Oliva Rotterdam
Not your average Italian
Situated in one of the most popular streets in Rotterdam, Witte de Withstraat, Oliva intrigues.
The interior is inviting with a typical Rotterdam edgy feel and the open kitchen is an indication the chefs here are very secure in their cooking. The service is all big smiles and attentive; there is bread on your table within seconds and great concern is shown if your table is devoid of drinks. The wine list is good, and I have found asking the staff is the best way to ensure great food-wine pairing even if it's not what you expected. Take a leap of faith and your taste buds will rejoice.
The food is delicious and everything you want from Italian food in its truest form; fresh, simple and made with love. It is a hug on a plate. The starters had each of us travel to a different region in Italy. The two types of pasta which graced our table were both delicious and like nothing I have ever had outside of Italy. Don’t be fooled by not receiving a huge plate, the portions are perfectly sized, as you will not just have one dish -- that would be self-deprivation.
The menu varies weekly which means that having dinner at Oliva is always a fun surprise and never boring. Just trust that the chefs have your back and will have you leave the restaurant fulfilled and happy, probably planning a trip to Italy.
About this spot
Find your way with 146 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rotterdam
CEO Baas van het Vlees
Carnivores rejoice!
"CEO Baas van het Vlees" restaurant in Rotterdam calls itself the CEO of meat. It might come across as arrogant, but these guys can really back it up...
by
Silvia
Graham
Strand De Esch
A hidden beach on the Maas
This beach along the Maas River is perfect as a quiet, secluded, sandy beach. It's taken over by nature and even has some willow trees! Just bring a towel.
by
Nour
Nassar
Al-Malek Sweets
Syrian baklava
If you are strolling through the area of Delfshaven in Rotterdam and craving something sweet, you have to try the baklava at "Al-Malek Sweets"...
by
Nour
Nassar
Park Schoonoord
City zen moments
"Park Schoonoord" in Rotterdam is one of my favorite hidden secret spots. Once I enter this park, all the noise from the city just disappears - so zen...
by
Davy
Baas
Aji
Culinary adventure travel
"Aji" is a South-American and Asian fusion restaurant in Rotterdam. Wait, don't stop reading! The combinations here are truly excellent...
by
Silvia
Graham
By Ami Urban Bistro
Colour your day and plate
"By Ami Urban Bistro" is my happy place. It's like no other in Rotterdam. This restaurant is colourful, instagrammable, hip, funky & industrial all in one!
by
Silvia
Graham
Jan Bussing Boulangerie
A touch of France
"Jan Bussing Boulangerie" in Rotterdam has delicious French bread. I love the roast beef sandwich and I never leave without a fig & almond bread.
by
Silvia
Graham
Kralingse Plas & Bos
Skyline seen by nature
"Kralingse Plas" and the woodland surrounding it is the largest recreational area in Rotterdam. There's something fairy-tale-like in some of its paths...
by
Silvia
Graham
Mouterbrug
Hangout spot
Mouterbrug is a little floating deck in a canal in Delfshaven, Rotterdam. There's lots to explore around, and the neighborhood shared garden is here, too!
by
Nour
Nassar
Shaami Huis
The taste of Syria
Shaami Huis in Rotterdam makes shoarma exactly like they do in the Levant! Not a fancy place, but not to miss - their kubba is one of my favorites...
by
Nour
Nassar
Het Kasteel
SP-AR-TA!
Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...
by
Floor
Sonneveld
Poffertjes Salon Seth
True Dutchie treats
In a life where everything changes, Seth has managed to stay the same: the best quality poffertjes and many other Dutchie favorites.
by
Silvia
Graham
Heading to Rotterdam?
146 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 146 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants
Our team loves Rotterdam
Get to know our other Spotters from Rotterdam
As featured on:
