Olivio's European Bistro

I found this local spot last year when it was a Best of Citysearch Restraunt in several catagories.\r \r You will pay $10 to $15 more elsewhere for food of this quality. Has a nice relaxing pace and you can take as long as you want to eat.\r \r All the food is great, but I have heard more people rave about the spinach salad. I agree it is fantastic. This European Bistro is a perfect spot for a special dinner without breaking the bank.\r \r Also, I have gotten to know Chef Gary and he has great advice as to what he can prepare that will satisfy you when you can't make up your mind. If in doubt ask what is the special dish of the day; it will not disappoint.\r \r A don't miss local spot. \r Pros: Excellent food at down to earth prices. Beats many of the High Price SF Restraunts. Cons: Some times a wait because each item is made to order, so don't be in a rush. Enjoy! more

Some regular places I go are King Fish, CreoLa, A Tavola, Piacere Ristorante, etc. but, I finally stopped by Olivio's based off of this site and I wish I had gone here a long time ago! The food is phenomenal! The staff is very personable and I would be amazed if the chef didn't come out and meet you and ask you how your dinner is while you are there. They give free appetizers hot off the grill and fresh bread to start with. I think my only disappointment wad that the wine list was lacking. The chef/owner said this was due to lack of storage unfortunately, so, the suggestion is to bring your own bottle ($15 corkage). Will definitely go again and I definitely recommend this place! more

Rarely am I compelled to write reviews but this is a hidden gem in Belmont! Went there at 8pm last Friday (02/17) and it was not busy, the food was amazing and the service was friendly and prompt. We were even given free appetizers on the house to taste. The crowd was mixed with a table with young children and several tables of couples on a date. My only complaint was that we sat near the door and it was chilly. Highly recommended and I can't wait to go back. Pros: Great food, Prompt service, ambiance more

We went as a large group on a weeknight and had the place virtually to ourselves. The waitstaff was wonderful and personable, and the food was just OUTSTANDING. A great meal, a good price...great ambience and decor. I could see it easily being romantic if taking a date there. more

We have been enjoying Olivio's and the chef Gary for many years. Olivios chef Gary loves what he does, creating in the kitchen. We often try to go on an off night and then order directly from the Chef a salad to split (you have to try the spinach salad) and two main dishes to share (often not on the menu). There is no staff turn over so you get to know them and cut them a bit of slack on a busy night. They are always pleasant and accomodating to any special requests. We love the filet, scallops, chops and etc on the regular menu, but have had some specials that other top chefs would not attempt or pull off. We only tell our good friends about this restaurant as it is a great local spot. We prefer Olivios to many top restaurants in San Francisco! Pros: location, food, service Cons: wine list is short more

I read all of the good reviews for this restaurant and decided to try it out with some friends. It was very disappointing. The service was slow and the food was bland. Even the simple Caesar salad was mediocre. We ordered the special fish, which they were running out of and we had to order quickly before there was none left. Another thing that I couldnt believe was that the dishes the food was served on were chipped. Such as simple thing but added to the overall feeling of disappointment in the place. Would not recommend the place. Pros: close to home Cons: bland food, bad service more

Wow, what a let down. It took 20mins for the waiter to just take our order. We were then waiting for 1 hour for just our salads and appetizer. When we told them we were leaving, they finally brought our food out in another 20mins, while telling us that everything was on its way. The food was mediocre at best, not worth the wait at all. When we were leaving, the waitress told us to inform them next time if we were in a hurry! In a hurry? We were there for 2 hours!!!!!!! Definately do not go there if you have a baby sitter or have a life....... more

Excellent restaurant! The steaks are fantastic, the chicken with gorganzola is fantastic, the cannelloni supberb! Start it off with a merlot wine and a spinach salad and you're set! Always a pleasant dining experience. The mousse is wonderful and the LeSeur (spelling) is unbelieveable! Pros: Great Food, Close parking, Good Value Cons: Can be Crowded, can be noisy more

The food was not that good, because the chief drowned everything in Gorgonzola cheese (he must buy it by the tub). The shrimp vinegarette salad had no vinegarette, instead it had a watered down version of thousand island. The Grand Marnier souffle was a spongy mess with no Grand Manier flavor. The service was even worse, having to wait 45 minutes between the salad and the entree, and the waitress forgetting to put the souffle order in .. so we had to wait 20 minutes for the souffle ... not worth it! Entrees are overpriced for the quality, and everything is drowned in Gorgonzola cheese. Cons: Noisy, Medicore, Overpriced more

An excellent dining experience. The chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms and gorgonzola was amazing as were the scallops. The starters and pumpkin brulee were very good. Service was awesome. Chef-owner Gary checked up on our table personally. The prices are excellent considering the HIGH QUALITY! I will be returning again and again. more

I just love Olivio's. The food is excellent and you can't beat the price. I had one of the best rack of lamb that I have had in my life!! Plus, the complimentary starter is a great basket of bread and an artichoke with a balsamic dipping sauce. I also, had a perfect Grand Marnier souffle for desert. I was stuffed after my dinner. Great food and great prices. I will be back again!! Pros: Great Food, Perfect Souffle more

ChefOwner Gary Maffia is the former ChefOwner of the long running 5 star restaurant Barbarosa, that used to be in Atherton. At his current venture Olivio's you get the same great food at a fraction of the price that you would have paid at Barbarosa. The food is moderatley priced, but the quality is that of the efforts of the classically trained Chef Maffia. I suggest the Scallops Milanese or the Chicken Gorganzola. The Spinach Salad is a great way to start. If you are not sure what you want you can ask the Chef for suggestions on one of his frequent trips around the dining room to check on his customers. Pros: 5 Star Food, Great Value more

This place was recommended to me by some friends, and I was more than pleasantly surprised. The chef came out to our table and chatted with us for a bit, he was very courteous and hospitable. The food was also EXCELLENT! And the prices are definitely fair for the quality of food being served. Pros: Great Food, Great Prices more