A new chapter in Auburn’s culinary story begins today as Olivine, the city’s newest rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge, opens atop the AC Hotel Auburn.
The concept brings together the warmth of Alabama hospitality and the vibrant coastal flavors of Southern Europe. The space feels elevated without being pretentious, and certainly hosts the charm that defines “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.”
General Manager Sloan Carter says the team set out to create a space that feels both refined and inviting, a place where friends, travelers, and locals can gather above the city and experience something entirely new.
Carter explains that Olivine carries the spirit of Alabama while bringing the energy of a larger metropolitan destination. The result is a rooftop unlike anything else in Auburn.
Auburn With a View
The sixth-floor setting overlooks downtown with an impressive combination of comfort and style. Guests will find heaters, fire pits, and a climate-friendly nano-door system that allows the restaurant to transition seamlessly through the seasons.
Indoors, the design feels warm and intimate through soft lighting, unique artwork, and ambiance provided by the in-house DJ.
With seating for 186 across indoor and outdoor spaces, the restaurant is spacious but still manages to feel personal.
We recommend the outdoor seating — the view of Samford Hall with a sunset backdrop is nothing short of magical.
Italian Technique Meets Alabama Soul
In the kitchen, Executive Chef Rick Yockachonis, formerly of Ma-Fias in Opelika, blends classic techniques from Italy’s Campania region with flavors rooted in the American South.
He describes the menu as one that brings Neapolitan technique and Alabamian heart together; every dish is meant to surprise, comfort, and spark curiosity.
Guests can expect shareable plates such as Saffron Arancini and Ahi Crudo along with an extensive raw bar.
Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and seasonal produce from Southern farms anchor the menu.
Brunch offerings range from mascarpone whipped egg pancakes to Italian-style Benedicts. Late-night bites include roasted fig pizza, olives, cheeses, and wood-fired bread.
The cocktail menu complements the food with Italian-inspired drinks such as a Negroni, Pepperoncini Martini, Italian Margarita, and the smoky Vesuvio finished with volcanic salt.
Rooted in Connection
For the team behind Olivine, this rooftop restaurant represents a blend of heritage, nostalgia, and modern vision.
At the VIP preview event, Food and Beverage Director Nick Wyatt told attendees that it was the first time the room had been filled with the sound of clinking glassware, rising laughter, and the aroma of wood fire drifting through the air.
“Olivine was based on a simple idea to bring together two places we truly love: the warmth of the American South and the soul of Southern Europe,” Wyatt remarked.
Olivine is open to both the public and hotel guests.
The restaurant serves dinner on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and stays open later on Friday from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Saturday brings brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by dinner from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and Sunday features brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests can follow along at @olivineauburn or book reservations on OpenTable.
Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama.
