Sometimes, the best place to eat at is always the one nearest to us—and we usually overlook it! This is what happened with L’Oliva Ristorante and us.
Time Out Bangkok’s office is on Soi Sukhumvit 36, a locality that is home to several hidden spots, including L’Oliva, a new Italian ristorante on sub-soi Naphasap 2.
Gabriele Tozzo Luna heads the kitchen at this homey dining room, where you are promised the real taste of Abruzzo (Chef Gabriele’s hometown) in a variety of Italian staples, ranging from pasta and pizza to seafood dishes cooked in a homemade style.
Aperitivo Party Board (B690) is an impressive platter loaded with deep-fried shrimp and squid, as well as cheese and cold cuts. The dish is an ideal appetizer for a party of two to three. (Our tip is to go during happy hour so you can enjoy the spread and more delightful fare with free drinks.)
Follow this up with one of Chef Gabriele scrumptious pasta plates. We recommend either Taglioloni Vongole (B790), which comes with huge Manila clams, or Busiate Pesto Trapanese E Gamberoni (B990), a seasonal dish with red pesto and Argentinian shrimp. Pizza lovers can enjoy Summer Truffle Pizza (B690), which is topped with a generous heap of truffle flakes.
Wrap up your meal with Brioche with Pistachio Gelato (B220), made with pistachio imported from Sicily, or Cannoli Abruzzesi (B280).
L’Oliva Ristorante also has a bar where guests can get sundowners, be it wine or cocktails.