Our Story & The People Behind It
Where tradition, passion, and our dedicated team bring authentic Italian dining to life.
Authentic Italian Hospitality
Rooted in tradition and inspired by family, Villaggio’s Ristorante has served Lutz, Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Bay area with authentic Italian cuisine since 1989. From handcrafted pasta and fresh seafood to signature Italian specialties, fine wine, live music, private dining, and warm hospitality, Villaggio’s offers an elevated Italian dining experience perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, celebrations, and memorable nights out.
Inspired by Italian Tradition
Since 1989, Villaggio’s has served the Tampa Bay area with authentic Italian cuisine inspired by family recipes and traditions from across Italy. Our philosophy, “Sapore Antico,” celebrates simple, fresh ingredients and timeless Italian cooking rooted in flavor, hospitality, and togetherness.
More than a Meal
In Italy, dining is about slowing down, sharing stories, and enjoying meaningful time together. At Villaggio’s, we bring that same spirit to every guest experience through warm hospitality, fine wine, handcrafted dishes, live music, and an atmosphere designed for connection and celebration.
Alex
Born in Florence, Alex brings a a part of the no-nonsence Italian approach to dining. His passion for perfection and hard work shows in his nightly performance and was developed in his days on the soccer field. Still living those days at heart, Alex is known to expect order. Falling out of order is an infraction and Alex can be quick to show the Yellow card as a caution to anyone disrupting this order. His knowledge of Italian wine will help when pairing the perfect bottle with your meal.
Mariella
With over 25 years at Villaggio's, Mariellas has been described as part of the furniture. Really, she is the heart. Mariellas has welcomed the families of Lutz and served generations of our regular guest. She knows the best dishes and can recommend some of the favorites guest have enjoyed over the years. Born in Turino and raised in Sicily, Mariella has a well rounded taste for Italian cuisine. Her personal favorite is the Ossobuco Pizzaiola.
Francesca
La Famiglia is the bedrock of the Sicilian way of life. Coming from a large Sicilian family, she often gets lost in her stories of what Sicily is like to her guests. With strong family ties, she is known for bringing people together and sharing these stories, creating a feeling of family all around her. Family is a way of life, food is a passion. She loves baking and sharing her favorite sweets. Her favorite dish at Villaggios is the Veal Chop Brandy.
Sandro
Born in Miami, Sandro is never far from his Cuban roots however his heart for Italian Cuisine and Culture has developed into a passion for sharing the Italian way of dining to our guest. Sandro's favorite dish at Villaggio's is the Ossobucco Pizzalola as it brings him back to the days when he was first introduced to Authentic Italian style of cooking.
