Villa Capri - Poway

Sal and Oliver were great! We had the artichoke appetizer (garlic! , the Italian salad (lots of good stuff , and the creamy Gorgonzola gnocchi with walnuts. Goo... read more Sal and Oliver were great! We had the artichoke appetizer (garlic! , the Italian salad (lots of good stuff , and the creamy Gorgonzola gnocchi with walnuts. Good size portions on the latter two dishes. We ate out on the patio, and the fresh air waswonderful.

I enjoyed a lovely meal at Villa Capri! It's a charming restaurant with delicious food and a great wine selection. I ordered the butternut squash ravioli specia... read more I enjoyed a lovely meal at Villa Capri! It's a charming restaurant with delicious food and a great wine selection. I ordered the butternut squash ravioli special, which was really flavorful. There are several other appealing dishes on the menu, so I definitely plan to come back and explore more! Additionally, it's a bonus that they are kid-friendly.

The staff was incredibly welcoming. We arrived during peak dining hours without a reservation, but they still managed to accommodate us. This was just the begin... read more The staff was incredibly welcoming. We arrived during peak dining hours without a reservation, but they still managed to accommodate us. This was just the beginning of a wonderful culinary experience. Every dish we chose was freshly prepared by talented chefs and elegantly presented by attentive staff. We truly felt like honored guests in someone's home. What more can I say?

I'm not quite sure what all the hype is about regarding this restaurant. I’m genuinely baffled by the rave reviews. Maybe dining in offers a different experienc... read more I'm not quite sure what all the hype is about regarding this restaurant. I’m genuinely baffled by the rave reviews. Maybe dining in offers a different experience. The website claims to serve traditional Italian cuisine, but it felt more like traditional “American Italian” fare. It seems like either people are extremely hungry and enjoy anything they eat, or perhaps they haven't traveled much. My own experience started with a takeout order. When I called, the person on the other end asked what I wanted but then put me on hold before hanging up. I called back, asked to hold, and a different person took my order. That part went smoothly. My best friend picked up the food and mentioned that the place was busy and the atmosphere seemed lively, which was nice. Now, onto the food: The Pollo Parmigiana was very basic, and the mashed potatoes tasted like they came from a box. The vegetables were the standout part of the dish. The meat lasagna had a decent cheese blend, but finding the meat inside was like a treasure hunt. The gnocchi were cooked adequately, but the sauce was unremarkable. In fact, all three dishes had sauces that were watery and lacked any delightful texture. I’m really surprised by the glowing reviews about the food being amazing and delicious. All I experienced was an excess of salt in every bite and a lack of authentic Italian flair, whether American or otherwise. Having family in Long Island, NY, and being familiar with various cities in Italy and Sicily, I can confidently say this is NOT traditional Italian cuisine. The next day, my best friend asked if I wanted any leftovers, to which I jokingly responded that he must be kidding! If you're looking for authentic and delicious Italian food in San Diego, I recommend trying The Godfather on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Trust me on this one.

We started our meal with a platter of mixed grilled vegetables, which were cooked to perfection and included zucchini, summer squash, red and green peppers, and... read more We started our meal with a platter of mixed grilled vegetables, which were cooked to perfection and included zucchini, summer squash, red and green peppers, and mushrooms. Unfortunately, I only managed to take a photo of the zucchini since we finished the rest before I remembered to snap a picture. My daughter ordered the Penne Elena, featuring grilled salmon served with gluten-free penne pasta. She was thrilled with the salmon, which was cooked just right—a detail that can be hit or miss at other restaurants. It looked fantastic as well. My wife chose the Francesca, which also included penne pasta with salmon, but this dish combined the salmon with asparagus tips, leeks, and a creamy pink tomato sauce. She absolutely loved it. I went for that evening's ravioli special—simple cheese ravioli enhanced with spinach, all served in a rich basil marinara sauce. The sauce was flavorful without any acidity and was topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I highly recommend trying the house red wine; it complemented my meal beautifully. It's also worth mentioning that they offer excellent gluten-free options, which is always a bonus. We will definitely be back!