Villa D'Este — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Picked up mom over at North Shore Towers for a Birthday dinner. Although she'd lived there for years she had never been to Villa D'Este nearby and was thrilled that we picked a spot she hadn't already been to a thousand times. Quick 5 minute drive, easy parking out back. Beautiful, reserved ambience, relaxed, professional service with a very pleasant greeting. Nice comped bruschetta and some really excellent house pinot and chiantis, generously poured at only $10/glass. Awesome bread basket with red hot, house baked foccacia to start things off. The starters, memorably the baked clams, stuffed mushrooms and a pitch perfect Caesar were all on point. Mains were generously portioned and all outstanding; standouts were the first rate, thin, crisp veal parm, the grilled angus/NY Strip ordered Pizzaiaola (smothered in mixed peppers, onions, mushrooms and red gravy), the pastas and the fish. Mom had the Prix Fixe which was an absolute steal at $31, three courses plus sides included! The tartuffo dessert was the best I'd ever had, a perfect chocolate covered Bocce Ball stuffed with cherries and nuts, dressed with house made whipped cream. Wow. As a 3d Generation New Yorker, now living in Brooklyn it was nice to escape the rip-offs and pretensions of Manhattan and Brooklyn dining and to enjoy a delicious, reasonably priced relaxed meal at a place which still values "hospitality". Villa D'Este is approaching it's 50th Anniversary. In an extremely competitive, fickle dining environment it's easy to see why they've...

Last night we decided to try this place. Upon walking in ambiance was sparse. Walls bare. Not cozy at all. Waiter drops menus tells us about specials and walks away. He preceded to chat with staff for the next twenty minutes even after we placed menus down and sat waiting as he looked at us several times but didn’t come over. It certainly is apparent that if you are a regular you get catered to and good service. If you are new good luck trying to get served. Finally after ordering appetizers and food we were served by food runners and waiter never came over to check on us. The water boy and food runners did a better job. We felt uncomfortable as we were neglected and our waiter waited on the regulars and spent time at their tables often. We couldn’t even get a check to end the misery. When he finally came over he put sugar bowl on table n walked way to come back some time later to ask if we wanted dessert or coffee. When we said no he snatched the sugar up angrily and walked away in a huff.

On the way out we spoke to the owners son who was the manager that night and he said sorry. That was it. Waste of 85 dollars and a night out. I would not recommend or return. If you’re not a regular don’t waste your night...

Food was OK. Nothing special, Cesar Salad tasted and was coated with Anchovies. They didn’t have the Steak that we originally wanted (Black Angus) and had to settled with Filet Mignon. The Filet was OKAY. Nothing special, the steak had too much parsley coated on it for my liking. Bread was delicious. Dessert was also good. Service was bad. Our waiter seemed to disappear for the majority of our dinner. We only saw him three times! The waiters should be more attentive. Maybe there is not enough waiters? Not sure. Atmosphere was fine. A lot of old time regulars who dine at this restaurant. Everyone knows each other and if you’re a first timer here, you definitely feel awkward since all the guests know each other, as well as the staff. Overall: Would not come back. Food was fine, but if we had another choice we’d pick it first...