From the team behind the local favorite, Elm City Social, the culinary group’s latest venture, Olives and Oil has quickly grown in popularity since its opening in December 2016. Chef John Brennan is serving Rustic Italian dishes with a modern twist in downtown New Haven.  The restaurant and wine bar features ‘electric Italian’ cuisine that diversifies the dining experience while staying true to old school tradition.  Their extensive menu creatively designed to resemble a vintage Italian magazine is separated into sections: Ciccheti or Italian style appetizers, Crudo or raw bar, mozzarella, homemade pasta, brick oven pizza, meatballs, and family sized entrees intended for sharing. With the motto, “Live fun. Live young. Live Italian” Olives and Oil, affectionately called the Big O brings its guests a foodgasmic experience.

Get a taste of the Old Country in a fun, festive and trendy atmosphere. The restaurant is adorned with classic Italian artwork and modern, urban décor.  Bold colors, exposed brick and graffiti murals all contribute to the colorful and inviting environment.  Lounge in the comfortable, open seating area complete with an expansive bar and lounge.

Grapes are on tap available through 16 draft lines. Wines are served by the glass, in a carafe (equivalent to a bottle) or a wine flight in which four wines are chosen to sample in 2oz glasses. The flight option is a way to experiment with different wines from all over the world in order to determine preferences and expand your palate. Gain some knowledge about wine from your expert sommelier who will not only present the flights to you but guide your tasting by region and characteristics of each selection.  Wines are always changing, so guests can anticipate new and different additions with each visit.

Servers are trained to provide recommendations based on interests and pairings. New Haven local and General Manager, Chris Braumann says, “One of the great things about dining out is being able to take your hands off the wheel and let your server drive the experience.”

Feature Menu Items:

Burrata: Creamy mozzarella cheese served with housemade rich basil pesto, tomato jam and truffle salt. Spread a little pesto, tomato jam, with some burrata on bread for an outstanding burst of flavors.

Arancini or Italian Rice Balls: Parmesan, fontina cheese and vodka sauce lightly fried to create a crunchy outside and smooth inside.

Old School Meatballs: Beef, veal, pork, 6-hour sauce and parmigiano presented on a bed of creamy polenta.

Polipo: Perfectly roasted octopus produces a meaty lobster-like texture served over toasted farrow with blistered fennel. The various elements of the dish are complimentary from the smoky, robust taste to the citrus lemon preserve and the marinated roasted red peppers.

Gnocchi: One of the homemade pasta options made with peas, pancetta and lobster butter.

All Praise the Pig: Sweet and savory pizza made Hawaiian style with 16-hour tender pork belly, pineapple marmalade, stracchino and basil. Pies from “The Parlor” are baked extra thin in the brick oven. All of the artisan style pizzas have carefully selected ingredients crafted to optimize the flavors.

Server, Luigi adds to the authentic dining experience with his comprehensive knowledge of each dish on the menu including his own suggestions. Luigi personalizes the visit by sprinkling in stories of his family and passion for Italian food.

Olives and Oil will launch an exclusive week-long pop up food and cocktail menu from June 19-25. Try pork inspired menu items that will be highlighted in the All Praise the Pig event.

Mark your calendar for weekly events:

Wino Wednesday where guests can enjoy half off wine carafes

Get your groove on every Thursday night with live music

Friday and Saturday nights are heating up during the summer when The Big O becomes Club O with a DJ Dance Party starting at 10:30 pm

Stay updated: https://www.facebook.com/olivesandoilnewhaven/