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Welcome to Olivia's Italian Restaurant

Welcome to Olivia's Italian Restaurant, a culinary gem located in Gurnee, IL. Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, Olivia's offers a menu that boasts delectable options like mussels in white wine sauce and scratch-made Alfredo. The warm ambiance is complemented by attentive service from manager Jose Ayala, who ensures every guest feels special, accommodating dietary preferences with grace. Diners rave about the generous portions and exquisite flavors reminiscent of Italy itself. Whether for a cozy date night or a celebration, Olivia's is a must-visit for those seeking genuine Italian dining experiences that delight both the palate and the heart.

Olivia's Italian Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

M S
M S

This place was great. Everything we ordered was genuinely delicious. Jose Ayala, the manager/host, was polite and really helpful. They started us off with warm bread, butter, and parmesan. We had mussels in white wine sauce as our appetizer, then Bolognese and rigatoni alla vodka for our mains. The dessert menu was so good we couldn’t help it but order three different ones. I have a pork allergy, and some places cook the shells in pork lard. Jose didn’t hesitate to check the ingredients in the cannoli shells for me to make sure I can order cannoli. Great food, great service, and slow soft music that gives you space to enjoy your meal. I am very lucky to live next to this place.

Masha Cetnik Berardi
Masha Cetnik Berardi

By far the most delicious Italian food I've ever had since we moved up north to the far corner of the universe. It all tasted so incredible ... the kind of food I last remember eating in Rome. I have no idea how to do it, but it is legit the best Italian food I've had in the USA. Treat yourself to this high-quality bite of amazing in every dish! Can't wait to go back.

Maurice
Maurice

Amazing experience here, I dined in for one, however the service was still fantastic! The house salad was one of the biggest I’ve ever had (this is a good thing) haha ... and I could tell the Alfredo sauce was made from scratch and oh so delicious! 5/5 would recommend this place for a date night or just to enjoy some great Italian food.

Marnie DiPaolo
Marnie DiPaolo

I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised with this restaurant! The service was outstanding. The food was Prepared perfectly and I am a full-fledged Italian person that eats and cooks authentic Italian food. It’s very rare that I find Italian Restaurant that knows how to do it right. My daughter and I had a great night out. I’m so glad we came in.

Chrissy J
Chrissy J

I wanted to give a big thank you to all the people at Olivia's restaurant. We chose this restaurant to have a luncheon for after my mom's funeral. The service and the food were exceptional. The portions were very generous, and nobody left hungry. I recommend this place if you like good food and good service.

Margo
Margo

Update. Returned for another wonderful dinner and service by Jose G. He was so friendly and gave us great service. The gnocchi was soft and delicious and the sea bass was huge moist seasoned perfectly with pureed carrots and peas. Loved every bite! Ordered the warm lentil spinach goat cheese special salad and beet salad. Both large and tasty. Jose made our dinner perfect. Welcome by hostess was very nice. Will return. Delicious food and great service by Luis Guapo. He was friendly and attentive and made us feel comfortable. We ordered salads which were big and the roasted salmon with asparagus. Cooked and seasoned perfectly with tomato and avocado topping. The atmosphere is beautiful with soft lighting and music. Split cannoli for dessert. It was stuffed with a good amount of cannoli filling and chocolate sauce. Latte and coffee were good also. The staff all works together to give us a great dining experience.

The Punisher
The Punisher

A true hidden gem. Delicious appetizers, incredible main course and tasty deserts, plus the chef's specials are out of this world. Large selection of cocktails at a nicely decorated restaurant and bar. The atmosphere is truly amazingly. The music in the restaurant is soothing and relaxing to enjoy a drink and wonderful meal with family and friends. Large televisions above the bar to watch sports and even a nice burning fire. The staff is very friendly and polite. Outdoor patio seating is available. Plenty of parking.

Rachel Wetmore
Rachel Wetmore

This was my family's first time coming here. I must say I was very surprised, the food is very delicious and very well prepared. Our server was very polite but did forget the bread until he was reminded. And did take the menus away very fast before we could all order our meals. All in all, it turned out to be a place we would love to come back to. A very well made Royal sunrise. Thank you.

Location

Welcome to Olivia's Italian Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Gurnee, Illinois. This charming eatery at 750 IL-21 invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Italy, where tradition meets contemporary flair. With the soft ambiance of slow music enveloping you, Olivia's is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience to savor.

From the moment you step inside, warm hospitality greets you. Notably, manager and host Jose Ayala stands out for his attentiveness, ensuring that each guest feels valued. The journey begins with a delightful assortment of warm bread, butter, and parmesan, setting the stage for the fantastic dishes that follow.

Patrons rave about the mussels in white wine sauce, a flavorful appetizer that showcases the kitchen's strong connection to authentic Italian cuisine. For main courses, guests indulge in favorites like Bolognese and rigatoni alla vodka, both of which are crafted with precision and care, delivering that coveted homemade taste.

But the culinary adventure does not stop there. The dessert menu is a siren song of temptations, leading you to consider dishes like the beloved cannoli. Here, dietary concerns are promptly addressed, exemplified when Jose personally checks ingredient lists to ensure a delightful experience for everyone.

Reviewers consistently commend the generous portions, indicating that nobody leaves Olivia's feeling hungry. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a special family gathering, the restaurant offers a setting conducive to both intimacy and celebration. As one diner described it, the house salad is expansive, while the homemade Alfredo sauce leaves an unforgettable impression on your palate.

A visit to Olivia's Italian Restaurant is not merely a meal but an embrace of warmth and impeccable taste, reminiscent of the Italian meals many long for. With each bite, you can expect to be transported back to the streets of Rome, where food is passion, love, and tradition. Come and taste the joy of true Italian cuisine, and you may just find yourself eager to return for more.