Villa Antonio Italian Rstrnt

02/27/09

A very good pick for a pleasant date night out

by PickyDiner1 at Citysearch

My wife and I were considering different restaurants to go out for our anniversary. After looking over several recommendations from friends, we decided on Villa Antonio Ristorante on South Blvd. We figured it would be pretty good, but what we experienced was far beyond that. A very lovely evening was enjoyed by us both. We were treated with the highest respect at the door -- an immediate sign to me that the staff is attentive and very worthy. They sat us with a smile. The server came promptly to take our drink orders, and then meal orders. She was knowledgeable with our questions of the menu. Although this establishment is elegant with fine Italian food with exquisite service, the server and the managers were personable enough to us to make us feel very much at home and comfortable.

My wife was delighted to have the friendly maitre d', Fidel, escort her to the restroom on his arm.

While we waited on the food to come, we sipped our Merlot as we listened to the musician performing there. Apparently, they have live music about every night. Very nice. When the food came, the presentation was impressive as our plates were unveiled simultaneously by our server and another server with the clang of the plate covers --a nice touch.

The meal was hot and delicious. My wife had chicken parmesan, I had the Sacchetini with run-ripened tomatoes. It was some of the best I've ever had.

The musical entertainment that night was surprisingly good. The fellow at the piano, Bobby A, was very entertaining with a variety of songs. My wife was impressed with his vocals, too. Although we were content to sit and enjoy, Fidel coaxed us to the dance floor -- and I'm glad he did! We haven't danced in years and when Bobby played Lady In Red, my wife (wearing red) got choked up a bit. We connected like we haven't done so in a long time. I think that it was very much to do with our excellent experience at Villa Antonio. Great wine, food and music. Highly recommended. Please go!

• Pros: Ambience, food, music
• Cons: A bit pricey, but worth it

02/27/09

Medicore food, wanna be Italian place with high prices.

by eichen at Citysearch

We went there for a birthday party of a coworker. The only thing positive about the experience was that the drinks were refilled quickly. The chicken was bland, the pork dry and rice hard (from the buffet). The dish that had seafood in it reeked (like it had been sitting out too long). The lettuce head was cut into 1/8 chunks and just tossed into a bowl. There was only 1, yes 1! type of salad dressing (ranch). What kind of Italian place doesn't have Italian dressing? When it came to dessert we were told that they were 1/2 off, but when we got the bills they were $4.50 (and we thought, WOW, those were supposed to be $9.00??). Now, we realize that not asking about it was OUR fault, but at that point we just wanted to get out of there. Places normally tell you that they will add a 15-18% gratuity to the bill. The Villa Antonio decided to tip themselves 20%! Now that may not seem like a huge difference, but I have never heard of a place adding 20% to the bill. In my opinion 20% is a tip reserved for outstanding service...not filling up our drinks and clearing away our dishes as WE serve ourselves to a buffet style lunch. I will for one NEVER go to Villa Antonios again, nor recommend it. The soup was okay...but not worth the bill.

Buffet 9$, drink (diet coke) $2, Dessert (cheesecake that was bland) $4.50. Overall with the tip ~$21.00

• Pros: Quick drink refills
• Cons: Poor overcooked food, a dive.

02/26/09

Prodigious experience in food, service, and entertainment

by Carl25 at Citysearch

My husband and I searched for a romantic restaurant to try in the Charlotte area. We picked Villa Antonio's based on recommendations from friends and other research. We could hear the music as we entered and requested seating in the piano area. Bobby, the musician, played nostalgic, as well as,contemporary music creating an ambiance unlike any other we had experienced in a restaurant. He entertained during our meal and conscientiously chose dance selections while we were on the dance floor . Dana, our server, was meticulous in her service to us. She was the epitome of professionalism and service while discreetly allowing us to enjoy a rare night out without constant interruptions. The food was diverse. The Lasagna al forno and Penne del mar, we ordered, were prepared to perfection. We would highly recommend the restaurant. for couples wanting a unique, romantic, and satisfying evening out.

• Pros: Service, entertainment, food
• Cons: None