[Sponsored by OLEA]
Calgary’s newest trendy date night spot, OLEA, brings vibrant and approachable flair to chef-driven dining.
The people behind Sensei Bar have brought a new dining concept to the streets of Calgary with OLEA (1520 14 ST SW)! Now open, OLEA offers diners and daters a refreshing escape with a menu curated by award-winning chef, Ryan Blackwell and managing partner, Amane Kanai.
the menu
OLEA’s approachable atmosphere means it’s perfect for casual dates and first dates for Mediterranean and western European cuisine lovers. This new dining hotspot is also open for lunch and will soon be offering a delicious brunch menu as well.
Expect a colourful array of flavours and a wide range of dishes to suit all palates, from homemade pastas to pizzas made in-house. OLEA’s menu has been conceptualized by elevating classic dishes or ingredients so guests can enjoy familiar favourites with even better tasting flavours.
Need some ordering inspo?
Check out these notable dishes, including pastas made from scratch on the Italian-made pasta machine in OLEA’s production kitchen.
Seafood lover? Try the Lobster Radiatori with Chardonnay saffron cream, sundried tomato, snow peas, pecorino & tarragon.
Feeling something classic? Their Spaghetti & Meatballs is elevated with Brant Lake Wagyu meatballs, pomodoro, truffle mushroom ragu, and herb ricotta.
Some other menu favourites for date night include their Glazed Bacon Bianca Pizza, B.C. Spot Prawn Risotto, Marguez Sausage, Lamb Portherhouse, and a scrumptious Basque Cheesecake to finish it all off!
Bringing a wine lover for date night? OLEA boasts a robust wine program curated by Kanai, who is also an accredited sommelier, drawing from the full range of Mediterranean regions focusing on on France, Spain, Greece and Italy.
Bringing a wine lover for date night? OLEA boasts a robust wine program curated by Kanai, who is also an accredited sommelier, drawing from the full range of Mediterranean regions focusing on France, Spain, Greece and Italy.
what’s in a name?
As a tribute to the quintessentially Mediterranean and powerfully symbolic olive, OLEA is named after the Latin term for the genus of the olive tree. As an essential component of countless ancient cuisines, the humble olive is a nod to the coastal flavours and dishes that will underscore OLEA’s menu.
“We are delighted to be opening this exciting new dining concept in the heart of the city. Calgarians can expect to be transported to a breezy, sun filled terrace along the coast as they explore our comfortingly familiar, yet bold menu. We look forward to sharing the textures, flavours and vivacity behind our vision the mosaic of sunny European cuisine that will be featured on our menu.”
Chef Blackwell
OLEA has an open kitchen, heightening the senses and energy throughout the restaurant.
A mix of thoughtful architecture and soft lighting create a comfortable ambiance to enjoy delicious food surrounded by friends!
Add OLEA to your dinner date bucket list and find the perfect activity to pair with it here!
