Oliv Restaurant at Strewn Winery: Out of this World

Along picturesque Lakeshore Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake you’ll find Strewn winery. Tucked inside the winery building is the delectable OLiV Restaurant.

Strewn winery is a 10 acre property that once was a tender fruit cannery and was purchased and brought to life in 1997 as a winery. Though it is one of the smaller wineries in Niagara, Strewn offers excellent wines, a cooking school, tasting room, and a fabulous restaurant, OLiV.

The outdoor patio is set beautifully in nature with a view of Four Mile Creek that runs alongside the winery.  Wine barrel plant holders, flowers, and lighting give it a cozy rustic feel. 

The indoor restaurant feels spacious and airy due to its large windows overlooking the foliage. It is not overly shi-shi and has a very comfortable vibe with its shaker style chairs and brick wall backdrop.

I can’t begin to tell you how fantastic the food was.  The bread basket with OLiV’s olive oil and balsamic vinegar was a real treat.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil was smooth, rolling on the taste buds like a high quality olive oil should.  The Balsamic had a sweet undertone and added zest without any astringency.  The Olive plate as a starter was a good choice to accompany the oil and vinegar which I devoured Italian style.

In speaking with the wait staff I understand that the olive oil is from the family’s own groves in South Africa, cold-pressed there, and then bottled here in Niagara.  There is an enormous range of olive oils, and balsamic vinegars, some infused.

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I found no fault with the Caprese Salad.  The gnocchi as an entree was delivered in a flavourful truffle cream sauce.  The only words to describe this other worldly experience is, out of this world. The Goat Cheese tart was a sumptuous second appetizer. 

You’re wondering how I managed to eat so much, truth is I couldn’t stop.  I did ask for the dessert menu but declined with regret.  I just wanted it to drool over, and it was drool worthy.  I could not have taken another bite of anything, but yes, I did.  Our lovely waiter brought some complimentary chocolate truffles to finish off the meal.  It was the perfect sweet finish.

My 2015 Strewn Cabernet Sauvignon was an excellent accompaniment to the meal, offering a rich fruity flavour and enough tannins to offset the fruit.  A perfect balance. 

You can purchase Strewn Wines and any of the OLiV oils and balsamics right in the restaurant at the tasting bar.

If you’re planning a trip to OLiV Restaurant at Strewn Winery do not hesitate.  There really is nothing to not like.  Oh wait, yes there is.  They could update the bathroom.  I felt like I was in my grandmother’s Floridian condo.

Seriously though, it was a lovely evening at a Niagara-on-the Lake winery restaurant.  The wait staff were knowledgeable, relaxed and attentive.  The food was truly out of this world, and the surroundings were lovely. I didn’t take a picture of my Black Truffle Gnocchi, but it is permanently etched in my flavour memory. I’m still thinking about it!  A good reason to go back.

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The vineyards at this time of year are ripe with grapes and absolutely gorgeous. Here’s a peek.

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