This place is pretty average and expensive for what it is. I've tried the arancini, picante pizza, capellini balsamico, and the pasta alla vodka. All items were mediocre and expensive. The arancini was soft and soggy but probably the best tasting item. The pizza was just ok, nothing special but not bad. The real issue was with the pasta, specifically the capellini balsamico which was bland and had way too much sauce compared to pasta - it was almost like a soup. The vodka pasta was ok, slightly less bland but also just swimming in sauce. For the price I expected the quality and taste to be better. After 2 tries I think it's safe to say I wouldn't try again. read more

I had a great meal at Villa Dolce. Sat outside in front, which is a little close to the street, but it was enjoyable. I ordered the wild mushroom ravioli with chicken and it was fabulous. Also had a mixed green side salad. Service was great with just the right amount of attention. It's a beautiful little spot with homemade desserts, and gelato offerings in a hip neighborhood. read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Menu - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

This is one of our favorite restaurants ANYWHERE and definitely one of the best in town. The owners are so welcoming and fun. Ginny is a fabulous server. We always have the best time when we have her! The bolognese is absolutely spectacular. It's so good it's hard to explain! We almost always get the calamari, and it was the best we've ever had tonight. We were too full for the crème brûlée tonight but HIGHLY recommend. The atmosphere is so relaxing, romantic, and fun...hard to balance all those vibes but they absolutely do! If you want amazing food, a fun night out, and to feel like family-this is absolutely the spot! read more

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Had a great meal here! Started off with the burrata and it was delicious. Myself and my friend had the capellini and it was very good. The men had the mushroom ravioli and they both loved it. The highlight was the desserts! They had a special which was amazing. A Dubai chocolate pistachio cake which was to die for so much so we bought one on the way out for the next day. We also got the chocolate torte which also was amazing. Our server was attentive and we had a chance to meet and chat with the owner. We will definitely return soon. read more

Cozy Italian restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating with many dessert options. What's not to love?! Started with the calamari appetizer with warm marinara sauce. One of the best fried calamari dishes in Madison. We shared the wild mushroom and sausage pizza. Appreciated that the staff accommodated our request to swap-in regular red sauce instead of the demi glaze. Loved this pizza! Desserts. So many desserts...I will admit dessert is what prompted us to dine here in the first place. We shared a piece of Princess Torte, which is not easy to find in the Madison area. All the correct components were there, but unfortunately, the sponge was dry. I think our piece may have been the cut side overnight. Not sure, but will try it again. read more

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Stopped through here on a road trip from TN back to MN. It was a fun restaurant in a suburb of Madison. Vibe: The food makes the restrauant looks fancier than it is. It's a nice experience that can be dressed up or down. No need to get fancy if you don't feel like it. Tables are very close together in my opinion, so it's not necessarily a private or quiet dining experience (unless you're there when it's slow). Food + Drink: Again, great food. We were all happy with our cocktails, fries, and pasta. My husband especially liked the rolls served with the meals. Parking: No lot, just find free street parking nearby. No issue for us. Price: Spendy. It's not an everyday meal for my fam. But for a treat when passing through, totally worth it! read more

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I was there for dinner on a week day. I was there early, so got a seat right away. Thai chicken pizza was my entree item. It was a nice flavorful pizza. But I was really there for the dessert. Princess torte was my favorite dessert item. It was a nice, not too sweet cake with marzipan. I also went for a getlato experience, which is 3 scoops of gelato plus chocolate covered strawberry. That was huge. Gelato was good. Pistachio, Pina colada and peanut butter were the flavors. I think I liked pistachio the best. read more

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The food and service were appalling. For the price, the food was not good. The $45 grilled seafood plate came with 2 scallops, 3 shrimp and a dainty piece of overcooked salmon. I ordered the shrimp and scallop linguine- which is misleading since it only had 2 quarter sized scallops and 3 shrimp on the plate. The sun dried tomatoes were delicious but the pasta was dry. I asked my server for a tad bit of sauce and she said it was a special olive oil sauce and basically - it was why it was. They didn't seem to care if we liked our food or not. Besides being stingy with the sauce- they didn't come to refill drinks - so overall- over priced, average (or below average) food and service. Also, I don't recommend trying to joke with the gelato lady- she did not like it. Won't go back. read more

Great Italian food, pizza, and espresso martinis. A very fun spot and I would recommend it if you're in Middleton.

I liked this place! It's unassuming and easy to miss in the middleton downtown area but very museum gelato shop esc inside. If you thought that was a weird description, that's because it had some perplexing design elements, but let's talk about the food. We can for restaurant week which varied in price from $25-30 for an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Really good options for each and there were three of us so we each had a different entree. First however, the appetizer. Salad was good but just a basic side salad. The whipped ricotta cheese and honey was great and the bread they served with it was fantastic and more was needed to use up all the cheese. The entrees were salmon, lamb shank, or gnocchi and the gnocchi was by far the best. Sausage, broccolini, herbs, cream, garlic, just delish. The buttered bread on the side soaked up the sauce really well too. The lamb was also good but the shank description made me think it would be presented nicer, instead it looked more like a Shepard's pie but had good flavor and was nicely portioned. The salmon was salmon , good but nothing exceptional. Nowwwwww lemme tell you about the dessert. The flourless chocolate torte is everything you want in a decadent chocolate ending for the meal. Slightly bitter but inn the best way. Their homemade gelato is also devine. I loved their hazelnut flavor. Overall good place, a hidden gem, and be sure to make a reservation! read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Gnocchi!! So so sooo good - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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This was my first time visiting, and I'm wondering why it took me so long! The ambience is fantastic--a perfect mix of modern, romantic, and relaxing. There were four of us, and we each ordered something different: the pepperoni pizza, beef tenderloin medallions, roasted lamb, and shrimp & scallops linguine. All we can say is wow! The food was absolutely fantastic. While the menu is somewhat limited, the quality of what's served is what truly matters--and they absolutely deliver. Don't skip dessert--their gelato and sweets are a must! The service was excellent, and the place was spotless. I'll definitely be bringing my whole family next time. read more

Overall a good experience. After being seated we had a few service missteps but our service was attentive, timely and good. My wife had the tenderloin medallions and I the grilled fish. All were prepared well and of decent quality. We expectations were met for the price we paid. read more

Came back to Villa Dolce this evening and had another wonderful experience! Came in during the dinner rush and thankfully was seated right away. Last time I ate outside/patio so this was my first time inside. Very tight quarters but really reminded me of Italy! Started off the the fried calamari which was a smaller than expected portion but still delicious. As the time passed it got a little chewy so eat it while it's hot! Split the entrees which were the steak medallions and bolognese. Both were incredible! Honestly the best bolognese I've ever had. Medallions were also great came with asparagus and roasted potatoes. Prepared to perfection and were phenomenal. Their menu has changed Akihito since last time but overall had a great experience. Staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, can't wait to come back again. read more

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One of my favorite Italian places in Madison so far! It's on the fancy side but isn't too expensive, so it's perfect for a date night or nice dinner out. My friend & I got the Arancini and Margherita pizza to share, and it was enough for two. Highly recommend the Margherita pizza, tasted very fresh and the crust was very light & airy. Ended the night with some Pink Grapefruit gelato (perfect amount of tang & sweet) and a great way to follow up a heavier meal. Overall, great food, lovely atmosphere, and pretty good service! Can't wait to come back! read more

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yummy italian restaurant in a cute spot in middleton! we had a reservation so we were seated pretty much immediately. i was surprised when i walked in to see a separate bar and ice cream area, seemingly away from the restaurant in a cafe-like style. service was good, for food we ordered the bolognese pasta, abruzzo pizza and the arancini. the arancini was unlike anything we'd tried before and was the perfect appetizer dish. granted it did fill me up quite a bit before our actual entrees came out. the bolognese was perfect and exactly as I'd hoped for whereas the pizza was good but not spectacular. i felt like it was missing that wow factor relative to other pizza spots. other than that, I thought it was a really cute spot and would definitely come back read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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Writing this mainly to let you know: If you're trying to decide between the mushroom ravioli and anything else, get the mushroom ravioli! Best I have EVER EVER had, every bite was amazing! The filling wasn't just mushy cheesy bits of mushroom it was REAL mushrooms and the cream sauce was liquid gold - delicate and flavorful, not too heavy. You can't really go wrong here - everything is SO good - but I also recommend the burrata caprese appetizer - simply incredible. The crab/lemon bruschetta appetizer was good but for five of us, more than 1 was too much and definitely get the burrata. The beet/goat cheese salad I would prefer with not so much arugula - would be lighter and less overpowering to use endive. Another winner here is the shrimp/pasta combos; the shrimp is large and sweet and perfectly grilled here. We weren't super into the lemon mascarpone berry cake for dessert - would choose something else (very heavy and sweet) - the grapefruit and blood orange sorbets were AMAZING. As always, the staff was friendly, attentive, and so helpful. Ginny was super sweet and so fun - and fast and efficient to boot! We had an amazing night at Villa Dolce and will always choose it as our Madison/Middleton spot for a special meal. read more

Always outstanding... Great food, great service, and staff since 2006!!! Awesome desserts!! Gelato too read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Carmel chocolate tart with hazelnut gelato!!!! - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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We were excited to check out villa dolce! It's perfectly located in the quaint center of Middleton. However, the food was underwhelming and reminiscent of a fast food Italian restaurant. Though there were large portions, I was not pleased with the quality to price ratio. The gelato was more the saving grace with the variety of flavors. read more

Very cute restaurant with fun seating and decor in a renovated house downtown Middleton. It's not extremely large so there may be a wait for a table during peak dining hours. Consistently good food and service, though. There's a small outdoor seating area along the sidewalk during the warmer months, and the gelato is delicious! I have enjoyed their pizza, pastas, salads and desserts and it's all been great! read more

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Stopped in here for the first time last week. They are doing a great job with social distance and serving about every other table. When entering the restaurant there are desserts showcased all of which looked amazing- Gelato, cannolis, layered cakes, etc. I ordered the salmon salad which was super fresh and flavorful. We also ordered the pasta farfelle which was to die for and probably what we would all order next time. The Gorgonzola and pear pizza was a bit underwhelming. There just wasn't much flavor to it. The other pizzas which we passed on the way in looked delicious so next time we will opt for something different. read more

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Went here for restaurant week because I've heard very good things about the place and there menu looked great! I was impressed at the setup as when you was in it's a bar and a dessert bar, then you go back into other rooms of the "house" to be seated. I ordered the bruschetta, the shrimp and goat cheese pizza and the mint gelato. My friend ordered the tomato bisque, the Maria's pizza, and the grapefruit gelato. Both appetizers were quite good and since we tried each others, actually paired well together. I was kind of surprised to find a slice of what seemed like Canadian bacon on my bruschetta though. We both really enjoyed our pizzas as well, though they could have maybe been in a minute longer to get the crust a little crisper, but that's just personal preference. I will also say that my pizza was a lot more greasy than I thought it was going to be, especially with all of the mysterious green sauce that was on it. The flavor however was great! I think that the dessert was my least favorite part. Let me preface this by saying that I've never had gelato before, but it did not taste like I was expecting it to. I know that gelato doesn't use eggs like an ice cream and is a base of milk/cream and sugar, but this ended up tasting like Italian ice to me. Maybe we just ordered the wrong flavors, but for some reason I was expecting more of a creaminess to the dessert. The flavor of the grapefruit one was good nonetheless, but the mint one to me just tasted a little too artificial. I'm still slightly regretting not getting the flourless chocolate cake or the creme brulee, which apparently had blueberries in it. read more

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Came here during restaurant week to get a little taste of everything. Depending on what you choose for your main, 3 courses for $25 is a great deal! I love the set-up of this restaurant! It's so cozy with bright lighting. Beware of only 2 bathrooms though. Truffle fries are always the safe choice to start although the restaurant week portion looked very small, would consider revise the plating for that. Entree favorites were the Gnocchi Alla Vodka (super generous portion size and the sauce is fantastic) and the Shrimp and Goat Cheese Pizza (very interesting combination, but nonetheless yummy). Italian Beef Stew was also generously portioned and tasted good, just not my favorite. I also appreciated bread slices with the stew and gnocchi so you can scoop up all the delicious sauce. The only let down was dessert - we made the wrong choice! I've heard many good things about the gelato but it's cold outside so we ordered the Black Forest Cherry Crepe and it was a huge let down - premade and sitting in the display for a bit, not great. Stick with the gelato! read more

We were excited to try this place since there are normally a lot of people eating here outside in the summer. The inside part of the restaurant is nothing great, but also not bad. We started off with the Burrata Caprese (highlight of the meal) and this was tasty, but I wished there was more bread. Given a large potion of the menu is devoted to pizza, I would have expected pizza to be the best thing to order. We were just underwhelmed by the pizza, maybe our expectations were too high. We ordered Prosciutto and Arugula, and also the Maria's Pizza. Everybody preferred the Prosciutto one but it just wasn't anything to write home about. It was decent, but when we have so many other pizza options at the same or lower price then I would recommend going somewhere else for pizza. Maybe we should have ordered pasta. For dessert, the gelato is yum, so go for it! read more

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We took my boyfriend's parents out for dinner here a few weekends ago. The only request was somewhere quiet, as his dad is hard of hearing and wears a hearing aid. My initial thought was Villa Dolce Cafe, given the small dining rooms and quaint atmosphere... not to mention the outstanding food. I tend to be a creature of habit, and once I eat a good meal somewhere I have a hard time ordering something else the next time I go. This restaurant is no different. The last three times I've been here I've ordered the same thing which was the Gorgonzola Pear pizza-- and the last four times I've been here I've been too hungry to take a picture of my food before I eat it! I did manage to snag some pictures of the desserts though (check out the flourless chocolate cake and cannoli below)! The menu is primarily Italian-based and they offer gelato which is great for warm summer days when you're walking around downtown Middleton, and need a treat. They also have a small vegetarian section, which I always appreciate. Parking can be a little tricky at times however there is a big lot across the street where you can usually find a spot. One of my Middleton favorites--check it out if you're in the area! read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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My favorite place to go for Italian food. Modern design and great atmosphere. Friendly staff. Recommend them to everyone.

Disappointing Meal. Started with the smoked Salmon Bruschetta. Not bad but the bread was not toasted, completely cold and soft like it was just sliced and topped. Of the 4 pieces of bruschetta only 2 had what was supposed to be tomato confit on them. But rather than tomato confit it was just some halved cherry tomatoes. Then I ordered Cacio e Pepe with the shrimp add-on. Nothing was right about this dish. First off, never do the shrimp add-on option for any of the pastas. It was $12 and I got exactly 4 medium sized shrimp - total rip off. And the shrimp were rubbery and not seasoned. Second, "Pepe" is right there in the name but there was barely any detectable pepper. I had to ask the server to bring a pepper grinder to the table and add some to the dish. Third, the sauce was far from the silky pecorino romano cheese sauce one would expect. I would say it was more like a cheap alfredo sauce minus the garlic. Finally, and most unforgiveable, the pasta used was angle hair spaghetti and it was very overcooked, no texture. Cacio e Pepe should be made with bucatini, or spaghetti chitara, or some such other hearty and toothsome noodle. This dish was a total fail. My wife had the much reviewed and loved mushroom ravioli. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as fabulous as so many others reviewing it have said. But at least it was edible, unlike my dish. The only good thing about the meal was dessert - the Princess Torte. This was awesome and the serving was huge. Between the two of us we couldn't finish it. Next time we'll go down the street for sushi at Takara and then get the torte to go and eat it at home. read more

They are a quality enterprise with good food, good service and caring staff. We were under a tornado warning and they immediately reacted with safety in mind. Could not have asked for more. read more

Sad that I'm leaving 3 stars, but this experience just isn't worth 4... we came for restaurant week- great deals and a chance for the restaurant to "wow" us to come back.. but it wasn't there. The crime brûlée was the star of the show- great flavors and the custard was lovely. The torte was also good- but very rich. My fiancé got the pizza, probably the best deal, more of a doughy crust- but great otherwise. I had the lamb shoulder- it came out lukewarm/cold on cold potatoes with cold veggies. I heard the table next to us complain about it being cold as well. Decent taste, but I could have made it at home. The whipped ricotta was cold.. not sure if that is how it was meant- but it would have been way better warm. We might try this place again.. but a mediocre meal tonight read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Creme Brulee and Flourless Chocolate Torte - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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The good: the lemon gelato bellini is tasty, but the Nutella crepes are amazing! I want to eat them for every meal. They are just Nutella, strawberries, and whipped cream, but it's so good. I just can't get into the entrees. Everything I've tried is just...fine. It's just not food that I am particularly interested in eating again. The pasta, pizza, and calzone I've tried have all been fine. They used to have a cheesy bread with marinara sauce appetizer that I loved, but it's been off the menu for a while now. I would definitely recommend drinks and dessert, but the regular food is pretty forgettable. read more

Ordered takeout and got eggplant parm. The dish is $19 and was 6 small overcooked pieces of eggplant with no pasta. This dish was definitely not worth the cost and was really disappointing. read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - a pan of lasagna - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

Always a wonderful winning extra. Enchanting attention, good quality food, attentive staff. Very good wine selection, and a dessert to die for. Homemade Gelato and marvelous cakes to top off a marvelous experience read more

Im working here in Wisconsin. I usually buy groceries and eat in my room. This place looked so quaint when I walked by I wanted to try it. Finally went tonight. I was told it was. 30 min wait for a table for one. I normally wouldnt wait but I had nothing else to do so I sat at rhe bar and had a Blueberry Mule (excellent). I got to my table and ordered Bolognese. OMG so good that I am writing this while still eating. I didnt want to forget to review. I judge all Italian against my own sauce and home made pasta. I am usually disappointed. Not tonight....Bravo to Villa Dolce Cafe. Definitely worth the wait! Lest I forget the service ... Jenny my server was amazingly attentive. Thank you for a great experience Jenny. read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

Always excellent food, service, and atmosphere! Love the easy Middleton location. Thank you.

I've always heard that this place is a hidden gem in Middleton, and it definitely is. Tried pasta and pizza. For their pasta, it was very flavorful but not too salty nor too oily. Mixed with a lot of ingredients and you can taste them in every single bite. Their pizza is thin-crusted and very crispy. It looks simple, but is so far the best Italian pizza I've had in town. I would suggest to come with a group of 4 so that you can order different food and share the dishes together. They're all in large portions. The desserts also looked pretty delicious but I was already too full after my pasta and pizza. Need to try next time. read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

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Great pizza, pastas, and atmosphere. They have cute seating outside and inside. The staff are kind and quick! I haven't been there too recently but have been meaning to go back since we moved and are minutes away now! If you love good pizza and Italian food, this is your place to go! read more

My favorite meal in the Madison area is Villa Dolce's bolognese. They don't even hand me a menu anymore because they already know what I'm going to order. Great food. Great people. Great atmosphere. A must try if you're ever in the area. read more

EVERYONE. STOP. AND GO TO VILLA DOLCE TO GET SOME GELATO! Seriously their gelato is AMAZING! I was honestly so impressed already by the price and the amount they give in a serving, but really what set the bar was the flavor and the gelato itself. The flavors taste so real, and the gelato is smooth, creamy, and rich. Probably the best gelato I've had in Madison. read more

Villa Dolce Cafe - Seafood antipasto - Italian Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

Best pizza, pasta, salads and gelato ever. Amazing place to go and would recommend them to anyone.

Great service, drinks food and venue! Staff is wonderful. Love the Pasta bolognese!