Olio Kensington Street

Olio Kensington Street reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. S

   Shirley

   Melbourne1 review

   1.0

   Dined on May 1, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We chose Olio to celebrate a special milestone - the graduation of myself and a close friend. What was meant to be a joyful and memorable occasion was unfortunately overshadowed by misleading information, unexpected charges, and an overall underwhelming dining experience. While we were aware and accepting of the 10% service surcharge for groups larger than six, we were not informed (either during the online booking process or on the restaurant’s website) that a $98 per person set menu would be mandatory. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. We selected this venue under the assumption that we would be able to order à la carte, as nothing during the reservation process suggested otherwise. Had this been communicated clearly, we would have reconsidered our choice of where to dine. To make matters worse, we were surprised to learn that the tonnarelli pasta listed as part of the main course on the set menu incurred an additional $10 charge. This was not mentioned on the paper menu provided to us, nor were we advised of the additional cost in advance. It was only brought to our attention at the time of payment. Charging nearly $100 per person for a set menu and then requesting further payment for a standard main course is both unreasonable and unprofessional. Most dishes were mediocre, but the tiramisu was particularly disappointing. The ladyfingers were insufficiently soaked, resulting in a dry and unpleasant texture that rendered the dessert nearly inedible. To be clear, the service staff were courteous and polite throughout. However, no level of service can compensate for unclear pricing, lack of transparency, and substandard food. What should have been a celebratory evening instead left us feeling frustrated.
   

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2. l

   loren

   Sydney1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 30, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Probably the best kept secret in Sydney!! if you are after genuine Italian, created & served by the most divine Italians this is your place! Very reasonable prices, phenomenal quality and absolutely delicious! better than an epside of Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy !
   

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3. C

   Catherine

   Sydney1 review

   2.0

   Dined on April 26, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   mediocre at best food and plating. not worth it and dont recommend. good tiramisu tho.
   

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4. D

   David

   Sydney1 review

   4.0

   Dined on March 21, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Good service nice ambience, a bit above average food, great location.
   

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5. J

   Jeremy

   Sydney1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Friendly and professional staff. Highly recommended
   

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6. R

   Rebecca

   London1 review

   1.0

   Dined on February 14, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Terrible valentines dinner. Overbooked, poor service, and the food itself was atrocious. The combination between Italian and Asian resulted in us feeling sick at the weird texture and flavour combinations. The worst was the egg and raw fish dish that I didn’t see any person finish. On top of that, we never were able to see a wine list because they were all being used. So we had to say just bring us any white wine. No one asked us how our meal was at any point in time or we would have given the feedback presently. We can’t understand how this restaurant has any good reviews.
   

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7. A

   Angelo

   Melbourne2 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on February 14, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We went to their restaurant at february 14 with so much excitement. However upon arriving, we were surprised that they only cater valentine's degustation menu as I booked this date and selected the ala carte menu in the Open table app. Their valentine's menu is absolutely horrible!!!! 3 out of the 6 dish are tomato based which I think is too much given that there should be diversity of taste among the dishes. What is most annoying is that we waited on average 30 minutes per dish to be served which is unreasonable. Given this delay of serving of food, we stayed there for 3 hours (arrived at 7:20pm and ended 9:20pm) which I think is too much for only 6 dishes.
   

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8. Y

   Yen

   Sydney3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 18, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   All the staff in were so friendly and engaging. Love the decor and lighting that comes through the restaurant, tables are spaced out appropriately as well. The food... honestly, everything that we ordered and came out was perfectly balanced and not bland or too salty. I had the for entree the Panelle Salmon Cavier (eaten in 2 bites... give me more!) and the buratta (very refreshing). For main, ordered their signature squid ink crab tonnarelli (delicious!). The sauce was creamy with the right amount of salt without losing the taste of the crab and sea. perfectly cooked, al dente xx - definitely a place I would like to revisit/eat at again... soon.
   

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9. D

   Dee

   Sydney5 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on December 30, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Antispati Wagyu Capriccio and Capasanta are the highlights. Disappointed with the squid ink tonnarelli, the sauce was a bit weird, the tonnarelli was not cooked to the level that was expected, the desert was also nice, but it could be better, especially the tiramisu, it would be great if it was not that powdery.
   

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10. K

    Kylie

    Sydney5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on December 28, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4

    Food was average or below especially the main course. My daughter said she can cook the pasta better than what she had. won’t visit again
    

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