Villa Paradiso is a premier Steakhouse & Italian fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Staten Island.
Fun The food is astounding and the atmosphere with the singing and music is so much fun. The price was also... read moreThe food is astounding and the atmosphere with the singing and music is so much fun. The price was also reasonable because of the quality and quantity of food given read less
Villa Paradiso is an incredible place to go with your family. I've gone there a few times now, and the... read moreVilla Paradiso is an incredible place to go with your family. I've gone there a few times now, and the atmosphere is incredible. On Fridays and Saturdays, Nicola sings "O Sarracino" and gets the entire restaurant singing, dancing, waving napkins. The food is legit Italian food. The whole experience is amazing. Highly recommend this place!!!! read less
My full review, with photos and details is up on my website, but here, I'll do a little blurb. ... read moreMy full review, with photos and details is up on my website, but here, I'll do a little blurb. Villa Paradiso is, in my opinion, some of the most authentic and well done food you can find on Staten Island. Last night was my second time dining there, and my experience only solidified what I already thought about the place. Chef Salvatore Lima spent time talking with Jason and myself, sharing his personal history as well as professional. He was excited to tell us about his mother's cooking, who he declared to be the best cook ever. And it was clear that her food, back home in Italy, was Chef Sal's biggest inspiration. We love being greeted with a nice glass of champagne and the delicious bread and rice ball plate (yummmm). To eat we ordered:
baby octopus - unlike any we've ever had because the heads are kept on and so full of flavor and texture, the puntanesca (olivey marinara) sauce that this dish is served in is amazing, and you should definitely save some bread for shoveling it into your face after finishing the octopus
Caesar salad - we asked for extra whole anchovies on top and were so excited to hear that Chef Sal uses the best anchovies, imported from Italy; the salad was great, a lighter less creamy dressing than usual, nice anchovy flavor, excellent quality of cheese, and seriously delicious croutons (butter and rich)
Entree was the special: Saffron gnocchi di mare with half a lobster shelled on top: omg so good; the gnocchi was the heavier variety (potato) and was dense and chewy, but perfectly balanced with the lightness of the oil/butter sauce and the seafood flavors in the calamari, mussels, and lobster. The seafood was cooked expertly, still carrying all of the flavors of the ocean without being really "fishy"... so good
We were impressed with the lobster tank - immaculate, and not over crowded like many restaurants - a testament to the freshness and constant rotation of the lobsters inside
We were also excited to talk to the chef and learn that he would be happy to prepare for us off the menu items, as long as we give him a few days' notice: "You want lamb's head? I make lamb's head. You want tripe? I make tripe."
I'm reading a lot of the previous reviews, complaining about the $60 recommended appetizer, but I just don't think that warrants giving a bad review: if you are concerned about prices, you should ask. And that does not take away from the quality and high level of food and service that is given. In fact, my opinion is that the prices on the menu are actually quite reasonable, even more fair than many other "big name" Italian restaurants on Staten Island.
All in all, I gave Villa Paradiso a five star rating. If you are looking for Americanized Italian food on Staten Island, you have about 1000 places to choose from. But if you are after authentic and rustic Italian cuisine, Villa Paradiso should absolutely be on your to do list. read less
Excellent establishment! I came with my boyfriend on a Saturday and was greeted by Salvatore my maitre d and chef.... read moreExcellent establishment! I came with my boyfriend on a Saturday and was greeted by Salvatore my maitre d and chef. Upon sitting he handed my date and I a champagne glass with strawberry. A nice start to a great dinner. I went on to have the seafood risotto which was divine. Lots of seafood and the risotto was cooked to perfection. My date had the ribeye and that also was perfectly cooked. The Demi glacé served with it was beyond delicious. To cleanse your palette the server sets down a fruit platter with watermelon, fresh cantaloupe and grapes. A great end to an amazing dinner. We also had the white sangria served in HUGE glasses. Overall a great night with great food and I felt like with great friends. 5 star!
And ps! To continue Salvatore the GREAT gave us a huge serving of Godiva chocolate mouse. I will be back again and again!! read less
A friend recommended this restaurant to us because of the food, and they were right. The chef, Sal, takes great... read moreA friend recommended this restaurant to us because of the food, and they were right. The chef, Sal, takes great pride in his dishes and everything was delicious!! I'm looking at the other comments and have to agree about the price of the specials not on the menu. Dinner for two with one sangria each was $200.--!! Four prawns as an appi were $45.- and the single pasta "pocketbook" was $14.-. A little shocking for a restaurant in Staten Island with absolutely no atmosphere or up-scale feel to it. People were there in jeans and t-shits, the lights were all full blast, the walls white and it felt like something just put together. Speaking of that, I would recommend to them to: lower the lights - way too bright for dining, lose the TV's with the wires hanging from the walls, do something about the counters left by Joe's of Ave. U, it's a little cafeteria-ish, and draw the drapes for evening dining (no one wants a view of the parking lot). You also need some advertising, we are always looking for good restaurants on the island and we never heard of this one opening. Please listen to your patrons comments and make the necessary adjustments, this restaurant should boom!! read less
What a lovely evening with some unexpected entertainment! This place is fun and delicious. We went for a... read moreWhat a lovely evening with some unexpected entertainment! This place is fun and delicious. We went for a birthday party and our waiter was incredibly charming. We had a prefixed menu and by the time we got the third course our waiter turns into a singing waiter, belting out some classic Italian, feel good tunes! The food was delicious too. The brannzino fish was perfectly grilled, tender and the portions were tremendous. This place was great. Highly recommend for a dinner out with friends. It's too bad I can't share video here, you just need to trust me. read less
This place is awesome! Upon getting to your table you are greeted by a friendly and lovely staff and served... read moreThis place is awesome! Upon getting to your table you are greeted by a friendly and lovely staff and served a glass of champagne while listening to live music performed by every staff person... From old school Italian music to Frank Sinatra, the Jersey Boys to Micheal Bubblé. Each song is better and better. Even the patrons join in! The food is amazing! I never write reviews but it is really impressive! A big thank you to Salvatore and Nicola for a wonderful night! They are fantastic! read less
I took 13 people out for my wife's 65th birthday this past Saturday night. Gino took my reservation and seated... read moreI took 13 people out for my wife's 65th birthday this past Saturday night. Gino took my reservation and seated us in his beautiful new extended room. Gino told me don't worry about the menu, he would take care of everything...and he did! The food was fanastic! His choices were suberb and my party had the very best time! Service from the wait staff was super and the music was wonderful! Thank you so much, Villa Paradiso for making my wife's birthday a memorable success! I can honestly say that Gino and his staff made us all feel like family! read less
Most fun you will have in a restaurant. Came here last Christmas Eve with my family and friends everyone had... read moreMost fun you will have in a restaurant. Came here last Christmas Eve with my family and friends everyone had an amazing time the food kept coming the entertainment was great. Would highly recommend read less
We celebrated our office annual holiday party at Villa Paradiso this year! What a hit! This is a first time... read moreWe celebrated our office annual holiday party at Villa Paradiso this year! What a hit! This is a first time for me, and most of the staff and we LOVED it! From the food- to the live entertainment they deserve more than 5 stars!
The chef of this restaurant was on chopped ; compliments to the chef everything was delicious!! I got a little VIP Aceess and got to meet him!
The owner of Villa Paradiso was so accommodating when booking the reservation and creating the menu for our evening out! He also is an AMAZING singer!
We had a prefixed menu that was family style appetizers pasta and entree
I loved this risotto it had asparagus and zucchini ! This was by far the best risotto I've ever had! And I truly mean that!
Talk about over fed! The food kept coming and we were so full halfway through!
The live entertainment and the singing was a blast we had so many laughs, so much fun, such a great experience!
100% recommended you will not be disappointed read less
Wow!
Came for a family party on a Friday evening when they have a singer playing piano. The entire restaurant was... read moreWow!
Came for a family party on a Friday evening when they have a singer playing piano. The entire restaurant was singing along, waving napkins in the air and dancing!! The staff encourages everyone to join and they even pass around mini maracas and ladles to drum along with the songs. The food is exceptional...huge whole shrimp, fresh branzino, filet mignon, pasta with homemade marinara, risotto misto w vongole, appetizers were unending--riceballs, calamari, pulpo, a misto of many ...Mamma Mia! You will not leave hungry. Save this for your cheat day ;)
This isn't just a restaurant, it is an experience. read less
We took my father here on Saturday, October 29th to celebrate his upcoming birthday and could not be more pleased... read moreWe took my father here on Saturday, October 29th to celebrate his upcoming birthday and could not be more pleased with our choice! The quality of the food from start to finish was superb as was the service.
We were greeting with complimentary champagne and brought a plate of panelle and mini rice balls. We also took our waiters recommendation to order the antipasto which consisted of buffalo mozzarella drizzled with olive oil and fresh basil/tomatoes, eggplant rollatini, prosciutto with melon and fried calamari. The quality and portions for the table were amazing. While I have noticed mention in other posts that it was pricey I have to disagree - the plates were huge and the quality unlike what I can find at a speciality store for less $$ should I wish to make it myself. I ordered the bucatini with cherry tomato and shrimp as my entree, delicious homemade pasta. My father and boyfriend had the veal Marsala and raved about it while my mother has the gnocchi which she loved. We ended the evening with three delicious desserts, espressos and cappuccinos. With dinner we also had a bottle of wine. The total for four people who had apps, wine, entrees and dessert was $276.00 when I thought it could have easily been more than that due to portion size and quality of the food.
Ambience wise, yes there is music, singing of old Italian songs and some could complain it was too loud. To be honest that's what my parents loved about it - they were reminded of a time of family dinners with a huge Italian family gathering and enjoying good food, great company and singing after some vino. It is also worth mentioning that we were not rushed out and immensely enjoyed our meal, vino and entertainment. A must try place in my book and I will most certainly return to this restaurant. read less
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! the Food the service the atmosphere my new favorite. from the moment you walk in you are... read moreABSOLUTELY AMAZING! the Food the service the atmosphere my new favorite. from the moment you walk in you are welcomed and greeted with such kindness like if you were visiting famliy the staff are just genuinely the most nicest people the Appetizers, Entrees, Dessert superb the ambience was relaxing and not the typical staten island feeling .The live music added just the rite touch .Definitely a great place for a Date night or famliy event even the fresh Cappuccino was a perfect end to a nice evening I went for my Anniversary Dinner on a Friday Night and i will definitely be returning well worth it if you want the home cooked Sicilian cuisine like your Nonna used to make please try this spot compliments to the Chef and all the staff there Thank You read less
Do yourself a favor and don't listen to all these negative ridiculous reviews about the noise and high prices. On... read moreDo yourself a favor and don't listen to all these negative ridiculous reviews about the noise and high prices. On a Saturday night, the place is not a romantic escape for two lovers nor a quiet dining spot for elderly. But if you have a family celebration and seeking a fun place with the top notch Italian food, great selection of wine and live music entertainment, you should definitely check this out and I assure that you wont be disappointed. The best place in all Brooklyn and Staten Island! Authentic Italian food (they have Italian chef from Italy in the kitchen), great service and atmosphere. We paid around $240, drinks included for a party of 4 adults and two children. This is price you would pay in any other place for dinner these days. But the quality of food is simply a whole different level, absolutely the freshest and the best. read less
We had my sis in laws baby shower there yesterday . talk about v.i.p treatment, the staff was polite, attentive... read moreWe had my sis in laws baby shower there yesterday . talk about v.i.p treatment, the staff was polite, attentive &hospitable to the fullest .we never waited or needed anything there were ready with everything . The food was absolutely delicious and the best ingredients . I absolutely loved it and give this place 5 stars !!! read less
This place is very traditional Italian. The food is delicious and rich. The portions are large and the selection is... read moreThis place is very traditional Italian. The food is delicious and rich. The portions are large and the selection is expansive with not only traditional favorites but also creative specials. The food is so fresh, you can see the lobster they pick out for you. Their sauce is light and fluffy not jarred bs. They give you olive oil with your bread and make a killer bruschetta. They play live music and the decor is very wedding style. It's very clean and the service is like you're eating at a 5 star restaurant. Can't wait to come back. read less
Most fun you will have in a restaurant. Came here last Christmas Eve with my family and friends everyone had... read moreMost fun you will have in a restaurant. Came here last Christmas Eve with my family and friends everyone had an amazing time the food kept coming the entertainment was great. Would highly recommend read less
What a lovely evening with some unexpected entertainment! This place is fun and delicious. We went for a... read moreWhat a lovely evening with some unexpected entertainment! This place is fun and delicious. We went for a birthday party and our waiter was incredibly charming. We had a prefixed menu and by the time we got the third course our waiter turns into a singing waiter, belting out some classic Italian, feel good tunes! The food was delicious too. The brannzino fish was perfectly grilled, tender and the portions were tremendous. This place was great. Highly recommend for a dinner out with friends. It's too bad I can't share video here, you just need to trust me. read less
We had a fantastic meal here my girlfriend and I. The waiter was fantastic and the owner was out of... read moreWe had a fantastic meal here my girlfriend and I. The waiter was fantastic and the owner was out of this world friendly and welcoming. The food was AMAZING. We both ordered specials. The food came quickly in large helpings. The homemade pasta was fantastic. Some of the best Italian I've ever had. I can't wait to go back and try more read less
I don't know if I would call us a steakhouse because A to Z is excellent at this place we... read moreI don't know if I would call us a steakhouse because A to Z is excellent at this place we came here for a party and we've had risotto of Pescatore de we tried the penne with vodka sauce we tried the seafood dish with shrimp, branzino and baked clams we also had the fried calamari and panelle which happened to be very authentic to Sicily, we also had the mozzarella di bufala with tomatoes,prosciutto di Parma, bresaola, we also had the steak of course and it was excellent but everything on that menu I found to be the best Italian food I've had in a very very long time and Im and I'm a chef myself. Ciro and his ability to sing in a great voice that he has,he is such an Entertainer that there is no way you going to go there and not have a good time. I believe it's Fridays and Saturdays only for the live entertainment I can't say enough good things about this place the only thing I can say is go there enjoy the food and you're going to enjoy the company it's such a great place to go to. read less
Absolutely perfect in every way. Food was spectacular. Service is fantastic. Will definitely return.
Perfection in Every Way! My parents' 50th Anniversary was awesome-because of the food, service and attention to detail here. Villa Paradiso is not inexpensive... read moreMy parents' 50th Anniversary was awesome-because of the food, service and attention to detail here. Villa Paradiso is not inexpensive but it is WORTH EVERY PENNY in every way! I will recommend this place to everyone. read less
Went there for lunch, they serve Sicilian food during lunch only(12:00-3:00). I enjoyed the fried calamari, it was made well,... read moreWent there for lunch, they serve Sicilian food during lunch only(12:00-3:00). I enjoyed the fried calamari, it was made well, not rubbery. We had the panelle special(fried chick peas, ricotta, and shredded mozzarella on a roll.
The wait staff was good they checked in with us, wanting to know if all was good.
Parking was good as it is in a mall area.
I ordered Calabrese salad(mixed Salad topped with Prosciutto, Provolone, Salami and Olives) for dinner later, and a Vastedda
(spleen sandwich topped with ricotta and cheese) for a friend.
Will return.
On Friday and Saturday night they have live music. In the evening it's an Italian menu. read less
Phenomenal. Went to my friends baby's 1st birthday. Hands down amazing service, delicious food and live entertainment. I wouldn't go... read morePhenomenal. Went to my friends baby's 1st birthday. Hands down amazing service, delicious food and live entertainment. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Planning on hosting my sons baptism here as a result. There wasn't one thing on the menu that I didn't enjoy.
Highly recommend. read less
Incredible food, even better service. Everything we ate was divine. The gnocchi was insanely delicious. Will definitely be back :)
Phenomenal. Went to my friends baby's 1st birthday. Hands down amazing service, delicious food and live entertainment. I wouldn't go... read morePhenomenal. Went to my friends baby's 1st birthday. Hands down amazing service, delicious food and live entertainment. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Planning on hosting my sons baptism here as a result. There wasn't one thing on the menu that I didn't enjoy.
Highly recommend. read less
Exceeded expectations The location makes it appear undesirable but this place is the most authentic Italian restaurant I have ever been to.... read moreThe location makes it appear undesirable but this place is the most authentic Italian restaurant I have ever been to. The waiters are friendly and enthusiastic but DO NOT have them "bring over some appetizers as they will not disclose to you that it will cost you $90 when you get the bill. Once you get past that the food is great and the entertainment will have you in a good mood all night. Highly recommended read less
Please note, I see above it says quiet... I came on a Friday night and this place knows how to... read morePlease note, I see above it says quiet... I came on a Friday night and this place knows how to party. I had so much fun. There's live entertainment Friday nights and weekends nights. I had an absolute blast with my friends. I did a Conga line, dance in between courses, and drank the white sangria- perfection.
Please note when I went everything was family style and it was nice for a party or group of 6 or more. We were about 12 people.
I want to come back again, I felt like I was at a wedding or a sweet sixteen. Such a blast.
Ps - baked clams were amazing. read less
Incredible food, even better service. Everything we ate was divine. The gnocchi was insanely delicious. Will definitely be back :)
Ornately decorated and professionally orchestrated, VP is one of the hidden gems on Staten Island. The food is absolutely amazing... read moreOrnately decorated and professionally orchestrated, VP is one of the hidden gems on Staten Island. The food is absolutely amazing and the service is impeccable.
A previous review noted a high priced appetizer special - if they have specials, ask for the price - they tend to be higher than the regular menu.
I've been here many times and have loved each visit more than the last. The bolognese is unbelievable and well portioned.
Get here - you won't regret it. read less
