Oliver's Osteria

This place was amazing. Chef Eric and his staff were welcoming and warm from the second we walked in until we left. We purchased the chefs pairings and were wowed more by each course. Going back is not even a question, we plan to take the rest of the family. They made you feel well welcomed and like family. The food was the icing on the cake.

This was a good visit to Oliver’s but had some room for improvement. It was a Thursday evening, not packed and we were seated promptly. We started with the peach & burrata salad- fresh summer flavor- creamy burrata, an almost pickled- like peach, sweet balsamic reduction, and I’m a sucker for the light play of arugula that gives that little bite. We also had the octopus appetizer- a bright dish with fresh microgreens atop the squid, another great summer starter. Next, we went for the evening’s specials- both with truffles. I had the scallops with truffle over spinach and light cream sauce. This was good but the cook or sear on the scallop was missing. I had hoped for a nice sear with that light outside crust, and the dark truffles overpowered the dish at times. My husband had the white truffle risotto and this is the dish that shined! Risotto is an art form- too thick and it’s gummy, too wet and it’s soggy. This was neither. An absolute stunner- The risotto was velvety, creamy, rich in flavor and paired perfectly with light/white truffles that adorned it. It was such perfection it didn’t even need a protein. Here’s what took the rating down one notch. We were excited for desert and ordered two affogatos (cup of espresso w a scoop of vanilla ice cream). We didn’t see them for about 25+ minutes. This just felt too long to wait for a simple desert drink at $16 a cup, and made the evening experience drop. We may give it another try and go for the chef’s tasting menu. Thank you 😊

My wife and I went there for dinner last night and everything was amazing. The staff is super attentive, every single member. The food was excellent and they go above and beyond to create yummy dishes with the exact pasta that you want. Excellent wine selection also. Very well done.

I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of Oliver’s Osteria. Staff is very nice and welcoming. However, the quality of the food was average (lack of seasoning and creativity though decent food) and thus below expectations considering the Michelin star.

We found authentic Italian food in Laguna. We ate here on a Thursday evening.. While our other dishes were yummy, the pork cheek was too salty. The zucchini flowers are a must starter. While good pasta is in it's tasting, these could do with a bit of flair. Service was fair. Parking is limited. The location is unremarkable unless one is interested in the Sawdust events.

I would like to start this by saying I’ve been here 3 times previously and had great experiences. First two times I had an awesome server - I’d love to call him out but I forgot his name. Very authentic, friendly, knowledgeable, and created an environment that made me want to come back. Also enjoyed the food. Third time I went, I had a similar experience with a new server - Emilio. He was awesome and furthered my decision to return. This last time I went I was super disappointed. I brought new friends here, raving about this place. The quality of food seemed different, there was no more complimentary bread (that was really good) and our server (who said he was a manager - Gianfranco) was pretty standoffish, didn’t check in on us, and our waters were empty for the majority of our dinner. Thus our lower tip reflected on our experience. We later found out that Gianfranco decided to add more tip to our check himself…. I came back two days later to speak to someone and it happened to be him. He lied, saying the system automatically adds a percentage to the check. I’m no mathematician but what he added was not 15% of our check. He did make it right at the end, refunding my friend’s card for his added tip, but unfortunately I will not be raving about this place and bringing more new people.

Chef Eric and team never disappoint. This is our place where we take guests because the food and service are spectacular. We had another amazing experience tonight and our guests were blown away. Laguna is fortunate to have this treasure.

This is by far one of my favorite Italian restaurants by far in Orange County. The ambiance and intimate setting and the service is always amazing. The servers and the chef's are always super accommodating. I frequent here often and every time it is on point and doesn’t disappoint, the best food and service. It’s all authentic and made from scratch. I usually get the Cacio E pepe or some kind of seafood pasta or whatever the chef recommends. It’s perfect for a date night or a large party for a celebration, I’ve done both from 2 people to 14!

I have been to many Italian restaurants in Orange County and its surrounding areas and found this to be the most authentic of the bunch. This Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognized restaurant lived up to its reputation for providing fine food and brought back wonderful memories of my time in Italy. My wife and I started with the Lightly Fried, Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms: delicate and fresh (she ate one before I could take a picture). The spaghetti with clams was cooked to perfection and the Branzino with spinach was exquisite. Dessert was creamy, flavorful and gratifying. Oh, and my Negroni? It was substantial, made with top notch ingredients and among the best I've ever had.

I'm normally a 5-star or 1-star reviewer (I don't bother writing about much in between)... this one gets 3-stars from me and here's why: - Too expensive. And money isn't an issue for me. Simply put the experience isn't worth the cost. Spend your $75-$100 per person (including tip) elsewhere. If you want this level food/ambiance you can find it all over Laguna for less $. You can also find a far higher level of food/ambiance for the same $ elsewhere. - That said, the food was quite good! Chestnut ravioli was a simple dish with nuanced spices that showcased skill and execution in a recipe. The chicken piccata was uninspired but that's not a dish i expected to be anything other than "standard". I thought the menu described it as served with pasta but it came with a potato pave. I may have misread the menu so that's on me. I liked the pave although I would have preferred a small amount of tagliatelle or spaghetti instead for the remnant lemon/caper/butter sauce. Lazy dog cafe's version of this dish would be a fair comparison... lastly the ricotta stuffed zucchini blossoms were tasty but I've had better and, again, at $8 per bite I regretted ordering this. Not to keep bringing money into the equation but it's the common denominator here and I felt like this dish should have been half what it cost for what it was. Ricotta wasn't hot (it was warm), and while exterior was crispy providing a nice texture contrast the tomato sauce base served the eye more than the taste buds (could have been more of it). I am being critical here but I enjoyed the meal even if my joy was diminished when reality didn't meet anticipation. - Service was attentive, knowledgeable, well-spoken and charming. I always like when a restaurant has attendants keeping an eye on beverages, table markings and so forth and doesn't get locked into "sections" where staff pass you but because you aren't "their table" they ignore you. These guys were prompt, unobtrusive, responsive and well trained. My only other critique (hey I'm on a roll, sorry) was the table candle being burned out. They relit it upon request but it burned out again. I couldn't resist but peak at the fuel, which seemed low but ample enough, so I suspect the wick was too short. Either way- bc I'm an old F&B pro who got graded on these sorts of things- that's the sort of small touch that either needs to get addressed before service starts or, when it's clear the candle doesn't stay lit, they either replace or remove it. Anything short of that and it's just an eye sore and taking up table space. I wouldn't mention it if it didn't dampen the experience for me. Paying premium price means small stuff like that sets the mood- not take away from it. So final thought is knock yourself out if you can't get a reservation anywhere else and disposable income is no thought for you. If you're discerning, though, I'd tell ya to skip this one. I won't be back.

Excellent food and service from our server, Emilio! Just wished that the party who arrived after us were seated one table away as the restaurant was not filled to capacity. The pistachio souffle was not the best. Overall, we enjoyed the ambiance of this restaurant.

Wow!!! Service was so bad that my friend who is a diplómate and I have never seen him angry was so upset with the waiters attitude that he lost his temper. Fish took over one hour and the waiter never checked on us or our order! Ambience is terrible feels like being in a tent rather than. comfortable and romantic environment! Obviously will never return!!

What a beautiful restaurant, it's got fun and trendy artwork on the walls . The customer service was amazing, Emiliano took his time explaining the different dishes and wine . We all ordered pasta dishes except for my husband he got the scallops OMG his was delicious!! Everything was but the scallops were over the top ! Can't wait to come back !

The food is always so good here. This is the go to restaurant when you're going to see a play or pageants of the masters. (it's walking distance to both.) Parking can be a little bit tricky they do have parking however this particular night it was $30 to park . highly recommend you make a reservation. They have a very small indoor restaurant and a large tinted outdoor space. We always enjoy coming here they have all my favorite wines and in my opinion the very best meatballs.

It was pretty good, I usually like simple Italian food with minimal ingredients but very fresh. This had much more, but it was still very good. The service was great as well. The location is great as well. I don't know how many times we drove by this place and never stopped in. The waiters seem to be very inviting and had a fun energy about them.

A little confused on this one. This experience was a mixed bag. The restaurant being located inside a tent, should have been the first red flag. But we thought, this place has a Michelin star. It must be worth it.... Right? We sat inside the tent and it was warm. And the heaters were on. Why? Why you trying to cook your guests like lobsters?! Service was good. He was friendly and personable, and funny too. The food was not the best. The artichoke salad tasted like raw artichoke and lemon. Literally that's all it tased liked. The ricotta ravioli was such a disappointment. It was beyond what you would call "al dente." The noodles were crunchy and not cooked all the way. The ravioli barely had any filling. It was the worst ravioli I have ever had. And the sauce tasted like they used such a strong cheese (maybe Asagio?). It was overpowering. The carbonara was way too cheesy and the cheese was "pungent." The huge prawn was there for show. There was no meat in it. The sauce was bland. It lacked any kind of flavor or depth. The pork tomahawk was good. That was juicy and delicious with the mashed potatoes. The fried calamari, fried shrimp, fried artichokes, and fried zucchini's were all great. That is a really decent appetizer that our table shared. The black truffle scallops were a real hit. Those were rated highly. So, as you can see- it was mostly not good. There were a couple things that were decent, but not worth coming back. Especially to sit in a tent and sweat. No thanks.

The one of the most authentic Italian restaurants here in Orange County the food is amazing. The service is great. The ambience is also great. They have a location in Irvine as well and the patio is to die for food is also amazing. I've tried their food there as well. If you're looking for a great Italian food come and try this place.

If ordering off the menu and as insignificant the item you are ordering may be, ask for the cost. They are well know for charging and creating prices off the cuff for items not in the menu. The charges will be astronomical and you will feel like a fool, like we did. If they operate on this sneaky manner, imagen what they can do to food preparation. Restaurants that operate under these principals must be confronted and we all need to know about it.

I've been wanting to try this place for a while now but have been too lazy to make a reservation so I'm glad my friend did! We were sat outside in the big white tent, which doesn't help with the ambiance, but at least it was nice and dry and toasty on a wet and cold-by-SoCal standards evening! Everyone was very attentive and the main man was seeing to us so we couldn't really ask for anything more. Plus, he had a sense of humor. For the food, we got the polpette meatballs and caprese al pesto with burrata and prosciutto for the table. I got the strozzapretti alla norcina with porcini, Italian sausage, and black truffle. Everything was tasty and surprisingly light. The tiramisu was very cutely plated and delicious. Now I'm wondering why I didn't give them a try sooner!

The service was friendly and concise. The atmosphere outside was pretty under the tent and sparkling lights. The star is definitely the food! We shared two appetizers and three entrees between two of us! Couldn't decide between all the choices but I must say the Chilean sea bass and the Risotto with truffles were the perfect balance of buttery smooth and decadent

We've been there more than one handful times and still enjoy the food and the service enormously. Whenever we don't want to cook and craving Italian this is our go to. Never fail. Can't say more praise about the food there. If you haven't had then you MUST...

This is a local restaurant. The seasoning is off. Everything, including the salsa is under seasoned. It used to be really good but the last two times we tried it, we were underwhelmed and opt out of dining here.

The service was on point. The server check on us regularly. My water glass was always full, the bread basket was refilled. The food was amazingly delicious. My adult children and I had a great time. I recommend this restaurant to people who want quality and delicious Italian food.

I am sorry to say I ate there for New Year's Eve and the food was average. Do not pay those prices for pasta with that quality. I will not be going back again.

I came in for my birthday lunch on a rainy afternoon in March (2024). My boyfriend and I were the only customers so we didn't know what to expect. What we ordered: -- Veal Chop Milanese: this was the first place I had ever tried veal at, so I was initially a bit intimidated by the thought of it. However, the seasoning and breading on the veal, as well as the cook of it, were perfect. There was a small bed of salad that the veal sat on top of, which was very refreshing and much-needed to balance out the flavors. 9/10 -- Gnocchi Your Choice (we got bolognese): my boyfriend and I are big gnocchi lovers and always give restaurants that serve it a go! Sadly, it was underwhelming and a bit overcooked this time around. 7/10 In regard to the service and ambiance, we actually ended up enjoying having the restaurant to ourselves! Because we were the only customers at the time, our server was very conversational, patient, and attentive to our needs. We didn't need to ask for a refill of our waters or of the bread, he just came with it as soon as we were out. Overall a 4 star experience but definitely willing to give it another shot when we're in the area again!

I was recommended here by a local, told me it was a have to try down in Laguna Beach. They weren't wrong. I got the tonnarelli crostacei and it was really good. Spicier than I expected but still glad I tried it. The bread they give you with your drinks, now I could have eaten just that and been happy. It was so fluffy and warm. Location was right off the highway into town before what I would call the tourist area, easy to navigate. I sit outside in their extra seating options under the tents. My service was on par for the expectations. Would definitely venture back next time I'm this way.

This may be the strangest review I've had to make. The ambience, food, and service all had ups and downs. But overall, Michelin guide restaurants are going to get judged with strict scrutiny...also, price for what u get. So, we had reservations at 430pm because I'm old. They open at 430, but there were people at a table drinking etc...when we arrived at 418pm...we were told "we open at 430" and waited 12 minutes outside. At 430...we were seated, outside under a tent, on a pretty hot day. The group of two after us, were brought inside to to a table...wtf?! I figured the tent was maybe...idk, renovation inside? We would not have opted for the tent. The manager and server were both chill and on point. No issues there. The foccacia and tomato mix was, eh...but nothing to complain about. The special, was a chicken, inside cappolletti with a sage/parm sauce. I love sage used in italian...the sauce was amazing, th3 pasta was al dente...but the chicken seemed like an afterthought and the dish, an entrée, was literally like a handful of them on a plate...but tasted amazing!! The second entrée we ordered, the bolognese, came out like idk...12 minutes after the other entrée...this may be a weird complaint but it was an even weirder experience. Anyway, as the creator of the best bolognese in the world (I'll crush u flay!!), this bolognese was pretty pedestrian. The pasta, again, was perfect!! But there was no cheese element or spice element in the bolognese making it very one note...and...I fear...they may have used sugar. U DONT USE SUGAR IN BOLOGNESE!! Also, bolognese is not a meat sauce, meat sauce is a meat sauce...bolognese sits and lets the meat absorb the flavor of the sauce. It is not a gravy with some meat. That being said...the food was probably a 3.5...but the weird environment...being seated in a huge empty tent instead of the restaurant and all that dropped things significantly. Oh!! Dessert. Affogato...one of my favorite but simplest desserts. Essentially it's a small scoop of ice cream, that u pour a shot if espresso over. But we got like 2 scoops of ice cream on top of espresso. This may sound better to people who just live ice cream. But for real, there is a reason u pour the espresso on top, it creates the flavorscape...yeah I said flavorscape...idk if it is a word. Long story short...I'd like to give this place another chance. But for a highly rated, Michelin guide restaurant...you can't fool a Jersey Italian.

This food is the real deal. Go there. Try it all! Thank me later!! Zucchini blossoms, layered lasagna and veal piccata! Oh heck yeah!

Enter the REI parking lot sale. Filled with romance? Slalom through the space heaters in the parking lot patio and into the cozy little shoe box with a mini-bar and a few tables. Before you set your tush on a cushion a plate of still oven warm Focaccia appears along with the Italian riff on Salsa Fresca. Lovely. The Decor: Twist around in your chair and you'll see that the walls are adorned with enlarged photos of sexy wenches on benches eating oodles of sexy noodles. Other than the bella ripazza on the walls the decor is basic beach shack chic. (Say that 10 times as fast as you can, eat a cracker and then whistle). The Staff: Other than the kitchen which is the same size as what you'd find in modest motor home, there is Gio who works every table by himself like a borrowed mule. And if a borrowed mule can be charming, he certainly is. Brother Gio knows everything about the menu and how the kitchen does what it does. Before you formulate a question, he has already read the table and your order has been written down on the ticket, plus you''ll get a tutorial on the significance of using a reduction of stock in the Ragu instead of a roux with Cream. Don't know the benefit of pasta extruded through a bronze die versus house made fresh? (Better for sauce distribution and pasta cling). Well, don't interrupt Gio, he's on a roll and you're about to find out in great detail. The Bar: Full. Lot's of cocktails. Stick to the classics. (they're easy to make and harder to screw up). I had a Tiki Tiki which was a throbbing Day-Glo Green concoction of Rhum (sp), Orgeat, (Almond Syrup), Blue Curacao, Orange, Pineapple and Pomegranate. Not exactly Italian, but not bad either. It had that Ty-D-Bowl on the rocks look to it as if it escaped from a just turned 21 party at Trader Vic's. It probably should've been served in a ceramic coconut but no matter, it was exactly as advertised. Sweet and cold. Then I tried an Eric. No, it was not a Grinder adventure but another cocktail with Amaretto, Bourbon, Orange Peel, and Walnut Bitters. It was simple and pretty damn good. Or maybe just have some wine. Gio will abide and there is a nice selection to work with. Who's in the Casa? Almost no one at 5:00 PM except the two dudes (possibly a Grinder adventure), who'd been there since the night before. Eventually, the locals started to trickle in and order their "regular" libation. Then came the First Daters, followed by the "Fun Bus" from Leisure World up the street. Even as the dining room began to fill up it was surprisingly quiet. Quiet enough to hear your table neighbor's dinner conversation even if you're interested in it. The Food: Overall, it was a yeoman like effort. First out was the Fritto Misto which had been winking at me. Crunchy is America's favorite flavor. I thought it would pair well with my deep well Tiki Tiki cooler. But the dish was indeed a cooler on it's own. The few Calamari were joined by a few Shrimp and fewer Smelt plus one Zucchini Spear along with a mini-cup of Arrabbiatta Sauce. Not enough Sauce? No worries, the same sauce shows up ladled on/over the Eggplant Parmesan, the Lasagna and anything else requiring a red sauce which will, no doubt, just wind up on your shirt anyway. While the mound of fried things held the promise of cracking a crown when it arrived it was warm but the crunch had given way to merely a bendable coating. Order it again? Yes, but not here. The Eggplant Parm was more Parm and Mozz than Eggplant which flirted with being slightly stringy and chewy. Order it again? Yes, but not here. The Meatballs stuffed with Taleggio (the Prince of Italian cheeses) came buried in "that ubiquitous Red Sauce". The cheese was lost. It was kinda like mixing Don Julio 1942 into a Margarita. Order them Meatballs again? Yes, but not here. The Lasagna was the star of the show. One of the best versions anywhere. (So, it's true. Even a blind squirrel eventually finds an acorn). The pasta sheets were cooked perfectly and retained a lovely chew, the meaty filling was still juicy and troweled on and in between those wonderful pasta sheets with the love only a Nonna can bestow. Yes, the Red Sauce was familiar but this time it was layered with a stellar Besciamella Sauce. Would I order this again? Absolutely, and only here as Oliver's has set the Lasagna bar beyond reach by other Osterias. I'd return for this Lasagna version without urgin'.

Came here for the second time and the food was just as amazing as we remembered. While the prices went up, it was to be expected, but with the quality of food they serve it really doesn't matter. I don't eat pasta so often going to an Italian restaurant is not really an option, but they have a good number of non pasta options. If you have a chance, grab a reservation and give this place a try!

My son took me here for my birthday and it was the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Also, Marco is an exceptional waiter, and his recommendations were spot on. We started with an appetizer of Caprese Al Pesto with prosciutto. Tortelli in a Ragu sauce. Main course for me was Veal Scaloppine and my son had the Pork Tomahawk. Of course, I had to have dessert, and I ended the meal with Panna Cotta Al Mango. All the food was superb. Ambiance was casual and delightful. If you are in the mood for good Italian food, please try this establishment. You will not be disappointed. We are from Long Beach and Oliver's Osteria is worth the drive.

A true hidden gem tucked in Laguna Beach. It's Michelin recommended back in 2021 and they definitely deliver. The highlight for me are the lasagna or any of their black truffle dishes that are so unique. Their drinks are also delicious and refreshing. The tiramisu is definitely one of the better ones I've had. Our server was so funny and also gave us great suggestions. High recommend!

Went here after wine tasting since it was right next door. It had a Michelin star posted in the front so I expected the food to be to die for. Let's start with the ambiance, felt like I was in Italy. All the waiters and waitresses spoke Italian, even yelling at each other sometimes lol. If you don't like that sorta thing you'll I took a couple stars away because the food was just ok. The salmon was over cooked and a bit salty. The risotto was super sour. They put way too much lemon. Not sure if I'll return as there are way too many Michelin star restaurants that live up to their award!

Oliver's Osteria is an absolute culinary haven, and it's not surprising it has earned a solid five-star rating. The menu at Oliver's Osteria is a testament to the chef's dedication to Italian cuisine. Each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors, crafted with great ingredients and attention to detail. Whether you opt for the classic favorites or more adventurous specials, you're in for a treat. In a world where dining out is often rushed, Oliver's Osteria provides a haven where you can savor each moment and every bite. It's a place where you can celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a memorable meal with loved ones. If you appreciate exceptional food, top-notch service, and a charming ambiance, this osteria is a must-visit. It's an experience that will leave you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal.

Parking: there's a parking lot Atmosphere: there wasn't too much to look at, other than some fun wall portraits. There's a tented area in the front too, which seemed a bit more elegant. Service: terrific Drinks: excited to finally find a place that serves a Paper Plane Food: we had the gnocchi and veal; both were delicious. Overall, I can see why this restaurant is so highly rated.

Celebrated birthday here! Delicious Italian food with excellent service. Very cozy as well!

We visited the Sawdust festival and went next door to Olivers to eat. The service was OK, we had ask for bread twice and waited for it. I had the tomahawk porkchop and my wife had the lasagne. My porkchop was cooked perfectly and the lasagne had just the right amount of spices and cheese. The prices are on the high side.

This will be our new place whenever we go to Laguna Beach, our go-to beach because we love the area, people and vibe. We got takeout - the spaghetti pomodoro and the bolognese. Both were delicious. My kids loved it and they are very picky about pasta. We've been to quite a few Italian restaurants in the area and I believe Oliver's is the best

We ordered 1 appetizer, 1 pork chop for entree, and 3 cocktails. Everything tastes fine but not memorable. Portions were quite small. We were seated in a big white empty tent that they called "patio". When we asked about inside sitting we were told it's cold inside because when the door opened the cold wind blasting in. So...we had dinner staring at an empty plastic sheet. The bill was memorable. It's quite expensive even for Laguna Beach. It would be alright if the foods were exceptional or the environment was a bit better. It's not ok to pay that price and have alright foods in a big plastic tent. In Laguna Beach with that price you can have both good foods and nice view and good service. I'm not coming back.

It smelled like bleach inside. The waiters were arrogant, They brought us lasagna and pasta after 5 minutes quickly warmed it up. Everyone dressed like for a holiday, but this place under the tent looks like a cheap cafe. Lasagna tastes like bought in Ralphs for $36

My friends and I showed up on a Sunday night and the place was maybe half full and it's a small place. Service was extremely slow and we flagged down another guy who looked like he was in management but he didn't seem interested when we asked various questions - one was trying to decide between two entrees and he simply said they're different, which we knew that but it would have been helpful to know for example if one was a customer favorite or even his own favorite because of xyz. We said we wanted to order and he simply said the server would come soon. He didn't go look for our server, but when our server came by he went to talk to him. Our server was nice enough, just went missing a lot. The people in our group who ordered pasta and lasagna were happy with their dishes, especially the special which was like a bolognese. I got the branzino and I really liked it a lot, it was meaty and salted just right. The asparagus and potatoes were plain, nothing special. We didn't quite understand the complimentary bread as it seemed store bought quality and seemed to be paired with salsa which tasted ok. Maybe this is common in the region? Lastly we got the tiramisu and profiteroles for dessert. The tiramisu was as expected but the profiteroles were hard and drenched with chocolate and had very little filling, we could hardly taste any. The thing that was a big turn off though, for whatever reason, there were gnats bothering us the whole evening. We were sitting inside so dunno if it's better outside.

Busy place, a little chaotic with restaurant's layout and parking lot tent setup for dining, lackluster server, and hostess could use some training/manners. The homemade pasta (bolognese) was fresh tasting, could use more meat and temperature served should be hotter/warmer. The arugula beet salad was nicely chilled and flavorful. Portions were appropriate. Probably wouldn't recommend or return - mediocre experience.

Food was high quality and very tasty. Portions were too small and expensive, service was neither friendly nor efficient. Server seemed like he'd rather be doing something else than refilling water or checking in on us or smiling. No non-alcoholic drink options. Seated outside despite the fact that opentable didn't state that it was outdoor seating (like it usually does with an asterisk when you are reserving). Despite the good flavors, I definitely would not come here again and and wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is very hungry or expects attentive service or a solid roof.

Every time I'm in the canyon I pass this spot and I finally had the opportunity to try it out! I went last Thursday with friends before the Laguna Beach Coast Film Festival. Our group sat outside on the patio with a covered tent and heaters and we were comfortable on a cold night. There are a few things to mention here as I'm torn on exactly how to rate the stars 3, 4 or 5? I'm puzzled!?From a quality perspective of food, it's good but honestly I'm not raving as I was really expecting and hoping for more. The prices on this menu indicate a dining experience. Service was friendly and polite. Nothing to complain about. I don't want to give it 3 stars because nothing was negative I just don't know that it's worth what you're paying for. If that's not an issue for you - it was a good meal and it's in a great location. The menu is expensive and the portions are quite small. Even the wine was marked up significantly by the glass. I think the cheapest decent red(maybe only one available at this price point)was $14 /glass & cocktails starting around $15. Most glasses of wine were upwards of $20 / glass that were available and beyond that only purchase by bottle was available. Entrees start at around $28 - average of $35ish - $50. Their truffle dining experience was over $200 and if you wanted to order the entrée a La cart I think it was $110. Now I understand it's truffle and that brings a price tag and level of quality. I'm not arguing with that and I did not try that but you get the point. It's $$$$. What I did order was the Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese. Good not great dish - but not in my top 5 plates of bolognese I've had. It was ok. The noodles were good but I didn't notice a big difference in texture and quality that I would have hoped for such an authentic Italian restaurant. And the sauce - I could have had more sauce to noodle ratio. The flavor was pretty mild and there wasn't anything that really stood out to me. And this is why I'm having a hard time rating. With it being an authentic Italian fine dining restaurant, I'm expecting everything to be delicious. I usually try to judge these more $$$$ restaurants by noticing the quality at the simplest dish. Anyone can use truffle and mark up their menu and provide that level of dining but it's in the classics where you can tell the difference. Order: Drinks Pinot Noir wine bottle to share - simple and delicious Old Fashioned - strong, onpoint Food Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese Dessert Special - I can't remember the name - Apple something with raspberries and vanilla ice cream to share. Also just good. One final thought as the ambiance certainly makes an impact on where I personally choose to eat. The Laguna Canyon is one of my favorite places. It's beautiful and nestled in the art scene and in between some of my favorite local trails. It's a mix of artists and outdoors-people. It's pretty magical. And it's right next to one of my favorite local breweries.

Chef Erik di Marchi is a world-class restauranteur (though I suppose the Italian equivalent of this word is more appropriate!). This is a Michelin-rated experience in a global tourist destination, so plan accordingly and reserve ahead of time. Parking is available, and there is additional city-run paid parking that is free after 7 p.m.. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor spaces, but I personally have only dined in the outdoor space because it is so fresh and pleasant. Soft Christmas lights drape from the awning, and in the Springtime the hanging vines fill the air with the delicate scent of fresh blossoms. It is not cold outside, but I recommend bringing a light jacket in case you are particularly sensitive. The waiters are professional, prompt, and polite. Chef Erik himself often walks through to check in with his guests. He is the epitome of class. The menu is the perfect length: ten antipasti options, eleven paste options, and seven secondi options. It fits one page and covers a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. The pricing is surprisingly inexpensive in comparison to the quality and quantity of each dish: the same pricing as Olive Garden (as loath as I am to compare the two). The ingredients are treated with the culinary care and love they deserve. From the strawberries and spearmint topping the luscious pana cotta con fichi to the clams in the spaghetti allo scoglio, it is clear that each ingredient is masterfully procured and prepared. Thank you for many wonderful nights at your restaurant, Erik, and may we enjoy many, many more!

The Ambiance was really nice. I love the light and bright decor yet very cozy. We were in a booth. The food was good. I ordered fish to be different. I usually get some sort of pasta. The service was a bit strange. We wanted to relax and have a nice meal, catch up with friends but felt very rushed. Our waiter was nice but had a sarcastic sense of humor. He got everything done for us but had a cadence that seemed so hectic. All in all I felt that it was a nice meal, nothing special but had the potential to be a really nice experience. Didn't feel that tonight taking everything into consideration. Would we go back again? We would want to but not so sure.

Let's start with the good. The server was excellent. Charming and thoughtful. The food was pretty good. The bread and Italian tomato crudo starter was delicious. Calamari dish was tasty: crispy, well-fried, not too greasy, flavorful breading and dip. The Caprese could have been very good. Unfortunately, half the tomatoes were green tomatoes. Very crunchy and not my idea of Caprese (fried green tomatoes are one thing, fresh are kinda weird). The pesto sauce on it was tasty. The big chunks of tomato made it hard to eat, I prefer slices. The burrata was delicious but comes in a big ball, also making it a bit hard to eat. Now, here comes the not so great. The greeter did not really greet, no smile, just waited for us to say something. The guy getting our water ignored my request for regular water and when he arrived with only sparkling, I again asked for regular and he seemed annoyed. The guy getting water also didn't know the soup of the day. No big deal, but some room for improvement. The bad: the restaurant was VERY loud. Loud music playing from the bar next door caused everyone to have to yell. Most people seemed quite wine-drunk and were more than happy to shout. A great place if you have kids or if you're going with a large group of people who have a tendency for rowdiness. Having a nice dinner for two? Not so much. Also, there is no indoor option, it's just an outdoor tent, so if you're not close to a heater, it can get a bit cold at night. Most importantly, our entrees took an hour and a half to arrive. When they finally did arrive, my Pork Tomahawk was totally raw in the middle. The server had no problem taking it back. We ended up sharing the chicken and porcini dish which was tasty. The saving grace of this dinner was that the server took both of the entrees off of the bill and gave us a free dessert. He also only charged me for one Coke when I got two refills. Very professional response to a pretty disappointing performance. If not for this gesture, would have been a one or two star dinner. I would try Oliver's again, but probably not on a Sunday night.

Sorry the food was so so Service was slow We where looking forward to being there but didn't think we would go back

We had high expectations considering the reviews/ratings and the food was good, but not exceptional. I had the pasta special of the day, a pork rib sauce with what was very good pasta. The service was attentive and not overbearing. We sat in the outside tent area which was comfortable on a cool evening. The biggest disappointment was the desert, profiteroles, a very long plate with tiny and unremarkable pastries. We may return and try a few other items.

After a frustrating experience and lousy Yelp review, a very kind manager tracked me down via OpenTable and called my cell. He offered a sincere apology and sweetens it with a gift card for our next visit. I wasn't expecting that and it was kind. We went back with friends and experience couldn't have been more different. We were seated by the lovely bar, and enjoyed three festive hours of martinis, Chianti, truffles, pastas, gelatos. Food was as good as remembered and service was friendly and attentive. Manager swung by and introduced himself, which was thoughtful and professional. Good guys, great restaurant, nice save, all forgiven.

This is my second time eating here. The first time I thought it was mediocre. This past time I thought the service and food was better. We tried grilled octopus, seafood spaghetti and lamb. Grilled octopus was different and tasty. Seafood spaghetti was very good- good sauce and the seafood tasted fresh. The lamb was lightly battered and fried. For desert we tried the cheese cake. It doesn't taste like your typical cheese cake at all. But rather like a pie - still good. It can be tough to find parking and best to valet. There is parking structure around the corner which has better rate vs valet. It's a cute restaurant to eat at. The restaurant can be easily missed so I would suggest driving slow as you approach it. They have indoor and outdoor dining. It's a great place to sit outdoor especially during the summer time. The weather was perfect!

Great food and unbelievable service, is like to be in Italy , the waiters are very professional and the pasta is wonderful. I will be back soon

Was just ok. My pasta was pretty chewy. Luckily I was given a gift card so I didn't technically pay for the meal. I wanted to leave the entire remaining balance of the gift card as a tip since I was pretty sure I wouldn't return and they refused it. Was told they do not accept tips from a gift card. It would've been about a $100 tip on a $200 meal. Parking was tough to find because of the festival. There was a lot of people arriving when I was leaving so perhaps my experience just wasn't the best.

Incredible experience here celebrating my partner's birthday. Great authentic Italian cuisine and the service, especially from our server Federico was excellent. Ambiance is nice, nothing to blow your mind but a good classic Italian, very cozy but clean/sharp. Highly recommend and can see why so many people listed this as one of the best Italian spots in OC.

Oliver Osteria in Laguna Beach has left an exceptional impression on me. From the impeccable service to the outstanding quality of their fresh pasta, this restaurant has firmly established itself as our go-to place for a memorable dining experience. The service at Oliver Osteria deserves special recognition. The staff's attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine hospitality added an extra layer of excellence to the dining experience. Their commitment to providing top-notch service made us feel truly valued as guests. The fresh pasta at Oliver Osteria is nothing short of stellar. Each bite is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating these delectable dishes. The flavors are vibrant, and the textures are perfectly cooked, showcasing the skill and passion of the culinary team. One standout dish that deserves special mention is the octopus appetizer. The expertly charred octopus exhibits a delightful balance of char and flavor, resulting in a truly memorable experience. The attention to detail and the ability to execute this dish flawlessly is a testament to the culinary prowess of Oliver Osteria. Without a doubt, Oliver Osteria has become our go-to place for an exceptional dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a superb culinary journey. From the outstanding service to the stellar fresh pasta and remarkable appetizers, Oliver Osteria delivers excellence on every level. We

Great experience Great service. Great food. I had the pork rib and fettuccine dish Awesome. The best of what we ordered. Highly recommend

This place is good at two things: - Sprinkling magic fairy dust over their food which somehow convinces diners it's the best meal they have ever tasted - Attracting 5 star reviews from Yelpers who have clearly never dined at an Italian restaurant better than Olive Garden It is absolutely crazy how Oliver's gets away with it given the high prices and mediocre food. Good for them though, they have obviously found the secret sauce...literally.