Overview & Ambience
Villa Romana is a restaurant in downtown Hollywood, Florida, blending Italian and Romanian cuisine. I was meeting with a client in downtown Hollywood Florida and he had given it rave reviews, so naturally when he suggested we eat here, I trusted his instinct.
I’m glad I did! Villa Romana restaurant offers exceptional cuisine without a hefty price tag. It’s a great blend of Italian Romanian, which I have to admit, I’d never seen around town or really anywhere for that matter, but I was down to try it.
My Full Villa Romana Restaurant Review
The setting aims for an elegant, warm, and relaxed dining experience, with interior touches like walnut and cherry wood tones, exposed brick walls, leather booths, modern furnishings, and art pieces. The décor balances contemporary and traditional elements, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options.
I thought it was really odd that at around noon on a Summer Thursday we were the only people there. My friend suggested it was more of a night spot, and to be frank, I wasn’t mad that we had the joint to ourselves.
It positions itself as a “sophisticated, high energy” eatery, honoring the legacy of Jim Durfy and the historical Rainbo Café, a well-known Hollywood institution from earlier decades.
Because Villa Romana is located in the “heart of downtown Hollywood,” it is accessible to both locals and visitors exploring that district.
Menu & Food
The menu spans both Italian and Romanian specialties, incorporating:
- Traditional Italian staples (pastas, seafood, meats, etc.) with quality ingredients and seasonal touches.
- Romanian dishes and appetizers: things like mititei, mămăligă, tochitură, ciorbă, zacuscă, and more.
- Rotating specials, a wine-paired 3-course dinner menu, and live music offerings on certain nights.
When I dove into the reviews before ordering, I saw that diners frequently praise the ambiance, presentation, and dessert offerings (e.g. the tiramisu) — though some reviews mention occasional inconsistencies (e.g. seasoning, timing, or expectation gaps). On OpenTable, it holds a strong rating of 4.8 stars with a moderate price tier (“up to $30”) for many items.
I opted for the chicken parm lunch special, that came with a salad and tiramisu for one inclusive price of $25. Every dish was to my liking and I thought that price was a bargain for an fancy-ish restaurant.
Live music is a feature on Fridays and Saturdays, typically from about 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, spanning genres such as jazz, oldies, Latin, Motown, pop, and more. They also host karaoke nights on Tuesdays in some cases.
If I’m giving this place a rating on a scale of one to 5, I have to say it’s a solid 4+. I hate making a rating after one lunch experience given it’s more of a night spot but I can only speak from experience, so below I’ll share some of those from others who have dined here.
Strengths & Points to Note (From Reviews)
Strengths:
- The atmosphere is often highlighted as pleasant, romantic, and well designed. (I agree.)
- Several guests mention friendly, attentive staff and good service. (Also in agreement.)
- Dessert, plating, and presentation are often singled out as high points. (Correct.)
- The diversity of the menu (combining Italian + Romanian) gives it a niche appeal not found everywhere.
Points to Watch / Critiques:
- A few reviews mention that dishes felt underseasoned or bland compared to expectations.
- In one review, there was an issue with a substitution request (leaving out onions) not being honored.
- Some complaints about side dishes (e.g. mash potatoes) or timing/delivery to table.
- One reviewer noted concern about vaping/e-cigs inside the restaurant, implying that enforcement of non-smoking policy might not always be strict.
I didn’t see that as we were the only people there. It’s also worth noting there is indoor and outdoor seating here, so if you want to view the night life in Hollywood, you are able to sit outside and do that.
NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
Villa Romana — Italian & Romanian Restaurant
1909 Hollywood Blvd,
Hollywood, Florida 33020
(954) 251-3698
Website: villaromanarestaurant.com
In Summary
Villa Romana offers a distinctive blend of Italian and Romanian cuisine in a stylish, elegant setting in downtown Hollywood, FL. It’s got strong ratings, a reputation for good ambiance and food presentation, and a niche appeal for those wanting something beyond standard Italian fare. While my review is brief and confined to one lunch, I feel that I’d go back here and try dinner at Villa Romana Italian & Romanian Restaurant if I was in the area.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
