Review: Cafe Olio (TV Diner) - Cafe Olio is located within the Pine Hills of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Our viewers have inundated us with email about this spot, so we made sure to follow up ourselves! Tucked within the Village Green at The Pinehills in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Café Olio is a cozy bistro specializing in breakfast, lunch, takeout and catering. With counter service selections ranging from gourmet pizza, to deli sandwiches, to hand-decorated pastries, this chic eatery carries a sophisticated appearance on par with big city cafes.
We begin with the homemade chicken soup. Large cuts of meat and veggies, mixed with rice in a peppery broth, was tasty enough to make grandma ask for the recipe. The Greek salad was a standard mix of greens, feta and olives, but the excellent dressing saved the day for this so-so starter. A meatball parmigiana panini was one hearty sandwich, filled with mild meatballs, cheese and marinara sauce, all encased in chewy, crusty bread. Packed with protein, a wedge of artichoke, spinach and pepper quiche was ample in portion and flavor. And kudos to Café Olio's chef/ owner Stephen Conti for his buttery pastry crust. We couldn't resist an order of black bean salad. Mixed with corn, tomatoes and seasoned with cumin, this side dish might have been the star of the day. With satisfied smiles on our faces, we stepped up to the bakery counter and after much consideration chose two sweet endings. It took one bite to recognize there was nothing ordinary about the cherry tart. Fruit mixed with almond flavored cheese baked to a satiny sheen was divine. But as good as the tart was the lemon burst cake was even better. Melt-in-your-mouth layers of cake filled with lemon custard and topped with buttercream frosting was simply amazing. The staff at Café Olio is friendly and considerate. And although orders are placed at the counter, they're delivered to tables in rustic basket trays. A very nice touch. Value is extraordinary with salads, sandwiches and pizza averaging $6.50 and pastries and frozen desserts about $3. For its casual, yet posh feel, plentiful homemade fare and hospitable service, Café Olio will earn a rock-solid Gold Plate. MA
