Chicken Caprese Chicken Caprese

Grilled chicken breast topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Villaggio

Villaggio

7 Monroe St. Ellicottville, NY 14731, 14731-9607, ELLICOTTVILLE, United States

Soup • Pizza • Italian • Chicken


"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Villaggio in Ellicottville, NY, and it was an experience I can't wait to repeat. Nestled at 7 Monroe Street, Villaggio is a charming Italian restaurant that immediately welcomes you with its cozy and warm atmosphere. From the moment I walked in, the friendly staff made me feel like I was part of their family. The menu was a delightful journey through Italian cuisine, featuring fresh pasta, succulent steaks, and salads bursting with flavor. I opted for one of their signature pasta dishes, and it was evident that they prioritize quality and freshness in every bite. The dessert was equally impressive, a perfect sweet note to end the meal. What stood out to me was the local vibe of the place, especially around the bar. It was vibrant and full of life, creating a sense of community that's hard to find elsewhere. I learned that Villaggio is brought to us by the founders of Osteria 166 in Buffalo, NY, which explained the high quality of food and service. They've certainly brought their A-game to ski country, making Villaggio a gem in Ellicottville's dining scene. Aside from the excellent food, the service was impeccable. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was memorable. They were attentive, friendly, and genuinely interested in making our evening special. Villaggio isn't just a restaurant; it's a place where friends gather and memories are made. Whether you're there for a casual dinner or a special occasion, they make every moment count. Their commitment to a family-style dining experience shines through in every aspect, from the ambiance to the menu. In conclusion, my visit to Villaggio was more than just a meal; it was a culinary adventure that left me longing for more. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting. I'll definitely be back, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience the best of Ellicottville's dining scene."

Graziano's

Graziano's

5960 West Touhy Avenue, 60714, Niles, United States

Beer • Wine • Italian • Bar-lounge


"I remember their salads being served in large family-style bowls, filled with onions and a delicious dressing, but that wasn't the case anymore. The salads now came in individual bowls, looking like pre-packaged garden salads that had been sitting in the fridge for who knows how long. The type of lettuce used was different, and even the dressing seemed off. I was so disappointed that I pushed it aside and opted for the minestrone soup instead. The minestrone was quite good, though it could have used more noodles. My family ordered a variety of dishes—there were five of us in total: pizza, eggplant Parmesan, chicken Vesuvio, fettuccine Alfredo, and bowtie pasta in creamy vodka sauce. My husband, who also grew up in the area and always orders the chicken Vesuvio, said it tasted completely different this time and was over-salted. He found the chicken dry and didn’t enjoy it. Thankfully, my bowtie pasta still tasted familiar. However, I found myself downing water because the food was unusually salty—I couldn’t remember it being that way before. The prices have certainly increased, which we’ve all become accustomed to post-Covid, but for five people, our bill came to around $177 plus tip. Only two of us ordered alcohol; my mother-in-law and I each had a glass of rosé priced at $10 each. To our surprise, it arrived in a glass that was barely filled to a quarter. I was not pleased with that. We were also shocked by how empty the restaurant was for a Saturday night at 7 PM—it was nearly deserted. Such a stark contrast to what I remembered."