You can’t go to anything at the Calgary Saddledome on an empty stomach, lest you be tempted by pocket dogs or nachos smothered in fake cheese. Olives Restaurant Deli offers a satisfying alternative. Situated right across the street, your first visit will be for “a quick bite before the game.” Next thing you know, you’re stopping in to sample their extensive lunch menu every day. With offerings like Ricotta and Artichoke Rotini and Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meat Balls, you might never need to go grocery shopping again.
The dinner menu at Olives Restaurant is just as delectable as the lunch. A stand-out dish is the Roasted Duck Breast with confit leg tortellini, baby white turnips, kale and duck jus. For a lighter option, your best bet is the Gulf Valley Tomato Salad with fresh mozzarella, basil and aged balsamic vinegar. If you’re the kind of person who can’t go to an Italian restaurant without having pasta, you’ll be more than impressed with the Truffle Parsnip and Mascarpone Ravioli served with asparagus and wild mushroom cream.
A night out at an Italian restaurant just isn’t complete without the perfect dessert to finish, and the desserts at Olives certainly don’t disappoint. Beyond the classic favourite of tiramisu, served at this Calgary resto with espresso gelato, there’s also Coconut Ravioli served with coconut anglaise and mango mint salad, as well as the Espresso Banana Cream Pie made with an espresso crust, espresso brittle and drizzled with dulce de leche sauce.
The décor at Olives gives the restaurant a lounge-like feel, and the Mediterranean influences present in the food are also present in the décor. This contributes to a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to hang out for a while after the meal is done. If you’re heading to Olives on a cold night, you can park your car in their heated underground garage so that it will be toasty by the time you return for it. Olives Restaurant Deli, 1129 Olympic Way SE, Calgary.
