PIN Olivelli

Memorable Restaurante Italiano

This mini-chain, formerly known as Pizza Paradiso, may have expanded from being a one-off Soho stalwart to a three-restaurant chain, but it still has enough individuality and charm to knock the socks off most of its chain rivals.

This small Southwark branch has the atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria (buzzy, with tightly packed tables and slightly frazzled staff), yet it’s the food that’s really authentic. Appealing seafood and meat mains prove there’s more to cheap Italian fare than pizza and pasta – though these are memorable too, with options going beyond (but including) the reliable favourites. Every neighbourhood should have one.

History

The Olivelli name has its roots in the distinctive Sicilian food culture. Rita and Enrico Olivelli opened their Bloomsbury restaurant in the '30s - a home-from-home for students at nearby drama school RADA as well as famous London theatre actors of the day. Today it is as authentic as it was then.

TripTide Thoughts

Buon appetito - every neighbourhood should have an Olivelli

Owner

Killian Trimatis

I am a visitor to London from Nice. I love the vibrancy and energy of this city which I feel everytime I connect with its pavements. I am spending a six month internship in the city and learn something new about London every day - sometimes I disc...