Milo & Olive

I have been wanting to check out Milo & Olive, the new-ish restaurant in my 'hood, ever since I returned from London.  That was five months ago.  What have I been doing?  Oh yeah, trying to complete that pesky little thing called law school.  What a bore.  But now that I'm DONE (Can I get a what-what?) and I've regained a bit of my so-called life (Who watched that show?), it's fitting that I ended up at M & O after taking my last final exam ever (ever).

Photo by DarinDines

Milo & Olive is a tiny hole-in-the-wall bakery/ restaurant with a couple of communal tables and bar seating.  The bakery bleeds into the open restaurant, creating a vibe very much like Huckleberry.  Oh wait, what?  They're owned by the same restauranteurs?  Yup, Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan expanded their already-successful family of Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry, and Sweet Rose Creamery to add this hip pizzeria named after their one-year old son, Milo.  So how does it hold up?

Chef Walter Manzke (left) giving guidance.

I only tried two things, three including the alcohol so I'm not in the best position to judge.  But with what I tried, I can at least say I'll be back again (for bfast).  Will I ever crave it?  Probably not.

Le Menu (click to enlarge)

Flat water (complimentary)

Free Range Chicken Meatballs - $13

Roasted tomatoes, arugula, red onion

This chicken meatballs are steeply priced at a little over $3 each, but the sauce is simply divine.  Spicy, but only in a subtle way, the tomato sauce resembles a hearty and comforting bolognese sauce.  Needless to say, I did not let even a lick go to waste.

Housemade Pork Belly Sausage Pizza w/ braised greens, tomato, and fresh mozzarella - $17

There were many pizzas to choose from, but we opted for this because of two words: pork belly.  Mmm.  Fatty, succulent pieces of pork belly paired surprisingly well with the greens and the cheese.  In some ways, it reminded me of a Mozza pizza, which of course, is a very good thing.

2011 Dom Sainte Lucie "MIP" - $12/ glass

For my celebratory beverage, I went with a French Rosé from Cotes de Provence.  The French sure know what they're doing with their wine.  This particular white was light, crisp, and surprisingly, not pink!  Still scrumptious.

Overall, the food and service was great.  Because we arrived early for dinner (around 5), there was no wait, but a line was growing around 6.  There's nothing bad to say about my small meal, but there's nothing to write home about either.  I'll re-visit my thoughts after I try their breakfast items.  'Til then, happy noshing.



View Larger Map




cuisine: Pizza
location: Santa Monica
hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM, daily
websites: { M&O | yelp | twitter }
prices: $10-20
parking: Street
attire: Casual
other reviews: { gastronomy | Food GPS | Eater LA }