Olio e Più West Village: 9,000 Google reviews, is it worth it?

If you’ve ever wandered through the charming streets of Manhattan’s West Village, you’ve probably noticed Italian restaurant Olio e Più. This spot is famous for its authentic Italian flavors, cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, and outdoor seating that always seems to be packed. It is not an exaggeration to say that Olio e Più is always fully booked. If you try to go as a walk-in, there is about a 90 percent chance you will need to wait. For that reason, making a reservation is absolutely essential if you want to secure a table.

I visited Olio e Più on a beautiful day with perfect weather. I had made a reservation in advance and requested an outdoor seat. Luckily, everything worked out exactly as I hoped, and I was able to enjoy my meal in one of their lovely outdoor tables, soaking up the lively West Village energy.

In this post, I’ll share my full experience at Olio e Più, from the service and atmosphere to the dishes and drinks. I’ll also explain why this is a restaurant worth visiting, especially if you are looking for a romantic date night spot or a memorable meal in New York City.

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Why Olio e Più Is So Popular in West Village

There are countless Italian restaurants in New York, but Olio e Più has something special. The first thing you notice is that it is always packed. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, this restaurant is rarely quiet. Part of the appeal comes from the fact that it is located in the West Village, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Manhattan. The streets are filled with greenery, and Olio e Più matches this vibe perfectly with its green-filled, cozy decor.

The interior of the restaurant is decorated with plants, giving it a fresh and vibrant feel. The atmosphere is both rustic and elegant, with warm lighting that makes it perfect for dates or small gatherings. The outdoor seating is particularly popular, especially in good weather. Sitting outside feels like you’re at a stylish European café, watching the world go by while enjoying authentic Italian food.

Reservations and Wait Times at Olio e Più

As I mentioned earlier, reservations are a must. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll most likely find yourself waiting for a table. Walk-ins are rarely successful without a long wait, especially during peak hours. On weekends, it is almost impossible to walk in and get seated right away.

I made my reservation, and I also requested outdoor seating. When the day came, the weather was absolutely perfect, which made the outdoor seat even more enjoyable. It really felt like I was dining in Italy, surrounded by greenery, with fresh air and great vibes.

Pre-Meal Bread and Olive Oil: A Delicious Start

Like any good Italian restaurant, Olio e Più serves bread before the main dishes arrive. The bread was fresh and came with olive oil. What stood out to me was that they served the olive oil with whole olives still inside. It’s a small detail, but it gave the oil a richer, fresher flavor.

Dipping warm bread into fragrant olive oil while sipping wine is one of the simple pleasures of life. It set the tone for the rest of the meal and made me excited for the main courses.

The Menu: What we ordered at Olio e Più Classic Italian Dishes

When it came to ordering, I knew I wanted to try the restaurant’s most famous dishes. After browsing through the menu, I decided on two classics: Spaghetti Carbonara and Bufalina Pizza. For drinks, I went with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio white wine, which paired beautifully with the food.

The menu at Olio e Più is filled with Italian staples: handmade pastas, wood-oven pizzas, and a variety of antipasti and main dishes. You can tell that the restaurant takes pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which makes every dish shine in its own way.

Spaghetti Carbonara: Authentic and Delicious

Let’s start with the Spaghetti Carbonara, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. This dish is made in the traditional Roman style, without cream, which is exactly how I prefer it. The creamy texture comes solely from the combination of eggs, cheese, and a bit of pasta water, creating a sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.

Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of carbonara, mostly because I often find it too heavy or greasy. But Olio e Più changed my mind. Their version was perfectly balanced, creamy but not overwhelming, flavorful without being too salty, and satisfying without leaving me feeling stuffed.

![Spaghetti Carbonara and egg yolk

Even as someone who doesn’t typically love this dish, I found myself really enjoying every bite.

Bufalina Pizza: Fresh and Chewy Goodness

Next up was the Bufalina Pizza, another famous dish from Olio e Più. This pizza is simple but absolutely delicious. Topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, it truly highlights the natural flavors of each ingredient.

What I loved most was the dough. It was chewy, slightly charred from the oven, and had that perfect wood-fired texture that makes Neapolitan-style pizza so special. You could really taste the quality of the ingredients, and the balance between the cheese, sauce, and dough was just right.

I appreciate pizzas that don’t try too hard with too many toppings but instead focus on the basics done well. The Bufalina pizza at Olio e Più delivered exactly that. A pure, satisfying, and authentic Italian pizza experience.

Pinot Grigio: The Perfect Wine Pairing

To complement the meal, I chose a glass of Pinot Grigio. This white wine was crisp, refreshing, and paired beautifully with both the pasta and the pizza. The light citrus notes helped cut through the richness of the carbonara, while the subtle acidity balanced the creaminess of the mozzarella on the pizza.

Wine is an important part of the Italian dining experience, and Olio e Più has a solid wine list that offers plenty of great options. The Pinot Grigio was reasonably priced and added to the overall enjoyment of the meal.

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The Atmosphere at Olio e Più: Green, Pretty, and Perfect for a Date

The food was amazing, but the atmosphere made the experience even more memorable. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, with plenty of greenery inside and outside. The outdoor seating area, where I sat, was especially charming.

It felt lively but not chaotic, romantic but still casual enough to be comfortable. I could see why this restaurant is always so fully booked. It’s not just the food that draws people in, it’s the entire experience.

I would definitely recommend Olio e Più as a great place for a date. Between the cozy lighting, the beautiful decor, and the authentic Italian dishes, it creates the perfect setting for a romantic evening.

Final Thoughts: 9,000 Google reviews Olio e Più Worth Visiting?

So, is Olio e Più worth all the hype? My answer is yes. The combination of authentic Italian food, a beautiful atmosphere, and a lively West Village location makes it one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Manhattan.

Yes, it is always fully booked, and yes, you will probably have to wait if you don’t make a reservation. But if you plan ahead and secure a table, it is absolutely worth it. The carbonara and bufalina pizza alone make the visit worthwhile, and the charming setting makes it even more special.

If you are looking for a great place for a date, a memorable dinner with friends, or simply an authentic Italian meal in New York, Olio e Più should definitely be on your list.