Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileRestaurant Olivia
Denver, CO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Restaurant Olivia pairs an award-winning cocktail list with a deep Italian wine program. House cocktails like the Sunflower and Honey show serious technique, while over 200 wine selections emphasize Barolo and Barbaresco. The amari and grappa list, plus creative zero-proof drinks, round out a program that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Sunflower, a cognac-and-rum cocktail with peach liqueur and sunflower seed orgeat. For wine, the Daniele Conterno Barolo reserve pour offers a taste of the list's Piedmont focus. End with the Amaro Flight to sample the amari collection.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who appreciate ingredient-driven cocktails and Italian wine enthusiasts will find much to like. The nonalcoholic program, with options like the Nøgroni and sparkling tea, also serves those abstaining.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $16–$19, with a $7 tiny tini. Wine by the glass ranges from $12 to $35, amari pours are $11, and grappa pours $13–$35. Beer is $7.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A cocktail menu named Best Cocktail Menu 2020 by 5280 Magazine, a wine list exceeding 200 Italian-focused selections, and a dedicated amari and grappa program with house flights set this apart.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
House cocktails are inventive and ingredient-forward, with eight named drinks like Sunflower and Honey. The list earned Best Cocktail Menu 2020 from 5280 Magazine. Styles range from a lemon-cheong spritz to bourbon-and-scotch Vanilla.
Menu strengths
- — Named Best Cocktail Menu 2020 by 5280 Magazine.
- — Eight house cocktails priced $16–$19, each built around a specific ingredient.
- — A $7 tiny tini offers an accessible entry point.
Standout selections
- — Sunflower: Cognac, rum, long pepper corn, peach liqueur, sunflower seed orgeat.
- — Honey: Barr Hill gin, orange blossom & honey amaro, peach liqueur, sour peach foam.
Pricing: $16–$19; $7 tiny tini
Wine
An extensive list of over 200 selections, heavily focused on Italian wines, particularly Barolo and Barbaresco. A dedicated sommelier team and wine dinners with renowned producers strengthen the program. Wine club members receive monthly handpicked bottles.
Menu strengths
- — Over 200 selections with a deep Italian focus, especially Barolo and Barbaresco.
- — Sommelier team includes Wine Director Scott Thomas and four additional sommeliers.
- — Wine dinners feature producers like Ceretto, Benanti, and Marco Carpineti.
Standout selections
- — Daniele Conterno Barolo: Nebbiolo, rotating reserve pour, $25.
- — Bollinger Champagne Special Cuvée: Brut, $19 glass / $30 bottle.
Pricing: $12–$35 by the glass
Beer
The beer list is small but well-chosen, with rotating local lager and IPA options. Non-alcoholic beers are also available, all at a uniform $7 price point.
Menu strengths
- — Rotating local lager and IPA provide fresh choices.
- — Inclusion of non-alcoholic beers like Rationale West Coast IPA and Upslope Craft Light Lager.
Standout selections
- — Rotating Local Lager, 12oz pour, $7.; Rotating Local IPA, 12oz pour, $7.
Pricing: $7 per 12oz pour
Nonalcoholic
A creative zero-proof section spans spritzes, shrubs, a nøgroni, and hibiscus cooler. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine and tea are available by the bottle, with prices ranging from $7 to $16.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse zero-proof cocktails, including a Nøgroni and hibiscus cooler.
- — Non-alcoholic sparkling wine and sparkling tea available by the bottle.
Standout selections
- — Nøgroni: Giffard n/a apéritif, verjus, zero proof red wine, $12.
Pricing: $7–$16
Spirits
Amari and digestivi list exceeds 20 selections, with 1 oz pours. Grappa options are also available. House flights, including the Amaro Flight and Marsala Mirror, provide curated tasting experiences.
Menu strengths
- — Over 20 amari and digestivi, each offered as a 1 oz pour.
- — House flights like Amaro Flight and Marsala Mirror guide exploration.
- — Grappa pours range from $13 to $35, covering several options.
Standout selections
- — Amaro Flight: $20, server-guided selection.; Nonino Merlot Grappa: 1 oz pour, $14.
Pricing: Amari $11; grappa $13–$35; flights $20–$25
How it sits with the food
Wine pairings for the pasta tasting menu are available at $60 per person, and wine dinners feature Italian producers like Ceretto and Benanti.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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