El Olivo - Astoria, NY. The Most Authentic Spanish Cuisine in New York. El Olivo in Astoria is the go-to place for authentic Spanish cuisine and warm hospitality. There are always something delicious things happening at this family-owned restaurant.

Dining at El Olivo is just like enjoying a tasty, comforting meal if you are lucky enough to travel to Madrid or Barcelona. Much of the credit for the success of this quaint, charming little restaurant has to go to Thalia Aguayo. As El Olivo's owner, Thalia has realized the dream that her Dad had of bringing the vibrant cuisine of Spain, as well as their world-renowned hospitality to this eclectic and diverse corner of Astoria. For over twenty years, El Olivo has been helping families and date night couples create magical memories that will last a lifetime, with their amazing food and cozy ambiance. There's really not a mediocre dish in the house, from the kitchen's incredible and satisfying tapas to the delicious entrees that are yours for the asking including their signature paella Valenciana.

You may order your Paella with or without half a lobster. The paella Valenciana is comprised of yellow saffron rice, mixed seafood and Spanish sausage. Every luscious bite is a knock-out. You may also order your paella with only seafood or mixed vegetables. There's a wealth of Mariscadas dishes from which you can choose. An excellent choice would be the filet of tilapia that is cooked in butter, white wine and onions. The dish is served with sautéed string beans and Spanish fried potatoes. Once you taste the octopus sautéed with chopped red sweet peppers and onions, you will order it again and again. Your sides include the light and fluffy saffron infused yellow rice. These are flavors that one never gets tired of. The kitchen also turns out a perfectly charred octopus that is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Other seafood wonders include shrimp in your choice of garlic, green, criolla or diablo sauce or a very special stuffed lobster.

No matter what you order though, your dish will be brought to you by servers who are always smiling and appreciative of your business. The wait staff takes their cue from the team leader, Thalia. She knows her way around a restaurant, that's for certain. El Olivo has a wide variety of tapas available for your dining pleasure. Get together with a few friends and make an evening of your meal at El Olivo. What could be better than sharing a selection of addicting tapas along with a bottle of red or white wine. Nights like this are what friendships are made for!

The  baked clams that are stuffed with green pepper and bacon always hit the spot as does the seafood stuffed mushrooms. The patatas bravas are a staple of tapas bars in Spain. You will find out why this dish is so popular when you taste the sliced, fried potatoes that are done up in a spicy red and aioli sauce. The chorizo plate is filling but not heavy. These succulent pieces of authentic Spanish sausage are finished with red wine. Charcuterie plates consisting of cured Spanish ham (Jamon Serrano) and Queso Manchego (sheep's cheese imported from Spain) are also on the menu.

If you are tired of the same old Saturday night dinner, at the local diner, then take your sweetheart or the family out for a meal that is as different as it is delicious. Experience the  seasonings of Spain at El Olivo, where a warm welcome greets you at the door.