Olivia's Restaurant - Fairhaven — Restaurant in Fairhaven

I've been waiting a while to write this review; wanted to be sure I had visited several times and tried various dishes and drinks. As you can see from my other reviews, I've had the privilege of traveling extensively. I've eaten at some of the finest restaurants on five continents, including several with the coveted (if sometimes overrated) Michelin star(s).

I'm pleased (and honestly a little surprised) to say that Olivia's stands up against any of these, despite its modest location and unassuming facade. Each visit has surpassed the previous in terms of the experience, so I am now confident in writing this review.

The experience begins at the host table, where invariably we've been greeted by cheerful and engaging hosts. In a day when peeved indifference is common in a restaurant host, this is a pleasant & welcome surprise. Raquel is simply a master mixologist behind the bar; try any of her signature cocktails and you will understand. The waitstaff is professional, courteous, good humored, and attentive.

Dishes are creative and expertly executed. For example, I recently dined at what is by all accounts an excellent Peruvian restaurant in Manhattan, where I had the lomo saltado, which was excellent. But the same dish here at Olivia's exceeds the NY experience in every respect. In all sincerity, I did not previously know that the human sense of taste was capable of such variations. More recently I tried the swordfish, and again was treated to a remarkable range of flavors that I would never have intuitively put together, but worked perfectly. Dessert is never a let down here, so don't skip it.

There are some minor (IMO) points that you should be aware of prior to dining. First, it is true that it is a fairly small space, and it can get quite loud. I am pleased to note that on my most recent visit, however, they had installed noise dampening panels on the ceiling. Still a bit loud, but noticeably improved. Also, you may see some negative reviews regarding the prices being too high. They are not too high for the quality, creativity, and experience you receive, but they are higher than other restaurants in the area. As the saying goes, 'you get what you pay for.'

Olivia's is without question the best restaurant in the area; and a welcome addition to the south coast of Massachusetts. Being able to dine at a place like Olivia's, without having to drive to Boston or Newport, is a rare gift. And where are those Michelin Guide reviewers when...

TL;DR: make your reservation NOW ! Stellar service from everyone (ask for Joey), delicious drinks (the Harbormaster!!!!) and innovative dishes like the tuna tartare (a MUST). Make sure to add the anchovies on the Caesar and the churros for dessert. Perfect from start to finish! WOW! I haven't been this impressed with a restaurant in a while. Olivia's makes fine dining feel comfortable and accessible for the average person. Immediately upon walking in, you can see how much attention to detail was paid and how much the owner cares about service. Each server who walked by greated us, refilled our water or offered to clear and bag the many dishes we ordered.

Our server, Joey, was kind, attentive and knowledgeable—highly recommend asking for him, if possible. While not my servers, Monique, Olivia and others were also very kind and attentive.

To drink I had the Blackberry Margarita (good, but I'm not a big reposado fan) and the Harbormaster (strong and delicious, spectacular, give me 14 of them).

For our appetizers, we tried the focaccia, the truffle fries (I've been converted to a truffle fan) and the tuna tartare, which is the newest addition on my 'Best Things I've Ever Eaten' iPhone note. The tartare's presentation, texture and taste were so spot on and I could happily eat it every day.

I also got a Caesar salad and added the anchovies, at Joey's recommendation. Do not skip the anchovies, even if you don't typically like them!! These anchovies are the perfect match to the salad and have such a light flavor and texture.

For my meal, I got the NY Strip Special, which was topped with a prosciutto fig jam and whipped brie. It was served with roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled broccolini, all of which were delicious. My dining partner ordered the seared scallops and pea risotto, which was also phenomenal.

We ended the meal with a table touch from the owner and a plate of fresh, hot churros.

It's obvious from the moment you walk in that the owner pays attention to detail and truly cares about providing stellar service and stellar food. It's just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Olivia's is something to...

My girlfriend and I went for a late Valentine’s Day dinner and when I say the atmosphere alone is worth the experience and the food is just an added bonus id be selling the whole thing short. We’ve done our fair share of dining out and the moment we walked in we were wowed. Last year we went to a place in providence called Marcelino’s boutique bar and Olivia’s felt like it had that same atmosphere but better lighting not too dark not overly bright.

Now the good stuff

We got a bottle of dr loosen reisling to drink and The Baker - New Bedford focaccia safe but excellent start.

Apps we decided on the Maryland crab cakes, I HATE greasy crab cakes, but these crab cakes 🤌 amazing. The remoulade brought the flavors the crunchy crab filled cake needed (little secret use the lemon it elevates the flavors of the sauce and a little acid to complement the crab divine).

I ordered the white fish of the day with miso and brown butter crust with pastinaca & grilled broccolini ( disclaimer I did not eat the green trees) but the pastinaca was amazing and something new to me. Light and fluffy but buttery and creamy I’d eat it again.

She ordered the steak frites probably one of the best seasoned pieces of meat I’ve ever put in my mouth ( little secret ask for extra chimichurri butter you’ll thank me later) and upgraded the frites to parm truffle fries. Classic dish done right 10/10. Perfect medium.

Dessert nothing short of a perfect end/sweet treat, Emma’s chocolate chip cookie amazing second personal favorite but that is neither here nor there. The affogato perfetto, perfection I upgraded the gelato to the salted caramel (they happened to have some from another dessert) and was not disappointed.

Sam ordered the classic espresso martini and was in love, although not being a big baileys girlie she really enjoyed the drink.

Also shout out to our waitress Monique, who honestly gave us the idea for affogato. Her service was beyond excellent and I really cannot express how great she was. We were blessed to have had her as our waitress and highly...