The latest project from three local restaurateurs — Chris and Michelle Ponte, of Clearwater's Cafe Ponte and Hyde Park's On Swann, and their son, JT Mahoney — makes its debut when a new South Tampa Italian restaurant, Olivia, opens next week.
Olivia — located at 3601 W. Swann, where Carmel Kitchen closed in August 2018 — has been in the works since October 2018, and we've been itching for a taste. That taste gets officially served on Wednesday, November 27.
A rep for Olivia blamed construction delays on the government shutdown.
The menu that mixes northern and southern Italian cuisine, which means Neapolitan 'zas and a wide range of pasta dishes. The Pontes have recruited seasoned head chef Joseph Walsh from Bobby Van’s Steakhouse in New York City to lead the way.
Olivia's dining room will feature a glass window that looks into the kitchen, allowing guests to get a behind the scenes look at the fresh pasta-making process as they move through their meal.
There's also going to be a full bar, which will be prime after-work happy hours when you're wanting to avoid the traffic. If you need a guide, then know that the team is investing in an on-site sommelier to help school diners on the best pairing options from the temperature-controlled wine wall.
Reservations will be available online beginning this weekend.
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