Villa Ristorante Italiano

Very nice ristorante, and very expensive, but quite authentic. A smaller set-up than we had expected judging by the outside of the building and the parking lot. Popular with resort guests (like us) in summer, reservations are a good idea. Great ... more

Very nice ristorante, and very expensive, but quite authentic. A smaller set-up than we had expected judging by the outside of the building and the parking lot. Popular with resort guests (like us) in summer, reservations are a good idea. Great wine selection - wow! The owner apparently visits Italy yearly to shop for wine and then learn a little more cooking. After that horror "Giuseppe's" in Charlevoix, this was a treat. Dinner for two (with alcoholic beverages) ran us about $100. A splurge, but an enjoyable one. less

This is the place for a splurge if you like real Italian cucina. Many fine Italian wines, extensive dinner menu, and real Italian espresso and cappuccino. The restaurant itself is a little small and gets crowded after about 6.00 PM, so make rese ... more

This is the place for a splurge if you like real Italian cucina. Many fine Italian wines, extensive dinner menu, and real Italian espresso and cappuccino. The restaurant itself is a little small and gets crowded after about 6.00 PM, so make reservations. It opens at 4 for the early dining set, and it's not hard to a table at that hour. We had a party of 6 arrive w/o reservations right at 4 (more a very late lunch than dinner) and we got seated right away. It started getting crowded as we were leaving. I'll take my guests here again, not to mention my business friends on expense accounts (only kidding!). less

This restaurant is perhaps a little expensive for the general area, but not as expensive as many of the New York places I've visited. We had a very nice meal with wine and grappa and didn't pay more for 2 people than "back home." ... more

This restaurant is perhaps a little expensive for the general area, but not as expensive as many of the New York places I've visited. We had a very nice meal with wine and grappa and didn't pay more for 2 people than "back home." The waitress was very nice and the chef came out to chat after we had eaten. It was quite crowded, and I'm glad my host had made reservations in advance. less

It is a good idea to come early because it does get crowded after 7PM and things can get hectic. There are many photos on the wall of Italian locations where the chef/owner did his training and where he buys his wines and spirits. Not a cheap pl ... more

It is a good idea to come early because it does get crowded after 7PM and things can get hectic. There are many photos on the wall of Italian locations where the chef/owner did his training and where he buys his wines and spirits. Not a cheap place, Il Villa is still worth the money if one wants to experience authentic Italian dishes. The portions are quite generous and garlic is in every dish. The wines are pretty expensive, but excellent quality. For the purist, there is San Pellegrino mineral water. There's a daily special featuring a different soup and entree. The menu is quite extensive. If one wants a pizza, one can get it, but go to Domino's instead, since it's cheaper. Those wishing to dine like they did when on vacation in Italy are best served here. The restaurant closes regularly each year for approximately 3-4 weeks so the chef can return to Italy to learn new dishes and buy new wines. For a large group, reservations might be recommended. less

Things must have changed since the first review, because we had a lovely dining experience here. After recently returning to the US after 30 years in Europe, we know our European food. So-called "Italian restaurants" in the N. Michigan area are ... more

Things must have changed since the first review, because we had a lovely dining experience here. After recently returning to the US after 30 years in Europe, we know our European food. So-called "Italian restaurants" in the N. Michigan area are just awful. We were very pleasantly surprised to dine at Il Villa. The owner/chef trained in Italy and he knows his stuff! The veal dish I ate was every bit as good as one I had in Trentino, Italy. My husband's gnocchi portion was too big for him, so I had to help. The garlic bread was made with real, baked garlic and I'm still stinking of it! The restaurant has an extensive wine list, some of which I recognized from my days in Europe, and some of which are almost impossible to get in this country. And here they are in Northern Michigan! Wow! The place also boasts about 120 different Grappa! It's pricey here, but I can understand why. The only thing I did not care for was dessert, the Tiramisu. It was prepared the way Americans want it to taste, not in the traditional Italian way. I'm too fat anyway, so I don't need dessert. The espresso and cappuccino were the real thing, and I was glad. Not for people on a serious budget, but a truly European dining experience! The service was also above average. Try it at least once, you'll like it! Molto buono! less