We had dinner there and had to wait 2 1/2 hours for our food! Very rude staff! No apologies. To top it off the food arrived cold. Stay away from this place! And it was horrible tasting. Never again read more

Hands down, THE BEST! Their decor and dining is very much Italia! The staff is very professional and all dressed much like you'd expect at a high quality fine dining experience. They have a beautiful Harpest that plays while you enjoy your meal. Every time I have gone to Villagio Ristorante I feel like I stepped out of Lutz and into Italy. read more

Amazing food and service. Don't listen to other reviews about service. Those people have obviously never been to Europe. They aren't like Americans where we go in, eat, and out the door in 45 minutes. They enjoy dinner. Dinner is an experience in Italy, not a means to an end... just like Villagio. read more

This place is awesome came here for father's day... everyone is so inviting great service and the FOOD IS AMAZING I will definitely be returning to this hidden gem read more

Villaggio's Ristorante Italiano - Amazing food ! - Italian Near Me - Lutz, Florida

Have heard a lot about this place and decided to order a to go appetizer. While ordering they were very helpful with the questions I had on the menu. My wife wanted to try the Bruschetta and I said what the heck throw in a small pizza and the famous garlic knots. Arrived at the location, can I just say this place is set up very nicely inside and the wait staff was very friendly and professional. While waiting for my food I took the chance to scope out the place and it seemed to be a very clean restaurant, you can tell they take pride in there work place. When they were bagging the food, the chief wanted me to know he separated the ingredients for the Bruschetta so that on my drive home "it wouldn't get messy." He was right it would have gotten messy and my wife was very appreciative. The pizza was truly top shelf, haven't had better, the sauce was amazing, the motz was very good, and my favorite pizza topping (Peperoni) was very good. The Bruschetta was scrumptious (stole some from my wife when she got up, don't tell her). The garlic knots, hot dang those are good!!! This is a must go, I certainly can't wait to go again. read more

Been comimg for over 10 years. Always outstanding food, gracious service with a real European atmosphere since the owner and entire waitstaff are from Italy. The owners wife serenades the guests with her harp, nice touch. Wine selection top notch. I have entertained many Europeans here and very impressed. read more

My husband and I had a great anniversary dinner at Villagio's. The food was fresh and delish. We both had the Chicken Villagio, which we both enjoyed very much. The server Diego was wonderful and attentive. The tiramisu was the best! read more

What is there not to like. Friday night and a great "Italian " atmosphere. Salad and garlic bread twists were great and around the table we had linguine w/clams (white sauce), spaghetti w/mushroom sauce, salmon, and chicken Villaggio. Everyone was thrilled. read more

You would never know from the outside, but once you go inside to meet the people, experience the atmosphere, and taste the food, you'll realize that Villagio is the rare real Italian restaurant in the Tampa Bay Area. It was actually a couple months ago that we went to Villagio for the first time and I didn't get around to writing comments until today, so I don't recall the specific dishes or wine we had but everything was perfect. We were dining with some friends from Italy who are regulars at Villagio, so we had the advantage of the waitress explaining the dishes and wines to them in Italian, that they then passed on to us. It was the best Italian food we've had in years (ever since Francesco's closed), and the people are not only very nice, but also very knowledgeable and professional. The atmosphere is authentic and nice, but not so extremely fancy that it feels like the kind of place you have to save for special occasions, though it's definitely suitable for special occasions too. They even have a harpist playing live dinner music to top it all off. We'll certainly be going back to Villagio as often as possible. Bravo! read more

Food was very good, but the service killed the experience. Took a while for the waiter to come over, had to flag down staff to get a refill on water and empty plates just sat in front of us as staff kept walking by. The place had a bit of arrogance like I was lucky to be allowed to be there and eat. read more

Went here Saturday night for date night, with no reservation I expected a wait. They separated a few tables to make room for us so we didn't have to wait! Staff was so friendly and nice. Service was excellent, albeit a little slow but it was a packed house. Had the sangria which was divine, the garlic knots and salad were amazinggggg, the pasta dishes my boyfriend and I got were both so so good. Everything was perfect and the price is so cheap for the quality you're getting! The ambiance in the restaurant is warm and quirky I loved it!! This place has been hiding from me for years and I can't wait to go back. read more

We had dinner here last weekend. We checked the reviews and we're looking forward to eating here. The restaurant was beautiful. The ambience was stellar. The wait staff was terrific too. But the most important aspect is the food. We shared the chicken piccata and the spigola sofia dishes. The food unfortunately was simply horrible. Dry, hard to chew and difficult to digest. I couldn't understand how so many people raved about the food here. That definitely wasn't our experience. We were so disappointed. I actually hoped I would vomit to rid of this awful meal. I am only giving 2 stars because everything else was so great or I would have gone even lower. I'm just warning other people. read more

I went there last night. We were there over an hour, even being Valentines day, and all we had gotten was our drinks. They told us they would bring out the salads first, then the appetizer. They brought out the appetizer first and it was burnt beyond eating. Other tables beside us that had came in well over 30 minutes had already gotten apps and salads. When I tried to ask the waiter where our salads were and that the app was burnt, he started arguing with us. We left. I tried to pay for the drinks but was told just to leave. Then the manager chased us out of the building yelling at us. NEVER AGAIN read more

Wow! 1st time ever and it was incredible! Had the Mahi Mahi and it was unbelievable! Service was good. Cappuccino and Baileys afterwards was the perfect finish. read more

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I love little places that make a meal a nice sort of event. No rush, just clearly explaining the specials, bringing out a glass of wine, taking the order, and then emerging from the kitchen with a plate that knocks your socks off. The service here is great, the decor adorably outdated, and the food is where the love is. This is how it should be. Simply stated meals covered in sauces so complex I found myself trying to pick it apart in desperate hopes of making it at home. I had an antipasto app for two with capicola, prosciutto and other fine tasty meats that also left me wanting more, even thoe the portions were large enough I had to tote some home. I like that the food here seemed like someone back there cared about it, and took time to make it. Charming place I'm glad to have come back to, and will again. Next time, I won't be in such a hurry, and give this place the time it deserves. Why ever go to Benedetto's? read more

Villaggio's Ristorante Italiano - App for two! - Italian Near Me - Lutz, Florida

Old school Italian restaurant with old school Italian food. This is a VERY good thing. Not really a place you would expect to find in Lutz LOL but yet it has been there for a long time - and thank goodness. Nice place to take a date or for holidays and special occasions. It's small, intimate and classy. The food though - that is really the standout of course. It's very good. Have eaten here a few times, each time I have gotten something different...and each time it's been delicious. Highly recommend the chicken Marsala and the tortellini - but really you can't go wrong with anything you order. read more

The best lasagne I have ever had hands down! I love the atmosphere of this restaurant. A friendly Italian man greeted us with "Prego" and showed us to our table. Our waiter from Italy took excellent care of us. A harp player serenaded us while we dined on authentic Italian food. We ordered the brucshetta with fresh mozzarella to start. Delish! And the garlic knots were hard not to devour. My boyfriend ordered the chicken parmesan and I loved it, but the lasagne! It made my eyes roll back in my head! read more

I am from Jersey and family is from Sicily and this place reminds me of Nonna's kitchen. The service is wonderful They are very friendly and authentic. The harp player gives the atmosphere a relaxing and romantic vibe. I have been here 3 times so far and the seafood is fresh, the sauce is amazing and the sangria is one of my favorites. We had the mushrooms and escargot and they were the meatiest snails I have ever had and the sauce they are in is so flavorful. The prices are a little higher; however, I am willing to pay for great food. Would definitely recommend this place for people that can truly enjoy Italian cuisine. read more

Best Italian in Tampa. Not close. Authentic old school restaurant. This place would be at home on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx.

The charismatic ways of the Italian men who greet you as you enter are matched with the truly authentic Italian cuisine this restaurant serves. The flavor will sweep you off your feet! I'm in love...with the food, the ambiance and the Italian accents heard from the gentlemen servers that make the whole experience just that much more grande. I could eat, drink vino and listen to their charm all night and then some. read more

This is the worst place I have ever had dinner at. The service was so bad I wanted to get up and leave I guess just because I come in there with my cowboy hat on they must have thought I was trash. But the joke is on them I am a true Italian chef and if I would have try to serve the crap they call lasagna to a dog it would have probably kill the dog. This place has rude workers and I would not be caught dead in this place again to pay $46.87 for food that you could not even eat it not good anyway I will not give them one more dime of my money. When my wife and I got home she got very sick from the burnt lasagna that the owner said was not burnt. But i guess the black burnt sauce on the bottom of the plate was suppose to look like that. Bull shit. If you want better food then what this place has go to the store and get a nasty frozen pizza you would be better off read more

This is real Italian food, not the crappy fake italian they serve on Van Dyke Rd!!!! This restaurant has been voted "Best of the Bay" for a reason. Their competition always copies their food and style! I love Villaggio!!! Staff is most professional with a family like atmosphere! read more

We dined here on New Year's Eve and had great service and the food was very good. House wines were very good as well. I've had mixed experiences here but this night they were on their game. The trout with risotto was very good as was my wife's roasted pork. read more

Great old school Italian place. The baked mozzarella was amazing as was the bruschetta. But by far the standout was the Bracciole! It reminded me of Sunday's growing up. read more

What can I say that most haven't already, but I will try... I have been reviewing resorts around the Caribbean paying particular attention to the restaurants for close to 15 years. I am originally from NYC and am familiar with all styles of Italian cooking. I blog often on Tripadvisor and have been awarded prestigious recognition for my reviews. This evening I had a need for an Italian home cooked meal in an ambiance familiar to my upbringing. Yes, I have been to Donatellos and all of the upscale restaurants in Tampa bay but wanted something better. I will tell you that I have found it. I googled around and stumbled across Villaggio. To me Lasagna is an instant indication of a chefs ability to afford diners a taste of their capabilities. Mine was outstanding, not drowning in a cheap sauce but bubbling with good mozzarella and a tastefully sauce. This was a home run. My wife had the primavera and I was surprised to see so many fresh vegetables in a blend of red and white sauces over a bed of pasta that was to die for. The wine selection was also a nice addition. The ambiance was comfortable and the harpist playing soft music was a very nice touch. Patrons in all types of dress were there and I never heard a negative comment. As others have said it was also nice to have waiters with thick Italian accents, it really separated this place from those fast food Italian wannabes like macaroni grill. Do yourself a favor, stop in an see for yourself, you may even see us there as we will certainly be back. read more

Visiting from out of town and went with our family for dinner. There are two eggplant dishes on the menu and we asked what the difference was and he said one is stuffed and rolled and the other is flat. We also asked if they come with a side of pasta and he said he didn't know but if it didn't no problem we could get it. Well, when we received our bill we were charge $5.95 for a small side of pasta. We questioned it and he said the one we ordered didn't come with pasta but the other one did. They asked if we wanted more rolls and we said yes, we didn't know that they charged for extra rolls and we didn't receive the rolls until we were done with our meal. read more

Awesome service, decor is a little outdated but the food is fantastic. Try the osso bucco, you will be far from dissapointed!

Everytime we go to Villagios the food is fantastic. Just be prepared for odd treatment from the staff. You walk into a foyer and it is not unusual for the staff to ignore you for quiite a while before seating you. On 2 occasions we actually left after 20 minutes of having them see us and take no action. It seems to be family/friends take precedence - not really sure, but is unnusual. On the other hand if you ever are seated, the staff is very interesting and friendly and every dish has been outstanding! Consistently so! read more

This place constantly provides an amazing dining experience. Wonderful authentic Italian dining at it's finest. The food, service and atmosphere could not be any better. We absolutely love the staff and highly recommend everything on the menu. Grazie. read more

The food was alright. I didn't really care for it but the atmosphere was definitely a great experience. Front the staff to the harp playing it was a nice experience with my family. I gave it a 4 for the experience. 3 or 3.5 for the food read more

The setting is unimpressive, but this is old school Italian so authentic they have to kick part of the nightly take to Tony Soprano. Seriously the food is much better than the corporate Italian at Carraba's or whatever it is they serve at Olive Garden. We enjoyed the food and service both times we've been there and plan to be back. read more

Simply authentic italian cuisine, prepared and served by real italians..It is the perfect quaint place for a great quality dinner... really the best we have had in Tampa Bay.. It's greatest compliment is the amount of italian speaking customers it serves. I'm partial to the charismatic heavily accented servers running around super busy.. if your anal about quick service then go on a weekday, but the food is worth the wait.. Veal Villagio was excellent!!! read more

We made reservations for 7:00pm, got there at 6:45pm and finally got seated at 7:30, at 7:50 the server finally came to the table and took our drink order, 15 minutes later we got our drinks, at that point he took our order only to rush thru it, I had to stop him to let him know I was not finished with my order, after he left we did not see him again for 45 minutes only to ask what was the hold up and we were told this is the usual, he then told us he would push our order ahead of the others which was unacceptable to us, they finally brought our food to us another 30 minutes later only to have forgotten my entire order and my wife's order, one of our party got terribly ill that night and they could care less about our satisfaction. Needless to say, we will not recommend this restaurant to anyone, in fact we will steer them away. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. $7 for your house wine? $3 per can of coke?? Their garlic bread had no garlic on it. Mozzarella marina was soggy. We sent it back and was told by our waiter that's the way its traditional made. Umm I don't think so. Caesar salad was drenched in dressing and didn't finish it. Chicken Alfredo was runny as water and had no flavor. The best part of the whole dinner was the side pasta and sauce. Our waiter didn't even once look at my date while he was talking to US but continually stared at my chest which was fully covered by my shirt. Families in this small place allowed their kids to run around like maniacs and crawl all over the furniture and think it was appropriate. Now here's the kicker: The Chef/Owner came to our table to CONFRONT my date regarding the fact we sent back the mozzarella!!! The Chef asked in a very rude manner of how it should have been cooked? My date simply said "we didn't like it just like I don't like your soupy Alfredo" Chef threw his hands up and walked away. Are you F-ING kidding me?? How unprofessional and inappropriate!!! $51 for worthless food. Olive Garden has better food for a quarter of the price... read more

The neighborhood secret. Great specials and fresh seafood. Always a great place to have a quiet dinner. Private room in the back for larger parties. The clam chowder is out of this world. I have never been disappointed. I have been here at least 50 times over 10 years. read more

Great little place. Our server was fabulous. He was an Italian guy and he did everything possible to make us comfortable and have everything just how we liked it. They only serve a very limited number of wines here and they come out in carafes. We tried an Italian red that was decent. I had a filet minion special. It came out in a sauce that was just ok but the meat itself was delicious. Mr. O had the chicken parmigiana and he said it was legit. Caesar salad was great too. At the end of the meal I got a free cannoli!!! Don't even know why but it was soooooo good! read more

We've lived in Lutz for 4 years and this was one of the first places we found. Great food, good staff, owner is very nice. The wait staff are mostly italian and speak it fluently. I cant say as I've had anything bad. Sometime service is slow if overwhelmed. Recently the house salad has become about 4 pieces of lettuce and an onion piece. read more

Hands down, my favorite Italian restaurant. Excellent food, great service, and a huge selection of wines. We have never had a bad meal here. read more

The trip to Tampa was made SO much better by a delicious meal at this incredibly authentic Italian restaurant. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Our waiter was charming, spoke excellent English, and helped add to the ambiance. read more

We decided to try Villaggios. We were a little skeptical upon arrival because we were early and there weren't too many people. Upon entering we were pleasantly greeted by the owners from Italy. We felt right at home! read more