L'Ulivo Restaurant

April 2025 update: My wife and I were fortunate to have another opportunity last month to enjoy a delicious meal at this charming restaurant. This time we relaxed at one of the tables on the front porch. Having been delighted by our choices during our first visit, Caramelloni and Gnocchi, we ordered - and relished - them again! Finally, we were thankful to be treated once more to friendly, excellent service by Pamela: Muchas gracias! Highly recommended! +++++++++++++++ December 2024: My wife and I enjoyed delicious, homemade pasta in this delightful, casual, small restaurant, owned and operated by an Italian family, during our recent visit to Samara. She savored Caramelloni, and I relished my Gnocchi, which is one my favorites: both were superb. Pamela, our server, took such good care of us and was so friendly, and we admired the way that she did the same for all of the other diners that evening.

One of the servers was outside as we were walking by…we talked, she was friendly and promoted L’Ulivo as the best Italian restaurant in town so we made a reservation for Valentine’s Day. We were the first to arrive for dinner and sat at one of the tables on the patio. Our server wasn’t the one who we talked to the day before. We noticed that when we said we’re not ordering any alcohol, the level of service changed. It became very slow and impersonal. We had to chase her if we needed anything like Parmesan or our bill. Good menu selection, large portions and reasonably priced. The food was good, pizza and penne arrabbiata…plenty for two. Inside decor was authentic and decorated for Valentines. The outdoor seating was a nice touch…we always enjoy a patio.

Stumbled across this hole in the wall with high hopes but was disappointed by their New York prices. The food was okay, margarita pizza left something to be desired a bit flavor lacking. We also ordered their eggplant parmesan and ravioli which took so long to come we were starving so I think it tasted good but can’t be too sure.