L'Ulivo Restaurant — Restaurant in Sámara

I have eaten here on previous trips to Samara, but this review is for a visit in early February, 2025.

I was reasonably well attended by a young lady and was the only customer in the restaurant. I am not generally a fan of pizza and was planning to get something else, but was taken aback by the prices. For example, lasagna was 15,000 Colones, or about $30 USD. Just down the street at a well-regarded Italian restaurant, it is 7,000, or less than half. Reluctantly, in the name of economy, I ordered a pizza.

The crust was pretty good, but the tomato sauce was barely present. I had asked onions be added along with the sausage and cheese that came "standard." I'm not sure why, but the middle of the pie was soggy. It tasted fine, though I missed the tomato sauce that I am used to seeing on pizza. I haven't had pizza in Italy or the south of France for some time, so perhaps this is how it's done these days, but it is not how I remember it. The red wine by the glass was reasonable for the price.

I like the overall feel of the restaurant, and really wanted to love it. I did not have a "bad" experience. But the prices for entrees other than pizza were off-putting given what else is available within a two block radius. That said, my overall rating is 3 or...

April 2025 update: My wife and I were fortunate to have another opportunity last month to enjoy a delicious meal at this charming restaurant. This time we relaxed at one of the tables on the front porch. Having been delighted by our choices during our first visit, Caramelloni and Gnocchi, we ordered - and relished - them again! Finally, we were thankful to be treated once more to friendly, excellent service by Pamela: Muchas gracias! Highly recommended!

+++++++++++++++

December 2024: My wife and I enjoyed delicious, homemade pasta in this delightful, casual, small restaurant, owned and operated by an Italian family, during our recent visit to Samara. She savored Caramelloni, and I relished my Gnocchi, which is one my favorites: both were superb. Pamela, our server, took such good care of us and was so friendly, and we admired the way that she did the same for all of the other diners...

One of the servers was outside as we were walking by…we talked, she was friendly and promoted L’Ulivo as the best Italian restaurant in town so we made a reservation for Valentine’s Day. We were the first to arrive for dinner and sat at one of the tables on the patio. Our server wasn’t the one who we talked to the day before. We noticed that when we said we’re not ordering any alcohol, the level of service changed. It became very slow and impersonal. We had to chase her if we needed anything like Parmesan or our bill. Good menu selection, large portions and reasonably priced. The food was good, pizza and penne arrabbiata…plenty for two. Inside decor was authentic and decorated for Valentines. The outdoor seating was a nice touch…we always...