Inside Elaia and Olio

Elaia and Olio are a pair of adventurous new restaurants in the Botanical Heights neighborhood. Reviewer Ian Froeb writes, "this twinned newcomer must also be reckoned among St. Louis’ very best restaurants."

Read Ian's review of both Elaia and Olio.

Photos by Jennifer Silverberg for the Riverfront Times.

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At Elaia - Parfait Foie Gras. Candied hazelnuts, fig mostarda.

At Elaia - Parfait Foie Gras. Candied hazelnuts, fig mostarda.

At Olio - Bruschetta with fresh ricotta, braised beet stems, pecorino sardo.

At Olio - Bruschetta with fresh ricotta, braised beet stems, pecorino sardo.

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At Elaia - Charred eggplant, labneh, pinenuts, lonza, dill. Kitchen torch lighting the thyme.

At Elaia - Charred eggplant, labneh, pinenuts, lonza, dill. Kitchen torch lighting the thyme.

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At Elaia - Roast Pork. Salt-baked sweet potatoes, carrot, fresh favas, horseradish chips.

At Elaia - Roast Pork. Salt-baked sweet potatoes, carrot, fresh favas, horseradish chips.

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Inside Elaia

Inside Elaia

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At Elaia - Beets. Yogurt, beet ash, Israeli feta.

At Elaia - Beets. Yogurt, beet ash, Israeli feta.

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At Olio - The lunch soup with poached egg, pumpkin, farro, and kale.

At Olio - The lunch soup with poached egg, pumpkin, farro, and kale.

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Inside Olio

Inside Olio

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Inside Olio

Inside Olio

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At Elaia - Charred eggplant, labneh, pinenuts, lonza, dill. Smoking thyme when served.

At Elaia - Charred eggplant, labneh, pinenuts, lonza, dill. Smoking thyme when served.

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The men behind the food, from left, Josh Charles, Ben Poremba, John Messbarger.

The men behind the food, from left, Josh Charles, Ben Poremba, John Messbarger.

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Bay Scallop Crudo. Citrus salad, fennel, kohlrabi, tarragon.

Bay Scallop Crudo. Citrus salad, fennel, kohlrabi, tarragon.

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Olio exterior, from this angle, Elaia sits in the house directly behind.

Olio exterior, from this angle, Elaia sits in the house directly behind.

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Owner Ben Poremba in the kicthen.

Owner Ben Poremba in the kicthen.

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Inside Olio

Inside Olio

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At Elaia - Beets. Yogurt, beet ash, Israeli feta.

At Elaia - Beets. Yogurt, beet ash, Israeli feta.

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Inside Olio

Inside Olio

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Inside Olio

Inside Olio

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Inside Elaia

Inside Elaia

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Inside Olio

Inside Olio

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