“I think that’s it.”
“That?”
“… yes?”
“The plant shop?”
“I… I think it’s a restaurant.”
I understand Shamaine’s hesitation. As we crossed the busy intersection for our meal that evening, our map was telling us we’d arrived, but all we saw was green outdoor patios covered in flora. Vines crawled the pillars, flowers sprouted from the walls and plants spread across the floor and almost into the sidewalk.
Despite the fact that, coincidentally or confusingly, there actually was a plant shop right next door, nope, we were in the right place for an Italian meal of epic proportions.
Welcome to Olio e Più, the prettiest spot in the village
Olio e Più
We were invited down to try this spot because, apparently, their pizza is legendary. However, don’t feel they stop there. Here’s what they say about themselves:
Inspired by the simplicity of Neapolitan cuisine, Olio é Piu and Chef Dominick Pepe bring Italian tradition to the vibrant intersection where Sixth and Greenwich avenues meet Christopher Street. First opened in the summer of 2010, the 74-seat restaurant fronted with a 45-seat open patio surrounded by flowers and greenery, overlooking the magnificent Jefferson Market Library. Olio é Piu offers a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness in the heart of Greenwich Village.
As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes, with a focus on house-made pastas, hand-stretched pizza, and entrees like Branzino and Steak Fiorentina. The open dining area, traditional wood-fired oven, rustic interior, thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza, and carefully selected wine and cocktail list bring a piece of old world Italy to a renowned corner in the Village.
It was all that and more.
WHAT DID YOU EAT
We sat down to a delicious little place of bread, olives and artichoke:
From there, this is what we sampled:
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Luxardo sour cherry gin, cinzano, prosecco
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vodka, strawberries and basil
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imported buffalo mozzarella, figs, demi-sry tomato
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Roasted heirloom beers, goat cheese, pistachios
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Whipped ricotta, white truffle oil, sea salt
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Mozzarella, roasted peppers, Italian sausage, basil
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Prosciutto, black pepper, egg, parmesan, chili oil
And for dessert:
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Ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, espresso gelato
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Warm chocolate cake, berries, vanilla gelato
Standout dishes include the pizza (without a doubt) and the pasta! Little disappointed that the buffala was heavy on the figs and light on the cheese and balsamic, but the flavor profile could not be understated. And ugh, those desserts, so good.
WHAT DID YOU THINK
We were blown away by the decor and service, such a beautiful location and the food came out quickly. It was beautiful to sit outside and enjoy the summer air.
Outside, they do put the tables relatively close together, so maneuvering isn’t actually that easy (we literally had to move a divider to allow my wife to escape out) but inside is spread out a little more. Just a hint for what looks to come as restaurants only get more crowded in the future warm weather.
HOW DID THEY DO WITH PANDEMIC SAFETY
As just mentioned, the tables are close BUT that’s done because they have dividers put between each one, making you really feel in your own space. Everyone constantly wore masks, it was a very impressive operation.
Loved being here, what a beautiful spot for a beautiful meal.
Olio e Più is located at 3 Greenwich Avenue. Find out more here.
