Amazing options for dinner. The food was as close as you can get to being in Italy. Whether you are a vegetarian or a die hard pasta lover there is an amazing option for you. The evening started with a wonderful Cabernet from Dynamite Vineyards. Next, our party of 11 tried many things on the menu. We were not disappointed! Come here for an unforgettable evening!
(5)
Tami U.
Service good. Lahvosh was mediocre. Pasta was very good. Lemon drop martini was horrible, but the grey goose martini was good, but tiny. Family was mixed on returning.
(3)
Joshua R.
Drove all the way from downtown... Shows as open on Sunday... Closed Sundays and Mondays... Thanks for the update villa
(1)
Becky R.
I love this place. Food is excellent, friendly service. Summertime has live music on the patio. Come, take your time and enjoy.
(5)
L B.
We had dinner here last night. We were quickly sat on the patio. I ordered the Sesame Almond Chicken Salad and I must say it was awesome!! I love their homemade sweet chili house dressing. It took a little long to get the check taken care of at the end but it was such a beautiful evening on the patio that we didn't mind the wait too much.
(5)
Lance G.
What a nice restaurant for the area with lots of improvements since the first time I was there. The waiter was professional and responsive, the food was delicious and the desert finished the meal off well! I will be going back with friends or on date it works for both.
(4)
Nicole M.
The food never seems to disappoint. There is a new outdoor patio and is absolutely beautiful at night! The service is wonderful, and they are very good with catering to allergy needs. The only downside is that parking is very limited.
(5)
Sandra B.
My husband and I had lunch at the Villa on 2-12-15. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. I had the pork and my husband had crab cakes. Both were yummy. We will go back and recommend them to our friends.
(5)
Wendy H.
This is a follow up review to my previous review. I can only continue to give the Villa a raving review. Every single time that I have come here (on multiple occasions) I have felt like I have walked into a good friends home with wonderful food. This is a family operation and their family extends to their employees. Their dedication to their customers and to their employees truly shows. I can honestly say that I have never seen more happy and content servers. And the food! Wow! They serve so much healthy food for their lunch specials that I have taken it home and had it as a second (or third!!) tasty meal! The desserts are fabulous. And the soups! I recently took a few of my friends who are great cooks and picky about when they eat out and they felt that the soups were beyond outstanding. I recently had a dinner party and had the Villa cater it. WOW!!! I was hoping for maybe a bite of leftovers - but nothing was left! It was so good that it was gone as soon as I put it out! I had hired a local harpist and pianist (Joanne Robinson - she was wonderful!). The food was so absolutely wonderful that she asked where I had gotten it from as she wanted to pick up food from the Villa when she has friends in town too. I had friends in town for my dinner party from Houston and they too agreed that the Villas food is top notch and even better than what can be found in such a big city as Houston. Great job the Villa at Palmer Lake! I have to say that your food is wonderful, the atmosphere is so welcoming - and I love how you treat your customers. The last time I was there with friends, we were there well beyond closing time for lunch, but yet we felt so very welcome. And we even got the best local travel tips (really good travel tips!) Thank you, thank you, thank you!! By the way - their drinks are great too!!! Awesome Bloody Mary, martinis and the Italian Margarita is delicious!
(5)
Charles T.
Sad, mediocre at best and ridiculously over priced. Don't come here if you're in a hurry service is extremely slow and the food is edible at best. I don't presume to be any sort of expert or critic but, I can honestly say this is not the gem it's portrayed to be. It's a nice place good staff but the food is definitely nothing to write home about In a positive light. Nothing we ordered was what we expected.
(1)
Linda K.
Just had a wonderful meal at the Villa. I had the chili salmon with garlic mashed potatoes. Our party of 4 enjoyed the environs while enjoying each other.
(5)
April C.
Best Italian food in the area. Mike is a great waiter and made the night fun with conversation. Recommend the Blue Crab Chicken and Sicilian Ice Tea!!
(4)
Kim W.
If I could give this restaurant zero stars, I would do so with absolutely no hesitation. Highly do not recommend. My boyfriend had this restaurant in mind after he came with his dad, aunt, and uncle for lunch. He wanted me to try it since he enjoyed it the first time he came. We arrived at 6:45 for our 7 pm reservation for a early Valentine's Day dinner and we were seated by a very nice hostess immediately. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed, there was a nice bar, and even a fireplace. However, everything went downhill from the moment we were seated. Our waitress came by our table with cups of water and another bottle for refills. Normally waitresses introduce themselves, or at the very least say hello, but we did not get a word out of her. She simply set the water on the table and left. She came back a few minutes later with the bread, but again did not say anything to us at all. This is incredibly strange behavior for someone who is working for tips, which I am typically generous with despite my poor-college-student status. At this point, my boyfriend and I were confused because no one had even taken our drink orders. We sat for 35 minutes and still no one had even taken our drink orders, plus I had lost my appetite from filling up on water and bread when we were willing to spend $80+ on a nice meal. The restaurant was not even close to full, so there was really no excuse that I could think of. In the meantime, all of the tables around us were being served and helped and generally attended to by the two waiters. One couple whose reservation was for 7:30 pm was seated and immediately their drink orders were taken. We were fed up with waiting and being ignored while everyone else received perfect service, so we left without paying for our bread and water. I had to restrain myself from leaving a nasty note on the table. Essentially my boyfriend and I were refused service. This is simple postulation, but it may be because we are Asian, and we are both college-age students. Every other person who was in the restaurant and receiving service was older than us and white. Coincidence? Maybe. However, I will never never never be returning to this restaurant. My money will be spent elsewhere as well as on waiters who deserve their tips. We went to get sushi instead. We received fantastic service there!
(1)
Denise S.
Came in for lunch after a morning hike for our first try here. Had the Greek chicken sandwich and it was great! Knots with oregano are very tasty. Very comfortable decor and quick service. Dinner menu looks wonderful but they're already booked solid for Valentine's Day
(5)
Todd D.
Excellent atmosphere! Outstanding service and food items...the bar is a lot of fun with engaging bartenders and servers. One thing to note, when making reservations, you actually have to stipulate the dining room. Otherwise, the staff will fill the bar area tables first.
(4)
Kevin M.
The Villa seems to change their menu quite frequently. Right now, their menu is definitely not your typical Italian-American fare. Lots of seafood, duck, and lamb tending towards a more high brow audience. I had the lamb couscous which was excellent. My wife was less thrilled with the menu because it lacked the typical Italian meals containing Alfredo or Carbonara. I'm not sure how she survived in Italy! My wife just pointed out that they might not be considered Italian anymore. They have two incidentals of note: the tomato basil bisque soup is fantastic, and the feta dressing is really good.
Delicious food and great service...have been eating here for several years now.
(5)
Matthew A.
We were excited to stay local and enjoy a lovely night out with friends at the Villa on New Year's Eve last night using this Yelp $20 for $40 offer. We were quite disappointed. When my husband tried to order a speciality vodka/scotch martini the waiter told him it was "disgusting" and a combination like that shouldn't be on the menu. Then why is it? It makes the customer feel foolish to have ordered it when you insult the very idea of the drink, by the way. We then waited a half hour for our drinks to arrive. The service was extremely slow, we had to ask for water refills, and the food was overpriced and very mediocre with entrees $25-$30. At the end of the meal when we attempted to redeem our Yelp offer the waiter brought the manager over, who proceeded to argue with my husband about using it, and we explained to her that we had checked very carefully for holiday restrictions and there were none indicated. After making us feel so embarrassed (over a $20 discount, for a table of 4 adults, 4 entrees, a $15 appetizer and approximately 7 drinks!) in front of our friends and other patrons, she finally said, "I'll take off the coupon if you really want me to, but just remember this for next time." I felt like we were being chastised and a customer should never be treated this way in a fine establishment. Poor service, mediocre, overpriced food, and an ungracious manager at the Villa have lost them the possibility of long-term local Larkspur patrons, and we will stick with the fine options in the Tech Center for a special night out.
(2)
Susan R.
Really good food. Great service. We really appreciate the fact that the owners are present and visible, greeting and chatting with guests. We were especially impressed with the bartender tonight who crafted a custom made lime juice for my husband's drink when they didn't have Rose's lime juice.
(5)
Julie W.
In a word, the food was bland. In two words, it was very bland. The parmesan garlic salad dressing was really just olive oil, garlic and the least flavorful parmesan cheese I've ever tasted. All it needed was a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper to make it edible. We never got the opportunity to ask the waitress for a splash of vinegar, lemon or something to add some acid, though, as she didn't return to our table until the entrees came out about 45 minutes later. We used a lemon from our iced tea, which made it a bit better. The service was slow and inattentive, although friendly. Our reservation was at 5:30 pm and there was virtually nobody else in the restaurant, so I can't come up with a good reason why we were never checked on and the food and drinks took so long. They did refill our water, but we were never given an opportunity, even after expressing our desire by asking for the wine list back, to order any more drinks after the initial order. We were cut off after 1 cocktail, I guess. :) The main courses were bland and sloppy. My veal stuffed "large" prawns on lobster risotto ($26) was such a mess, visually, I really lost what appetite I had left after waiting 1.5 hours for my food, eating bread, and drinking water. The veal was just a thin slice slopped over a prawn which was all slopped over risotto with some nasty vegetables thrown on the side. I dug out the prawns, ate a few bites of risotto and called for the check. My final complaint is that it was SO hot in the restaurant. I cannot imagine how hot it was in the kitchen, as we were sweating. Perhaps, that's the reason for the lackluster food. The chefs were just too hot to concentrate! To end on a bright note, my cocktail (Note, the missing "s") was amazing. I had the lemon drop with basil. Very, very good. The bacon wrapped dates were also really good, served with a nice balsamic reduction. We all really enjoyed them. Finally, my son's kids pizza (the only thing we boxed up to take home) was huge and he seemed to enjoy it. I hate to be so negative, but the meal and experience was just a disappointment from start to finish. The menu has some great potential, just really lacking in execution. Tips for improvement...learn the wonders of salt and vinegar, the art of overcoming shortcomings through excellent service, and open some windows or install an A/C unit.
(2)
Sam A.
Friends took us here tonight for our very 1st time. WOW!, we have been missing out. PRICY but excellent. $100+ for 4. Coke products. Friendly locally own place.
(5)
Elon B.
A few months ago I was visiting Colorado Springs (from California) for a memorial for my grandfather. Afterward, my uncle suggested we have dinner at a restaurant he really likes in Palmer Lake. He gave the address to me and my wife, and my aunt and cousin. When we arrived, we were asked if we'd like to be seated inside or out on their deck. It was still light and fairly comfortable so we asked to dine on their deck. It was very nice to feel like we still part of the "great outdoors" and be able to take in the lovely natural setting. It soon became chilly so one of the owners promptly turned on a really neat looking patio heater. We got drinks and some of the most amazing bread and dipping sauces I've ever had. I told myself to not get too full before my entree arrived. Then there was a surprise burst of rain and so everyone burst into action and moved all the deck diners into a covered area. If you live in Colorado, you already know how rapidly the weather can change. I just appreciated how calmly and quickly the staff took care of moving us. Then our entrees came and everyone enjoyed the great flavors and generous portions. Mine was some kind of chicken with tomato sauce. We all enthusiastically traded bites. I had definitely eaten too much bread (along with my drink) and so needed to ask to take half my meal home. It made a great breakfast the next morning. Finally, we ordered two different desserts and split them five ways. One was a mint chocolate cheesecake and the other was a flan-like custard. I was impressed that they were also "home made" and quite tasty. I was very impressed with our service. The entire time the staff was attentive, keeping our waters filled and asking if everything was alright. Next time I'm back in the area I will definitely return to The Villa Italian.
(5)
Foodie C.
The Villa Italiana-Sadly Disappointing- We recently had the opportunity to dine at the Villa Italiana in Palmer Lake. This is a restaurant that we have not been to for about a decade. The new owners, Chris and Kerri Bohler took it over after running the B and E Filling Station for 14 years, so we had hope that it had turned around even though their background was not in Italian cuisine. The atmosphere was pretty nice and romantic, but outdated. Faux painted walls with a cozy fireplace, but old worn out carpets and furnishings. The staff was friendly, but lacked the professionalism of a fine dining establishment. We were concerned when a diner at the table next to us told the waitress that he couldn't even eat the food it was so bad and nothing was done to help the situation. We were excited to try the "Blue Crab and Crawfish Cakes" a house specialty. While the meat was tasty and sweet, the cake lacked much of any kind of binder, which made it a very mushy consistency and not really a crab cake at all. It was served in a plate full of white sauce that really was bland and added nothing to the dish. It really could have used some acidity to brighten the dish. We tried the "Italian Margarita", a margarita with a shot of Amoretto added in and loved it. Brilliant. The salads were very fresh and included red bell peppers and sweet tomatoes. Both the house and spicy chili dressings were delicious, the latter leaving a nice heat behind. The entrees range from $11 to $22 which seems reasonable. We tried the "Veal Pepe Verde", a veal in a white sauce with some veggies and pasta. Unfortunately, while the pasta was fine, the veal was a very small portion hidden under a very thick bland white sauce. We had better hope for the Sea Scallops with bacon, capicolla ham, and cream over linguini. Unfortunately, this dish proved to be almost inedible. The dish came out with undrained pasta, the bottom of the dish with a quarter inch layer of warm water. Undeterred we asked for it to be corrected, but it came back still soggy. The waitress explained that it "wasn't supposed to be that way" and that the dish had been revised and would be remade, so we tried one more time. The dish came back not remade, but kluged together with so much thick white sauce on it that it looked like a dense stroganoff. It was really unappetizing by that point. The waitress asked if we wanted to take our food home since we had eaten almost none of our entrees and then proceeded to stack the plates with uneaten food on top of each other with the bread plates on top of that food. No, thanks! At that point it was time to go. We asked to speak to Chris, the owner, who was in the back, to help him to know what areas needed improvement, but he was unwilling to come out. Strange behavior with several unhappy customers in the restaurant. All in all we cannot recommend The Villa due to inconsistency of the restaurant and the food. Hopefully, improvements will soon be made. For a truly spectacular dining experience, look at our review of Fratelli Ristorante Italiano and consider dining there.
(2)
Sergei P.
This location seems to change ownership on a fairly regular basis, but this incarnation is pretty good. Attended a catered afternoon event here and the food was very good. The staff were attentive but not overbearing. Good touch with both pasta and vegetables. Kitchen staff knew how to season the food. The room is intimate and feels somewhere between a trattoria and a ristorante. Parking is off street but a limited. This is a business worth trying.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jackie H.
Amazing options for dinner. The food was as close as you can get to being in Italy. Whether you are a vegetarian or a die hard pasta lover there is an amazing option for you. The evening started with a wonderful Cabernet from Dynamite Vineyards. Next, our party of 11 tried many things on the menu. We were not disappointed! Come here for an unforgettable evening!
(5)Tami U.
Service good. Lahvosh was mediocre. Pasta was very good. Lemon drop martini was horrible, but the grey goose martini was good, but tiny. Family was mixed on returning.
(3)Joshua R.
Drove all the way from downtown... Shows as open on Sunday... Closed Sundays and Mondays... Thanks for the update villa
(1)Becky R.
I love this place. Food is excellent, friendly service. Summertime has live music on the patio. Come, take your time and enjoy.
(5)L B.
We had dinner here last night. We were quickly sat on the patio. I ordered the Sesame Almond Chicken Salad and I must say it was awesome!! I love their homemade sweet chili house dressing. It took a little long to get the check taken care of at the end but it was such a beautiful evening on the patio that we didn't mind the wait too much.
(5)Lance G.
What a nice restaurant for the area with lots of improvements since the first time I was there. The waiter was professional and responsive, the food was delicious and the desert finished the meal off well! I will be going back with friends or on date it works for both.
(4)Nicole M.
The food never seems to disappoint. There is a new outdoor patio and is absolutely beautiful at night! The service is wonderful, and they are very good with catering to allergy needs. The only downside is that parking is very limited.
(5)Sandra B.
My husband and I had lunch at the Villa on 2-12-15. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. I had the pork and my husband had crab cakes. Both were yummy. We will go back and recommend them to our friends.
(5)Wendy H.
This is a follow up review to my previous review. I can only continue to give the Villa a raving review. Every single time that I have come here (on multiple occasions) I have felt like I have walked into a good friends home with wonderful food. This is a family operation and their family extends to their employees. Their dedication to their customers and to their employees truly shows. I can honestly say that I have never seen more happy and content servers. And the food! Wow! They serve so much healthy food for their lunch specials that I have taken it home and had it as a second (or third!!) tasty meal! The desserts are fabulous. And the soups! I recently took a few of my friends who are great cooks and picky about when they eat out and they felt that the soups were beyond outstanding. I recently had a dinner party and had the Villa cater it. WOW!!! I was hoping for maybe a bite of leftovers - but nothing was left! It was so good that it was gone as soon as I put it out! I had hired a local harpist and pianist (Joanne Robinson - she was wonderful!). The food was so absolutely wonderful that she asked where I had gotten it from as she wanted to pick up food from the Villa when she has friends in town too. I had friends in town for my dinner party from Houston and they too agreed that the Villas food is top notch and even better than what can be found in such a big city as Houston. Great job the Villa at Palmer Lake! I have to say that your food is wonderful, the atmosphere is so welcoming - and I love how you treat your customers. The last time I was there with friends, we were there well beyond closing time for lunch, but yet we felt so very welcome. And we even got the best local travel tips (really good travel tips!) Thank you, thank you, thank you!! By the way - their drinks are great too!!! Awesome Bloody Mary, martinis and the Italian Margarita is delicious!
(5)Charles T.
Sad, mediocre at best and ridiculously over priced. Don't come here if you're in a hurry service is extremely slow and the food is edible at best. I don't presume to be any sort of expert or critic but, I can honestly say this is not the gem it's portrayed to be. It's a nice place good staff but the food is definitely nothing to write home about In a positive light. Nothing we ordered was what we expected.
(1)Linda K.
Just had a wonderful meal at the Villa. I had the chili salmon with garlic mashed potatoes. Our party of 4 enjoyed the environs while enjoying each other.
(5)April C.
Best Italian food in the area. Mike is a great waiter and made the night fun with conversation. Recommend the Blue Crab Chicken and Sicilian Ice Tea!!
(4)Kim W.
If I could give this restaurant zero stars, I would do so with absolutely no hesitation. Highly do not recommend. My boyfriend had this restaurant in mind after he came with his dad, aunt, and uncle for lunch. He wanted me to try it since he enjoyed it the first time he came. We arrived at 6:45 for our 7 pm reservation for a early Valentine's Day dinner and we were seated by a very nice hostess immediately. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed, there was a nice bar, and even a fireplace. However, everything went downhill from the moment we were seated. Our waitress came by our table with cups of water and another bottle for refills. Normally waitresses introduce themselves, or at the very least say hello, but we did not get a word out of her. She simply set the water on the table and left. She came back a few minutes later with the bread, but again did not say anything to us at all. This is incredibly strange behavior for someone who is working for tips, which I am typically generous with despite my poor-college-student status. At this point, my boyfriend and I were confused because no one had even taken our drink orders. We sat for 35 minutes and still no one had even taken our drink orders, plus I had lost my appetite from filling up on water and bread when we were willing to spend $80+ on a nice meal. The restaurant was not even close to full, so there was really no excuse that I could think of. In the meantime, all of the tables around us were being served and helped and generally attended to by the two waiters. One couple whose reservation was for 7:30 pm was seated and immediately their drink orders were taken. We were fed up with waiting and being ignored while everyone else received perfect service, so we left without paying for our bread and water. I had to restrain myself from leaving a nasty note on the table. Essentially my boyfriend and I were refused service. This is simple postulation, but it may be because we are Asian, and we are both college-age students. Every other person who was in the restaurant and receiving service was older than us and white. Coincidence? Maybe. However, I will never never never be returning to this restaurant. My money will be spent elsewhere as well as on waiters who deserve their tips. We went to get sushi instead. We received fantastic service there!
(1)Denise S.
Came in for lunch after a morning hike for our first try here. Had the Greek chicken sandwich and it was great! Knots with oregano are very tasty. Very comfortable decor and quick service. Dinner menu looks wonderful but they're already booked solid for Valentine's Day
(5)Todd D.
Excellent atmosphere! Outstanding service and food items...the bar is a lot of fun with engaging bartenders and servers. One thing to note, when making reservations, you actually have to stipulate the dining room. Otherwise, the staff will fill the bar area tables first.
(4)Kevin M.
The Villa seems to change their menu quite frequently. Right now, their menu is definitely not your typical Italian-American fare. Lots of seafood, duck, and lamb tending towards a more high brow audience. I had the lamb couscous which was excellent. My wife was less thrilled with the menu because it lacked the typical Italian meals containing Alfredo or Carbonara. I'm not sure how she survived in Italy! My wife just pointed out that they might not be considered Italian anymore. They have two incidentals of note: the tomato basil bisque soup is fantastic, and the feta dressing is really good.
(4)Paul B.
I used to love this place so much. On the positive side, Tyler was a great server. On the negative side, the food was not good and a good 40% more expensive than it was. I couldn't have been more disappointed. It was our 22nd anniversary and we were in great spirits having anticipated the meal for days. I'm so sad they have slid so far. Upon arrival, the updates to the restaurant were welcome. The reconfigured entry allowed smoother movement between the various areas. We were seated in our favorite spot near the 'back' fireplace and as mentioned, had great service. First thing of note was the complete menu change. The menu used to be very reliable and high quality italian at reasonable prices on average around $16. The only thing now at $16 was the lasagna with prices climbing steeply form there and I'd guess averaging in the low to mid-$20s. I ordered the seafood lasagna for $18 and my wife ordered a crab chicken dish for around the same. Historically they had an awesome seafood and pasta dish for about $22 which really was at the max of our budget but so good it was worth it. Seeing simple pasta dishes for that price now caused some concern so we figured we'd be safe with lasagna and chicken. The server offered bread which we happily accepted. Historically they would bring a pesto/red sauce for dipping which they no longer do. The bread was also much more fun and varied and was now replaced by petite little rolls. Our server graciously was able to get us some dipping sauce so that helped. After an appropriate time, the meals came out. Up till now there were little indicators that restaurant cost savings and menu price increases would diminish our enjoyment for this restaurant but now it was confirmed. First my wives dish of crab chicken with pasta. It truly was pasta - nothing else. The chicken had a couple strands of crab but not so much that it added flavor. Finally the chicken tasted like sautéed chicken - no seasoning of flavor whatsoever. Place a chicken breast in a skillet and cook then serve. The roasted vegetables were delicious but such a small portion (2-3 Tbsp max) they couldn't offset the overall meal. On to my seafood lasagna. It was served in an ~8 inch by ~4 inch 'boat' dish. The dish was filled to the top with cream. I couldn't see anything disturbing the cream surface so I started poking around the dish with my fork. In the very middle was a slice of lasagna approximately 1 inch wide by 5 inches long. Very sad I tok a coupe bites. The lasagna wasn't bad but it was cream flavored. Maybe it tasted like cheese with cream which effectively tastes like cream. I was so disappointed. For $18 I received a strip of cheese in cream. I set the dish in the middle of the table. The server came by and I explained my disappointment and my wife trying to save any potential enjoyment of the meal asked about getting normal lasagna instead. We were quoted a 15 wait to which I stated I think we should just let her finish and go. The server went to have then manager, I assume, remove my meal from the ticket. No one came by to ask any questions. For years we have told everyone about this place and our love of it. It was a big part of the magic of Palmer Lake but maybe much like the Lake, the restaurant has dried up as well. From reasonable prices, to delicious and reliable food, to fun breads and desserts, to a great ambiance, the Villa has slipped on all counts.
(1)Pamela S.
Delicious food and great service...have been eating here for several years now.
(5)Matthew A.
We were excited to stay local and enjoy a lovely night out with friends at the Villa on New Year's Eve last night using this Yelp $20 for $40 offer. We were quite disappointed. When my husband tried to order a speciality vodka/scotch martini the waiter told him it was "disgusting" and a combination like that shouldn't be on the menu. Then why is it? It makes the customer feel foolish to have ordered it when you insult the very idea of the drink, by the way. We then waited a half hour for our drinks to arrive. The service was extremely slow, we had to ask for water refills, and the food was overpriced and very mediocre with entrees $25-$30. At the end of the meal when we attempted to redeem our Yelp offer the waiter brought the manager over, who proceeded to argue with my husband about using it, and we explained to her that we had checked very carefully for holiday restrictions and there were none indicated. After making us feel so embarrassed (over a $20 discount, for a table of 4 adults, 4 entrees, a $15 appetizer and approximately 7 drinks!) in front of our friends and other patrons, she finally said, "I'll take off the coupon if you really want me to, but just remember this for next time." I felt like we were being chastised and a customer should never be treated this way in a fine establishment. Poor service, mediocre, overpriced food, and an ungracious manager at the Villa have lost them the possibility of long-term local Larkspur patrons, and we will stick with the fine options in the Tech Center for a special night out.
(2)Susan R.
Really good food. Great service. We really appreciate the fact that the owners are present and visible, greeting and chatting with guests. We were especially impressed with the bartender tonight who crafted a custom made lime juice for my husband's drink when they didn't have Rose's lime juice.
(5)Julie W.
In a word, the food was bland. In two words, it was very bland. The parmesan garlic salad dressing was really just olive oil, garlic and the least flavorful parmesan cheese I've ever tasted. All it needed was a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper to make it edible. We never got the opportunity to ask the waitress for a splash of vinegar, lemon or something to add some acid, though, as she didn't return to our table until the entrees came out about 45 minutes later. We used a lemon from our iced tea, which made it a bit better. The service was slow and inattentive, although friendly. Our reservation was at 5:30 pm and there was virtually nobody else in the restaurant, so I can't come up with a good reason why we were never checked on and the food and drinks took so long. They did refill our water, but we were never given an opportunity, even after expressing our desire by asking for the wine list back, to order any more drinks after the initial order. We were cut off after 1 cocktail, I guess. :) The main courses were bland and sloppy. My veal stuffed "large" prawns on lobster risotto ($26) was such a mess, visually, I really lost what appetite I had left after waiting 1.5 hours for my food, eating bread, and drinking water. The veal was just a thin slice slopped over a prawn which was all slopped over risotto with some nasty vegetables thrown on the side. I dug out the prawns, ate a few bites of risotto and called for the check. My final complaint is that it was SO hot in the restaurant. I cannot imagine how hot it was in the kitchen, as we were sweating. Perhaps, that's the reason for the lackluster food. The chefs were just too hot to concentrate! To end on a bright note, my cocktail (Note, the missing "s") was amazing. I had the lemon drop with basil. Very, very good. The bacon wrapped dates were also really good, served with a nice balsamic reduction. We all really enjoyed them. Finally, my son's kids pizza (the only thing we boxed up to take home) was huge and he seemed to enjoy it. I hate to be so negative, but the meal and experience was just a disappointment from start to finish. The menu has some great potential, just really lacking in execution. Tips for improvement...learn the wonders of salt and vinegar, the art of overcoming shortcomings through excellent service, and open some windows or install an A/C unit.
(2)Sam A.
Friends took us here tonight for our very 1st time. WOW!, we have been missing out. PRICY but excellent. $100+ for 4. Coke products. Friendly locally own place.
(5)Elon B.
A few months ago I was visiting Colorado Springs (from California) for a memorial for my grandfather. Afterward, my uncle suggested we have dinner at a restaurant he really likes in Palmer Lake. He gave the address to me and my wife, and my aunt and cousin. When we arrived, we were asked if we'd like to be seated inside or out on their deck. It was still light and fairly comfortable so we asked to dine on their deck. It was very nice to feel like we still part of the "great outdoors" and be able to take in the lovely natural setting. It soon became chilly so one of the owners promptly turned on a really neat looking patio heater. We got drinks and some of the most amazing bread and dipping sauces I've ever had. I told myself to not get too full before my entree arrived. Then there was a surprise burst of rain and so everyone burst into action and moved all the deck diners into a covered area. If you live in Colorado, you already know how rapidly the weather can change. I just appreciated how calmly and quickly the staff took care of moving us. Then our entrees came and everyone enjoyed the great flavors and generous portions. Mine was some kind of chicken with tomato sauce. We all enthusiastically traded bites. I had definitely eaten too much bread (along with my drink) and so needed to ask to take half my meal home. It made a great breakfast the next morning. Finally, we ordered two different desserts and split them five ways. One was a mint chocolate cheesecake and the other was a flan-like custard. I was impressed that they were also "home made" and quite tasty. I was very impressed with our service. The entire time the staff was attentive, keeping our waters filled and asking if everything was alright. Next time I'm back in the area I will definitely return to The Villa Italian.
(5)Foodie C.
The Villa Italiana-Sadly Disappointing- We recently had the opportunity to dine at the Villa Italiana in Palmer Lake. This is a restaurant that we have not been to for about a decade. The new owners, Chris and Kerri Bohler took it over after running the B and E Filling Station for 14 years, so we had hope that it had turned around even though their background was not in Italian cuisine. The atmosphere was pretty nice and romantic, but outdated. Faux painted walls with a cozy fireplace, but old worn out carpets and furnishings. The staff was friendly, but lacked the professionalism of a fine dining establishment. We were concerned when a diner at the table next to us told the waitress that he couldn't even eat the food it was so bad and nothing was done to help the situation. We were excited to try the "Blue Crab and Crawfish Cakes" a house specialty. While the meat was tasty and sweet, the cake lacked much of any kind of binder, which made it a very mushy consistency and not really a crab cake at all. It was served in a plate full of white sauce that really was bland and added nothing to the dish. It really could have used some acidity to brighten the dish. We tried the "Italian Margarita", a margarita with a shot of Amoretto added in and loved it. Brilliant. The salads were very fresh and included red bell peppers and sweet tomatoes. Both the house and spicy chili dressings were delicious, the latter leaving a nice heat behind. The entrees range from $11 to $22 which seems reasonable. We tried the "Veal Pepe Verde", a veal in a white sauce with some veggies and pasta. Unfortunately, while the pasta was fine, the veal was a very small portion hidden under a very thick bland white sauce. We had better hope for the Sea Scallops with bacon, capicolla ham, and cream over linguini. Unfortunately, this dish proved to be almost inedible. The dish came out with undrained pasta, the bottom of the dish with a quarter inch layer of warm water. Undeterred we asked for it to be corrected, but it came back still soggy. The waitress explained that it "wasn't supposed to be that way" and that the dish had been revised and would be remade, so we tried one more time. The dish came back not remade, but kluged together with so much thick white sauce on it that it looked like a dense stroganoff. It was really unappetizing by that point. The waitress asked if we wanted to take our food home since we had eaten almost none of our entrees and then proceeded to stack the plates with uneaten food on top of each other with the bread plates on top of that food. No, thanks! At that point it was time to go. We asked to speak to Chris, the owner, who was in the back, to help him to know what areas needed improvement, but he was unwilling to come out. Strange behavior with several unhappy customers in the restaurant. All in all we cannot recommend The Villa due to inconsistency of the restaurant and the food. Hopefully, improvements will soon be made. For a truly spectacular dining experience, look at our review of Fratelli Ristorante Italiano and consider dining there.
(2)Sergei P.
This location seems to change ownership on a fairly regular basis, but this incarnation is pretty good. Attended a catered afternoon event here and the food was very good. The staff were attentive but not overbearing. Good touch with both pasta and vegetables. Kitchen staff knew how to season the food. The room is intimate and feels somewhere between a trattoria and a ristorante. Parking is off street but a limited. This is a business worth trying.
(4)