OliviaWonderful BrunchWe went to Olivia's for brunch on Mother's Day. The food was fantastic - creative without being silly. I wouldn't say it's the most kid-friendly restaurant but that's OK, I wouldn't say they advertise themselves as such. Our waiter, while professional, was not as personable as I would have liked. He could have been having a bad day. . . I've waited tables in the past and I'd imagine the a Mother's Day brunch is a bit stressful. Overall, I enjoyed the meal very much and plan on coming back again soon.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat brunchHighly recommend the sticky buns, biscuits and gravy, and the french toast.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Brunch in AustinThis was the best brunch I've had in Austin. Everything was perfect; presentation, creativity of food and menu, service! The food was amazing and we loved the garden and chicken coup outside.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMIf taking kids to Brunch,If taking kids to Brunch, you will need a seat outside as its too noisy/echoy inside. Still good for a special occasion brunch with children though.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat, but expensiveThe food is great, with locally grown vegetables and a new menu daily, but it is very expensive. For instance, the $15 cheese platter had one small piece of cheese, some pear slices, and some caramel. Compare to other restaurants where a similarly priced item would have three cheeses, jam, and olives.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious!Lovely atmosphere. Innovative menu. The beef carpaccio was amazing, as was the salted caramel gelato. Our server, Kate, was the model of friendly, zen efficiency. A wonderful evening!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic restaurant! LoveFantastic restaurant! Love the food and the service. Overall my experience was terrific!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMa really nice upscale austina really nice upscale austin experience from the ambience inside the restaraunt to the garden and chicken coop out back next to the parking lot.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMAlbeit a little pricey, OliviaAlbeit a little pricey, Olivia is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or special occasion. We went during Austin restaurant week and were able to get an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $37. Our waiter recommended an exceptional bottle of wine.
It was a Wednesday night and therefore a little slow, but I can imagine the small restaurant filling up more quickly on a weekend.
The food was super fresh and they change their menu daily, incorporating foods from the vegetable garden out back. The rest of their food is all locally sourced. Everything was exceptional, but the oyster appetizer and "surf and swine" scallops really stood out. I thought I had died and gone to heaven with every bite of almond tart. Delicious!4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMTop notch!Wow! I had heard that this was a restaurant experience not to be missed. Well it's true. We ate here during Austin Restaurant week. Each course was beautifully presented. The server accurately described each plate to us as well as answering any questions. Everything was garnished with homemade little touches such as pickles or peppers or a sauce that enhanced the dish perfectly. The ingredients were top notch as well as the preparation. But the thing that most sets this restaurant apart is the inventiveness of the chef and his ability to combine ingredients to produce unexpected delights.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for Austin warm spring/autumnGreat for Austin warm spring/autumn nights if you want to sit outside, but it's very nice too. We went their with another couple and unlike in many other restaurants where the noise level forces you to yell at each other, we could have just quiet undisturbed conversation. Food was very tasty, portions moderate that left some space for dessert. Great service too. Close to downtown but with feeling of privacy.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMHad the ARW special whichHad the ARW special which included appetizer/entree/dessert. The scallops with bacon were so good I wanted to lick the place, and the almond torte is not to be missed.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe atmosphere and environmentThe atmosphere and environment isn't too stuffy or pretentious. It was fine dining, Austin-casual style. I loved the booth seating, it just felt really special and private. The food here is absolutely wonderful. Each dish was carefully balanced in flavor in a notably thoughtful way. Though it is presented elegantly, it's not fussy or overly done. It makes sense. Our server was attentive, warm, funny and down-to-earth. I felt relaxed and treated well the whole time.
The entire experience made us feel great, from beginning to end, and it reminded me of the magic that a great night out can give you. This is my new go-to spot for a treat!4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was not our first timeThis was not our first time at Olivia and it will certainly not be our last. The food was delicious, the service impeccable and the ambiance is great. We highly recommend it.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch A++The food here is amazing; one of the best brunch places in Austin, TX.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing!My wife and I have lived in Austin for over 10 years, but have never taken the time to start trying Austin's little gems, in the way of restaurants. This Friday it was our choice to try Olivia's. Outstanding - from the ambiance to the food to the service - nothing lacked. With all the restaurants Austin has to offer, very few make it on our "visit again" list, but that is not the case with Olivia's. It is a fave and recommend it to anyone who is looking for an amazing night out with their significant other4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of Austin's finest restaurantsOlivia is one of Austin's great restaurants. I have been dining here since they opened. The location, architecture, gardens, patio, and the food are excellent. Four of us recently dined there and each had the chefs 6 course selection..fabulous and more than 6! Loved every lovingly prepared morsel.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMI chose Olivia for a recentI chose Olivia for a recent date night and was not disappointed. The food was wonderful and unique. The service was great, and both the host and server were friendly and seemed to be sincerely interested in making our experience a good one. The restaurant was lovely and the atmosphere was great, quite and not very busy as it was a week night. I'd absolutely recommend Olivia to anyone, particularly for a small group dinner or date! The price also seemed appropriate.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved the brunch but wishLoved the brunch but wish they had not run out of fried chicken by 1. Since they own Lucy's, I think they should have had some sent over. Lots of families go for the fried chicken at brunch.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Brunch in AustinOliva's brunch never disappoints. I go every Easter or Mother's Day, and for any other occasion and am always impressed by the fresh ingredients used in the delicious food. Eggs Florentine are the best!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding brunch. We wereOutstanding brunch. We were able to dine for Easter brunch. Made a reservation and was seated within minutes of arriving. Fabulous food display and even better food. I would recommend this place to anyone.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was very creativeThe food was very creative and tasted amazing! Each course the chef created a flavorful and textural experience. The kitchen also used great fresh vegetables, which added another level of goodness. The service was excellent, too. We had a dietary restriction that they paid very close attention to and accommodated without issue.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good food overall butVery good food overall but the desserts were outstanding ! Great job .3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMSome of the portions are smallSome of the portions are small and it is overpriced. But other than that...amazing service and people. The food is delicious and a big well thought-out wine list. Love the lighting and decor as well.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect!!!!Absolutely loved this place! My boss recommended it and he was absolutely spot on! Amazing!3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMa south side keeperIt has been awhile since i have been to Olivia and I don't know why I waited so long. We went on a Monday night to celebrate a work anniversary and decided on the tasting menu that would be a chef surprise. It was all delicious, but the portions were small and it took about 2.5 hours for all the courses. They serve just wine and beer, so be prepared if you don't prefer either. I highly recommend Olivia's.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThe last time we were in ourThe last time we were in our (outstanding) waiter suggested we visit for Brunch. A fantastic idea! :)
The brunch menu has great options from "traditional" items to Shrimp on Gouda Grits. Yum!
The Mimosa Trio (three juices and a bottle of champagne) was stellar. We had a wonderful time.3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMabsolutely loved it. greatabsolutely loved it. great food. knowledgeable waiter3/9/2013 12:00:00 AM