a waitress came with the card reader and tried to get us to pay our bill again! We had to laugh. So, all in all, lovely food, very entertaining (if we were there for a comedy show), a bit disconcerting, and a very memorable night out.

Nice restaurant, brilliant staff very helpful and delicious food. I really enjoyed being there. The service is quite fast when the restaurant is busy

Olivo is a cosy little restaurant with an outdoor seating area in a prime location in Guildford, right by the castle and a stones throw from the high street. We ate the duck which was divine, really different and well cooked as in my experience as a meat usually hit or miss.. and my partner had one of their superb pastas; honestly I forget which one but I had some and it was lovely. More than anything loved the ambiance, felt completely comfortable and made to feel at home by the friendly staff and its easy to see its a family run establishment. Highly recommend.

haven't been for a few months as it seemed to gone downhill after the change of ownership in January. Went back again today and wow ts back and even better

Best in town ! Absolutely fantastic , start to finish! The service is wonderful! Me and my family love independent restaurants! This is one of the best ! Try it for yourself !

We had another visit to this lovely restaurant located in the heart of Guildford !Lovely food and the chef new special dishes are something that you have to try!We had venison and the chef pappardelle tartufato that they come in a massive block of cheese and they serve it in front of you at the table just as I seen on TikTok😉Staff were very friendly and professional specially our server Matilda who exceeded our expectation!Thank you Olivo for another great experience 🙌🙌

Abosultely fantastic! This is the best restaurant in Guildford , hands down! I could not fault it , the food is fantastic , service is excellent! Our new favourite place! Historic building !

Food was amazing 😻😻😻. Staff very friendly ❤️❤️❤️. Varied kinds menu. This is the only one Italian restaurant in Guildford who has table cloths . We will definitely come back 👌👌👌

Came here the second time and yet again had another lovely experience. Better service than last time, which made me obligated to leave another review. The food as always was amazing.

Now my favorite locațion for a dine in. Many special dishes to choose from. The staff and service was amazing. The ambience is a different vibe, with italian classics playing on the background. Definitely recommending to friends and family.

Our favorite restaurant, we always go there, the staff is super nice and the food is phenomenal. Thank you for existing Olivo, The Best Italian Restaurant in Surry..

We've done this for a few years now. We're in London on holiday, take the train out to beautiful Guildford. Stroll High Street (this year in beautiful sunshine!) and then meet up with our nephew and niece with their families for a beautiful meal. And, once again, Olivio's made sure we had a delightful time. In fact, we were the last ones in the upstairs part of the restaurant. As we head back to America, we can't thank you enough for a memorable family time.

Another great lunch at Olivio with with my friend Marco Zachariah. Marco's portfolio is of one of the greatest food experts in this country having worked at multinationals designed menus for businesses all over the world and he loved the menu at Olivia and commented on its value and the expertise of the ingredients in the cuisine. 10 out of 10 from Marco

The most amazing Buridda, fresh fish stewed in aromatic tomato sauce flavoured with garlic! Goes amazing with Ca’Bolani Sauvignon Blanc! Exquisite! Thank you once again Olivo!

The perfect wednesday night dinner out. Lovely staff, authentic music, absolutely delicious food, great wine and free Limoncello. You can't find a better place to dine out anywhere in 50 miles.

We had dinner at Olivo tonight. Exceptional service, the food was excellent. We have ordered Antipasto Misto, and Tagliata di Monzo as a main, and we were really impressed with the food. We would definitely be going back again. The restaurant is very clean, and...

Brilliant atmosphere! The stuff was very helpful and polite! Excellent food with affordable prices

Always a very enjoyable lunch. I have a starter and a glass or two of wine. Food is tasty and well presented with good service. Menu could do with a refresh for regular diners.

I went to olivios last night for my birthday dinner, and the staff were more than warm and welcoming! They were so lovely, and made me and my friends feel like extremely valued guests. Love this place, thank you guys!

Walk in for lunch having not booked for this Italian off the high street in Guildford. Staff friendly and place very clean. However, food very underwhelming. Bruschetta type was bland, no basil, just chopped tomato. Also ordered a prawn starter that had a mushy prawn...

Came with friend and had a lovely time!Very good sized portions and the grappa just what you need on a day off!Definitely will come again

Good vibe ,great atmosphere and the staff are very polite and professional!Beautiful place that has been there from 1800’s which give me a cool vibe about it!Thank you Olivo

Olivo restaurant surpassed my expectations with an exceptional lunch experience. The "Insalata di Gamberi" starter was an unexpected delight, featuring fresh shrimp and vibrant greens. The "Pollo alla Valdostana" main course was outstanding, perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned. The sweet and decadent "Passione Fondente" dessert,...

Our family's visit to Olivo Restaurant was outstanding. The 'Frittura' starter was a delicious beginning, followed by a perfect 'Pasta Carbonara' main course. The dessert was a delightful ending. The service and atmosphere were top-notch. Olivo is the ideal place for a family outing or...

We are going to Olivo for years now. Always delicious food and the new menu is even better than the previous one. We are happy to see their dishes are always consistent and always high quality. Also great for family events and the owners are...

The best place în Town. I am always happy to come back. The food is excelent and fresh. Love this restaurant!

I am happy to return to this restaurant. The food is extraordinary and the staff very pleasant. The person who made us come back to this restaurant is Maria, the new assistant manager, she speaks beautifully and is very polite and funny. the first time...

Another great meal at Olivo great to see the new owners stamping their own style. Some great new dishes I can't wait to see the new set lunch menu. More fish and seafood dishes which suits me. The best value in Guildford food and service...

Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food. I will definitely return. The very Italian flavors . Excellent wine list and the manager was able to recommend an excellent pairing to our dishes . Grazie Mille

The most amazing food ever! And also the staff is so nice to everyone. I highly recommend buying food from here. Thank you

10 stars for this restaurant, very good service and the most delicious food, I recommend it with confidence, very good prices!

Delicious and outstanding meal i enjoy meal with my friends I advice u to taste this meal outstanding, delicious

Best taste help full staff .The great atmosphere lovely place and good food for reasonable prices. Thank you…

Very good service provided by the staff, really happy with the visit, dinner was delicious, definitely going back.

I have a best dinner in this restaurant. Full five stars for the best service and staff. We have perfect meal in a reasonable price and quality was best Happy to visit again. Thankyou :)

It food an amazing and delicious test. Very obedient staff . Fabolous atmosphere and amazing dishes . I enjoy the break fast every weekend in this place. Thank you 💞💞

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The service was top-notch, and the food was outstanding. The fish of the day and pasta dishes were favorites among my family. Highly recommended!

My favorite Italian in Guildford. Excellent food, the waiter Tom is extraordinary, attentive, always active. I always go to this restaurant with my family. Romantic dinners and excellent food. Thank you Olivo always for your kindness.

The best Italian in Guildford.Excellent food,wonderful waiters and a pleasant atmosphere.We will come back as soon as possible.

Beautiful place with a lot of vibe to it!Great atmosphere and the staff are very polite and professional!We did enjoy a moment when there was someone’s birthday and the whole restaurant was singing 🎂🎂Hard to find nowadays atmosphere like that !Food was amazing and we...

Very nice restaurant placed in central Guildford!Staff are amazing and the food is absolutely delicious!This should be in my opinion a Michelin star restaurant!I couldn’t finish all food and I felt like I wanted to take it away as it was mind blowing delicious !Big...

the best food, excellent service, the best chefs! recommend!the best quality and best Italian restaurant in England

Tonight I was feeling peckish and didn't know where to go to eat. Fortunately I found Olivo and they had exactly what I wanted. I can't recommend them enough!

A surprisingly warm September night meant people were able to sit outside for their meals. Unfortunately we think this meant the service was well short of satisfactory due we assume to the extra tables that were being served. We had to wait too long to...

Absolutely fabulous from start to finish! The food was scrumptious and the staff were so warm and friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant and I will definitely be back. Thank you :)

Our 10th Wedding anniversary with our grown up children and best mate, so very important for us. Treated us as special and gave us table upstairs on our own with a couple of lovely staff, Nik stayed nearby for all of service quietly professional with...

Went and tried the fillet , Filletto al pepe verde,what a wondeful dish!The staff were amazing too! Will definitely return ! The quality of the food is very high standard !

As always, the best experience with the best authentic italian food. Sometimes, i get stuck with what to order, the food is absolutely amazing but you always get the best help/guidance since the staff and their service/knowledge is brilliant, everyone here is working hard to...

This is the best restaurant! High quality food in a superb location! You feel like on holiday on the terrace at Olivo! Best , best , will definitely return!

We had an amazing afternoon. Ate exquisite food : the home balsamic vinegar, olives, focacia.The calamari was really special with dill, camberoni gratinati amazing, risotto a la casa superb! Chef Nuntio made us feel welcomed by taking us on a trip of Italian food history....

Arrived early for our booking but Maria was super on it. Had us whisked away to a prime outdoor table in a quite busy evening, and made us feel real comfortable. Ordering to having the food on the table was real quick. Tucked into tasty...

Not a great experience, the food was very salty, all the waiters are new, lack waiting etiquette, don’t know the menu and they have lost the authenticity of Italy. It feels like the ownership must have recently changed and they are trying to use the...

Wow , you can still find tasty food in Guildford . Me and my boyfriend mid-week and the restaurant was full . The food was absolutely delicios and the staff are very friendly and accomodating! We will return!

Excellent! I went to Olivo with my wife and two children and we had a lovely time . If you want to have an amazing Italian food , this is the place to go. My steak and the Malbech were to die for. My wife’s...

What a turn up for the books...2mins climb down to Yvonne Arnaud...just round corner from bottom of the high st. It was there all along and yet my first visit. It is now my no.1 in Guildford...shot past all the rest. Lovely service, great menu,...

Authentic Italian restaurant delicious food friendly staff, lovely atmosphere. worth a visit and I'll certainly be returning

Never again. Food was average. Presentation from the 80s. Service was friendly but very understaffed. It took over 90 minutes to get out main course and had to ask 4 times for wine. There are better places, don’t bother.

This has been our favourite restaurant for years but I'm sorry to say it has gone downhill so much so that we will not be going back. The service was terrible, the food was awful and the staff were rude when we complained. What can...

Friendly staff. Good food. Had a lovely experience overall. The food was authentic Italian cuisine. The ambience of the restaurant gave a feel similar to that of an Italian diner in Genoa, Italy. I would recommend getting a table outside on a sunny day, cause...

Good food superb atmosphere a wonderful evening spent on the terrace....Complete silence and a blessed evening .Favorite fish food.

What an absolute gem of a place. From entry we were treated with warmth, professionalism and we felt welcome. The service was exemplary but the food is what was the most impressive. Absolutely delicious, well presented, good sized portions and everything was fresh. The best...

We went here for daughters Hen do, we pre ordered to save time which was a mistake. One starter arrived, we waited for the others but ten minutes later they removed the starter as we were given it by mistake and they placed it on...

They're staff was awesome, the food is excellent in a very nice taste and enough for everyone. A very nice location and a good experience. Thank you!!!

Just amazing! Other spectacular experience at Olivo, the service, food, wine and company was unmatched! Overjoyed with the historic Resturant!

The best calamari i ever eat, very tasty and my family love spending time in here cuz the staff was very friendly.

Terrible meal last night in what used to be our favourite Italian restaurant. Waited over an hour for our main courses which were cold and inedible when they eventually turned up. Took the staff another 45 minutes to come and collect our plates. Such a...

One of the worst restaurants I've ever been to. slow service and a clueless kitchen, waited over an hour to serve mains, we did not get our starters, food was unenjoyable.

The good food, beautiful ambiance, and lovely staff all contributed to your positive visit. It's wonderful when all these aspects come together for a memorable dining experience. Looking forward for another excellent Italian culinary experience at Olivo.

Great experience once again, well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Amazing gem in Guildford, Surrey. We ate today at lunchtime the best Linguine all’astice ( lobster linguine), absolutely mouthwatering, Perfectly paired with an excellent Aquilis Sauvignon Blanc. The service was perfect and atmosphere was cheerful and calm. Highly...

Usually, we’ve enjoyed Italian cuisine here, but, on this occasion, half our starter Mussels were closed. I strongly believe the kitchen should check them all before being served. When I tried to raise my concern with the manager, he just said, “they arrived fresh this...

Is the best italian food that I ever had with quality italian ingredients,big portion wich tayste amazing. Friendly staff and good atmoshere

We love Olivo for a few reasons: - The food is consistently delicious (definitely better than some other places in the town); - It is very easy to accommodate a bigger group of people; - The location is very convenient and the carpark is just...

Had the best steak in a long while. Perfect rare with a great peppercorn sauce. Brilliant, couldn't recommend the place high enough

Outstanding, it proves itself over and over again. We tried other restaurants but the food is the best at Olivo.

I was with my family on saturday evening. We had a wonderful dinner with delicous dishes, my wife had a perfect medium rare Tagliata di Manzo, I had Di mare Carbonara, my father had a nice Paparrdele Alferdo, my mother Torrteloni Al’Astice and my two...

I am a regular at this restaurant and I am always so happy with the food and the service The chefs really produce tasty food The food is outstanding and the staff are very friendly and they do everything they can to make your visit...

Food was mediocre, huge portions, generally overcooked. The first waiting staff were very inexperienced, the waiter at the end was extremely rude. I would be a little wary of the ten out of ten reviews which sound a touch odd.

Left this place in floods of tears on my 30th birthday at the service we received disgustingly rude staff served with mediocre poor food, waiting 2 hours for a main overpriced incompetent staff the blonde lady i presume manager should be fired at how rude...

Another fabulous meal at Olivia the best Italian restaurant in Guildford no wonder it has such a fabulous reviews

This is my favourite restaurant, with good food and service, plus a good wine list with some unusual wines. the staff are friendly and welcoming. No paper napkins or tablecloths here!

Have being here on a regular basis over the past 3 years. Service was poor to start with but I put this down to being short staff!! When I paid the bill in full I was asked about my experience.. I politely informed the mgr...

Great service and food I was there with my family of 12 with out booking before and they receive us with pleasure. Delicious food an great choices Thank you

I been on Tuesday night with my friend and my children on very busy Tuesday night. My friend had a lovely dish from the vegan menu and my children enjoyed spaghetti bolognaise and pizza margarita from the children’s menu. Me I had a lovely carbonara...

Came here for anniversary meal and brad made us feel very welcomed, was a lovely meal with great portion sizes which left us feeling very satisfied and full - great customer service have been here a couple times and never fails to be up to...

Very nice . A wonderful dinner, superb food and wonderful service! Always Olivo is a superb place, the new Manager Diana is attentive with a wonderful smile, she offered us limoncello at the end and warmed us with her smile.

this restaurant was a favourite of ours but now under new management it has really gone downhill. The staff gave us the wrong info about the menu (seafood fritters was actually a polenta and arancini dish), service was slow and they forgot one of the...

I want to say, don’t go to eat in this restaurant. I’m Italian and work in hospitality for 20 years. I just go for lunch and I can say the service is very terrible, I just wait for my drink for 15 min,my starter ‘Fritto...

Booked last minute as a family of four. Waitress friendly but said she was new ish. Not much support for her (we were upstairs). Starters; the bread seemed not fresh and very dense. In hindsight should have send it back. Carpaccio was a very small...

We haven't been to Olivo for some time and it seems to have been taken over by new owners but they are still using the same menu as they were at least 2 years ago when we last went. It has certainly not improved at...

We and my friends like to go to Olivo restaurant for a nice meal. We love the calamari and they have fish as main dish which is amazing. My husband had a pizza which as well was delicious. The staff was very professional and helpful,...

Arrived at 7:30pm to be seated outside next to the road on a night that was windy and the temperature was dropping fast. The heaters were not on, even if we had been seated anywhere near them. When I asked if we could move indoors,we...

Today, 29 of July i went with my boyfriend to this lovely place for our dinner. We didn’t had a reservation but they offer us a nice table. We never tried this before and it was 10 out of 10. We couldn’t decide about the...

10/10! Amazing! I had the fish of the day and my friend had the lobster it was delicious! Very friendly staff and great service the whole way through! Had a bottle of Merlot alongside, as per staff recommendation and it was perfect! I recommend the...

Delicious food, relaxing atmosphere and friendly service. This place really aced it all. Food arrived in a timely manner, the service was prompt but not overbearing and the place just made me feel welcome. Will be coming back soon

Definitely the best Italian restaurant in the area, as well as one of the best I've ever been to outside Italy. fair prices for the quality of food and very helpful staff.

i had luch here and it was amazing. The food came very quickly and it was delicious. The staff was very welcoming and the price was ok. Highly recommend.

The food was fantastic tonight and great service. Highly recommended. The fish options were the best ever.

This place is an absolute gem. We went for lunch today and I actually couldn’t fault it. The service was outstanding and the food was spectacular. Just out of this World. Can’t wait to come back. Would highly recommend.

My wife and I, and a good friend ate here after a concert last weekend. There is a glitch with the online booking as I had no confirmation reply, but when I called to confirm I had no problem getting our table confirmed. When we...

Warm & inviting, the staff are attentive and unintrusive while ensuring you have everything you want. The menu selection catered for everyone, it was mouth watering and caused us to keep changing our minds - we definitely intend going back and trying what we didn't...