[SoccerCoach]

Wow ! So many oinions, and that's great. After all is said and done, it comes down to personal taste. What the patron expects the meal to deliver. Growing up in an italian family, I was taught to believe that italian food will let you identify the ingredients involved. That in how you appreciate the presentation. Mom and Dads has not dissapointed me. Some better italian waitstaff will even ask you of your preferences, agreeing that you know what you expect. So, sit back, be patient and enjoy your meal.

[keithwand]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

We really like Pizzeria Valdiano in Orlando. Just went there today and found out about the new TV location. I hope they have pizza takeout and not just table service. It's a NY style (not exactly so don't get all over me!) pizza with great chocolate cannoli's also!

We ate there often when we lived in Baldwin Park. Joe uses a lot of his mothers recipes for sauces and tiramisu. His pizza wins awards for best in Orlando.
His new place in Brownwood will use the name Riccardis from Torch Lake across from the original Brownwood Acres in MI.

[SusanOfWoodbury]

A family owned place will be opening in Brownwood in the Fall

[Paticak1]

Originally Posted by Skip2MySue

We're planning a 90 year birthday celebration and the birthday boy loves Italian food. Need recommendations for a top notch Italian eatery from Ocala to The Villages.
Thanks Skip 2

We are from NY and have tried most of the 'Italian' restaurants and or pizzerias in the Villages with great disappointment. Naples restaurant and pizzeria in Leesburg is just like NY pizza and the food is outrageous. He even will make Sicilian pie. I highly recommend this place.

[curly top]

Originally Posted by Skip2MySue

We're planning a 90 year birthday celebration and the birthday boy loves Italian food. Need recommendations for a top notch Italian eatery from Ocala to The Villages.
Thanks Skip 2

Pasta Faire in Bellview is great and reasonably priced.
Napoli II in Tavares is also authentic

[Bonny]

Pasta Faire is really good !

[Paticak1]

Naples Italian restaurant and pizzeria......coming from an Italian from NY...best pizza and Italian food around. Located in Leesberg about 15 minutes from The Villages. Worth the trip.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by DougB

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

I gotta agree with you there!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by alicehelen

Sorry-there is none! I am a retired Italian Chef-nothing here is authentic nor good! The places do not realize "Less is more" & put so much junk & garlic in the food (which they do NOT do in Italy!) that most of it is barely edible! My husband will not even go out for Italian here - he only eats it at home. The best homemade ravioli are at Mom & Dad's in Lady Lake. The second best are at Bellview Pizza (cash only place) in Bellview - as is their thin crust pizza. Other than those couple of items, you need to go all the way to Naples Florida (Campiello) or a really large city!

Well now. The fact that you are a professional chef explains a lot.

We have a bunch of untrained palates here in The Villages. I had my first homemade Italian dish when I moved here.

But then, there are other things that are cultured about a lot of us.

Are you from the East Coast?

[dolpterry]

Originally Posted by gemorc

My wife and I enjoy Riccardo's. It is located on 441, just north of the Marion Market. It is in a strip mall just past Big Al's Barber Shop. The food is delicious. Riccardo's is a mom and pop place with an excellant menu. The pizza is also pretty good.

I second this review, we found this place about a month ago. Great service, good prices, and best food around.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by alicehelen

Sorry-there is none! I am a retired Italian Chef-nothing here is authentic nor good! The places do not realize "Less is more" & put so much junk & garlic in the food (which they do NOT do in Italy!) that most of it is barely edible! My husband will not even go out for Italian here - he only eats it at home. The best homemade ravioli are at Mom & Dad's in Lady Lake. The second best are at Bellview Pizza (cash only place) in Bellview - as is their thin crust pizza. Other than those couple of items, you need to go all the way to Naples Florida (Campiello) or a really large city!

Being of Italian descent, I agree that any restaurant will not measure up to real good home cooking. Since I am not a picky eater when it comes to pasta, anything except out of a can is acceptable.

I guess I'm one of those Italians who doesn't have a discerning palate except I know when something is made like mom's.

[mixsonci]

OK, I have a strange question for you all and would love a "positive" answer. I love Italian food, love it. However, I NEVER go to an Italian restaurant to order food, because I do NOT EAT ONIONS, EVER. I HATE HATE HATE them and of course, except for pizza sauce, every Italian restaurant puts onions in their sauce on all pasta dishes. I also don't like mushrooms or peppers (I know very picky), are there any restaurants that have just a plain tomato sauce without all the veggies in it? I would love to go out and get a great chicken or veal parmagian (sp?), any ideas?

[jblum315]

Mezza Luna in Colony Plaza is the best there is in The Villages. I'd say it's the best I've had since leaving NY - NJ.

[senior citizen]

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