We've been here a couple of times and we just love this place. The food, the service, the atmosphere and... read moreWe've been here a couple of times and we just love this place. The food, the service, the atmosphere and the entertainment cannot be matched. We were here last Saturday for a friends birthday and had the fixed menu. The food seems like it never stoped coming. Delish. What a great time. Can't wait to go back. read less

My full review, with photos and details is up on my website, but here, I'll do a little blurb.  Villa... 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

Absolutely one of the best dining experiences of my life! The food was delicious and the service was amazing! I... read moreAbsolutely one of the best dining experiences of my life! The food was delicious and the service was amazing! I can wait to go back!!!! Thank you to the staff for making our evening so enjoyable!  They even remembered my family from last time and greeted us with champagne!  Made such a special evening! read less

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!  the Food the service the atmosphere my new favorite. from the moment you walk in you are welcomed... 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

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

Absolutely perfect in every way. Food was spectacular. Service is fantastic. Will definitely return.

Great Old Fashion Italian Restaurant You need to understand the concept of this restaurant before you try it. It is more like an Italian Supper... read moreYou need to understand the concept of this restaurant before you try it. It is more like an Italian Supper Club. When my husband and I first walked in and were seated at our table we were a bit surprised at the loud music and the singer walking around. There were many large tables of 8+ people and as the night went on it was apparent that this is the best way to enjoy the restaurant. After reading one review where they were upset for being turned away since they did not have a reservation it’s because everyone stays the whole night. Later in the night the staff brought out utensils and pans from the kitchen and handed them out to everyone. We then proceeded to bang on them to old classic Italian songs. Other patrons later got up to sing and even one of the cooks joined in. We felt like we were in a little village in Italy celebrating with the locals.
Regarding the food, we got the impression that they prefer to make food suggestions and serve it family style but since we didn’t want the same food, we asked if we could order off the menu and they happily obliged. Everything from the drinks, to the appetizers to dinner to dessert was excellent. The seafood was freshly made as was all the other items.
So if want to enjoy this experience, invite all your friends and make a reservation! read less

Fabulous Place. Homemade Pasta, delicious Italian favorites. The owners are so warm and friendly. There is live entertainment. The entire... read moreFabulous Place. Homemade Pasta, delicious Italian favorites. The owners are so warm and friendly. There is live entertainment. The entire restaurant participated in the dancing and singing. The restaurant offers special touches such as complimentary champagne when seated, and family style dining.. a wonderful find! read less

By far the best food and most authentic Italian experience in Staten Island.  This restaurant uses some of the best... read moreBy far the best food and most authentic Italian experience in Staten Island.  This restaurant uses some of the best quality ingredients from Italy.  They have chefs from Italy in their kitchen.  Their food and customers service is second to none! 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

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've been to this place two times already within a month. The food reminds me like I'm back in Italy.... read moreI've been to this place two times already within a month. The food reminds me like I'm back in Italy. It's outstanding! And the liveliness is incredible. They had Italian singers playing the keyboard and tambourines.... Everyone was engaged and clapping. It truly was an awesome night. The service is perfect. The owner and waiters are extremely nice. They even gave the woman roses on their way out. I give this place an overall thumbs up. A must try. 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

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

If I could give 100 stars I would.
This place is excellent.  The food is absolutely delicious.  The service is impeccable.
My... read moreIf I could give 100 stars I would.
This place is excellent.  The food is absolutely delicious.  The service is impeccable.
My family dined there for dinner on 2 separate occasions.  We decided to have the bereavement dinner for my mother-in-law there.  Ciro helped set up our dinner.  Our guests were amazed at everything! 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

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

Sicilian Food at Lunch 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

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

I went to Villa Paradiso yesterday with my family and it was amazing ! I ordered the pappardelle with mushrooms... read moreI went to Villa Paradiso yesterday with my family and it was amazing ! I ordered the pappardelle with mushrooms and filet mignon and it was absolutely delicious, and the appetizers were amazing  !
The waiters are very accommodating and it was just an all around pleasant experience ! Will Most def. go 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 birthday party... 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 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

Came here on a Friday night and had an amazing time! The food was delicious, great service, and loved the... read moreCame here on a Friday night and had an amazing time! The food was delicious, great service, and loved the entertainment! Had a blast, would definitely come back again. I would recommend trying their steak, grilled octopus, and lobster ravioli! read less

Couldn't be a more disparate dining experience than my previous review.   Welcoming and hospitable, comfortable, capable staff and exceptional... read moreCouldn't be a more disparate dining experience than my previous review.   Welcoming and hospitable, comfortable, capable staff and exceptional food.
The excellent preparation and quality was only matched by the presentation and service.
Please make time to visit this delicious place.  Of note is their portions are good and appropriate for one.  If you choose to trade quantity for quality, you'll need to go someplace else.
Highly recommended read less

First time here and will return many more times!!!  The food is absolutely authentic Italian and really good entertainment.  The... read moreFirst time here and will return many more times!!!  The food is absolutely authentic Italian and really good entertainment.  The service is impeccable and Gino is fantastic!!  Everyone must try this restaurant!! read less

Excellent Italian on SI! Went here for my friend's mom's birthday who was turning 70! Everything from the food, to the fun atmosphere to... read moreWent here for my friend's mom's birthday who was turning 70! Everything from the food, to the fun atmosphere to great friendly hospitality and service was excellent. They feature live music (at leaast on Saturday) and invite anyone to sing and dance. The owner was super friendly! But the food was the best part from pastas to calamari to steak and especially dessert!!! If you like italian food you will love it here and the portions are family size you definitely will not leave hungry!! I cannot wait to go back!! read less

Incredible food, even better service. Everything we ate was divine. The gnocchi was insanely delicious. Will definitely be back 🙂

If I could give this place 10 starts I would! The food was truly authentic Italian, absolutely delicious! I have... read moreIf I could give this place 10 starts I would! The food was truly authentic Italian, absolutely delicious! I have to mention the service. My husband and I sat down and were greeted with a glass of champagne ( with a strawberry in the glass) our waiter was so helpful when trying to pick out entrees. They play real Italian music such a beautiful ambience. Once dinner was over they kindly wrapped our leftovers and treated us to a delicious little Italian pastry just to have " something sweet" I can't say enough about this place. My husband and both felt like we weren't even on the island anymore! Can't wait to take our families there! 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