About
When your Wilmington vacation calls for International cuisine, visit Olivero. This celebrated restaurant delivers a dining experience inspired by family, rooted in flavor, and crafted with care.
The restaurant is the vision of founder and owner Sunny Gerhart, a James Beard Foundation "Best Chef Southeast" Semifinalist. He collaborates with co-executive chef Lauren Krall Ivey to create authentic flavors from Spain, Italy, and New Orleans.
Gerhart draws from deep family history to craft authentic cuisine and find inspiration for the eatery. A prime example is that he named the restaurant after his great-grandfather, Jose Olivero. Jose was a merchant sailor whose travels wove together Spanish, Italian, and Louisiana influences evident across the menu.
While Gerhart's Raleigh restaurant, St. Roch, showcases his Louisiana background, Olivero explores a broader range of his heritage. Here, a story of travel and tradition creates adventurous and familiar dishes, where attention to detail is a cornerstone.
This trait is most evident in the open kitchen, showcasing two key pieces of equipment. The custom-ordered Arcobaleno pasta extruder produces fresh pasta daily, while the wood-fired grill imparts a distinct smoky flavor to steaks and seafood.
The eatery is near some of the area's top attractions, making it easy to plan a jam-packed itinerary. Take a stroll on the Wilmington Riverwalk before dinner, or explore the various shops in The Cotton Exchange.
The possibilities are endless, making this restaurant an essential part of any Wilmington itinerary.
Vibe
The historic 1940s brick building is on a prominent corner in the Castle Street Arts District. The one-story structure blends with the neighborhood yet evokes curiosity.
The interior blends retro, industrial, and artistic elements to create a relaxing yet refined atmosphere. The exposed ceiling, painted steel beams, and brick walls add the retro and industrial elements. Tasteful wall art adds elegance, while the bar running parallel to the open kitchen makes the room feel homey.
Speaking of the kitchen, the openness makes for a dynamic backdrop, while two-tops dotting the stained concrete floor are ideal for private conversations. Tucked along the walls are larger tables and leather booths, offering a setting for any occasion.
All in all, the ambiance provides a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. Here, you can relax after touring the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or enjoy a romantic dinner. No matter the occasion, the vibe complements any North Carolina vacation.
Olivero: Menu & Drinks
The cuisine lets you explore Spanish, Italian, and New Orleans fare without needing a passport or boarding a plane. Toss in its house-made pasta and wood-fired oven, and you're in for an unmatched epicurean adventure.
To kick things off, try the beignets. These aren't the powdered sugar treats one might expect. Instead, Olivero serves savory, fluffy pillows of fried dough in a rich fontina fonduta, layered with thinly sliced mortadella. To cap it off, Calabrian hot honey is drizzled atop, uniting the flavors with a touch of heat.
Another standout dish is the linguine, showcasing freshly made pasta. The entree features grilled shrimp in a pistachio pesto with Aleppo pepper and pancetta. The saltiness of the Italian pork belly blends perfectly with the pepper and pistachio flavors, while the juicy shrimp provides a unique texture to the dish.
Savor entrees touched by the oven's flame, like the ribeye. Your steak is cooked to your liking, with the hickory smoke and chimichurri marinade complementing the meat's flavor. The entree comes with new potatoes, Espelette aioli, roasted tomatoes, and chimichurri.
The beverage program focuses on classic cocktails, amaros, and vermouths. The signature Olivero martini is a sophisticated take on the classic, incorporating London dry gin, dry vermouth, fino, Castelvetrano olive, and sea salt. You'll also find an extensive wine and beer selection that pairs with Olivero's cuisine.
A meal at Olivero is an experience that adds a layer of culinary sophistication to any Wilmington getaway. The combination of an inventive menu, a well-crafted drink program, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a memorable stop.
Local Tips
- Make reservations well in advance; tables fill up quickly.
- An additional 3% surcharge applies when paying by credit card.
- Sign up for its newsletter for updates, specials, and discounts.
- Bar seating gives you a front row seat to watch the chefs in action.
