L'OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Khlong Tan Subdistrict

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at L’Oliva Restaurant in Bangkok to celebrate my father-in-law’s 75th birthday, and it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we stepped through the door, the warm ambiance and impeccable attention to detail set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The food was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with authentic Italian flavors and crafted with the freshest ingredients. The homemade bread, still warm from the oven, was a revelation—perfectly crusty on the outside, soft and flavorful within. It was the ideal start to a meal that only got better with every course. The menu showcased a delightful balance of classic Italian dishes and creative touches, all executed with precision and passion. Every bite was a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication to quality. What truly elevated the experience, however, was the outstanding service. The entire staff was attentive, warm, and genuinely invested in making our celebration special. A special shout-out goes to the manager, Mr. Buay, whose professionalism and charm were exceptional. He went above and beyond to ensure every detail of our evening was perfect, from coordinating the birthday surprise to personally checking in with us throughout the night. His leadership clearly inspires the team, as every staff member radiated hospitality and made us feel like honored guests. L’Oliva turned my father-in-law’s milestone birthday into a cherished memory for our entire family. The combination of phenomenal food, the irresistible homemade bread, and the heartfelt service made it a night to remember. If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in Bangkok, L’Oliva is an absolute must-visit. We can’t...

Delicious Italian, Genuine Vibes, and Easy to Come Back

Food / Taste: The food here is delicious, with just the right portion sizes. The bread was excellent. This time I had: • Grilled vegetables – fresh and perfectly grilled • Pizza – amazing dough. I tried the Four Cheese and Culatello & Fig pizzas, and they were absolutely incredible! • Chitarra pasta with meatballs – the pasta itself was excellent, perfectly cooked, chewy, and full of flavor; the meatballs complemented it beautifully • Rib-eye steak – cooked medium and very tasty

The dishes tend to cool down quickly, so I recommend eating them while still hot. The Aperol Spritz was refreshing and well-balanced, with a generous portion. The Chianti red wine by the glass paired perfectly with the steak.

Desserts: I tried three desserts: Tiramisu, ice cream resembling Ferrero Rocher, and Panna Cotta. They were all tasty, but compared to the main courses, they weren’t quite as impressive. Still, they were enjoyable – just not as “wow” as the savory dishes.

Price / Value: Fair prices with good portions. Definitely good value for money.

Service: The manager was friendly yet professional, and the staff were attentive and well-trained.

Ambiance: The restaurant is beautifully decorated with a cozy, homey Italian feel. At lunchtime, natural light comes in nicely. The tables are well spaced, so it doesn’t feel crowded.

Parking / Accessibility: Parking is available. By public transport, get off at BTS Thong Lor Station and walk into Soi Sukhumvit 36.

Extras / Experience: The restaurant has an authentic Italian vibe without trying too hard. I really enjoyed it – it feels genuine, approachable, and it’s definitely a place I’d be happy to come...

Disappointing. Allow me to explain.

The physical environment is nice. However, ambience is all wrong - very upbeat (funky) songs were being played during evening time. The tables layout is such that you are easily disturbed by the table next to you. On the lower floor with 13 tables (with 3 occupied), I was seated right next to an occupied table which later turned out to be noisy for me.

Beef Carpaccio was just too cold. The beef was as if just sliced from the frozen beef. The taste buds were focused on the coldness, and not the freshness of the beef. THB550.

Lobster bisque was good. No complain. THB320.

Risotto was disappointing. Risotto is about the rice simmers in the fish broth and capturing all the essence. But this risotto was about the sauce coating the rice, and the Italian sausage overwhelmed any hint of the fish stock. THB400.

Tiramisu, said homemade, was pre-plated and served directly from the fridge. Tasted bland. Yes, it’s supposed to be soaked, but I could not tell the flavour of the moisture. THB280.

Service was courteous but overly efficient and inappropriate. I was rushed through an appetiser, soup and main course in 30 minutes. And within a minute when my main course dish was removed, the dessert menu was offered to me, and while I still had half a glass of wine. This was during dinner. Service staff skills is at best at par with a mid-end venue.

I could not find the presence of a Restaurant Manager, which is not a good sign for an upscale restaurant. Or, unless, it was not an upscale restaurant.

I deducted four stars for reasons for : food, ambience, rush service, price performance. Good for business...