El Olivo (Photo: El Olivo/Facebook)
April 20, 2018 By Tara Law
Spanish tapas restaurant El Olivo closed yesterday after 23 years in Astoria.
The restaurant, which was located at 21-15 31st St., served a wide variety of small plates but will be remembered for its seafood dishes such as camarones and octopus and specialty sangria.
El Olivo received many warm reviews online for the quality of its food, and was especially praised for the quality of its service.
The restaurant’s owners, Thalia and Ricardo, posted a message on Facebook yesterday to thank their customers for their support.
“In 1995, we enthusiastically opened our kitchen to the vibrant community we called home, Astoria,” the message said. “Today, 23 years later, we have seated the last table, poured the final cocktail, and celebrated the memories we’ve shared.”
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12 Comments
Sorry to see it go. I had 10 years of romantic evenings there eating paella and drinking Sangria. I hope it opens up somewhere close. Half of the block of buildings went and I bet they are starting to close the other side of the block too.
I always passed this place. It looked nice. I hope a coffee shop opens in that location. I live a couple of blocks away and walk to the train daily. I refuse to support Starbucks and I am hoping a better coffee shop opens up. I do not like dunkin.
Ricardo, it’s Z! I have been a faithful Olivo patron almost from day one!! I hope you get to read this message. Even though I have not lived in my hometown, Astoria, for some time I have NEVER missed an opportunity to eat at Olivo when I was in town. I will soo miss you my friend!! The best to you and the family!! Always, Z!!!
I wish you both all the best. What a special restaurant that was family owned & operated. My family enjoyed many great parties and special memories. Thank you for the hospitality and great food. You will be missed!
Thanks so much. ..good luck with your plans.
Hope they open up somewhere else in Astoria plz
Wow, I’ve lived on Ditmars for 8 years and never even heard of this place.
“Old Astorian” has only been here 8 years. 🙂 Or are you saying you a old?
The place is not very noticeable. It is on 31st a few stores down from CVS and close to the library. Very unassuming. Took me a while to discover it and could not believe I had not heard of the place either.
Ditmars for 8 years, 30th ave for 6 years, 35th ave for 12 years. I guess if I walked north on 31st st I just never paid much attention. I’d been to Thai Elephant a few times though.
Sad news. El Olivo was the best. They served the best sangria ever. Ricardo and Thalia and the staff are like family. My wife and I were close with all of the regular patrons. El Olivo was a cornerstone of the community and it will be missed.
Sad. This place was great. It started to slide when the daughter took over. Best of luck
I’m pretty sure they got bought. All businesses have been shutting down on that whole block. It’s not because the daughter took over. She’s actually the nicest most accommodating host.