First, I would give this Italian restaurant 3-1/2 stars but that's not an option unfortunately. There were lots of good things but the inconsistencies makes it a 3-1/2 instead of a 4 star. Upon entering we were warmly welcomed. While we decided on what we would be having, we were given complimentary fried zucchini strips & bread. The wait staff is very attentive. Having never been here but using Yelp as my foodie guide, with its high star rating, I somehow missed that this establishment is prixe fixed so you cannot order a La carte anything. I honestly wish I had read more reviews instead of focusing on just the high-star rating. Anyway, the prize fixed menu includes appetizer, main entree, dessert and coffee for $38.95 with up charges for specific items that are clearly marked. Of course, both myself and my hubby chose entrees (veal parmigiana and meat lasagna) with a $5.95 up charge for each. On this Friday night, there was live music. It was very fitting for this Italian restaurant with its cozy Italian bistro/cafe atmosphere. It made it feel like date night. Hearing the music in the background was very enjoyable. Now the food, which came out in a nice even pace so we were not rushed. The appetizers of baked clams and eggplant rollatine were good. My veal parmigiana was absolutely delicious and prepared perfectly. My hubby's meat lasagna was good but in comparison to my dish it missed the mark. The desserts & coffee were fine, but certainly nothing overly special. I'm the person who looks at dessert first because I look forward to that extra special thing at the end of the meal. Overall a nice dinner out with my hubby. read more

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Came here for a retirement party. The room layout was a bit odd and not great for a large group party. Service was okay. The food wasnt bad. I had the chicken marsala. The chicken was good but the sauce was really salty. The pasta could have been cooked another minute. It was extra al dente. read more

Villa Olivetti Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Saint James, New York

Went with my wife for our 45th anniversary. First time at the restaurant. It was highly rated here on yelp. They have a great price fix menu with so many choices. You get appetizer or salad, main course and desert. There are some up charges on some items. Still a great deal. My wife and started with a shrimp cocktail and mozzarella and tomato. Both very good. Main course I had the Veal Francese and wife had the Chicken Franchese. You can get pasta or vegetables with the main course. The veal was really good with 3 nice size pieces. Recommend it highly. Wife loved the Chicken. For desert we have chocolate mouse cake and cannoli cake. Let me add our waiter Michael was very good. He asked if we had been here before and we said no. He called us newbies and explained the price fix program. We will certainly be back read more

Villa Olivetti Ristorante - Veal Francese and pasta - Italian Near Me - Saint James, New York

First time visiting this Italian restaurant and had a great experience. Although we didn't have a reservation we were greatly warmly and told it would be about a 10 minute wait ( expected as it was a Friday evening). Our server was welcoming and courteous and offered a few suggestions including a few specials that evening. The food was delicious and portions were generous. Loved the veal piccata and lasagna dishes. Restaurant had that old country Italian feel to it with either the manager or owner constantly circling around the dining area checking on the food and service ( adding that personal touch which is lacking in many establishments). Didn't stay for dessert due to other plans but what I saw being deliver to other tables I wish we did . All looked great. Overall nice Italian restaurant located off Route 25 with plenty of parking. read more

Always delicious food & impeccable service ! Mauricio & Michael make it a wonderful dining experience !

Always great! Staff friendly. Always good food and great drinks! Would recommend parties there too!

Excellent food and service. Staff extremely attentive. Everything was delicious and perfect.

The wife and I decided to go to dinner at this restaurant for our anniversary in November, based on reviews and opinions from acquaintances, but were disappointed by the ambiance. No warm welcome, we waited minutes before anyone being approached. I didn't think anything of it, I saw many table available at the time, but many minutes later we were given a small table in a corner, all fine with me, but my wife was not comfortable with what she described as nasty looks as soon as we walked in. Not towards her, she's Italian herself, but the looks were towards me, so apparently if you carry a little more melanin in your skin, it may be an issue with some of the staff, she was not having that, and said get up and let's go somewhere else. I was oblivious to the looks for she was very upset and we never returned. Despite us being mature adults, dressed appropriately for the occasion and setting, looking to celebrate nearly two decades of our marriage, we were left with a bad taste from the experience. read more

After enjoying a wonderful meal here a few days ago we returned for their Lobster night last night. The lobster stuffed with crabmeat was recommended. We ordered it and were shocked to discover that the entire lobster tail and thorax had been hollowed out and removed and replaced by a few shrimp and imitation crab meat. There was absolutely no lobster tail meat to be found anywhere. The claws were intact but there was no tail meat at all even mixed back into the imitation crabmeat and shrimp mixture. We were stunned and so disappointed because it says you get a pound and a quarter lobster but the best part was completely missing. We were very dismayed and our delight with our previous experience was now hampered by our confusion over this conundrum. The service was excellent. The desserts were disappointing and our joy at finding a new potentially favorite restaurant was blown away by disappointment. Also the bill was incorrect. We were charged twenty dollars more than we should have been. A waiter corrected the bill after we explained but we are left puzzled and saddened by this whole experience read more

Villa Olivetti us our to go place when we want great Italian food at reasonable prices. Mauricio the owner greets you upon entering and the Manager Michael is extremely friendly and will advise as to specials of the evening. Service is impeccable and food is delicious! Try it, you won't be disappointed. PR read more

The menu is filled with wonderful options and the specials never disappoint. The staff is friendly and so helpful. Wonderful food and a cozy atmosphere make for a perfect dining experience. Have been going here for years. Whether your first time or your a repeat customer, everyone at Villa Olivetti's makes you feel like family. read more

As others said, nice old school Italian restaurant with great food and even better service. The owner is present the entire time and the entire staff is extremely attentive, which is hard to find anymore. Great value on the price fix and lots of freebies thrown in! Will definitely be back. read more

We were there on a random day for dinner without reservation and they welcomed us with no problem. They are having an event, with people giving speech and so touched that started crying after we sat down. But nobody told us about this event, or we won't stay. There service was very slow, which is understandable because of the event. We were sitting there hungry without a waiter or water or bread. We asked for the menu quite a few times and finally someone came to help us to order food. The food is of good portions, but I am not very impressed (hungry still but I knew I had better). Nobody came to check how the food was or if we need anything else. Truly regret the visit and will not come back again read more

I had my daughter-in-laws baby shower here this past weekend. The food and service were beyond my expectations! Everything was perfect. So many more choices for the guests to eat than at other venues and affordable. Would highly recommend this venue. The staff was excellent and the food came out hot and delicious! Thank you to all of you who made our event go so smoothly. read more

I am here on a work trip. This place was absolutely amazing. The lasagna was 10/10. The veal piccata was a 9/10. They have us a free dessert drink and free appetizer. For no reason. Just because they are nice. Totally recommend. read more

Villa Olivetti Ristorante - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Saint James, New York

I arrived with a party of 4 on a Saturday night at 5:30 pm . The first thing I did was look around the restaurant to assess the dining options. Villa Olivetti is a quaint Italian restaurant that is nicely decorated with quite a few intimate areas to dine. Pleasant music was playing in the back ground. We were informed that a few large parties were about to arrive so we choose to sit at the spacious bar. First I need to point out that the staff is so friendly , welcoming and helpful. We met the owner Mauricio and a few of his brothers. Every staff member went above and beyond and served with a smile. They truly take pride in this establishment. Beautiful Moira was working the bar and was an absolute delight. She had us laughing for hours. We enjoyed fine dining at a resonable price. The menu is price fixed at $24.95 which includes an appetizer, main course, coffee and dessert. Some entrees have an additional charge, for example, salmon and swordfish. It was well worth it! Please take a look at my photos to see what we selected. Everything and I mean Everything was fresh, delicious and made to perfection including the bread basket. We continuously raved about our meal. We all agreed that we will be returning for many years to come. Can it get any better? Thank you Villa Olivetti for the outstanding experience. You are a gem!!!! P.S. grab the catering menu on your way out. read more

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Curbside delivery. COVID-19 era. First time I was there, the mussels were the best I ever had, anywhere. Tonight, ordered them and took them home and they had that fishy foul smell. Something was off with them. They might not have been fresh. What a bummer! The shrimp Fra Diavolo was good! But my heart was set on the mussels. read more

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fantastic service,great atmosphere,food is phenominal drinks are great. been there hundreds of times will always return read more

I visited for a friend's mom's birthday and the food was excellent. The service was outstanding and all the staff were a pleasure to deal with. I recently called from Florida to give a gift certificate for my friend's birthday and they were so helpful and made sure my friend received it. A great place to eat for a romantic dinner or to bring friends and family. read more

Biggest fault is I can ONLY leave a five-star review. My Fiancé and I have come to this place not only for meals, but have had our Engagement Party and Bridal Shower here. The food has always been incredible, as well as the drinks! In terms of service, the workers and owner have always been genuine and friendly. Definitely one of our favorite spots! read more

We enjoyed everything and be prepared to pack up some big doggie bags, especially if you were doing the price fix. Great atmosphere, great service, great prices, and we were treated like family We will def be back. read more

Solid old school Italian with great food and better service. Not too crowded on a weekday night. Will go back for sure.

I have been to this neighborhood restaurant numerous times before and it never disappoints. celebrated my birthday here tonight, with my immediate family. I loved the food, as I always do. Service was great, thanks to Mike. Only 1 problem; advertising a price fixe and then adding an extra amount to many of the choices. What starts out as reasonable pricing, turns into a much bigger bill than expected, especially when with a crowd of kids and adults. read more

This place is the real deal. Great food, inviting and homey feel, attentive waiter/owner. Reminds me of a small Italian restaurant in queens I used to go to with family. No need to go all the way to queens! Check this place out! read more

I love this restaurant. It's definitely on our go to list. The food it's awesome, great service and nice atmosphere. They always have a variety of specials to choose from that are very good. read more

Villa Olivetti Ristorante - Cappuccino and Italian cheesecake - Italian Near Me - Saint James, New York

DEELISH Italian cuisine; they also have a private room for Parties. I usually recommend them when others are searching for private Party rooms. read more

Decor needs a little updating, food is good nothing to write home about. The only thing that this place has going for itself is the servers are nice. Once and done! read more

We hosted a small wedding reception there for 32 people, the food was excellent, and the service was top notch, cannot recommend them enough. read more

Celebrated a holiday party there. Every table was taken. That's a good sign. The food was excellent. The service was excellent and our waiter was entertaining. Wine was included and it was very good. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

hard to be this place gets good review. Nobody from the 4 of us that had dinner there even thought it was average. Baked clams were the smallest I've ever had. Chicken Parm was not good. Stuffed mushrooms came in some awful gravy. It is price fixed but MANY items have surcharges including the desserts. avoid if possible read more

What a little gem! We will definitely go back. Found it on yelp, looking for Excellent Itallian fiod while visiting my son in college. Family owned place, brightly lit. Nicest most professional staff. And then the food! its a price fix menu with a lot of options. we had the grilled octopus and my son the escargot. Both delicious! My men ordered the Osso Buco which was a large serving and equally tasty. By then between all the fresh bread and garlic bread we were stuffed. Lol they gave us our desserts to go. My son said it was the best Italian meal in the area. read more

Food was mediocre. Staff was very nice. Acoustics are terrible, very hard to hear at your table and tables are too close together.

First time eating here after passing it a thousand times. So very worth it. Service was 5 star. Food was 5 star. Chicken parm was out of this world! Meal ended with a very tasty piece of Italian cheesecake with coffee followed by a mini snifter of sambuca. Owner wished us good night with a kiss for the ladies and a handshake/hug for the men. This place is now at least a monthly meal for us. Thank you to Mauricio and staff for an excellent experience!!!! read more

The food, service, and ambiance is great! My family and I have gone there for years - and have never been disappointed!

Seems people on Long Island really love massive portion, average, Italian places. The owner and the staff are extremely friendly and I really wanted to like this place. But the food wasn't that good and although it is supposed to be a value restaurant the bill is going to come out to $45+ per person with a single drink. For that price the quality expected goes up higher and my pickiness does. The $9 glass of house Merlot was really not good. For that price I could have bought 2 of the boxes it came in. My wife got pasta with chicken in it, and the chicken had a boiled like flavor. The sauce the main chicken dish was in was rather bland, and as others said almost everything on the menu has an upcharge. I got a rice ball as the first course and it looked as if it was fried for not very long. The center was cold, and it fell apart upon touching it. The crust was barely browned from the color of the breadcrumbs uncooked. I ordered a special which had a $11 upcharge that you can't know unless you ask as the specials are not written down anywhere. The desert wasn't really that good either. Bottom line is if you are going to be spending over $100 for a dinner for 2 with tax and tip on a midweek day, there's a lot of great places you can go to. Yes you get a TON of food but I'd much rather have better food. For what I spent I could have went to The Trattoria. And this place isn't even in the same universe. I'm glad people like it, and that they are doing well because I really like the family that runs it, but it is 100% overrated here. read more

101 Thanks Over & Over to Villa Olivetti 5 101 Birthday Party for Our Mother, Anne- at Villa Olivetti. Big Tent-50 people, Mauricio had the party Rockin', every step of the way. Even the driveway was blocked on our side, the great- grandchildren had freedom to have fun outside. Michael guaranteed a perfect party for Mom - and how true it was! Anne is still on Cloud9-as are we all 3 weeks later. Michael & Hector, a team of excellence. Everyone's needs were met and more, food allergies, no problem, never a glass empty. Food hot and delicious with impeccable service - Hector hands down - in a tent - who could ever imagine. My phone hasn't stopped ringing. The Family has had four showers and a baptismal, and countless lunches & dinners, at Villa Olivetti. They always make everyone feel special. Who could ask for anything more? Beyond Grateful, Camille read more

This restaurant hosted a Christening party for us on a Sunday, with a party of 40 or so. The design/decor of this restaurant is not sophisticated so it's pretty basic from that standpoint. However the entrees overall were good and everyone had a great time. The staff was friendly and always refilling drinks and such. The bread was the weakest part of the meal but the entrees we had were excellent.. chicken francaise and other similar stuff. The menu was made by the host so I don't know how big a selection of entrees they offer. They had music which fit the mood well since it wasn't too loud. We had a pink sangria which was alright though a little sweet. They gave us a kind of vanilla cake for dessert which ppl enjoyed though I don't eat cake myself. All in all though not really a fancy place everyone had a terrific time which was all that mattered in the end. read more

Came Hereford a private party. We were welcomed by the staff.. very friendly staff. They were attentive to the guests..and always checked our glasses for drinks. The appetizers and entrees were very good. Tastefully prepared. Calamari was fresh and crunchy. The remainder of our visit was very good.. if I lived closer I would repeat.. but I definitely recommend read more

Villa Olivetti Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Saint James, New York

"Villa Olivetti" was the last restaurant that my wife and I visited before the pandemic hit. We had gone to meet our friends to celebrate the beginning of the winter break. Most members of the 'clan' are academics. There was a very good selection of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts from the prix fix menu. Which also included a good selection of a complementary glass of wine and choice of coffee. It appears that there have been a few changes to the menu since the lifting of pandemic restrictions. While the prix fix menu choices are abundant, for instance, the new opportunity to mix and match appetizers from the entrees is excellent, there is also a new surcharge on several of the appetizers and entrees that had not existed before. Keep in mind that the surcharge on a few entrees almost doubled the cost of the entrees. This was not as it was 18 months ago. Moreover, the complementary glass of wine was also deleted. Disappointing, of course, but not a deal breaker, especially since the house proffered a complementary after dinner cordial. I would recommend the sambuca; an Italian licorice-flavored liquor. The portion of the appetizers is very good. It is certainly possible for two people to order two different appetizers and enjoy a nice portion from each other's order. The portion of the entrees, moreover, is also generous. Because a few of the 'clan' preferred to sit outside, we were whisked through the perfectly air conditioned dining areas to the outdoor tent. The indoor restaurant was overflowing with patrons and the bar had its fair share of individuals having a pre-dinner cocktail. The staff all wore masks - properly, I might add - but the dining areas were no longer socially distanced and there was no hint of any protective shields. The outside tent, while several degrees above the inside dining area, was well appointed. There was a fan in the far corner, and, to our surprise, it worked well to cool the area where we were seated. The tent area was empty upon our arrival. By the end of the evening; we arrived at 6:00PM and left after 10:00PM; only one other table had been filled. While the staff was attentive, it did falter a bit. I attribute the lag in service to the simple fact that the indoor restaurant was very busy and we were outside and, possibly, on one or two occasions, out of mind. The meal began with a generous helping of fried string squash flavorfully seasoned. The bread; although not baked on the premises; was delivered warm to the table and it was tasty, although it lacked the crust of a traditional Italian loaf. I broke with tradition and instead of the fried calamari appetizer, I ordered the 'gnocchi bolognese.' The portion received appeared to be that of an entree! The sauce was tasty. Regrettably, it was not a traditional bolognese sauce, rather, it was a some sort of marinara with a whiff of meat. The sauce lacked the velvety appearance and wisp of white that is usually found blended with a fair amount of meat. The gnocchi, on the other hand, were excellent and cooked to perfection. While not a traditional Bolognese, the combination of the gnocchi and the marinara was good. For dinner, I ordered veal parmigiana. The veal was excellent, cooked perfectly and blended well with the marinara. As to be expected, there was an over abundance of cheese and sauce. Some prefer it, others do not. I recommend that you close an eye if you do not, simply eat as you prefer, because the entree is very flavorful. The table ordered a bottle of Shiraz, which by my wife's estimation, was good. I would have preferred a Malbec or Chardonnay. The meal ended with a birthday cake, after all, we were all gathered to celebrate an important milestone. Consequently, desert was not ordered. Coffee on the other hand was. I ordered a decaffeinated cappuccino, sans cinnamon; I was committing one faux pas for ordering a cappuccino after the noon hour, I did not want to commit another by adding cinnamon. Note that the cinnamon is applied by the server at the table. While the cannoli birthday cake brought by one of the 'clan' was indeed exemplary, and combined exquisitely with the magnificent cappuccino, I am left wondering what the dessert menu of Villa Olivetti had in store for its patrons. I guess I will find out upon my next visit. The Takeaways... 1. If you are COVID conscious, dine outside. 2. Prix fix had entrees with surcharges. 3. Beverages are not included in the prix fix menu. 4. The 'Gnocchi Bolognese' is not a traditional Bolognese. 5. The prices of the prix fix; if not ordering from those with surcharges, is good. 6. Food is traditional American-Italian faire, abundant and excellent. 7. Order a coffee, my recommendation would be a cappuccino, it is excellent. 8. Make a reservation, especially on Friday evenings and the weekend. 9. Credit cards accepted. read more

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I had my daughters bridal shower here this past weekend and I have nothing but great thing to say!!! The food was fantastic!Portions were very big! The service was absolutely amazing! I couldn't have asked for anything better!! Thank you so much for making my daughters shower so special! read more