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Oliva Trattoria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Oliva Trattoria
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Full-service Italian trattoria since 2001 featuring brick oven pizzas alongside comprehensive Italian menu of pastas, seafood, and grilled meats. Floor-to-ceiling murals create warm Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for celebrations, while the prosciutto and arugula white pizza showcases elevated ingredient quality beyond typical pizzerias.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Gnocchi al Brasato
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Full trattoria experience with private party room accommodating 70 guests
Who should go: Special occasion diners seeking upscale Italian beyond just pizza
When to visit: Continuous service lunch through dinner for flexibility, weekends for romance
What to order: White pizza with prosciutto and arugula, gnocchi al brasato, tiramisu
Insider tip: Large parking lot behind Shell station on Moorpark Street for easy access
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large dedicated lot behind Shell station on Moorpark Street - ample free parking, rare for Sherman Oaks
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - dark jeans fine, but skip athleisure for dinner
Noise level: Moderate - Italian warmth without overwhelming volume, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday nights, book ahead for parties 4+
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, continuous service makes timing flexible
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta primavera options, eggplant parmigiana, wood-fired veggie pizzas
Vegan options: Limited but doable - marinara-based pastas, request dairy-free pizza modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, pizza crust substitution possible with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal - romantic Mediterranean ambiance with floor-to-ceiling murals, moderate noise for conversation, and varied menu removes ordering pressure. Not so formal it's intimidating, not so casual it lacks effort.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/early dinner (before 6:30pm) usually fine. Weekend dinners risky - they accommodate 70+ in the private room for events, so main dining can fill fast. Call day-of to check.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - classic Italian comfort food kids recognize, accommodating staff used to families, and spacious layout. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a proper meal; not a quick-service pizzeria.
How does it compare to typical pizza places? This is a full Italian restaurant that happens to make excellent brick-oven pizza, not a pizzeria. Expect white tablecloths, wine pairings, and $$$$ pricing that reflects comprehensive Italian cuisine.
Good for large groups or celebrations? Exceptional - private party room seats 70, staff experienced with birthdays/anniversaries. Request the private space for groups 15+ to avoid disrupting main dining room.
Best For
Better for: Special occasions demanding full Italian experience beyond pizza - the Mediterranean murals and private party room make it Sherman Oaks' go-to for milestone celebrations. Also better when you want brick-oven pizza quality within a sit-down restaurant format.
Skip if: You want quick/casual pizza only (try Lamonica's), need cutting-edge modern Italian (head to Toscana), or prefer intimate 20-seat trattorias. This is celebration-scale dining, not neighborhood hideaway.
Oliva Trattoria
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Since 2001, owner Giorgio Pierangeli has made locals feel like family with brick-oven pizzas and handmade gnocchi in a warmly decorated space adorned with Italian village murals. The generous portions and full bar make this a versatile neighborhood anchor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi al Brasato, Brick Oven Pizza Prosciutto e Arugula, Lobster Pasta
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neighborhood institution with 23+ years serving consistent Italian comfort
Who should go: Families and groups seeking generous portions and warm hospitality
When to visit: Happy hour for wine deals and lunch specials
What to order: Gnocchi with brisket ragu, white truffle pizza, lobster pasta
Insider tip: Private dining rooms accommodate up to 150 guests combined
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall parking lot available, fills up by 7pm on weekends. Street parking on Ventura Blvd typically easier on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work perfectly. Locals dress comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation flows easily but gets buzzy with large groups. Request a corner table for quieter dining.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm. Call ahead strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins welcome. Dinner Monday-Thursday usually seats within 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including eggplant parmigiana, multiple pasta dishes, wood-fired veggie pizzas, and seasonal risottos.
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - staff will modify pasta dishes with marinara, olive oil-based preparations. Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination but not a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially early weeknights (Monday-Wednesday) when it's quieter. The warm ambiance and Italian village murals create romantic atmosphere without being stuffy. Avoid Friday/Saturday when large groups dominate the energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) - yes, walk right in. Weekend dinners require reservations or expect 30-45 minute waits. Bar seating often available as backup option.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu available, staff genuinely welcomes families, and generous portions make sharing easy. High chairs provided. Best for all ages, though can get loud with multiple family groups on weekends.
Good for large groups? One of the best in Sherman Oaks - private dining rooms handle up to 150 guests combined, and staff expertly manages parties of 8-15. Call ahead for groups over 6 people.
How's the happy hour? Solid value - discounted wine pours and appetizer specials. Check timing as it varies by day, but typically weekday afternoons. Bar area fills quickly.
Best For
Better for: Oliva beats competitors on consistency, party accommodations, and neighborhood warmth. If you want to feel like a regular on your first visit, generous portions for the price, or need to host a celebration dinner, this outperforms trendier options. The 23-year track record means no surprises.
Skip if: You're seeking cutting-edge Italian innovation, a quiet romantic dinner on weekends, or upscale ambiance. If you want adventurous regional Italian or chef-driven specials that change weekly, look elsewhere. This is comfort and consistency over culinary experimentation.