Kensington Street has really become a hub of activity and energy and when it comes to food and drink, you’re spoiled for choice. Nestled within the Old Rum Store building on Kensington Street is Olio Restaurant which is headed up by Sicilian born chef Lino Sauro and inside it’s a really elegant and sleek design with tones of green and curves giving way to the kitchen, bar and tables. The outer area of Olio is exposed brick walls with large windows creating a unique ambience. For those who know Italian, you’ll pick up that Olio means Oil but you’ll find out why soon.
Have to say first off the the service is impeccable from the delivery of the freshly baked warm bread right to the greeting at the end of the night / dinner. While I’ve mentioned bread, carbs have never tasted so good, you’ll definitely want more. Don’t forget about Olio’s Olive Oil which is from Lino Sauro’s family farm in Sicily, it’s a must and goes down well with the fresh bread.
Post the amazing bread, things just got better with Polipo, which is a char-grilled, citrus infused river octopus with aioli. That combined with the fresh flavours of the lemon vinaigrette char-grilled calamari salad and you’re winning.
The homemade Ravioli definitely a dish to consider if you enjoy seafood and pasta as it’s king prawn ravioli and creamy burrata coated in black truffle resulting in a flavour explosion in the mouth, leaving you wanting to just dig in. I personally couldn’t wait.
If you know me, you know I love dessert and I can’t say no. I went for the Millefoglie which is layers of chocolate mousse between fluffy and crisp pastry with burned vanilla gelato. Sometimes all you need an image to compliment the description just to see how good it really was. In this case the image is only half of the story. It’s a must have. Dessert with Baileys, you can’t go wrong.
Whether you enjoy cocktails, wine or seafood and a modern take traditional food then it’s definitely worth the visit to Olio. There’s so much choice and quality here and I didn’t get to try all of the food but will definitely return for some of chef Lino’s speciality dishes. Admittedly I’ve been been before and will definitely go back again.
