Review: Olive and June – Italian Goodness for the Soul
I’ve always had a penchant for Italian food. From my days as a young lad dousing spaghetti with ketchup (and occasionally chocolate syrup because I’m a monster) to my more refined tastes currently, I can’t get enough pasta. In fact, I even wrote a guide on Austin pasta to showcase my love. One of the spots on that list is Olive & June (or Olive and June, if you’re ampersand-averse). After a recent visit, I decided it was time to give the restaurant its own shoutout. Let’s roll!
Appetizers, Please!
Any Italian place worth its salt will have some solid small plates or antipasti to share. Italian food conveys a sense of family and togetherness. If you can’t share, are you even really having a meal? I guess you are, but it’s less fun. Unless you hate people, then it’d be okay, I suppose.
In any case, the appetizers at Olive & June are pretty spectacular. My particular favorite was a specialty item, so hustle on over to give it a try! Bruschetta is enjoyable in most walks of life, but when it’s topped with a strawberry jam? YES, PLEASE. Also of note are the crostini with roasted acorn squash and the pork meatballs.
Yummy Pasta Dishes
While the appetizer game is strong, the highlight of Olive & June is the pasta. The dishes are filling without being overbearing, but more importantly, the flavors are so vibrant. The plates of pasta here are prepared in such a unique way that really lets each ingredient impact your taste buds. You’ll get a consistent, delectable experience with every bite.
The Mezzaluna is my go-to, which features ground lamb, pecan pesto, and roasted sunchoke. Plus the shape of a mezzaluna knife is so cool, you’ll feel like a ninja eating this dish. The Campanelle with foraged mushroom croquette and lemon puree and the braised octopus in the Cavatelli Nero are particularly scrumptious, as well. No impastas here, and that makes me smile. There’s also a rotating menu so you may find a new favorite!
Atmosphere Cozier Than Your Favorite Blanket
Olive & June also has one of the cooler atmospheres of any restaurant I’ve been to in Austin. There’s a huge tree just on the fringe of the outdoor seating area, which makes for a good view whether you’re sitting indoors or outside. While the table we sat at on our last visit was a bit tight for four people, it was still a fun time had by all. It’s not too noisy, either – a big plus.
If you’re in the mood for some quality Italian cuisine, look no further than Olive and June. It’s in a nice central location, has happy hour until six, and offers both street and complimentary valet parking available. Win-win.
3411 Glenview Ave.
512-467-9898
5 pm – 9 pm Sunday through Wednesday, 5 pm – 10 pm Thursday, 5 pm – 11 pm Friday and Saturday
