La Villetta

Reviews

• Albert P.

  star star star star star 2 September 2026

  You will find this upscale Italian restaurant off of the main square which overlooks the beautiful Ionian sea. I visited in the off season so I can't attest to what the normal staff is like but on my visit it appeared that the chef's father was working the front of the house and the son was the executive chef working his magic in the kitchen but humble enough to have come out 3 or 4 times during our dinner to talk to the patrons and make sure everything was in tip top shape.
  
  I will caution that they were fairly strict to trying to maintain in appetizer 1st 2nd 3rd course type of experience and asking for things out of order or making substitution irritated the father in the front of the house.
  
  The wine selection was excellent with a collection of local wines and a beautiful house table wine that was served in the bottle.
  
  With fish that was grilled fresh from the ocean I almost felt like it with still wiggling on the plate but it was perfectly charred on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside.
  
  I had a soup that was absolutely delicious and I'm glad I ordered it even though the father was resisting me because I had already also ordered a set of appetizers.
  
  On a cold night mostly it was expats or tourists in this establishment but clearly this was not touristy food but high end Italian for tourists and for wealthy locals.
  
  There are a set of tables available on the patio area overlooking the Ionian sea which would be full and busy on a warmer day during a brighter season. The main charm is the insides of this restaurant with the candlelight lighting effect that they achieve in what would otherwise be a dungeon of an old castle cellar that is brought to life by light, decorations, nice table settings and wonderful wonderful food.

• Yury T.

  star star star star star 18 August 2026

  Best food I've had in Italy. I've been driving from Milan to Sicily over the last 2 weeks, stopping off everywhere in between. This is without a doubt the best food I've had in all of Italy.
  
  I had the grilled octopus with tomatoes, the pasta with shrimp, and the seared tuna. All 3 dishes were absolutely phenomenal!!
  
  What's also really nice is that the atmosphere is amazing. The place is designed to look like eating in a cave/castle.