Skip it.. When I moved to Arlington, a little over three years ago, I was so excited that a nice Italian restaurant was so close by! I wish I could say that I recommend this place.....but I don't. We have eaten here three different times and left feeling bummed out all three. It's pricey for the quality, the food is bland, and I feel like they are hoping that since they give you pretty hefty portions you will decide that makes up for the lack in flavor. The service has not ever been stellar either. It is a cute place right next to the movie theater, so we tried them a few times because every place has an off night. Unfortunately, their chances to prove that they are better than our first impression have run out. We will not ever go back and I would suggest skipping it to anyone else that asks.…

Awful service, Dull food. Avoid!. February 13, 2008 was our third visit to Ristorante Olivio and by far the most disappointing. The food was bland and expensive whereas before it was just expensive. When we sat down to dinner an oafish waiter named "Gino" walked up and , with out even saying hello, rattled off the menu specials. He then strolled off without asking if we would like drinks. My wife & I were rather amazed but figured he would be back in a moment to take our orders. We were mistaken. He stood around chatting with a blonde woman for awhile, fetched a beer for the table behind us but did not return.

When Gino did reappear he took our order and we then ordered our drinks. He returned with a vodka tonic for my wife that was almost all ice and a glass of chianti for me. To say it was a "glass of wine" is generous since there could not have been more than 4 ounces of wine in the glass (for $6.00). I even remarked to Gino that there was very little wine in the glass and he responded with "Yeah, well, we don't fill 'em up ya know". If we had not have ordered I would have walked out right then.

I ordered squash ravioli which was quite good when we went here in December and January. This time the food was bland tasting and the serving tiny (six ravioli for 18.95). My wife had the fish special and it was not too "special". Just fair. Price was 21.95 and she did not think it was worth the price.

As soon as we finished eating we paid the bill and left. Gino asked if we wanted dessert but by then we had had enough of Ristorante Olivio and our server Gino.

My wife and I are very active in Winchester schools and social activities and will go out of our way to steer people in town away from this place. Why waste your money and night out on an overpriced and poorly staffed place like Ristorante Olivio?…

Popular Arlington outpost packs 'em in on the weekends for sturdy Italian fare.. The Scene
Located across the street from the Capitol Theatre, Olivio's enjoys a steady stream of dinner-and-a-movie customers, especially on weekends (when reservations are essential). At times, the simple dining room's noise level thwarts all attempts at intimate conversation. When the weather's agreeable, front windows open up to create an airy, almost al fresco setting. Service is attentive, especially when your pasta dish is in need of some freshly grated Parmesan.

The Food
Olivio's simple, rustic flavors won't make anyone forget the North End's Italian heavyweights, though there are several pleasing dishes on the multi-regional menu. An entrée of roasted pork loin, served with flavorful, homemade black pepper fettuccine, is imminently satisfying (and quite large enough for two). Avoid the homemade artichoke and Fontina ravioli, which require a flavor boost that the butter and sage coating fails to provide. Homemade cannolis and tiramisu are fresh and creamy, if slightly overpriced.…

Dependable Italian. Good solid food that is not too heavy, not a "red sauce" kind of place, never too crowded to get in and always decent service at a reasonable price. It's not one of the world's top places, but if you're looking for something nice in Arlington it's a great choice.…

Great Italian. Went to this place with some business clients. They wanted italian but didnt want to drive into downtown boston so I chose this place. It was my first tim there but will not be my last. My clients were very impressed with the quality of the food, compared it to the north end. The bar is also a nice place to have a drink and wait for your table.…