Villa Antonio Italian Rstrnt

07/31/08

Ballantyne restaurant review

by licious13 at Citysearch

We went on a late balmy night week night. They were still happy to seat us outside - in a section that had already closed for the night. It was late for a weeknight, maybe 10pm or so , and yet they didn't seem to mind at all that were there so late. The veal saltimbocca and veal marsala were fabulous. I'd give it 5 starts exceot for the very slow service. We thought they were out hunting down a calf! But luckily the atmosphere and food was worth waiting.

• Pros: Great veal
• Cons: a little high priced for what you get and a little snobbish

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

01/16/09

Horrible

by laura28202 at Citysearch

Stale food andbar similar to the Ballantne location less the fights and higher prices prostitutes at the bar. Dessert had mold on it

• Pros: nothing
• Cons: everything

11/15/08

Great food, super entertainment

by hardtoimpress at Citysearch

My first experience at the Ballantyne location was wonderful. We were seated promptly at a table in the bar area. The server was discreetly available during the entire meal. The calamari was perfectly prepared, as was the Lobster Ravioli and steak. The music was super. Bobby, the pianist, played several selections for my wife. He was wonderfully entertaining. I would recommend Villa Antonio's for the food and the entertainment.

• Pros: Romantic, cozy, live entertainment
• Cons: None

08/18/08

Great customer service, Great Food

by dsmall781 at Citysearch

I have been to the South Blvd location quite a few times. Dinner and lunch and once just for desert. On every occasion the service and food were outstanding. During dinner you wanted for nothing. I hate to see that anyone had a bad experience and the review that stated their was a skeleton crew, well I can only imagine that the economy has effected them greater than it would a day old bread store! Take a look around we are all lucky many of these business are still available for us!

08/13/08

Faltering economy - faltering restaurant

by albesure at Citysearch

This restaurant has been in Charlotte for a long time. There was a time when things were fairly good at the South Boulevard location. I went recently and the restaurant seemed to have been running on a skeleton crew. I think several tables came in at the same time because our service was slow and the food seemed rushed. I think my fish was actually boiled in the pan with some sauce. Pretty sad. My friend told me that he knows someone at the other location who said the south boulevard location was for sale. This would make sense due to the lack of detail. In all fairness I had to try the Ballantyne location to see if maybe it was better. The space at Ballantyne is nicer for sure but there was a drunk couple at the bar that were causing a scene. This was not the way we hoped to start the night. Anyway the service was a little better but the drunk couple at the bar turned out to be the owner and his wife! Wow!Anyway, the food was ok. I had a really good soup. The music was pretty horrible. The singer, Oscar, should get a lesson in falsetto. I tried to talk to the manager about the drunk couple but he turned out to be basically a scared, standofish kid that was more interested in texting and flirting with the bartender. Seriously, I asked a cuople of questions and he mumbled something and disappeared. Customer service is not what it used to be. It seems like restaurants are sturggling right now. It would be a shame for theese reasturants to fail too. They need to find a good restaurant consultant because it is obious they need help. By the way the Louis is FAKE! I have had Tres all over the place and this one was mixed with some sort of cheap brandy. That should be illegal. Ceartainly a complete lack of integrity.All in all I won't be back nor will I reccomend Antonio's restaurant ( who turns out to be from Spain - not Italy).

07/25/08

DISGUSTING AND OVER PRICED!

by epursley at Citysearch

I made the tragic decision to eat here for my birthday and was very dissapointed. We started off with the stuffed portabella appetizer . The mushrooms were very small, very few, and stuffed with and oversalted crab stuffing (almost unedible). My boyfriend ordered the filet and it tasted like a potroast. I think they baked it? I had the lamb and it was OK, but overcooked and the sides were very salty. The only thing I enjoyed was sitting outside, my maritini, and the band playing across the street at another restaurant. Do not eat here, it is terrible!!! Both locations, I hear!

06/17/08

The Worst Meal I've Experienced in Charlotte!

by Martino101 at Citysearch

The Worst in Charlotte!

Don't waste your time and more especially your money at Villa Antonio!

I've had some bad meals in Charlotte and this place is the worst.

The food was dreadful. The "cook" at this place knows only one seasoning and its salt.

We went with friends from overseas and we were very embarrassed.

The appetizers were luke warm and unimaginative.

My wife?s friend had mushroom soup that was worse than that from a cheap can, again loaded with the "cooks" favorite seasoning. Salt!

And Luke warm.

The "Fruitte de Mer"entree was awful. Large scallops and shrimps that were tastless, the lobster was shriveled and again the whole dish was over way over salted.

My wife had a pasta and chicken dish that was overcooked and looked as if it was put together by a 10 year old. She tried a few bites and abandoned it.

My friend had a veal chop that he somewhat enjoyed but again the potatoes were plated a while before the veal therefore was cold.

What is with the ornate plate lids that look like German WW 1 helmets! Anytime I have seen those is in VERY fine restuarants, when they lift the lids and say VOILA! It?s usually followed with gasps of approval, not here! The lids should have been left on the plates.

The next lids that this food will see are the lid of a garbage can.

We first tried to eat at Villa Antonio on a Saturday night six months ago. We were informed that the wait was 45 minutes so we decided to sit at the bar. They forgot about us although there were tables open throughout our wait at the bar, so we left and went elsewhere.

The wait staff was not over friendly until we sent an entree back.

I wish that this had happened this time but no we made a reservation and when we got there the place was nearly empty, big surprise.............if they keep putting out food like what we had it will not be long before they are out of business.

• Pros: None
• Cons: The Food