I’ve been hearing about Olio in Bayport, Minnesota for a while, but it got put to the top of the list when my friend told me recently that it was his favorite and he didn’t want me to write a review about it so his “spot would blow up.” hahahaha. I’m such a good friend ☺️

Really though, I was happy to get the reminder, because that little strip of restaurants in Bayport doesn’t get enough credit or exposure.

Snacks:

SOURDOUGH FOCACCIA: olive oil & fresh herbs, and tomato sauce

Everything about this was delicious. I of course loaded mine with butter and tomato sauce, because live mas haha.

FINGERLING POTATOES: Fried with Prosciutto

These were one of the specials so unfortunately I don’t have the fully ingredient list, but these were husband’s favorite dish.

CASARECCE: Roasted garlic cream – marsala housemade fennel sausage wild mushroom – ricotta salata

I originally was planning to get the chicken parmesan, but husband made a joke about it being such a Tara pick, which inspired me to reassess and I am very glad I picked this one. I still am not sure I am pronouncing it correctly even asking the server to correct me haha but this combo of ingredients was so good.

PACCHERI: Braised short ribs – gorgonzola rosemary – caciocavello – pickled shallots

Husband, as expected, picked the braised short ribs dish. I don’t love ribs, but the bite I was able to steal was definitely flavorful!

OLIVE OIL ICE CREAM: Marsala caramel – sea salt

I wasn’t hungry, but there is nothing I love the way I love olive oil and ice cream so I could not resist.

Drinks:

ESPRESSO MARTINI: Etesia vodka, jumping goat coffee liquor, cold brew, olive oil ice cream

ITALIAN SOUR: Rye whiskey, cynar, sfumato, lemon juice, simple, egg white, 15 year aged balsamic

Of course I got the Espresso Martini…have we met? I was actually really intrigued for the olive oil ice cream and honestly, outside of it being a little creamier it wasn’t too much different. Due to it having cold brew vs. Espresso I’d say this one was a little boozier vs. coffee, although as mentioned, the olive oil ice cream mellowed it out.

Husband didn’t love his cocktail because it did taste a little earthier than he expected so he changed it up on round two to the Motor Spirit (apricot, ginger, pear, and allspice liqueur, brandy, lime, orange, lambrusco) which he really enjoyed.

Atmosphere/Service:

Like all of the restaurants on this strip in Bayport this restaurant has very limited seating. Definitely get a reservation ahead of time.

The vibe was very cute and our server was so knowledgable and friendly.

Olio
338 5th ave N
Bayport, MN 55003
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