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Oliva

161 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 228-4143
Oliva
Price:
$$$
Cross Street:
Allen Street
Directions:
F, V at 2nd Ave
Best of Citysearch:
First Date Spot 2008
Hours:
Mon-Fri 5:30pm-11:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm, 5:30pm-1am

Message from Oliva

Oliva

Spanish Rest with Live Latin Music & Basque Fare?Take Out & Delivery

  • Take Out & Delivery
  • Live Latin Music
  • Authentic Basque cuisine

Oliva Restaurant & Bar has been a fixture on the corner of Houston and Allen Streets on the LES since 2000. In that time it has been a regular destination of diners seeking great, authentic Spanish food and drink in a fun, exciting atmosphere. The cuisine and wine stay true to Spanish, specifically Basque, influence but the bar and music are fused with other Latin flavors. Rums, tequilas, and cocktails from across Latin America combine with live music featuring Son Cubano, Boleros, Salsa and Meringue. Oliva is a great choice for a first date, a birthday party, or just a fun night out with friends. You will also find friendly service and affordable prices. New to Oliva is the Take-Out and delivery section. Now you can enjoy the great food from Oliva with you family and friends from the comfort of your own home. View our menu online and call in your order.

Paid advertisement by Oliva.

Editorial Review for Oliva – by Citysearch Editors

In Short
Located on busy corner of Houston Street, this Basque tapas joint attract girls-out crews and double dates, many of whom end up dancing to live tunes in a corner of the tiny space. Lithe servers deftly weave between the olive-colored tables, and retro ceiling fans buzz overhead. Most of well-portioned Basque tapas options clock in under $10, including mushrooms topped with crispy onions and bacalao rellenos, while deeper appetites get satisfied with entrees like paella and skirt steak and desserts like flan with cherries.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Live Music

A rotating roster of bands sets a lively, dance-friendly vibe Sunday through Thursday, starting around 8:30pm.

What to Drink

If sangria's not your thing, an affordable mango margarita ($8) definitely helps one cool down.

Brunch

The brunch menu keeps things Spanish with dishes like chorizo-spiked Basque eggs.

Know Before You Go

Although the ceiling fans are cute, they don't quite do the job on sultry nights, so dress appropriately for the weather.

The Extras

After the restaurant closes, linger at the bar, which is roughly open two extra hours.

User Reviews for Oliva

3 Star Rating: Average

07/14/2008 Posted by nolanspice

On the one hand, Oliva has great food. A little pricey , but it IS tapas. The entrees were delicious as they were flavorful and spiced just right. Great tasting wines and sangrias helped move the night along. Why am I torn, you ask? I cannot see how this place won for Citysearch's "Best First Date" place unless you were two deaf people! The music was up ridiculously loud and had you feeling that you were in a Basque club and not a restaurant. The dinner party I was with had to compete with the music to have conversations. We were yelling to the wait staff who only turned the music UP when we asked repeatedly to have it lowered. Some of us just gave up trying to talk and just ate. Also, the small space filled up very quickly. That's not a good thing when there's no AC and rivulets of sweat are running down your back...while you're eating...in a deafening environment. Good thing the food was wonderful.

Pros: Excellent food, Tasty wines/sangria, Worth the price

Cons: Music waaaaaaaaaay too loud, Crowds quickly, no AC

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

06/11/2008 Posted by susanebachman

I was excited to go back to Oliva -- it's probably been 2 years since I last ate here, but I was very disappointed with everything that has changed. First, despite reservations, we waited (party of 2) for 45 minutes. When were were seated our server never acknowledged us and we kept having to flag her down. The host even walked around to get her. We never got the drinks we ordered (twice!) and the food was very, very salty. When it was time to pay we couldn't find the waitress to get the check! We asked all the servers for a check and it took 45 minutes until we got one! Don't come here, there is nothing redeeming about the experience and so many better places to choose from.

Pros: Good area

Cons: Terrible service. Salty food.

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Editor's Review

This long-partying tapas spot sates Lower East Side appetites at prices that leave room for another pitcher of sangria.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Live Music

A rotating roster of bands sets a lively, dance-friendly vibe Sunday through Thursday, starting around 8:30pm.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Mon-Fri 5:30pm-11:30pm
  • Sat-Sun 11am-4pm, 5:30pm-1am

Dress Code

  • Casual

Payment Types

  • American Express

Cuisines

  • Spanish
  • Tapas / Small Plates

Meal Price

  • $$$

Amenities

  • Brunch
  • Open 7 Days
  • Date Spot
  • People Watching
  • Catering
  • Lunch Spot
  • Group Dining
  • Live Music

Recognition for Oliva

2008 Audience Winner - First Date Spot

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