Restaurant
The Olive Jar
168/170 Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Find The Olive Jar
168/170 Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Olive Jar
Expect hearty Carlton pasta served straight in the frying pan while the chef belts out Italian classics mid-service. Regulars lean into the rustic, unpretentious hospitality—pappardelle with wild boar ragu cooked spot-on al dente, spicy garlic prawn spaghetti, and generous slices of Margherita pizza built to feed the whole table. Meals routinely close with tiramisu scooped directly from a communal bowl.
- Rustic Pan Service: Rich pappardelle and pasta dishes arrive hot at the table straight in the cooking pan.
- Live Singing Chef: The chef steps out into the dining room during dinner to sing classic songs for guests.
- Bowled Tiramisu: A standout house dessert scooped and served family-style right out of a large bowl.
What's On at The Olive Jar
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose The Olive Jar
From singing chefs and rustic pan service to unforgettable homemade pasta and pizzas in Carlton
Flavour-Packed Homemade Pasta
Traditional pasta dishes are prepared with robust, balanced sauces, like wild boar ragu cooked to perfection and rich homemade lasagne.
The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. The Wild Boar was delicious and cooked to perfection as well.
George Slavchev Balanced Specialty Pasta Dishes
Handcrafted seafood pasta strikes an ideal harmony of garlic warmth and gentle chili heat that patrons rave about.
I absolutely loved my Spaghetti with Chilli and Garlic Prawns, there was just so much flavour and the balance of the meal on point.
Kyra Kaehne Live Serenades from the Chef
The dining room comes alive when the owner and chef steps out from the kitchen to serenade guests with Italian classics.
With the chef singing a few classics that it just adds a marvelous vibe.
Sebastian Molina Rustic Table Pan Service
Dishes arrive in a distinctive, unpretentious presentation, including hearty pastas served right in frying pans and desserts dished from large bowls.
The whole dish was packing so much flavour that I almost wanted to lick clean the frying pan it got served in.
George Slavchev Welcoming Family Dinners
The restaurant welcomes family gatherings with relaxed charm and attentive hospitality that puts both kids and parents at ease.
2 happy adults and 3 well fed kids. Restaurant with bags of character and friendly staff that make you feel comfortable.
MARTIN BRESLIN Effortless Group Gatherings
Groups gathering around pizza, pasta, and wine discover an unforgettable neighborhood gem worth coming back to together.
My friend organised dinner for a group of us at The Olive Jar as she had been here before and really enjoyed it.
George Slavchev
Most popular items
Customer favorites and signature Italian classics celebrated for rich flavor and rustic flair
Tiramisu
The highlight for me was the Tiramisu, which was served out of a large bowl. It’s a big statement, but I honestly believe it’s the very best Tiramisu I’ve ever had. Ever!
George Slavchev Spaghetti with Chilli and Garlic Prawns
I absolutely loved my Spaghetti with Chilli and Garlic Prawns, there was just so much flavour and the balance of the meal on point.
Kyra Kaehne Lasagne
My lasagne was delicious and served up rustic.
MARTIN BRESLIN Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu
The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. The Wild Boar was delicious and cooked to perfection as well. The whole dish was packing so much flavour that I almost wanted to lick clean the frying pan it got served in.
George Slavchev
Beyond the menu
Memorable, personal hospitality touches that set The Olive Jar apart
Live Singing by the Chef
The chef and owner steps out into the dining room to sing classic songs for guests, creating an engaging, lively dining atmosphere.
Sizzling Frying Pan Pasta Presentation
Pasta mains are served directly in frying pans for an unpretentious, hearty presentation at the table.
Communal Bowl Tiramisu Service
Tiramisu is served generously out of a large communal bowl rather than as a standard pre-cut slice.
Homemade Wine Offerings
House-crafted wines poured alongside meals to complement rustic Italian dishes.
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