Discovering Olivella’s: The Best Pasta Near SMU in Dallas

Nestled on a side street a stone’s throw from SMU in University Park, Olivella’s isn’t just about killer pies; our pasta and panini game is strong enough to make even the most loyal of fans cheat on their pizzas.

Olivella's Menu

See Olivella’s full menu or order here!

Pasta and panini lovers! Don’t be fooled by the name. Yeah, everyone agrees we have some of the best Neapolitan pizza and Roman pizza on planet Earth, but our pasta and panini (and salads, appetizers, and desserts), heck our Italian food, is not to be dismissed. Nestled on a side street a stone’s throw from SMU in University Park, Olivella’s isn’t just about killer pies; our pasta and panini game is strong enough to make even the most loyal of fans cheat on their pizzas. With fresh ingredients, homemade sauces, and a menu that screams “authentic Italian,” it’s no wonder we’ve become a go-to spot for the best pasta near SMU and possibly all of Dallas and Fort Worth.

And hey, don't just take our word for it—our pasta dishes are beloved on Yelp (4 stars), UberEats, where we boast a solid 4.6/5 star rating from over 1000 reviews, and Favor Delivery App has given a Texas Best Award. Check for yourself here. Whether you’re craving pasta for a cozy night, a quick panini lunch (open Friday-Sunday at 11am), or a carb-loaded study session, we’ve got you covered.

A Little History: From Naples, Italy to Dallas’s Italian Hotspot

Our story begins over one hundred years ago in Naples, Italy when one of the oldest pizza families opened a restaurant there (still in the family). Almost twenty years ago, Olivella’s Pizza and Wine crossed the pond and opened in the heart of University Park, setting up shop to serve the SMU community and the neighborhood at large. University Park has been a hotspot for restaurants catering to SMU students, professors, and Dallas families for years. We’re proud to be part of this neighborhood, offering two styles of authentic Italian pizza, Neapolitan pizza and Roman pizza, and a full slate of old family recipes that encompasses an extensive menu of pastas, panini, salads, appetizers, and dessert. It’s no surprise that students come here for the eats and stay for the vibe—whether looking to unwind after a lecture, impress a date, or simply an unforgettable pasta meal. Nor is it a surprise that the world travelers who live in the neighborhood frequently remark: “This tastes just like the Italian food or just like the lasagna or just like the pizza we had in Rome or Florence or Milan we had on our trip.”

While University Park has seen its fair share of restaurants come and go and the 3406 McFarlin space in particular, Olivella’s Pizza and Wine has become a fixture in Snider Plaza, a historic shopping area that’s as iconic as the SMU campus itself. And like the university, Olivella’s Pizza and Wine has carved out its own legacy in this part of Dallas.

Why Our Pasta Rocks

It’s not just our amazing Thursday pasta special, buy-one-get-one-50%-off, that draws the crowds. At Olivella’s Pizza and Wine, each pasta dish is crafted with care, using old family recipes that’ll make you feel like you’ve taken a quick trip back to our Italian home. Our noodles are fresh, our sauces are rich and vibrant complemented with homemade bread, and our portions? You won’t be leaving hungry. From classic spaghetti with meatballs to one of the best lasagnas you’ll find anywhere to our ravioli in vodka sauce and many, many more, there’s something different and delightful for everyone at the table.

If you’re looking for “authentic Italian food near SMU,” or “Italian near me” (we’re centrally-located), you’ve found it. Classics like fettuccine alfredo and veal lasagna are complemented by new creations like Chicken Pesto Linguini and Strozzapreti in a spicy pink prosciutto sauce. Bold flavors and the highest-quality ingredients will make you say, “Mamma Mia!”

Need some comfort food after a rough week? Need the best Italian around? Come on in for a plate of pasta and a glass of wine. You’ll feel better after the first bite (or sip).

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

Of course, we’re not the only ones talking about how great our food is. Olivella’s Pizza and Wine has been featured in the Dallas Observer, the Dallas Morning News, Star-Telegram, Culture Map, Eater, CBS News, Everyday With Rachael Ray, Zagat, Texas Monthly, D Magazine, and many other media outlets as one of the best spots for Italian food and authentic Neapolitan pizza and Roman pizza  in Dallas—especially in the SMU area. We’ve also made our mark with Google, Yelp, and the delivery companies. You can check out our rave reviews on Uber Eats and the Favor Delivery App gave us a Best in Texas Award. If you’re feeling hungry, you can order now for carryout or delivery and see our full menu on olivellas.com for a taste of what all the buzz is about.

Pasta Made with Passion

Pasta is an art form, and at Olivella’s Pizza and Wine, we’re like the Michelangelo of marinara. Our sauces are made from scratch, using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs that bring each dish to life. We don’t cut corners here because when it comes to pasta, there’s no substitute for authentic Italian flavors. Each dish is crafted to perfection, and you can really taste the love (and maybe a little magic) that goes into every bowl.

From the cheesy, creamy goodness of our fettuccine alfredo to the hearty, savory flavors of our Lasagna, each pasta dish is packed with the tastes of Italy. But everyone has their pasta preferences. Some like it spicy, some like it cheesy, and some like it simple and classic, and with that in mind, Olivella’s Pizza and Wine has crafted an extensive pasta menu with mass appeal.

SMU Students’ Go-To for Italian Food

If you’re part of the SMU crew, you probably already know that Olivella’s PIzza and Wine is the place to go for delicious Italian food. With our location right near campus, we’ve become a staple for students looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. There’s something special about sharing a bowl of pasta with friends after a big exam or grabbing takeout for a night in. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love some pasta for a study break?

So if you’re searching for “pasta in Dallas” or “best Italian restaurant near SMU,” look no further. We’ve got you covered with dishes that’ll keep you fueled and ready for whatever the day (or night) throws your way.

How to Get Your Pasta Fix

If you’re not able to pop in and dine with us, don’t worry! You can get our pasta delivered straight to your door via Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Favor. Or by going to our website or calling to place a carryout order. With our high rating and over a thousand reviews, it’s clear that people are loving Olivella’s Pizza and Wine from the comfort of their own homes. So why not join the club? Place an order today and let us bring a little taste of Italy right to your doorstep. Order now or see our full menu and satisfy those pasta cravings.

Whether you’re ordering for yourself or hosting a pasta party (yes, that should be a thing), you can’t go wrong with Olivella’s Pizza and Wine. We’ll bring the pasta, you bring the friends. And on that subject, Olivella’s Pizza and Wine can cater any size event. Call us or search for us on ezcater.com.

Come for the Pasta, Stay for the Experience

How about that sidewalk cafe-style dining? How about that room with old brick walls and wood that transports you to a little hillside town overlooking the Bay of Naples? At Olivella’s Pizza and Wine, we’re all about creating a memorable dining experience. We’re not just here to fill your belly (although we definitely do that). We’re here to bring a bit of Italy to Dallas, one brick and one pasta dish at a time. So whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to unwind after a long day, a place to impress your date, or just the best pasta near SMU, Olivella’s Pizza and Wine has you covered.

Come see what everyone’s talking about and find out why we’re the best Italian restaurant near SMU. Bring your appetite, bring your friends, and get ready to dive into some seriously delicious pasta. And remember, we’re just a few clicks away if you want to order now or see our full menu.

We can’t wait to serve you the best Italian food in Dallas. See you soon at Olivella’s Pizza and Wine—where every meal feels like a little Italian vacation, and every bowl of pasta is a reason to celebrate!