Villa Carla — Restaurant in Leni

If you want to have a delicious authentic Salina cuisine there is no turn around of Villa Carla. The restaurant is on the hills of Leni and the tables are in the garden beautifully decorated with little lights and table sets. The restaurant is driven by Carla, of course and her husband Carmelo who is the sommelier of the house. However this year, the daughter of the family driven business has been behind the oven. She has put some additional modernisation in the dishes while keeping the typical stile eoliana. When Carla list up the the mouth watering menu, you simply want to taste all. I wish I could, as the menu does not only sound delicious it is from start to the end a culinarian highlight. Nothing is left to coincidence, all dishes are prepared with finest ingredients, best quality and freshness. The finesse of some of the dishes are at Michelin star 🌟 level. Visiting Villa Carla is each year our culinarian highlight in Salina. They are not as posh and famous as Signum but the kitchen and the dishes can easily compete. Looking at the bill afterwards, it is crystal clear that you get most for your money at Villa Carla. The Linguine I have had were al dente, spiced in eoliana stile and were just perfect as well as the triglie (red mullet fish) that I have ordered as main dish. The were filleted and stuffed with a delicious light lemon flavoured filling. The Dolce, a kind of revisited Tiramisu with oranges was simply awesome, the taste of oranges in this creamy textured mascarpone mmmmh Carmelo has recommended the wines that we took by glass based on our individual requirements, one dry and mineral, the other glass fruity and dry. He hit simply the spot. Conclusion : If you want to eat Michelin star like authentic eolian kitchen in a cosy simple atmosphere, villa Carla is the best place. I can recommend to make your reservation in advance as places are limited. Bravo Villa...

We came here for what started as a lovely dinner in an idyllic setting, but unfortunately the evening turned into something deeply upsetting. We were victims of a homophobic attack from other guests (“people like you would not be accepted in other countries”). Of course, the restaurant cannot be blamed for the words of other guests — but what shocked us was the reaction of the family managing the restaurant.

When we defended ourselves, the father/owner came only to our table, telling us that we needed to calm down and be quiet. The other table, who had been speaking loudly in Italian, was instead approached by the owner — and it even seemed as if they received sympathy and apologies for our behavior. We were treated as though we were the problem.

At the moment of payment near the kitchen, the same scene repeated: we were ignored, avoided, and the owner only approached to confirm our bill, with a dismissive tone along the lines of “oh, at least they pay well.” It was only after I explicitly insisted that I was able to address the homophobic insults we had suffered — and only then were apologies finally offered.

It is truly sad and disappointing to experience such a horrible evening in what could otherwise have been a...

Villa Carla in Leni is more than just a restaurant, it’s a heartfelt experience from the moment you arrive. You’re warmly welcomed by the entire family, who guide you to your table with genuine care and charm. The setting is stunning, with breathtaking views and thoughtfully decorated tables that reflect the simplicity and beauty of the island. The menu is perfectly curated, focused and seasonal, with every dish prepared lovingly by the mother of the house. Each bite tastes homemade, authentic, and deeply rooted in Aeolian tradition. The wine list features local and Sicilian varieties, all carefully chosen and a delight to discover. Evenings here pass effortlessly, and you’ll find yourself not wanting to leave. It’s no surprise that Villa Carla is in high demand during summer, so booking ahead is essential. A must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the true soul of Aeolian cuisine and...