L’OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar
L'OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar
L'OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar
L'OLIVA Ristorante Italiano & Wine Bar
L’OLIVA in Khlong Toei offers a cozy, upscale Italian food experience with spacious indoor and outdoor seating, including a rooftop bar. Known for its authentic pizza and Italian dishes, great wine selection, live music, and family-friendly vibe, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or special occasions—just be ready for a pricier meal.
Reputation Score
Operational Stability
Chance of Flow
Value for Money
Vibe Quality
Total ScoreL’OLIVA Bangkok: Italian Food That Costs More Than Your Rent
A client proposed having dinner here, as they had heard good things. Getting to the place is straightforward. It’s on a small sub soi, or yeak off Sukhumvit 36. When entering you see a nice garden set up. What you notice too are the olive trees. The entrance has them too, and while nice, these olive-like plants flanking the entrance should have been my first warning. When restaurants spend this much on landscaping, your wallet feels it.
The vibe at L’OLIVA Bangkok
There’s a wall of glass. At noon, it’s bright—sometimes harsh. Even when overcast, no table feels dim. The upper terrace with its wooden slats creates that layered, Mediterranean vibe I used to see in Milan design magazines. At night, warm interior light spills through those same panels. The corner glows. The space looks expensive. So is the menu.
The multi-zone layout handles crowds well. I counted at least 40 seats spread across indoor tables, outdoor seating, and that elevated terrace section. During my visits, the space feels busy but not cramped. The multi-zone layout prevents bottlenecks even when the terrace fills up.
Even when a group of 9 shows up for Sunday lunch, the staff can easily find them space without the usual Bangkok restaurant shuffle.
The Food That Justifies the Rent
Their wood-fired pizza shows proper technique. Blistered crust with characteristic charring from high heat. The Mortadella E Pistacchio costs 650 THB (€17 / $18 / £14) after tax and service. That stings.
But the execution is clean. Yellow cherry tomatoes pop against the wilted greens. The burrata starter sits perfectly centred on bright tomato slices with that lush mound of microgreens. Portion sizes are generous for Bangkok Italian standards.
The pasta arrives in shallow white bowls that let the ingredients shine. Natural daylight through those glass panels makes everything look like it belongs in a cookbook. This is Instagram-ready plating that doesn’t sacrifice substance.
The Prices at L’OLIVA Bangkok
Octopus entree: over 1,000 baht (€27 / $29 / £23) for three tiny pieces. Seafood risotto: also over 1,000 baht with a strangely sour taste that doesn’t match the premium positioning. Colleagues I’ve brought here confirm what I suspected—you’re paying Lebua Hotel prices for neighbourhood restaurant execution in some dishes.
The bread service is inexcusable. Cold, dry, boring bread at these price points? Every other Italian place I frequent in Bangkok serves warm, house-made bread as standard.
The Cocktail Problem
Skip the bar menu entirely. The Old Fashioned tastes like sweet water with whiskey-coloured food dye. They’re clearly not using full shots of alcohol despite charging premium cocktail prices. I’ve made better drinks with a hotel minibar.
Practical Details: Hours, Location, Parking
Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily (not 11 PM as some sources claim). The address is Soi 36 Subsoi 2, which requires a short walk from the main Sukhumvit road. If you’re coming by BTS then the Thonglor station is about a 3 to 5min walk.
You can check their L’OLIVA Bangkok’s current menu before visiting.
Parking is available, which matters in this area. The staff are attentive without being intrusive. Air conditioning keeps the dining room comfortable even during Bangkok’s peak heat hours.
When I Go Back (And Why)
I return for business lunches when clients expect upscale Italian. The atmosphere performs exactly as advertised. The pizza quality is consistent. Last time I hosted a vendor meeting here, we sat near the terrace. Four of us. Normal speaking voices. No one had to lean in or repeat themselves. The layout absorbs sound.
But I never order cocktails. I stick to wine or sparkling water. And I mentally prepare for the bill before I sit down.
This is expensive Bangkok dining done right from an execution standpoint. The problem isn’t the quality—it’s the value equation that doesn’t quite balance for regular visits.
L’OLIVA works if you need reliable Italian food in an attractive setting and price isn’t your primary concern. For everyone else, there are better value Italian options scattered around Bangkok that deliver similar quality without the premium location markup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of L’OLIVA Bangkok?
L’OLIVA Bangkok is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. This schedule is consistent every day of the week; some online sources may incorrectly claim a later closing time.
Where is L’OLIVA Bangkok located and how do you get there?
L’OLIVA Bangkok is located at Soi 36 Subsoi 2, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok. The restaurant is a short 3–5 minute walk from BTS Thonglor station (Exit 2) and is accessible on foot from the main Sukhumvit road. Parking is available for those arriving by car.
Does L’OLIVA Bangkok offer on-site parking?
Yes, parking is available at L’OLIVA Bangkok. On-site parking is especially valuable given the busy Thonglor area. The restaurant is also accessible by BTS Skytrain for guests who prefer public transport.
Is L’OLIVA Bangkok a good choice for business lunches or client meetings?
Yes, L’OLIVA is highly regarded for business lunches and dinners. The restaurant features an elegant, multi-zone layout that absorbs sound well, allowing for private conversations. Service is attentive but not intrusive, and the polished vibe is suitable for professional gatherings.
What are the standout menu items at L’OLIVA Bangkok?
- Mortadella Pistachio Pizza
- Spaghetti Vongole
- Tagliolini with Truffle
- Parmigiana Di Melanzane
- Fresh burrata starter
The restaurant is especially known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas and homemade pastas, using quality Italian ingredients.
How does L’OLIVA Bangkok compare to other Italian restaurants in the city?
L’OLIVA stands out for authenticity, high-quality ingredients, and a relaxing garden setting. While prices are higher than average, many diners rank its pizza and pasta among Bangkok’s best, and enjoy the soulfulness of its Abruzzese cuisine compared to more generic Italian venues.
What is the average price range per person at L’OLIVA Bangkok?
Expect to spend at least 1,000 THB per person for a full meal, including appetizer, main course, and a drink. Individual main courses (like pastas and lamb skewers) typically range from 390 to 550 THB before tax and service.
What are the most expensive dishes on the menu at L’OLIVA Bangkok?
- Antipasto Italiano (cold cuts and cheese platter): 550 THB
- Braised lamb shank:
- Whole baked sea bass in salt crust:
Prices are from public menus and may be subject to change or additional charges (tax/service).
Does L’OLIVA Bangkok offer any discounts or special promotions?
Yes, L’OLIVA Bangkok occasionally offers limited-time promotions, such as ‘Buy One Get One 50% Off’ on pizzas or exclusive truffle/seafood menu packages. It’s recommended to check their Facebook page or call ahead for the latest deals.
Is L’OLIVA Bangkok good value for money compared to other Italian restaurants?
L’OLIVA is considered a premium venue where you pay for quality and ambience, but it may not offer the best value for those seeking budget meals. The food is praised for authenticity and freshness, but prices (especially for drinks and some mains) are on the higher side; diners looking for a bargain might find better deals elsewhere in Bangkok.
What is the ambiance like at L’OLIVA Bangkok?
L’OLIVA features a warm, rustic Mediterranean ambiance, with a glass-walled interior, inviting garden, outdoor seating, and an upscale yet relaxed vibe. It’s often described as feeling like a cozy Italian country home, perfect for dates, families, and celebratory meals.
How does the cocktail menu at L’OLIVA Bangkok compare to the food menu?
The cocktail and wine list at L’OLIVA Bangkok tends to be expensive and receives mixed reviews. While the Italian food is generally highly rated, cocktails in particular are sometimes criticized for small pours and high prices. Many diners recommend skipping cocktails and focusing instead on the robust wine list or the food menu.
Is L’OLIVA Bangkok a good venue for large groups or private dining?
Yes, the restaurant’s multi-zone layout accommodates groups well, with flexible seating both indoors and on the terrace. Staff can arrange tables for larger parties without congestion, making it suitable for private business or celebratory gatherings.
Are reservations recommended at L’OLIVA Bangkok?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner or weekend lunch. The restaurant is popular and often fully booked, particularly for the more scenic garden and terrace zones.
Is L’OLIVA Bangkok wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible. Access is straightforward from the street and through the garden entrance. The dining room and outdoor seating are both accessible.
What is the bread service like at L’OLIVA Bangkok?
Bread service at L’OLIVA can be inconsistent; while the kitchen focuses on high-end execution for most dishes, the bread is sometimes served cold and dry, which is a notable miss at this price point compared to other Italian restaurants in Bangkok.
Does L’OLIVA have a pet-friendly section?
Yes, L’OLIVA’s new location features a pet-friendly outdoor terrace, making it a welcoming spot for guests who wish to dine with their pets.
