The olive oil world can be intimidating. As with buying a bottle of wine, you have to consider price, region, variety, and flavor — not to mention the use to which you will put that liquid gold — before swiping your credit card. It’s a lot to keep in mind, and considering how expensive a good bottle can be, it’s not surprising that I once felt overwhelmed by the decision.
Fortunately, a number of professionals are willing to help. Ina Garten came in clutch with an affordable suggestion for an everyday oil, and Oprah Winfrey saved the day with a bottle beautiful enough to double as a holiday gift. Not alone in their opinions, Martha Stewart, Samin Nosrat, and other famous chefs also chimed in with their recommendations.
After trying a few of these pro-approved bottles myself, I’m happy to report that I was never led astray. Some of the oils were subtle, others were heavy and buttery, but all were delicious.
If you also feel lost and confused, do as I did and put your trust in the experts. They know what they’re talking about.
Pro-Loved Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Olio Santo California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $24 at amazon.com
Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $38 at flamingoestate.com
Séka Hills Estate Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $19 at amazon.com
Estoublon Picholine Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $65 at williams-sonoma.com
Flor De La Jara Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $34 at amazon.com
Corto Truly Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $74 at corto-olive.com
Giadzy by Giada de Laurentiis Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $33 at amazon.com
Olio Santo California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Amazon
Ina Garten relies on Olio Santo in her kitchen. It has a delicate flavor that she described as “fruity” and “not heavy,” so it’s a great option if you’re looking for an oil that will blend into the background. While I would probably choose a more robust variety for an olive oil-centric dish like hummus, its light flavor complements everything else.
Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Amazon
The “only” olive oil Martha Stewart uses at home, according to the maven herself, is Flamingo Estate’s Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Testing editor Jennifer Zyman agrees with Stewart’s claim that this oil is worth buying, describing it as a “shockingly green oil with a grassy aroma, a peppery bite, and just enough round fruit to soften the finish.” Zyman’s favorite way to use it? “Raw on sourdough bread or drizzled over a salad where you can taste the nuance.”
Séka Hills Estate Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Amazon
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Samin Nosrat described the Séka Hills Estate Arbequina Extra-Virgin Olive Oil as “vibrant” and “alive.” I got a bottle to try and thought its grassy flavor and peppery undertones were lovely, but not so powerful as to overwhelm my palate or my dish. For special occasions and everyday cooking, this bottle is a great find.
Estoublon Picholine Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Amazon
After Winfrey dubbed Estoublon’s French picholine olive oil the “perfect hostess, housewarming, or holiday gift” in her 2025 favorite things roundup, it sold out at Amazon. Luckily, it’s still in stock at Williams Sonoma. Since its bottle is beautiful enough to earn pride of place on a kitchen counter, I’m concerned it could sell out again. And don’t forget to do as Winfrey would do: Bring a loaf of bread to round out the gift.
Flor De La Jara Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Amazon
In 2024, Winfrey said Flor de La Jara’s olive oil “practically taste[s] like a bit of Spain.” Made from cold-pressed Picual olives, this monovarietal oil is described by the brand as having a “bold and robust” flavor with “slight bitterness and hints of pepper.” One Amazon shopper commented that “you can’t buy just one bottle because it will go quickly after you taste it.”
Corto Truly Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Amazon
After a professional chef described Corto’s olive oil as “superior,” food editor Bridget Degnan eagerly procured a bottle for her kitchen — and it lived up to the hype. “Its fresh, earthy flavor works well in both savory and sweet recipes,” she wrote in a review. “So far, I’ve used Corto’s olive oil in cakes, pasta dishes, soups, vegetable sides, homemade hummus, and salad dressings. And while I love incorporating it into everyday meals, it’s one of the only olive oils I’ve owned that I will drizzle over dishes and dip fresh bread into (with a sprinkle of Parmesan, of course).” While it’s available in small bottles, Degnan loved that the brand has a 3-liter box for people who cook a lot.
Giadzy by Giada de Laurentiis Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Amazon
This gold-wrapped bottle of extra virgin olive oil from Giada de Laurentiis would make a wonderful holiday gift. She describes it as having “notes of ripe olives and almond” that shine best when used to finish a dish. De Laurentiis suggests serving it with seafood, but she also says it will pair well with beef carpaccio and salads.
Dining and Cooking