Heather Vaquera
Absolutely impeccable service and delicious food—this place delivers on all fronts.
Despite it being a Friday night, we didn’t have to wait thanks to the spacious dining room, which was a pleasant surprise. We ordered the sea bass special and the chicken Marsala, and both were outstanding. The presentation was beautiful and clearly well thought out.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and every staff member we encountered was friendly, kind, and professional. The service struck the perfect balance—attentive without being overbearing. Our server (Martin) and the team were knowledgeable about the menu and very accommodating with dietary restrictions. They even surprised us with a wonderful sorbet dessert to help celebrate my mom’s birthday.
This restaurant is truly a gem and clearly knows what it’s doing. Definitely worth repeat visits.
Special thanks to our fantastic server, Martin (pronounced Mart-een), and the entire serving staff for making our experience so memorable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
… moreML Carver
I love Olivia’s. I think it’s the best Italian restaurant of the 4 we have in Gurnee
from a food standpoint. Unfortunately, they always seem short-staffed, so it’s hard to get the attention of your server when there’s only one person serving the entire restaurant
But for me, the food is good enough that we go back, even though this has been a consistent issue.
I like the atmosphere although we chuckled tonight.Because there was a little christmas bear decorating a railing and right above.It was a silver glitter skeleton.So I’m not sure which season we were in! I have had better service at lunchtime when there aren’t as many people. Still a favorite place.
… moreShilpa Gauba Puri
Great food, veg and non veg options. Just the right amount of everything, and very yum! Our waitress did not serve us well. We were the only brown family out in the patio and also the only family who was ignored completely, by our waitress. She was just very unkind, and seemed racist. Not even a simple smile or little assistance with food choice. It was my birthday celebration with family, and she could ruin it, thanks to the chef four food was good. Deff never coming back. Deff not recommend to people of color.
… moreScott E
The atmosphere is calm, warm and inviting. With Italian music playing softly in the background, it has the feel and vibe of a low-key Mediterranean restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious, starting with the crispy, crusty, soft, warm bread and the buttery, fresh-tasting olive oil. My wife had the fettuccine carbonara and my daughter had the short rib ravioli and I had the chicken parmesan. Everybody thought their meals were excellent and my chicken parmesan was cooked to perfection with crispy breading, tangy, fresh tasting marinara and melted mozzarella. For dessert we had lava cake and tiramisu and both were delicious. The service was top-notch. The wait staff were relaxed, friendly and very attentive.
… moreThe Punisher
A true hidden gem. Delicious appetizers, incredible main course and tasty deserts, plus the chef’s specials are out of this world. Large selection of cocktails at a nicely decorated restaurant and bar. The atmosphere is truly amazingly. The music in the restaurant is soothing and relaxing to enjoy a drink and wonderful meal with family and friends. Large televisions above the bar to watch sports and even a nice burning fire. The staff is very friendly and polite. Outdoor patio seating is available. Plenty of parking.
… moreTerri Suda
We celebrated my mother-in-law’s 94th birthday at Olivia’s Italian Restaurant in Gurnee last night and it was a five-star experience all around.
The food was superb — even the complimentary bread service with olive oil and freshly grated parmesan was such a special touch (you never see that anymore!).
Our waiter, Luis, was exceptional. I’m plant-based and he immediately offered off-menu options, saying, “Anything you want, we’ll make it for you.” He — and the entire staff — treated us like family and made the celebration feel truly special.
Favorites at the table were the calamari, pear & goat cheese salad, Crostini Di Gamberi, and chicken parmesan — all outstanding.
There are other Italian spots nearby, but Olivia’s far supersedes. We’ll absolutely be back.
… moreRachel Wetmore
This was my family’s first time coming here. I must say I was very surprised, the food is very delicious and very well prepared. Our server was very polite but did forget the bread until he was reminded. And did take the menus away very fast before we could all order our meals. All in all, it turned out to be a place we would love to come back to. A very well made Royal sunrise. Thank you.
… moreGino Izaguirre
We have been passing by here for 2 years already!! My GOD food was fantastic! Great job chef!! Luis the server was the best waiter i have ever had the pleasure to meet! I will forever come to Olivia’s because of the service and attentiveness of our waiter LUIS! The energy that Luis has is a blessing to be in the presence of.
… moreRachel Pezzullo
We were here for dinner. It was probably the best service and food I’ve received. I had the salmon dish it was delicious just the right amount of food and our waitor was attentive. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant it felt classy.
… moreTheresa Van Landuyt
I met with some friends for lunch today. Luis was our server. He was attentive and funny. He helped us choose our food because it all looked so good! I ordered the Salmon Rigatoni special and a dinner salad. It did not disappoint! I will definitely be back!
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