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Villa Dolce Reviews List
Villa Dolce
A modern Italian cafe in the heart of downtown historic Middleton. With a contemporary vibe this fusion Italian gem features unique topping gourmet pizzas, handmade pasta and famous Gelato.
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45 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 45 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(31)
- fit for foodies(25)
- notable wine list(15)
- special occasion(15)
- romantic(13)
- great for lunch(4)
Villa Dolce Reviews List
Review 1 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excellent desserts
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went to Villa Dolce with my family to celebrate my birthday. The cheese board appetizer and pasta dishes (wild mushroom ravioli and butternut tortelaci) were great, the pizza was "a bit weird," and the steak was judged "lackluster." The desserts were amazing. I especially recommend the Chocolate Eruption. The espresso they use is good, but the cappuccino I got was a bit lacking--the milk was not foamed correctly. Our waitress was nice, but vanished inexplicably at the end of the evening, leaving us waiting to pay the bill."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
mediocre
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The pizza was pretty good as was the gelato, but overall I'd not return as there was nothing exceptional about the place. Salad should be dressed in the kitchen rather than the dressing being served on the side in a plastic cup. This is one of my pet peeves and one way to tell a higher quality restaurant from one that is just mediocre."
Dined on 5/06/2013
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Review 3 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fun, Unique Spot in Middleton
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Villa Dolce is like an excellent pair of dark wash jeans- you can dress it up for a nice dinner, dress it down for a more casual lunch, or just put on some flip flops for a gelato run. The food is great, the atmosphere is relaxed but not sloppy, and the outdoor dining area is enjoyable (at least when it's not too hot outside to breathe). The menu isn't perhaps as gluten-free friendly as other places, those with wheat allergies and sensitivities can find and customize some excellent, delicious choices. Because of the layout of the establishment - set up in an older neighborhood house - they might have a harder time accommodating larger groups, although I'm sure they can make something work, especially with advance notice. Go and enjoy!"
Dined on 6/29/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Can always count on Villa Dolce.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is always fresh, tasty and unique. The pizza is sooooo good. Lots of interesting flavor combinations and healthy. I highly recommend it. The service is quick and friendly. The price is very reasonable."
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food with excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food with excellent service.
Never had anything I didn't love here; desserts are to die for."
Never had anything I didn't love here; desserts are to die for."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service. I wish I could
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service. I wish I could remember her name. (We were the 6:30 pm Friday night group of 5 under 'John Teevan'."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 7 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious pear and gorgonzola
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious pear and gorgonzola pizza with arugula, though would like more gorgonzola taste. Good mushroom pasta. Good wine selection. Cozy seating, crowded."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, late-night find, notable wine list
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Review 8 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love it!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Consistently excellent food and attentive service! Love, love, love this place - one of the best in the Madison area."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 9 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful salad and service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wonderful salad and service. They handled a special request for Velentine's Day for me perfectly. The Gelato was absolutely fantastic!! I'll be back for sure."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
can't wait to go back!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service and the food was delicious. Tables were close to others but we didn't mind the friendly environment. Definitely coming back soon!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and I made a reservation
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I made a reservation for 6:30 and needed to be in and out to be at an appointment at 7. The restaurant was very busy but the waitstaff and owner gave us menus and allowed us to order right away. 5 minutes later we were placed at an adorable table which consisted of a couch (high end living room feel in a nook). Our caprese salad came out right away (which was a delicious, fresh generous portion). Our dinners came out piping hot and were delicious. After moving from NY it was a delight to find authentic gourmet italian food with generous portions close to home. The service for drinks was a little bit slow, but again the restaurant was very busy and we were in a bit of a rush. Will definitely go back again."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 12 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Was there on Valentines Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Was there on Valentines Day and had the riveter special. It was fantastic and perfectly cooked. The gelato was incredible."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went during restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went during restaurant week and the menu was wonderful. Look forward to trying more of their dishes."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 14 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Go try it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Who knew Tony in Middleton would serve up some of the finest Italian food in the greater Madison area?! The restaurant is a remodeled house, with cozy armchairs, nooks, and a relaxed feel. Noise was what you'd expect for such a setting, but we were able to have a conversation that felt private without needing to whisper.
Our waitress was superb: friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt without being pushy. We will ask for her again!
And the food? Fabulous! Complements to the chef for terrific blends of flavors that were subtle and not overwhelming. Appetizers and salads were delicious, the pasta farfale to die for, and the shrimp and scallops pasta had an amazing light flavorful sauce. We were tempted to order a pizza to go. Next time"
Our waitress was superb: friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt without being pushy. We will ask for her again!
And the food? Fabulous! Complements to the chef for terrific blends of flavors that were subtle and not overwhelming. Appetizers and salads were delicious, the pasta farfale to die for, and the shrimp and scallops pasta had an amazing light flavorful sauce. We were tempted to order a pizza to go. Next time"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2004
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My husband and I really enjoyed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I really enjoyed our visit to Villa Dolce during Restaurant week. It's a warm and quirky place that feels more like your living room than a restaurant. The service was friendly and nicely timed. The food was nice. The pizza had a little more cheese than I personally like, but most people I know would definitely appreciate that. The pizza choices are also extremely creative and fun, my husband and I got 2 to share. The desserts we had were very delicious. I would definitely return."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
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Review 16 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We came for Restaurant Week
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"We came for Restaurant Week and the food was great and came out in a timely manner. The BBQ Chicken Pizza and Wild Salmon were the dishes we ordered and they were divine. Perfect flavor combinations. The gelato is fantastic and the Stromboli was great too. The only two complaints were that the two mixed drinks we ordered(Sangria and a Manhattan) were both VERY weak and somewhat flavorless. One was only half full with ice to the top. Also (and this could just be because of Restaurant Week reservations) but we felt very rushed to eat and move on. Even so, we'd definitely go back. Delicious!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Typically, Villa Dolce has
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Typically, Villa Dolce has fabulous food. Their pizzas are excellent, and I've even had my favorite meal (lobster ravioli special that was just exquisite!). This particular time I was a little disappointed in the entrees. The salmon was a little overcooked and it just was less special than I was expecting. However, the desserts (as always) were the stars of the show. The crepe was excellent! Will be back again, especially for drinks and dessert!"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and service were good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Food and service were good as always. I didn't realize til we left that the glaze that was supposed to have finished off one party's entree was missing from her food. She never said anything, which is too bad. I was surprised by the oversight, since we have dined there before and everything was perfect."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First impression=5/5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First impressions always mean the most - and I'm always going to recommend Villa Dolce and become a frequent visitor. I'd only heard many say how much they love Villa Dolce, but I had never been there. I saw it listed as an option for Restauant Week and took advantage of the opportunity. I'M HOOKED FOR A LIFETIME!
What great flavors, options, service and atmosphere. Quaint, inviting, but not stifling. Well done Villa Dolce!"
What great flavors, options, service and atmosphere. Quaint, inviting, but not stifling. Well done Villa Dolce!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great date place or girls night out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Loved this place. Bright but very private and quiet. Lots of nooks and cranny's really added to the private feeling you get while dining. From what I could tell it looks like a refurbished house. I had the Spinach/Artichoke starter which tasted a lot like Spinach Pie, it was very yummy and filled with cheese, the Mediteranian Pizza was great, love that fire roasted flavor and fresh veggies, for dessert shared the flourless chocolate cake and the cherry crepe, the flourless cake was amazing and the cherries in the crepes popped in your mouth in just the right way yum!!"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 21 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We loved it!! What a great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We loved it!! What a great surprise!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Reliable service and great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Reliable service and great food. Wine is half price on wednesdays"
Dined on 01/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 23 for Villa Dolce
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was the best pizza I've
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the best pizza I've had in quite a while. There was a mom-and-pop joint in my home town that beat it, but that could also be a little nostalgia talking. The antipasto platter was very good: Nice variety, properly prepared selections, excellent presentation. The desserts, however, blew my mind. I suggest sharing one pizza among four people, skipping appetizers, and each ordering a dessert. The Nutella crepes made me cry and the princess cake with its marzipan jacket was just plain delicious!
Our server made it clear that she was holding her disdain for us in check. She became friendlier as our bill went up, however. The food was worth the 'tude."
Our server made it clear that she was holding her disdain for us in check. She became friendlier as our bill went up, however. The food was worth the 'tude."
Dined on 01/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Villa Dolce
Based on the average of (22) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate