Roman Village — Restaurant in Dearborn

One of my top 5 restaurants that I have had the pleasure to experience, this year. Where do we start? The bread... keep this in mind, this was my first experience, so I cannot comment on consistency, buuuuut from what Erica (server and bartender who was lights out) conceded after I ordered my entrèe, this may actually be the staple. I can describe it as a butter-garlic/seasoned chiabatta roll with the size of a thicker toaster strudel. I am not a ranch eater, but when I was confronted with a small amount and advised to dip the bread in there 🤌🏾! Simply labeled "Crack Bread" will leave you tilted if you don't manage your new found addiction wisely. I ordered the mostaccioli with Rita sauce. Believe me, the Rita sauce takes it to a different level. Imagine macaroni and cheese, but replace the cheese with a delicately balanced alfredo/marinara with a light garlic taste. The meal was large and I because I was unwise with my "Crack Bread" I had to take 65% home. I seriously couldn't find anything to nitpick about. For dessert, I was blessed with a freshly made cannoli with chocolate syrup coupled with an espresso. I have never been to Perugia, Italy, but if this is how they make a cannoli and expresso, I may be there by the end of the year. The shell was like a slightly harder shortbread cookie and it did not crumble until the last bite! The expresso was so good and smooth, I wanted to run my finger around the cup to just to get the froth, like an uncultured animal! But I kept it cool. I did treat myself to a nice single malt bourbon, prior to ordering my food and the pour was perfect. I like to order my bourbon by the finger scale and the order was followed properly! If you can't tell, I LOVE ROMAN VILLAGE AND WILL BE BACK FOR MORE! Thank you to Erica, my server and bartender, and Daniel who is a regular visitor who provided me great insight on the food there. Rita was AMAZING, and I am not referring to the sauce, but the owner. It just so happened that she was in this particular night and dazzled me with stories and experiences there in Dearborn and from her hometown of Perugia, Italy. Get there, and you won't be...

This rating is for take-out only. I have ordered take-out several times from Roman Village, Dearborn location. Unfortunately, there is not one time where they have gotten my order correct. Prior to my order on 8/10/2022, it had been a long time since I had placed an order because of how upset I was the time before. Not only did they NOT get the order correct, but it leaked all over my brand new car's seat. It cost me $275 to have the car seat cleaned and I had to return to the restaurant three times because of things that were missing from that order!

This time, my order came to a little over $120. I even gave them a $60 tip. I had three bags. I had them open two of the bags to make sure my order was correct. I asked what was in the third, and they said my soup and bread. So I didn't bother opening that bag. I got home and there was NO soup! It had my two containers of spaghetti but absolutely NO soup. I called and was on hold for so long I finally hung up. I ran to the store to get two cans of Campbell's soup so that the individual had something to eat. Thereafter, Roman Village did call me and offered to drive the soup to me. What was the point? They were already eating Campbell's soup! Another terrible and upset dinner thanks to Roman Village!

For the life of me, I cannot understand why they can't get the order correct. At first, I blamed it on lack of quality help. But after repeated failures, I now blame it on lack of quality management and ownership as well. I have NEVER EVER received a take out order that was correct. Not once! And I have given them many chances to get at least one take-out order correct. However, this was their last chance!

This restaurant just does not understand that they need to get take-out orders right the first time. It's not about "making it right" by driving the missing food to the patron. It's about not making the mistake to begin with. And unfortunately, I no longer believe they are capable of getting a take-out order correct (this is what they have taught me). I've placed my last take-out with Roman Village. So...

My wife and I love our date nights—a couple times a month we carve out time to reconnect over a great meal in a cozy, welcoming setting. For the past 20 years, we’ve been creatures of habit, frequenting the same handful of restaurants. But recently, we decided to branch out and explore some new places—and I’m so glad we did!

This past Monday, with many of our regular spots closed, we searched for an Italian restaurant open on Mondays and stumbled upon Roman Village in Dearborn. From the moment we walked in, we felt right at home. The ambiance struck the perfect balance—warm lighting, white linens, and an inviting energy that you just can’t fake.

We were a party of four, and not only were we seated quickly, but we were warmly greeted and given the option of a table or booth. But what truly made the night memorable was the incredible hospitality we received from the family who owns and runs the restaurant. We had the pleasure of meeting Mama Rita, the 82-year-old matriarch, who was walking the dining room guiding a new waitress with grace and pride. Then her son Patrick stopped by—twice!—to check on us, share a bit of the restaurant's rich history, and even give me a personal tour of their spotless kitchen.

The food? Absolutely phenomenal. I had the Chicken Scaloppini, and I can honestly say it was the best I’ve ever had. The chicken was perfectly sliced and the white wine and caper sauce was unforgettable. We also shared a side of Fettuccine Alfredo—creamy, rich, and full of flavor—and the braised Brussels sprouts, which were a highlight all their own.

Learning that Roman Village has been serving the community since 1964, and seeing the photos and painted portraits of their family, gave us an even greater appreciation for this gem. You can feel the love, the tradition, and the care in every detail.

We left with full hearts and even fuller stomachs. Roman Village is now firmly on our date night rotation, and we can’t wait to return—and bring more friends and family with us. Thank you, Mama Rita and Patrick, for making our night so special. You truly made us feel...