Owners Stev George and Deanna Harrington opened Olivea in 2008 and for the past decade their team of amazing staff have worked together to create a warm and welcoming restaurant serving delicious and authentic Italian food. Each year they take a group of the staff to Italy to learn more about Italian food, wine and culture so that they can enhance your experience when you dine at Olivea.

Olivea is a family-run Italian trattoria serving traditional and contemporary Italian fare. We are known for our fresh pasta, sauces and rags which are all made by our talented chefs.

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Reviews (21)

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Winnie L.

Dec 08, 2021

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Found this restaurant on Yelp and decided to try it. It was busy on a Saturday afternoon for lunch but it was not completely full and had open tables during the whole time we were there. We were seated right away for lunch. The food was really good but the service was interesting. Our server was very friendly, provided us with good recommendations and was very efficient but was maybe too efficient. Our main courses were brought out before we were finished our appetizers and we were asked if we wanted dessert while we were still eating our main courses. We felt that we were being rushed out while

Quinn Yeager

Dec 04, 2021

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Although the food was good I was shocked to see all the kitchen staff with their masks pulled down. Nose and mouth were not covered in any staff in the kitchen. Not one. Servers would pull their masks down to talk to the kitchen staff. With Kingston the worst in Ontario for COVID this was scary. I was afraid to say anything for fear of my food not being ok. If you don’t require your staff to wear masks then you shouldn’t have a kitchen where people can see in. I fear I won’t be returning.

Mario Francia

Nov 29, 2021

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Excellent food, outstanding service. Two thumbs up to Sam, the best server ever, she was warm and open regarding the suggestions on the plates on the menu

Peter DesRoches

Oct 30, 2021

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We had a great meal last night, however our group was a bit put off by the fact that our hostess did not take time to look at our Covid certificates, which I believe is the law. We were pleased to see the other servers talking the time to to check everyone’s vaccination status. It does make me question coming back though.

Sydney Weaver

Oct 20, 2021

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Came highly recommended to me, they were right.
Does have an accessible ramp available upon request. (From the outside it does not look accessible).
Food is delicious and drinks and alright. But, you will need your phone. The online menu is much descriptive, or you will have to Google names of things if you are looking at the physical menu.
Is pricey, but the quality is worth it. But, go hungry because the portions are deceiving.

Frank Ferraro

Oct 13, 2021

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Had a private function on Oct. 03/2021. The food was delicious. The only thing better than the food was the service. I have to say Outstanding! The whole staff was so accommodating that my wife and I, who held the event, were just so pleased. In particular, I must say that the hostess and waitress at the event were amazing. The people who own the place are real lucky to have them. In fact their espresso machine was not working. They went to the place next door to fetch my father his espresso. Thank you to everyone at Olivea. A must if your in Kingston. Just wonderful!

Ragavans Ragavan

Oct 11, 2021

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Wow great place! Great experience! Thank you!
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Karie Tooke

Sep 30, 2021

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Exceptional dining experience. Excellent food and service. Best Italian we've had in a long time.

Gilbert Ko

Sep 22, 2021

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After 3 attempts over the summer 2021, I was finally able to get a table and had a wonderful dinner at Olivea. I wanted to try this restaurant for awhile as I read a lot of nice reviews about it but they are just so popular that the wait time for my last 2 visits were a bit long to my tight schedule. I am glad I did it tonight.
They have super friendly staffs and food were gorgeous. Our family mainly ordered pasta today, I will 100% return for other dishes.
I must say . . . Tiramisu is a must have.

Rose Tofano

Sep 05, 2021

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We had dinner while visiting Kingston . The service was top notch as was the food! We always try to eat at family run restaurants opposed to chains. What a great experience ! A must try while in Kingston !

Jamie Roberts

Aug 28, 2021

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As an American in New York, not too far away from Kingston, ON, Canada, I always make a stop here. The food is insanely amazing. There is literally something for everyone! I can’t recommend this establishment enough. Kudos on all your exquisite dishes!

Carolyn Campbell

Jun 25, 2021

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Enjoyed great drinks, a sangria and wine on the patio. Delicious chicken panino with fresh salad. Service was friendly and efficient.

Ray Miller

Jun 25, 2021

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Great food selection and friendly staff. Over priced for the atmosphere. The food was well displayed and tasted very good. The staff are friendly and courteous. There is ample parking right next door. And a terrific view of the Kingston courtyard. Walking distance to Confederation Park and marina.

Oscar Cecena

Jan 19, 2021

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I was gladly surprised by the taste. I was expecting good Italian food, but Olivea over delivered, the food was delicious!
Order the Bruschetta to start, it was amazing!

Marino Lepore

Nov 23, 2019

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Very nice restaurant and professional wait staff. Very nice ambience and well located in Kingston. Food is very well prepared and nice presentations. Fresh pasta is amazing and my steak was cooked to perfection. Only downside was the price. We had two appetizers, three mains and two desserts with one glass of wine and one beer (3 of us eating). Cost with tip was a little over $50 per person and this was the lunch menu.

Kishan V.

Jan 20, 2019

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Nice simple restaurant we went to before visiting Luminus Borealis and we had beef gnocchi and penne alla carbonara and both were excellent. Flavorful, and decent ambiance despite not being a large place. We were full but not stuffed so decently satisfied.

Basma M.

Nov 28, 2018

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I was very disappointed with it.
I bought seafood linguine pasta.
It is like a homemade spaghetti with red sauce, so little seafood.
So expensive and tastes terrible.
Definitely does not deserve the price.

Riley D.

Nov 26, 2018

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Decided on trying Olivea for date night this week. We booked reservations for 2 at 6, and when we got there the place was already packed. We were sat by a window, with a great view of downtown Kingston. Honestly the windows are so cool, the entire side of the restaurant is glass. Beautiful decor, and an awesome feel.

We started with bread and olive oil, with a balsamic reduction. The bread was homemade focaccia. After that, the meatballs and arancini which were fantastic. The marinara sauce was unreal. Possibly some of the best I've had outside of Italy. Meatballs were tender and had great

Julio S.

Aug 13, 2018

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Excellent place. Everything very good, we order seafood fettuccini, ribeye 8oz and it was really 8 oz, linguini Bologna's and they were the best ever. The service was superb

Edwin Z.

Apr 08, 2018

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Olivea is one of the nicer restaurants in Kingston. When I was a student, I came here for a nice dinner very rarely - because it's quite pricey in the city.

The ambiance is quite nice, it feels homely and is very laid back. The servers are easy going and quite helpful. I think that this is a nice place for a date. It is a little crammed depending on where you are sitting and it would be best to get a reservation. It is definitely one of the nicer Italian restaurants in Kingston and is also one of the priciest in the city.

I recently went back to Kingston for a firm event and had a dinner

Maberry Y.

Feb 26, 2018

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TL;DR: Understated, delicious Italian food - kinda pricey.

Came here for the Sunday pasta special: $24.99 for appetizer, pasta, dessert.

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Detailed review:

Bread:
Amazing olive oil and vinegar wasted on stale focaccia. Quite the tragedy. Last time we came for pasta Sunday, focaccia was beautifully made and fluffy.

Appetizer: Arugula Salad, Tomato Soup
Arugula salad was fresh, with a peppery bite. Wonderfully refreshing lemon vinaigrette.
The tomato soup tasted like pizza sauce - overly sweet, salty, and thicc from soaked bread pieces. Not appetizing at all.

Main dish: Spicy spaghetti