Villa Italian — Restaurant in Cedar Falls

VI has survived at a location that relies on nothing but hard work and determination to survive. A mall food court pizza joint without the mall that has that corn fed Midwest blandness that isn’t bad just something the taste buds won’t remember and the ambience of an elementary school cafeteria during spring break. He’s doing something right to bring people back cause it’s practically the only reason people go to the mall besides walking and the massage chairs I suppose. The revolving door of other hopefuls starting the restaurants only to be taking down the crayon menus months later as it’s a hard sell to get people in the old mall food court to enjoy a meal with dystopian late 90’s all around you. Villa Italian pizza is mediocre at best but his customer service is top notch. My lunch was a slice, salad and soda 10$ for all. Reasonable in todays world I guess but it didn’t help with those bland feelings as I walked to a empty mall parking lot trying to organize my thoughts as to why nothing has been done to make College Square more than what it is now a cemetery plot. Someone will eventually think outside the box and get creative with the space so people will have a reason to venture on besides earrings, massage chairs and walking in their old age because they didn’t earlier. Keep on keeping on Villa Italian. You may not be my favorite but I respect your hard work and dedication to your business that survives in a mall that has stood mostly empty since capitalism started to nickle and dime the middle class into poverty. Enjoy! Be Nice! Keep it local and swing into a dead or dying mall. It maybe brought back to life after downtown rents are to much and the circle of capitalism finds its way back...

Easily & Hands-Down, The Best Pizza In The Cedar Valley.

How do I describe Villa Italian? Well... in a word, it's an "Escape" from the monotonous drudge of lackluster pizza places that seem to flood the area. Imported tomatoes are used to make an amazingly flavorful sauce that Tim (the owner) spreads on his pies and pasta dishes. Imported Italian cheese is used liberally to then coat said dishes in a bed of gooey bliss that will leave you wanting this faire before all others and setting an absolute "Gold Standard" for pizza in the region.

I've spoke with Tim on several occations about his process, from freshly made chicken, beef and sausage toppings to a local favorite ranch he creates in-house that is constantly sold out. (You can buy Villa Italian ranch and their house tomato sauce to take home and enjoy with your family on your own homemade dishes as well.) He uses the freshest local ingredients also in his salads and wraps to round out an impressive menu.

Established in 1995, Villa Italian has been a cornerstone staple of the College Square Mall in Cedar Falls for many years. Many restaurants and eateries have made an attempt, including a bigger and more intimidating Chicago-style Pizzeria only a few spots down that have since been replaced by a craft beer pub. And while countless others have come and gone, Villa Italian hasn't budged and stands firm.

So if you are looking for amazing pizza & pasta dishes, the freshest of ingredients, something that will keep you going back over and over again, look no further then Villa Italian.

Remember... Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama...

I've been a regular at Villa Italian since I was around 12 or 13 years old, I'm now 29 and Villa Italian is still my favorite pizza place. Personally, I've always gone for the pepperoni and cheese sticks or a pepperoni and cheese calzone. I've never been to New York City to try their pizza but I imagine Villa Italian is about as close as you'll get in Iowa, possibly even the whole Midwest. You won't regret getting a slice or a whole pie from this place!

These days, it's pretty much just Tim(the owner) and James(long time employee) running the store but not much has changed since I started eating there other than the decor and the oven. Villa Italian is definitely one of the few stores holding College Square afloat. Every time I go in I get kinda worried it might be the last time I have their pizza but that's entirely a reflection of College Square's poor...