Oliver’s Osteria, a Michelin-recognized Italian restaurant specializing in Emilia-Romagna cuisine, is temporarily closed in Laguna Beach at 853 Laguna Canyon Road.
The closure follows two small fire incidents, on January 29 and February 15, both of which were quickly contained and caused no injuries, according to the OC Register. The most recent fire was attributed to an unexpected electrical short. Executive chef and owner Erik De Marchi said the closure is temporary while safety inspections are completed. Management is notifying guests with upcoming reservations and encouraging them to consider the restaurant’s sister location, Oliver’s Trattoria in Irvine.
Chef De Marchi said the Laguna Beach restaurant is expected to reopen toward the end of March. Manager Giovanni Labile noted that the space will be slightly smaller when it reopens. Customers can still look forward to signature dishes such as cacio e pepe and lasagna classica, which have helped the restaurant earn recognition for its modern take on traditional Emilia-Romagna cuisine.
Oliver’s Osteria opened six years ago as the culmination of De Marchi’s culinary career, which began in Imola, Italy, at the IAL Culinary Academy of Emilia-Romagna. After working at several Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, De Marchi launched Oliver’s Osteria on the same day his son was born, giving the restaurant its name. The Laguna Beach location quickly became known for its refined Italian dining and warm, personal service.
Oliver’s Trattoria, located at 6511 Quail Hill Parkway in Irvine, remains open during the Laguna Beach closure, offering many of the same Emilia-Romagna-inspired dishes. The Irvine location provides an alternative for customers who had planned to dine at Laguna Beach while repairs and safety upgrades are completed.
The temporary closure underscores the restaurant’s commitment to safety while maintaining its standards for quality and hospitality. De Marchi and his team are working closely with inspectors to ensure a safe reopening and continued delivery of the Oliver’s Osteria experience.
