Villa Gallace — Restaurant in Indian Rocks Beach

I just recently visited this restaurant with my family. We consisted of seven adults and one child. I was initially very excited to try this place because my friends and family members have heard great things, however the entire dining experience was bizarre for lack of a better term. The beginning of the dining experience started off extremely well. We were greeted by the owner/manager (I believe), Luigi, and he was very friendly. Answered all of our questions with ease and explained the menu thoroughly, but it just really took a downward spiral from there. While our Server was taking our order, a couple of people in our party wanted the fettuccini alfredo with a fried chicken cutlet instead of grilled chicken, although this seemed to be an issue because our Server went back and forth arguing with them that it couldn’t be done until he finally decided to let them have it while rolling his eyes and huffing and puffing. But, looking back at the beginning of the service when we were asking questions about the menu, Luigi ensured that the accommodation could be made. Moving on, the Bruschetta that my boyfriend and I ordered was forgotten about and it ended up arriving a few minutes before our meal, which was about a half an hour after the other appetizers arrived. Not to mention, it was extremely bland and just over priced for diced tomato’s on bread. I was just expecting it to be a little more grand coming from an authentic Italian “fine dining” restaurant. Once our food arrived, it was overall underwhelming. It didn’t really have any type of wow factor and I can enjoy a cheaper meal at Olive Garden… the sauce didn’t have much flavor, pasta was overcooked, and the shrimp was extremelyyyy fishy. However, the Gnocchi was delicious, bread was amazing, my mom was a big fan of the egg and spinach soup and the desserts looked divine. After we had finished eating, the restaurant really cleared out. There was a total of two tables, but for some reason it took 45 minutes for us to receive our checks. Along with that, I would tack on an additional 20 minutes due to the fact that we all received our checks wrong about three or four times before we just gave up and decided to venmo each other. We split checks four ways, two people per check, and we were all sitting next to the person we were on the checks with to make it easier, so this was also extremely confusing, especially after asking our server and Luigi several times about when we might receive the checks. They added several drinks to my check that I did not even order, same with my boyfriend along with other items that belonged to other people from the party. The entire time we were waiting for them to be fixed, they were both extremely apologetic (although they offered no comp or discount) when they walked up to the table, but there was constant talking behind us between the two of them about Luigi threatening to fire him, kill him by the end of the night, how he hated him, and so on and so forth (LOL); which is actually valid because I would also be extremely frustrated with my employee, but it was just unprofessional and definitely not appropriate in a “fine dining” atmosphere in front of your customer's. Overall, it was just over priced, not very exciting, aside from our chaotic service, and I am really not sure if I will be returning. I don’t know if I just caught them on a rough night, but I am still baffled at how the whole night went. We were very patient and tried to stay in good spirits despite the rude, unprofessional service and...

First time visit... Local year round resident... Reservation was required on a Saturday night. We called around 6pm and they said only two tables were left for 8pm. We booked it.

Arriving we noticed parking was a total nightmare but they have valet parking which stacks cars in so much you will certainly not be able to get your car out yourself. Parking on the street is almost impossible and we decided to park at public beach parking nearby.

We got our seat about 20 minutes after the reservation was for. We had to wait outside because there really isn't ant room inside to wait

Being shown our seat, our table was between two other parties. The tables were so close to other guests that you cannot walk between then (maybe 12 inches) the conversation was not private not intimate because everyone can hear everything you say. Also, if you hate the smell of fish and the table next to you gets fish, you cannot avoid the stench.

Service was very good and friendly but it is quite slow. If you have dined in Europe, you will understand. While slow service is apparent the flip side means youu are not rushed out of here either.

We ordered brushetta and fresh mozzarella for appetizers. Chicken parmesan for entrees. We asked for angel hair but was told they only have rigatoni due to how busy it is. In the end we got angel hair so they bent the rules for us which was preferable to me. (Thank you)

Desert was cappuccino and tiramisu for me and a chocolate cake of sorts for her.

Drinks were non alcoholic tea. Final bill was $98 plus tip.

The owner met us at our table and was friendly and appreciative of our patronage.

The restaurant looks twice as big on the inside because of a mirror on the wall. The restroom is before the mirror and might make for a fun discovery of the mirror, even if you aren't drinking

Overall it's very enjoyable and we look forward to going back again soon. Meal time was about 2.5 hours total

The menu pricing we saw online was not the same price as the menu inside, but I think the online menu was third party. Example online chicken parmesan price was $18. In the...

Let me start with this: you can tell when you walk into a restaurant whether or not there is love there.

From the moment that you walk into Villa Gallace, you can feel it. The staff is happy and moves with efficiency. In our case, someone greeted us immediately upon entering the restaurant, and Luigi, the owner, shook my hand and welcomed me shortly after.

It was busy, but the environment was exactly what I would hope in an Italian restaurant: warm and welcoming, with the inviting aroma of marinara, fresh baked bread, and espresso wafting pleasantly through the place.

When it was noted that my party had a toddler, a kid’s menu was promptly brought to our table and they rushed his order out first, God bless them.

Our server, Terry, listened carefully to each of our personal preferences and made excellent recommendations based on what appeared to be a very deep understanding of his menu.

When my wife had to get up and change our son, he asked whether or not I would like for him to keep her food in the kitchen so that it didn’t become cold. What a guy! He was extremely sensitive to our needs at all times and seemed to genuinely wish for us to have an excellent dining experience.

The meal: We were brought fresh baked bread within moments of sitting down, and they frequently checked on us to refill it if desired.

For antipasto, we started with the calamari and the escargot, followed main courses of grouper, homemade gnocchi and their 8 ounce filet.

Everything was prepared beautifully and with immaculate care. The steak was juicy, the grouper was perfectly cooked, and the gnocchi was tender and well seasoned. Even their side pasta dishes were delicious, with a wonderfully seasoned sauce.

We were so full from all of the delicious food, but we had to try dessert. We finished with lemon sorbet, limoncello cake, and an espresso. Amazing on all counts!

I highly recommend that you visit Villa Gallace. I know that we...