Bertucelli's La Villa Gourmet — Restaurant in San Jose

Let’s start with something sorta’ important: I am biased when it comes to La Villa. By which I mean, I have an opinion. And everyone is entitled to an opinion. But . . . some opinions are better than others.

This place deserves its 4.7 rating. Long-standing, traditional, Italian deli in Willow Glen that has been consistently doing what it does for decades.

Have prices gone up? Yup. Is it busy? Yup. Have you considered what it means that prices have gone up and it is still busy? For some of you, sure. For others, not sure you understand how time works. Or money. Or the Bay Area. But you keep doing you . . . in the Bay Area, of all places. Or maybe I should say: in the exact place where I expect your sort of finger grunts of rage, blissfully ignorant of paradoxes and, yes, irony.

What I am really reviewing is some of the (relatively few) negative reviews. Why? Because they are a hoot! And I mean that. Thep Tan left an honest, average, review that made sense, in that it shared his opinion without rancor or hyperbole. But some of you? Geesh.

Paul G, you must really love your penchant for not understanding what country you are in. They advertise what they are and serve what they do. And, yes, we are glad you have been to Italy. I can only imagine how others felt being stuck with you on that trip. But, hey, you knock those stars off and beat your chest. I mean, you went to Italy!!!

Dave Gallardo, I think you must share my affliction: sausage fingers. How else to explain your glowing (and I mean, glowing) one-star review? Come back, edit it, and move on.

Ken Kabir, let me start by just making a quick observation: have you read your review since you posted it? Given that it was based only on wait times and nothing else, it was a really fun example of how some people drag their knuckles across a keyboard for a temporary hit of importance. Sure, I am glad you have been to some famous delis. And? Not sure what you are aiming for in establishing your bona fides this way. I guess it is a posture?!?! But your comments (repeated comments, mind you) about their “foods” felt like it was meant for laughs. And “what you understand” seems to translate into “what you think without any basis for thinking it.” But, of course, ending by hoping someone “takes their business away” really seals the deal. Though I would ask you: what sort of “foods” would you like them to provide?

Fernanda V., thank goodness someone finally called them out for their “very sweet” raviolis!!! No one--not even Kenny-K the non-eating reviewer or Paulie-G the geographically-challenged person who has been to Italy)--has ever claimed that this place has sweet raviolis. And the fact that you assumed a lot about ordering online (and didn’t read posted signs in the store, while also allegedly reading reviews) says something.

Like I said initially, I am biased. I love this place. I love the workers. I love the owners. I love the food. I even have small criticisms (I think my sauce is waaaaaay better than their sauce). And I get that you might have an ‘off’ experience. If you do? Be more like Thep Tan! Don’t aim to score marks on Google Reviews. You end up looking like a dunce who has anger issues.

Thankfully, your small boasts and non-helpful asides won’t stop La Villa from doing what they do. And, as several people noted,...

The ravioli's (feta are my favorite) and meatball sandwich's are so delicious, among other things. So are the 'mac and cheese balls'. While prices may seem a bit high...the quality of products used and great customer service fully justify the cost. Everything I've had at La Villa is absolutely delicious!!

Update even post Covid and wearing masks they recognize frequent customers and go out of there way to include the extras they/I prefer, like 4 extra parmesan cheeses for my quart of Feta...I forgot to ask for them, as picking up outside was new and I just forgot...they know me and made sure everything was exactly how I like it. Thank y'all!!! See you soon.

😕 I'm going to miss this place. I even made a review to encourage the cheeses I eat with my meal be provided but I can only get 2 containers or 16 parmesan containers, almost never the 4 or 5 I request...and it's for some reason a weird thing to ask for a specific amount. The food is absolutely delicious but I guess condiments given for a pint is the maximum amount, anymore Ravs than a pint still gets 2 cheeses,...or a spiteful 18. It's peculiar...

We went here for the first time this past weekend and I now understand why it is always so packed! At first, I was shocked to see the old-school pick-a-number ticket system but was impressed with how efficient it was. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” right?

For our meal, we ordered a pastrami sandwich, the oven-roasted chicken lunch special, a side of Italian sausage, tiramisu, and cannoli. Everything we ordered was yummy! Next time, I am ordering just the ravioli alone because that was the highlight of my lunch plate! If it wasn’t going to give me diabetes, I would totally take home the whole rotating case of desserts! 😂

Although it was super busy with a long line out the door, all of the workers there were quick and efficient. All of the guys were polite and served everyone with a smile despite the overwhelming crowd. This place is mostly a takeout deli with a few tables outside.

Overall, I would come back again to try out more food and also check out more of the...