Olivella’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria (CLOSED)

Olivella’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Fern Park has the feel of a hidden neighborhood gem, clean, modern, and welcoming, with a menu that promises Italian comfort classics. Unfortunately, the chicken parmesan lineup falls short of that first impression. We sampled the entree, sandwich, and chicken-parm pizza; each looked promising, but the flavors didn’t quite land. The roll on the sandwich is fresh and soft, but chopping the cutlet before assembly sacrifices the satisfying texture and structure that make a great parm. The breading struggled to stay put, and the sauce lacked depth. While the hospitality and setting are inviting, parm seekers may find stronger contenders elsewhere in Central Florida.