Villarena Home Cooking Restaurant & Experiences — Restaurant in Massa Lubrense

My group ate dinner here twice during a 3-day stay in Nerano. The first night we ate a-la-carte from the 'Home Cooking' menu; the dishes were fresh and delicious, sourced from local ingredients, and very reasonably priced. Service was relatively quick, we had food within 20 minutes. The second night, we were served a set menu on the upstairs terrace, 20 feet from the vegetable garden where some of the meal was grown. It was an absolutely gorgeous display of culinary excellence. The dishes were the best versions of local cuisine, imagined and created by the proprietor and chef, Guglielmo. He made us feel like we were the only people there - it was an incredible experience, and extremely reasonably priced for the service you receive.

They do 3 meals (with reservation) many days, but it's best to call ahead and make sure of availability. I recommend the Spaghetti Ala Narano, it's a local specialty,

If you are going to be in the area, you can go down to the beach and get the ubiquitous restaurant food, or you can come up the hill just a bit to the Villarena for a truly wonderful experience. I can honestly say it was the best food I had during my 10-day visit to...

Our dinner at Villarena was, without a doubt, the best dining experience I’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, Guillermo—the incredible owner—made us feel like we were being welcomed into someone’s home rather than just another restaurant.

He took the time to understand what we were hoping for and curated the perfect meal for us. We enjoyed a wide variety of mixed platters, which are ideal for large groups and made the experience feel even more communal and festive. Every dish was elite—authentic, fresh, and full of flavor. And don’t skip dessert! A spoonful of everything is absolutely the way to go.

What made the night truly unforgettable was Guillermo himself. He gave us a heartfelt cultural and culinary lesson, and just when we thought the evening couldn’t get any better, he brought out the after-dinner drinks, turned on the disco ball, and played music so we could dance and celebrate. To top it all off, he even gave us a ride back to our villa.

This was more than a dinner—it was a full experience of Italian hospitality, culture, and joy. If you’re anywhere near Villarena, do not...

🌟 Unforgettable Experience at Villarena – A True Hidden Gem 🌟

If you're staying anywhere near Nerano and thinking of dining by the sea, do yourself a favor and skip the overpriced, impersonal restaurants below. Instead, head uphill to Villarena – a place that redefines hospitality.

This restaurant offers an unbeatable price-to-quality ratio. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, local ingredients, and the flavors speak for themselves. But what truly sets Villarena apart is Guglielmo, the extraordinary host. He doesn't just serve food—he shares stories, gives brilliant advice on local sights and flavors, and makes you feel like a guest in his own home.

There’s a warmth here that feels distinctly Italian: sincere, familial, and full of heart. From the moment you walk in, you're treated with kindness and care, not as a customer, but as a friend. It’s honestly baffling to see people spend double or triple the price elsewhere for half the joy, half the taste, and none of the soul.

Villarena is hospitality at its finest, and I can't recommend it enough. Don’t just...