Was almost canceling my reservation after I read current reviews. So glad I didn't! A great Northern Italian restaurant overlooking an inlet of water near Jones Beach. Expansive seating both indoors and outside. Went for an early Friday night dinner. The place was packed when we left. Also saw a guitarist/singer by the inside dining area when we left. We were warmly greeted by the owner who had his hostess seat us outside away from the sun, as we requested. We sat there leisurely as we waited for menus and the waiter to take our drink order. And eventually our dinner order. I understand why some patrons may think they are short staffed and complain that the service is slow. From what I experienced and watched service at surrounding tables this seems to be a normal occurrence. To not rush the customer and have them enjoy a leisurely dinner without getting a rush job because the table is needed. I like that mentality, as I'm sure that those patrons having a large gathering would appreciate that as well. Our entire meal was delicious and we loved the ambiance of the outside patio. Our waiter was attentive to our needs as well. If you are looking for a quick dinner go elsewhere, but you most certainly will be missing out on a great meal. read more

Love this place! Great food, great service, valet parking Not to mention Tom is just a great guy! read more

Horrible food, horrible service & a shady bill! Anyone who eats here does not know good food! Yeah your sitting outside, but your on a dead end, dirty canal, with the smell of boat fuel filling the air. read more

Amazing! Celebrating our boss' birthday and wanted a beautiful place outside. Call literally every outside restaurant on the south shore. No one could accommodate us. Called Villa D'Agua and they were very accommodating, very nice to deal with, not to mention the food was great. Everything was just perfect. There was a woman there that played music and singing. She was great also. I would highly recommend Villa D'Auqa and plan on going again Went again tonight, we had the best waiter Fernando. He was great, had a great sense of humor. The food was great. Can't wait to come back read more

Went here on a recent Friday with my wife and mother for my mother's birthday. I grew up around the corner and knew the place under a former incarnation, Villa Doria. This was my second time here under the current name. When we walked in the place was packed, we waited until the host/owner came over to us and we told him the name on the reservation, how many people, and the time (we were right on time, 7pm). At that moment a pushy woman walks up to the guy and blurts out that she has 7 people and also a 7pm reserv. I stared in disbelief as the guy takes this woman and 2 other people to be seated. IDK, maybe they were regulars, but by the time he came back to seat us I was agitated. If it weren't for the fact my mother wanted this place for her birthday, I would have walked out. We sat inside as it was hot/humid outside. As stated they have a large outdoor area with a bar. There were a lot of diners outside as well as a large group of people I later learned were there after a funeral. As we sat down, I saw they were seating a huge table next to us that had at least 14 people. I feared excessive noise, but they were a considerate group. The waiter, Paul came over and we placed a drink order which was filled quickly and thereby reduced my agitation. Paul reminded me of an older Joey Zazza from "Godfather III". It seemed all of the waitstaff were older professionals who knew their trade. Paul did. For apps we had a grilled octopus/calamari special and clams casino which were fine. I had the veal saltimbocca and both my mother and wife had the monkfish special. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Others report on excessive noise, which became true. Fortunately it was the end of our dining experience, but a large group came in and immediately the noise level rocketed. I think because it was a round table, people felt the need to yell to their friends. I don't think it was intentional, but it was annoying. Diners at nearby tables exchanged knowing looks or rolled their eyes. I felt my agita returning, but it was time to go in any event. I was not happy at the beginning or end of my experience, but very happy with the food and service. I would return, but not on a weekend. read more

I was anxious trying this place after all the bad reviews on Yelp. We went because we were given a gift certificate to the restaurant. We went on a Saturday night and the place was packed with several large tables. So the place was fairly noisy but that's ok with me. The service was quick and attentive. If anything the service was a bit too quick. The appetizers were delivered within minutes of our order. We had two specials for dinner a halibut with artichoke and a filet of sole almondine. Both were very good but the sole was our favorite. While we passed on dessert our waiter came back and offered an after dinner drink on the house. We gladly accepted and had two Frangelico on the rocks. A perfect end to a very nice evening. read more

Love this spot. Had the lobster and we were not disappointed. Our waiter was awesome, attentive and hot!

First time here. I was very excited about menu and couldn't decide what to order because everything sounded delicious. Ordered the shrimp in Gorgonzola sauce for appetizer. It was fine. Nothing special. Presentation was blah. Giant plate with four shrimp and some mushrooms laying around. Looked like nothing on the giant plate. Waiter recommended sole stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp. It was a pile of mush. Tasted ok. Presentation was terrible. Two semi-cooked potato chunks and some string beans to accompany. Really?? Do better. Folding chairs were too low for the height of the table and unimpressive canal for the waterfront dining. We were paying with a gift card and the amount of the gift card was more than the bill. We asked if we would get change and were told no, we would just lose the balance of the gift card. Very disappointing! Would not recommend. The wait staff was very nice though! read more

Food and drinks are always delicious at Villa D'Aqua. It has become one of our favorite restaurants. The owners are friendly and make you feel welcome as soon as you enter the door. read more

Horrible service. Don't come here hungry it will take over 2 hrs to get your food. Drinks are average I could personally make much better drinks myself. read more

I dine at Villa D'Aqua quite often, especially in the spring and summer. On Friday and Saturday, I sit outside for patio dining. They have live music, a great bar, and one of the best outdoor on the water patio's that I've seen. The food is very good and the owner is so kind and respectful. They are good place to go and not be rushed. read more

We were here on a Sunday evening for dinner. Food itself was pretty decent but that's about it. The restaurant was full, but by no means at full capacity. The serves was absolutely HORRENDOUS. It took forever to even get a waiter to take our drink orders & provide menus. Asking for our check at the end of our meal was apparently a daunting task, and we didn't receive it until our FOURTH request for the check, having originally asked for it the first time 35 minutes prior. Wouldn't go back bc of this. read more

i've never walked into a restaurant and walked out of it within 10 minutes of being there. my husband and I had a reservation, walked in, spent 5 min waiting for a hostess to greet us but she never acknowledged us even though she walked by us a few times and wasn't doing anything. An older guy in a suit (assuming the owner) walked up to us and literally said "in or out" that was the beginning and the end of our experience here. I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone read more

I miss being able to eat at Villa D'Aqua bur now we have the next best thing. Take Out!!! Quarantine isn't so bad now. Just kidding I've had enough of quarantine but appreciate Tom from Villa feeding us his specialties. read more

This place is like a 2.5.. food was boring and cheap.. the waiter was attentive to his credit, and he was engaging. But most of the people seemed uninterested in even acknowledging customers.. even the hostess had no interest in pleasantries. For 4 of us it was about 250 bucks.. and the food just lacked flavor as a whole. Mixed in with poor scenery (let's chalk it up to covid provisions?) It just wasn't worth it. Phils has better food.. Vincent's has better atmosphere.. and luigis on union turnpike is the best of them all- id pass on this place. Go where you'll get real Italian food and a better atmosphere.. this place left a lot to be desired. read more

Really flavorful dishes. We went for dinner on a Thur. night and were able to get a seat outdoors with reservation. It states they are on the water but only about half the outdoor seating actually has Water views. The service seemed a bit understaffed but it was a pleasant summer night so they were swamped. It took alittle patience in getting dessert menus but overall the servers are courteous and friendly. Try the Lobster combo read more

Love this place. It's our go to for all family dinners. Everyone is so nice and food is delicious. Great place for showers too. I personally had my baby shower and it was the best. read more

What a disaster. Made a reservation for 4 and were excited to try it out based upon good things we had heard. To start the waiter could not have been less interested to help us. No menus. Asked for our drink order - never saw a wine list so that was tough. Difficult to get a water refill. Had to flag someone down if you wanted anything - cheese, a second drink. No one was going to ask. Then the food. So bland. No flavor. Had the shrimp risotto as well as my friend. We both hated it. Was like mush. No one asked how the food was. Will never return to this overpriced mess. read more

I should have known it was going to be a rough night when we were seated at the table ( that was obviously an add-on ) at the entrance to the dinning room. I noticed 2 open tables the entire time we ate, but were never offered them. I ordered the " Lobster Ravioli " as an appetizer. What came was 3 THIN CHEESE Ravioli, with some artichoke pieces ,in what they must think is " Lobster sauce", if that wasn't bad enough, later when I got the bill, the 3 Cheese Ravioli cost $12.95 ! Hoping my Veal Marsala would make up for this disappointing start, it didn't. The first 3 bites were so tough and grainy, I actually spit all 3 into my napkin and called the owner Tommy over, ( because we never saw our waiter again, until I asked for the check )it was inedible. Needless to say a combination of the worst possible table, invisible service, a cheap appetizer, and an inedible veal dish, means I will not be returning ,ever ! Well, despite what the owner says below, I'd put my hand on a bible that every word I said here is the truth. Notice half the other reviews mirror my honest review. Also I included pizzeria/restaurants because most people frequent neighborhood places like these more frequently,and they are just as important. ps. The Wine Spectator magazine thought enough of my taste to do an article on me, any national magazine value your opinion ? Well since you want to continue this debate, I DID NOT WRITE ANY OTHER REMARKS, I guess you valued my money and my opinion more than I thought. read more

Love Villa D'Aqua. Food was fabulous as always. My only problem was that my waiter had his mask on his chin. Very disappointed.

I didn't really even want to write a review because it was going to be so scathing. But, I felt I owed it to my fellow Yelpers to at least warn you; 1-Food: Awful. I threw up all night after leaving here. I spoke to the people that I ate with and 3 of them had also been up all night throwing up. The food didn't taste good either. 2-Service: Bad. It took forever to be served each course. 3-Prices: Someone else paid so I don't know how the prices were 4-Atmosphere: It seemed pretty enough. We were in the upstairs room (not air conditioned enough) and it was OK I would never go back. read more

Went here late afternoon for special occasion on the recommendation of a friend. Was a bit disappointed. We were a group of 8 so we shared app/salad. Caesar salad was over dressed and the hot anti pasta was just okay. It was swimming in a brown sauce, that got all over everything else on the platters so everything had a similar flavor. The portions were on the smaller side and just okay. The shrimp had that iodine flavor and they were over cooked, as was the lobster. However, the steak was excellent, and so was the veal (fork tender). The greens beans were yummy. The desserts were all fresh/delicious, and the wait staff was attentive. The owner was very welcoming, and offered after dinner drinks on the house....Which did make me feel better about the price of the meal! I just might give it another try. read more

A 1 time visit. Food mediocre. Service weak. Place has a musty smell can't imagine we'll return.

I just left this place , I was so disappointed. prices are very high for what you get, Do not order the hot antipasto, it tasted frozen. Food looked and tasted like a mediocre wedding hall meal. If your an Italian restaurant and you can't make vodka sauce you should be ashamed. The owner even knew we trying them out before we booked a party. You think he would make sure the food was good. I'm surprised by the good reviews I wonder if they are from real customers. read more

We stopped by today for the first time and the food and staff were good. We did enjoy our dinner, but I am not sure if we will be going back not because of the service, but because of the atmosphere. The view of the waterfront is the back of people's homes and the smell of the restaurant was like damp water. read more

I was there last evening with my family and we had an excellent experience. I was worried about the service based on ratings I had read, but we did not have any problems. The place was busy by 5:45 when we arrived but we were seated immediately and our drink order was taken right away. The servers were walking so quickly you could see that they were all trying to give quick service when patrons wanted it. Our waiter was excellent and another waiter also helped out when ours was with another table - no delays. These guys were really working their butts off! The food was incredible- all 4 of us were very pleased with our dishes. The owner checked in with us to see how things were and we told him that everything was great. I have no complaints and my family and I will be returning to Villa D'Aqua! I was glad I selected this restaurant to celebrate my birthday. read more

We were seated at 6:30 didn't get menus for about 20 minutes! The appetizers came out about 20 minutes after ordering and they were okay! We waited an hour for our entrees and the food was mediocre at best! We were very surprised as we have eaten here in the past and the food was excellent! I don't know if they were short staffed or what but it was not a positive experience especially for a Father's Day dinner! read more

We visited this restaurant on Saturday evening, and found it to be incredibly noisy. It seemed that they had no record of our reservation, but seated us (a party of two) next to a table of eight and a table of four. We had to shout at each other to be heard, literally. The service was poor. I asked for a glass of ice for my drink, which never appeared. Since the waiter did not return after the entree was served, I couldn't ask for it. The food was fairly good, but we didn't order dessert as we were anxious to leave. As our table was being cleared, the waiter commented "I forgot your ice". I didn't need it by then. We felt ignored by our waiter, while the table of eight next to us received all kinds of attention. read more

Good food...good service. ...plan to wait for a table. ....Great Rob Roy......made the way I like them......

After our wonderful dinner here last week, my wife and I returned last night to celebrate my birthday. This time we sat outside at a table overlooking the end of a channel on a deck surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements. A group of ducks watched us eat while hoping for an occasional piece of bread. It was a tranquil and very pretty setting. We started our dinner with Zuppa di Clams, not on the menu but should be. It was delicious seasoned with just the right amount of garlic. For entres, my wife ordered Linguine Pescatore but changed the pasta to penne. When she ordered it, the waiter asked what seafood she liked and if there was anything she didn't. They then customized her dish to please her taste and they nailed it. She loved it so much that even though she ate all the fish, she took home a small portion of her leftover penne. I had one of my favorites, Veal Saltimboca. It was a large portion of tender veal medallions topped with prosciutto in a light brown sauce nicely seasoned with sage and served with spinach. Superb! For desert we had the Napoleon with a birthday candle. Its light flaky crust and creamy custard filling was perfect. While their rendition of the Happy Birthday song won't win any Grammys it was the perfect end to another wonderful evening. P.S. For truly excellent service ask for Tom the waiter and tell him Andy sent you. read more

Maryanne E. We were extremely disappointed last night 7/25/15. Went there for my husbands birthday! We were a party of five. The house wine was awful, And I tried two different types. No selection given on wines by the glass. They should have a couple of choices for each type. Not everyone at the table drinks red or white to order by the bottle. Apps were very stingy. Portions also very stingy. We eat at many fine restaurants & even when prices are extreme they compensate by giving you acceptable size portions. Our food was at best considered "fair". Our waiter was excellent though, He tried to make a poor dining experience better than what it really was for us. His service was the best part of our evening. Sadly, we will not be returning. read more

What a great restaurant! We had our son's Communion here and everything was amazing! From the initial phone call with Tom to planning the meal. The veal was amazing! The restaurant is so pretty and everything was just perfect! Very friendly staff, a feeling of being home. We have been back for dinner and we just love it here! read more

I have been going to this restaurant for the past three years for special occasions. The last two times I went the service was bad and the food was not up to par for the prices they charge. My wife's salmon was sushi raw, terrible. The calms were not fresh and I think they are using frozen not fresh meats. I will not be going back and it was convenient being down the road. Now I have to look for a special place to go for special occasions. So sad. read more

I dined here with two other friends and we were very please with the service, attention, cleanliness and the food itself ( reason we came). The decor and atmosphere is great for either a family dinner or a date. I had the Chilean Sea Bass which was delicious. I can't wait to return to this restaurant. read more

Best Italian food on Long Island - always delicious with great service and ambiance. The owner Tom always welcomes you with open arms and remembers you. Great for casual meals as well as any special occasion. In the summer we enjoy eating outside on a great deck overlooking the canal. read more

Nice location, but service was terrible, i had to ask for my water to be refilled 2 times. The tables outside had filthy plastic chairs. Food was nothing special. read more

Great upscale restaurant with an outstanding menu and superb staff. Save this place for that special occasion.

We went to dinner on 2/22/14 and our dinner service started a little rocky. We had a 7pm reservation for 4 and the manager was no where to be found to seat us. Finally, another staff member sat us. When we went to place the app order we mentioned to waiter that we would like to wait to place entree. He seemed very upset by this and told us that if you don't place the entree order now we might not get our food. I've never heard this before from a waiter!! At the end of a meal the waiter swooshed away the dishes, even the one my guest was still eating! I've never felt so blatently rushed at a Saturday night meal!! The only saving grace was the delicious food. Also, it is VERY noisy in the dining area. Don't dine here if you want a romantic dinner or to be able to converse across the table. read more

I've eaten here several times over the past year and have always had a nice experience. Service is excellent and so is the food. Price is ok too not expensive. read more

A nice Italian restaurant in Bellmore. Bathrooms are limited but service are excellent.