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Olives and Oil

Olives and Oil, 124 Temple St, New Haven

4.4
RESTAURANT RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.4 out of 5 (61 Ratings)
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0.2 miles Cafe Nine New Haven
About Olives and Oil
The Spotlight on Olives and Oil

Rustic Italian Vibes Just Steps from the Stage

Located in the heart of downtown New Haven, Olives and Oil serves up a modern take on rustic Italian fare in a lively, urban-chic setting. Tucked along Temple Street, this stylish spot blends old-world charm—think reclaimed wood and vintage décor—with a hip, social atmosphere. It’s a short walk from many of New Haven’s top music venues, making it a go-to for pre-show dining and drinks.

Why Concert-goers love it

With its central location, Olives and Oil is a favorite for concert-goers looking to grab a bite before the lights go down. The menu is made for sharing, so it’s easy to split small plates or pizzas with friends before heading out. The vibe is energetic but not overwhelming, and service is known for being quick and attentive—ideal when you're watching the clock. Plus, the craft cocktail list and local beer options give you a solid start to your night.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to share food and kick off the night
  • Solo travelers grabbing a bite at the bar before a show
  • Couples planning a romantic dinner and concert combo
  • Fans wanting a lively, social spot to fuel up pre-show
  • Budget-conscious music fans who still want quality food and atmosphere

What People Say

Reviews consistently praise the “fun and trendy atmosphere,” “delicious small plates,” and “friendly, fast service.” The truffle fries and wood-fired pizzas get frequent shoutouts, and many guests love the mix-and-match menu that lets you try a bit of everything. Diners also appreciate the creative cocktail list and the stylish, Instagram-worthy interior.

Areas for Improvement

Some visitors mention that the space can get a bit noisy during peak hours—something to keep in mind if you're looking for a quiet chat before the show. And while most praise the service, occasional reviewers note that the restaurant can get a bit crowded on weekend nights, so a reservation or early arrival is a smart move.

The Bottom Line

Olives and Oil offers a fun, flavorful, and convenient dining experience that hits all the right notes for concert-goers in New Haven.

Average Price
$31 to $50
Cuisine
Contemporary Italian
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu 11:30 am-10:00 pm
Fri, Sat 11:30 am-1:00 am
Sun 11:00 am-9:00 pm

Olives and Oil Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of Olives and Oil?

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Olives and Oil is #45 of 502 things to do in New Haven

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: sargentmom, Nashville, Tennessee
Fri 24 Jan, 2025
l Mains are enough to share, a very large portion. Everything we had was good. Service is great. Good location. No olive dishes except an olive salad, which was greens with a few olives. Disappointed...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Selmer F, Montreal, Canada
Wed 2 Oct, 2024
l Booked this place thinking it was owned and run by Italians - not so it is a typical ""'American Italian""restaurant - however we found the staff to be very accommodating to our euro palate we sent...

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3 of 5 stars3 out of 5
By: Kevin R, Madison, Alabama
Fri 14 Jun, 2024
l Went there for lunch with my wife. She ordered the Cesar salad with grilled chicken on the side. They brought out the chicken and when she turned it over it had burn marks on it, it was dry and...

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Olives and Oil 124 Temple St, New Haven