In the dead of winter, one feels the urge to abandon frozen streets and tuck into something warming and hearty. Olio e Piú is the place to find this winter sustenance, boasting a menu of elevated Italian specialties in an environment perfect for date night, Sunday dinner or anytime you're craving pizza, really.
A bruschette appetizer of roasted chickpeas, lemon, and micro basil served on thick-cut rustic toast ($7) is an ample starter to a meal, the silky chickpeas a lovely contrast to the crunchy toast. But pizza and pasta are where Olio e Piú reigns supreme. An authentic Margherita pizza ($14), Neopolitan-style, has a traditional puffy crust and an underside burnished by the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.
And the fresh pastas are a delight—the Spaghetti alla Carbonara ($17) is exceptional, with porky bits of prosciutto melding with a rich, eggy sauce and a bite of black pepper. The fresh Cavatelli al Cinghiale ($23), served with a wild boar ragu, was a hair overcooked, but its hearty sauce is an ideal accompaniment.
As for other dishes, Polpette di Vitello Ripiene ($13)—veal meatballs laid on a bed of ricotta and topped with a robust tomato sauce—were, as they say, just like Mom’s, though they would have been better if not served lukewarm. Another dish, though delicious, was also tempered by temperature problems—a side of Brussels sprouts ($8), sautéed with raisins, pine nuts and prosciutto and topped with a fried egg.
The restaurant’s wine list is lengthy, and it offers a full bar for those not into the many vintages on hand. Service is charming and hospitable, the perfect complement to the restaurant’s Italian classics.
BY: TIME OUT COMMUNITY REVIEWER LINDSAY DENNINGER