Olivar

Recommends

Wesley M

Joined 3 years ago

The feeling of old Europe in Capitol Hill. With the culinary style of an artist and the decor of a romantic historian the only thing you could complain about is the service...and even that is beyond reproach.

In the style of a Spanish and French fusion Chef Philippe Thomelin demonstrates that his 20 years of culinary study have not been put to waste. Dishes such as his Pasta Rotolo with Cod & Scallop Mousse, Prawns, and Espelette Pepper Beurre Blanc with have your mouth watering and your mind wondering what all these ingredients came from.

The portion sizes are not typical, so be wary of over ordering food. Two small plates and one large plate are often more than enough for two people.

The decor leaves no detail unattended. The building itself is like that of a small brick European cottage and the interior walls are a hand painted depiction of a Russian fairytale. I can't fail to mention that the service is also highly polite and attentive.

Doesn't Recommend

nycamper

Joined 4 years ago

Charming restaurant wasted with Bad Food !!!. Based on the positive reviews of this restaurant, I can only surmise that they were from friends and family of the Chef. I went to this restaurant this past week and was charmed by its curb appeal, cozy decor and wait staff. It all went down hill once we ordered a bottle of wine and 5-6 dishes. The wine was Ok and moderately-priced but every single dish...while it sounded great on the menu...was amateurish, taste-less and just down-right boring. I wouldn't go back for anything other than a glass of wine before or after a movie...but then again...maybe not even then.

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jenbelle70

Joined 5 years ago

Fantastic food, ridiculously affordable. The chef at this restaurant does it right - amazingly tasty food, reasonable portion sizes for reasonable prices, a very nice wine list, comfortable and cozy ambience, and a consistently friendly and helpful staff. The gnocci is truly the best I've ever had, as are the mussels. We have been there at least four times and the ONLY downside is that it's hard to park in Capitol Hill, an issue shared by all restaurants in the area. We have never had a bad meal and always feel like the two block walk was well worth it for the great value and yummy food.

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bistecca

Joined 7 years ago

Exceeded Expectations. We had dinner at Olivar for the first time on Jan. 3rd, and we were blown away by the quality and value of the food. It's simply superb!! I had heard good things, and we were not disappointed. The menu has some unique items and all dishes we tried were perfectly prepared. A word of caution.... the "small" plates are actually very generous, so 4 plates was more than enough for 2 of us. The scallops were perfectly cooked (4 huge scallops for $15!), with not a grain of sand. The gnocchi were like little pillows, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside....tossed with cauliflower and truffle oil... yum. One of the specials was Skate in a lobster butter sauce... very delicate, and an entree size serving for only $14. Definitely save room for dessert... the panna cotta was the best we've had since we visited Italy. The service was friendly and efficient, and the ambience is tough to beat... the history of the restaurant has been preserved with original Russian murals on the walls, and charming decor. This restaurant is worthy of the "buzz" we've heard in the foodie circle, and we'll definitely return soon!

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josiebainbridge

Joined 5 years ago

Great romantic gem. My husband and I recently had a delightful dining experience here. While we had no reservations, the staff did not snub us at the door, but rather found us a cozy corner to eat. Our server, a woman by the name of Sheila, was a fantastic server. She was both knowledgeable of the wines and was able to accurately describe the plates. The food was delicious and just the right portions. My husband and I love the Loveless Building and are excited that it has yet another gem as a tenant. We would definitely go back there for a night out.

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parisflea

Joined 5 years ago

Best Cozy Bistro on Capitol Hill. A gourmand friend from the hill suggested we try Olivars on a Thursday evening and if you are familiar with the Loveless Buiilding you know that this space has longed for a restaurant worthy of it's considerable charm and ambiance for some time; and the match is made with Olivars. The brick walls, the murals, its like stepping into the pages of a Grimm's Tale.

We were greeted by a friendly and welcoming staff. We were offered samples of some Spanish wines by the glass before we decided on the Red Casa Illana. Thats a rarity in my experience.

The eggplant appetizer was just the right opener with exotic and creamy mediteranean flavors. We both opted for the Salmon Entree. Crisp squares well seasoned, cooked to perfection and served on a bed of tasty herbed mashers and the portions, well, they're generous.

3 housemade ice creams in Profiteroles and Olive Oil cake completed our meal and we both agreed that it was a meal that lacked for little.

The chef is visible and makes an effort to greet his parties which again is something I certainly appreciate. Looking forward to another great dinner at Olivars soon...Thank you Chef Philippe and staff!

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jbsubpar

Joined 5 years ago

Spot On!. This place is a hidden gem! My wife and I are definite foodies and Olivar has everything that I love in a restaurant. There isn't a thing on the menu that didn't make my mouth water. And the Spanish wines are a perfect match with the Spanish inspired food. Beyond the food, this location is tucked away in the old loveless building and has a warmth to it that makes you feel like you stepped right out of Seattle and into a charming little bistro in Europe. Try it and you won't be disappointed!

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greenclimber

Joined 6 years ago

A true taste of Europe in a charming location. We are super foodies and what we enjoyed most about the Olivar was the charming ambience and the inventive food. The building, with its amazing murals, makes you feel like you've been transported and the Spanish influenced food is superb. I can't think of another restaurant in Seattle that is offering a menu quite like this and at great value. The wine list is well-considered and reasonably priced. We had a very nice Rueda white from Spain.

We loved the scallops (some of the best I've had), as well as the rabbit and the albondigas. Not to be missed are the Patatas a lo Pobre, a fantastic potato and egg dish. The strawberry soup is surprisingly delicious. Waitstaff seemed conscientious and genuinely interested in our enjoyment of the food. Olivar is a good option for a date night or couples night out. We'd certainly go back in a heart beat.

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wsgal

Joined 5 years ago

Great neighborhood bistro. Fantastic neighborhood restaurant with amazing food. My favorites were the scallops, ling cod and surprisingly, the strawberry soup! We got a chance to talk to the chef and I wish we could've dined with him all night. I hadn't ever been to this building. It's a stone building covered with these beautiful murals on the walls interior. I loved that it was tiny and inviting and made me feel like I was in Europe. We will definitely be back!

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Chef Philippe Thomelin merges his French and Spanish heritage into this North Capitol Hill bistro, which offers both the trendy small plate option and a prix fixe menu.