Villa Olivetti Italian Ristorante

In its 20-year history,Villa Olivetti, located in the heart of Saint James, has become quite the favorite amongst the locals for their excellent food and hospitality. Owner Mauricio Oliveros began his career in restaurant business back in 1977, where he started as a dishwasher in Venezuela. Over the years, he worked hard, gained experience and confidence, then migrated to the United States in the 80s, and realized his dream of becoming a restauranteur. Years following with hard work, passion, and a determination to succeed, Mauricio was asked by his boss if he would like to become a partner in a new restaurant project. Some years later, Mauricio went off on his own and the American Dream that he worked so hard to achieve became a reality.

Mauricio’s philosophy is based on providing his customers with great food in a warm and inviting ambience, keeping them returning for more – and they do! Mauricio and partner, Michael, personally greet patrons at every table to ensure that they are getting what is expected and then some. Looking for something you love, but not on the menu, Mauricio and company will do everything in their power to accommodate. In Mauricio’s own words, “the most important thing to me is that no one leaves hungry!” Getting to know his customers on a personal level is something Mauricio truly enjoys. He emphasizes importance of treating every customer as a VIP. Anyone that spends their hard-earned dollars at his establishment deserves nothing less.

While Villa Olivetti’s personal touch is outstanding, that’s not the only thing that brings people inside their doors. Upon being seated, each table is served with fresh bread and Villa Olivetti’s signature fried zucchini. According to Mauricio, the appetizers are among Villa Olivetti’s most popular dishes, including fried calamari, baked clams, and the mozzarella burrata, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Baked clams are a favorite among online reviewers.

During ET’s visit, the food was amazing and I certainly did not leave hungry! For my entrée, I had Rigatoni alla Vodka with grilled chicken. The dish came out steaming, garnished with fresh parsley. The chicken was seasoned to perfection, all bathed in a classic vodka sauce, which was creamy with a bit of a kick to it. The portions are big enough to fill you up with plenty to take home! For dessert, I had to indulge in the flan. It was incredibly rich and not overly sweet. I finished every bite! If you’re not a custard fan, tiramisu is always a safe bet.

Villa Olivetti also offers catering services and private parties, from bridal showers to rehearsal dinners, to communion parties, and everything in between. The party room can accommodate up to 100 guests. Whether you’re there for a meal out, an evening at the bar, or celebrating a special occasion, you can count on Villa Olivetti for delicious Italian food and a warm and welcoming environment.