Villa Nova

05/14/2008 Posted by juleeho10

Villa Nova's location, atmosphere and ocean front view is beautiful. On the other hand, the restaurant's food and service was the worst I've ever had. The food looked just as bad as it tasted. I've had better italian food at an elementary school's cafeteria (absolutely NOT exaggerating). My party consisted of 15 people, each ordering relatively different dishes and they all agreed with me on the taste. Our waiter had a very indifferent attitude towards us the entire time. It was my birthday dinner and he rushed my friends and I out because there was another large party that had reservations for OUR table only an hour and a half after we arrived. He even waited next to our table and stared at us until we paid. I am not one to speak poorly about food or service (since I am a server myself and I usually give other servers the benefit of the doubt) but this restaurant really pushed me over the edge. I would never return to this restaurant and would also never reccomend it to anyone.

Pros: The view

Cons: The food and service.

08/30/2007 Posted by octraveler

We enjoyed the food but could have done without the waiters surly attitude. Insulted at every turn with no worry of the outcome, our waiter was a real piece of work! As the waiter hobbled out and used our table as a crutch, i thought this restaurant could use some fresh meat to serve their dishes with. Its a shame because the view was beautiful and the food good as well.

Pros: View, ambience, food

Cons: Service

04/09/2007 Posted by dakicka

I just moved from the east coast to Newport Beach and I am very impressed with Villa Nova. The whole crew is attentative, friendly, and on top of your order. The one bartender John provided me with a wealth of knowledge about the area and places to go. The management team is very friendly and listen to your needs. I recommend this place to a few types of people: a great first date spot for anyone mature in their mid 20's and up. a great late night spot (9pm-12am) for a drink or two at the bar (always people hanging out here). a great spot for a few friends to get a table, bottles of wine, and enjoy the water/boat views. a terrific spot if you like live entertainment (jazz, sax, keyboard, piano, singing) romantic, hip, upscale spot good for a single good for a date and good for friends. what i like best is that the food is VERY reasonable relative to the rest of newport beach and the staff is attentative to your needs. also there is a very large selection of wines and entree choices. Plus valet parking is free with a small tip to the valet. Go out and enjoy this gem!

Pros: very reasonable price for the great atmosphere and food you get, friendly staff, free valet parking

Cons: haven't found one in my 3 visits yet!

09/20/2006 Posted by acrumley

Imagine oversized booths facing the twinkling lights of newport harbor with waiters dressed in tuxedos, a musician in the cocktail lounge and several affordable entree choices--this is an EXCELLENT choice for a date after a movie or show. The food is not impressive. Good, but not impressive. Portions are average, seasonings are a bit bland, menu is unoriginal. However, I find it impossible not to love those attentive waiters, the twinkling lights and the oversized booths!

Pros: Twinkling lights of the harbor, free valet parking

Cons: Food is average

02/08/2006 Posted by wineguyjc

We always have a great time at Villa Nova. The wine list is fantastic and the service and food are great. The piano bar is the best in town. We enjoy the people watching and taking friends there who have never gone before. We also went there once on a friend's boat, it was cool to pull into the docks and go for dinner.

Pros: Wine List, Excellent Service, Fun Bar Scene/Music

Cons: Turning in from PCH

01/25/2006 Posted by fifi12

Was the most overpriced BAD Italian food ever. It's sad when even the specials are bad. I ordered the Veal Parmigiana with a side of spaghetti. Both came cold. The marinara sauce was tasteless. My boyfriend ordered lamb chops, which came rare, even though he had ordered medium. We sent it back and it came back a minute later only slightly less rare. Even with the nice view, it was hard to have a romantic dinner with the place being extremely crowded and noisy. Very disappointed.

Pros: View

Cons: Crowded/noisy, Bad Food

03/09/2004 Posted by richardstewart

Always a pleasurable dining experience. Oustanding wine list amd excellent service is par for the course. Valet parking can be a little ardous due to the P.C.H. location, yet typically it's worth the wait. Waterfront tables are in high demand and as such cannot always be had (even with reservations placed well in advance). A warm atmosphere, a fine bar and an overall enjoyable experience for ones money. A romantic setting so leave the little ones at home...

Pros: Wine list, Fair value

Cons: , Slightly crowded