Olea

“A very nice and quaint little restaurant. One thing to know is that this is a BYOB and cash only place. We didn't know at the time but the server was kind enough to let us know where we can get some wine and where an ATM was present. The place was a bit congested and crowded , luckily they were able to squeeze us in. The food was delicious especially the pasta dishes. And the olives, hummus and pit they serve free to the table was very good. The octopus appetizer was good, but it could be a bit better in my opinion.”

“We ordered the lobster rigatoni & salmon and both were amazing!! I think this is one of my favorite restaurants I’ve been to in Philly. Delicious food and very good service. It has a really home-y intimacy and makes the perfect date night restaurant spot. I highly recommend!!!!”

“Checked the reviews for something close to where we were staying and found Olea. Wow! I’m so glad we did! Cute little place with nice atmosphere, and low music. The staff and owner were so fun. Our server, Jane, was very friendly, funny, and attentive. We started with grilled octopus which had a nice smokey grilled flavor, and the artichokes which were cooked nicely with a delicious lemony sauce. We split the special: crab stuffed branzino. It was very, very good. I’ll tell you to get the tiramisu…just get it. It was extremely tasty and so fresh. Perhaps even the best I’ve ever had.”

“What a fantastic little spot in Olde City! We were greeted with a big smile and the service the entire night was absolutely delightful. But beyond the exceptional service is the delicious food! Everything we ate was pure joy and I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the ravioli. I woke up the next morning thinking about it. The pork chop was also a stunner and they were even accommodating when my husband asked for something other than asparagus. This will definitely be a place we return to time and again.”

“From Los Angeles, in Philly for work all week, I hadn’t left my hotel until Friday night when my wife and I decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner before flying home. We searched high and low online for the perfect spot and came across OLEA—the photos looked beautiful and inviting, and it turned out to be even more magical in person. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the owner, Louie, whose warmth and charm set the tone for the evening. The restaurant itself is cozy, elegant, and homey all at once—like stepping into someone’s welcoming living room but with the refinement of a thoughtfully curated dining space. I ordered the salmon with leek and mushroom purée, while my wife had the swordfish, both accompanied by perfectly creamy mashed potatoes. Every bite was outstanding—beautifully balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and executed with care. What made the night truly unforgettable, though, was Louie himself. He personally waited on us, bringing so much humor, kindness, and hospitality that we felt like cherished guests in his own home. At one point, I watched him water the window box plants above the restaurant’s hand-painted picture window, a simple but telling gesture of the love and detail he pours into his place. OLEA is BYOB, and when we mentioned we hadn’t brought wine, Louie suggested we pop next door. Instead, he surprised us by getting a chilled sparkling bottle for $12—absolutely delicious and the perfect pairing. The entire experience felt personal, warm, and special—the kind of dinner you remember long after. OLEA is truly a diamond in the rough in Philly, the best find of our trip, and we can’t recommend it highly enough. We will definitely be back next time we’re in Philadelphia—and I’ll be telling everyone I know that OLEA is the place to dine.”