Just down the road from Southfields station, The Olive Garden is a favourite for locals in the area. The family run Italian restaurant has been running since 2003 and is a south-west staple. But just a stones-throw from the Wimbledon Championships, its attracted some more famous fans.
The four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz is a regular at The Olive Garden, on Replingham Road, and ate there eight times in this year’s championships – including after his defeat in the men’s singles finals.
The restaurant’s manager described to MyLondon the first time the Spanish tennis star came to the restaurant: “The first time he came in was three years ago, when he played at Queen’s. Every time he kept coming back, we saw he was doing well and as though he’s going to make it the Wimbledon finals.”
This year however, Carlos and his family and team dined at the local spot a record eight times over the two-week championship – including after his defeat in the final.
“After the final nobody was upset – they were all supporting him,” the manager added. “We told him we were sorry for him, and he said, ‘it’s a game, its fine, there’s always next year’.”
But what’s his favourite dish? In true Spanish style, the Alcaraz team are big fans of fish, ordering the seafood risotto. The tennis star also opts for a gluten free pizza, with his physiotherapist suggesting it improves his on-court performance.
The Olive Garden’s manager said that despite being shy, Alcaraz was always happy to sign anything for other restaurant-goers and have his pictures taken after his meals. He added: “He’s very polite and very kind. His family and coaches are all so supportive – it’s really nice when they come to the restaurant.”
The beloved local spot was recommended to Alcaraz when he rented a house from local residents in Southfields, where many Wimbledon competitors stay during the annual competition. Other notable tennis stars who’ve ate at the restaurant include Czech Republic players Petra Kvitová, who won the Women’s Singles at the Wimbledon Championship in 2014 and the 2010 Men’s Singles finalist Tomáš Berdych.
The Olive Garden restaurant opened in 2003 with a tiny menu, quickly becoming popular with Southfield locals. The same chefs are still cooking up the popular pizza and pasta dishes today. The menu is now huge, and all the food is made fresh daily, all sourced with Italian suppliers.
So whether you’re a tennis fan hoping to catch a glimpse of a Grand Slam champion or just someone after a good pizza, The Olive Garden in Southfields offers more than just great food – it’s a slice of community, history, and charm. With a warm welcome, a hearty menu, and a few famous regulars, this local gem has become a quiet champion of its own in South West London.
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