I have to admit I don't usually give many 5 star ratings for the simple fact that it's symbolic to perfection, and it's not often that I encounter that. Even during the busiest of weekends (prom), the service, food, and atmosphere was delightful. I had the Stella Rose Moscato and crab cakes with pasta and marinara sauce...absolutely delicious!! Our server was vibrant and on point with our entire fine dining experience. I certainly recommend scheduling a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barry Davis
Old school Italian vibes, with high quality food and service. I recommend the Italian egg rolls and chicken piccata
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Primavera, Italian Eggrolls, Calamari, Side Salad
Sid Hazle
Seemless from our initial greeting to our goodbyes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Fried Oysters, Villa Tronco House Salad, Veal Special, Calamari, Lasagna, Rack of Lamb, Fried Mozzarella, Pizza, Pesto Seafood Pasta
gina m.
Best Italian restaurant we have been to in the Columbia area! The food was authentic Italian and delicious. We brought my mom and aunt who immigrated from Sicily and they thought it was great too! We had the pleasure to meet the owners Ms. Carmela and Mr. Joe, who were so sweet! We had the zucchini and linguine, chicken parm, lasagna, Tronco (something...can't remember full name but could have it with chicken or veal), and seafood with pesto cream sauce dish (also can't remember the dish name ?♀️) and they were all SO good! We highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steve M
Our waitress was MT and she was amazing - she was so kind and answered our many questions about menu items. Her suggestion to have the tiramisu was on point! Best we have had in a long time! The atmosphere was delightful! We brought my mother-in-law and her sister who were originally from Sicily - and they loved it! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana
Bonnie Nurick
We love to go on "Opera Thursdays" (the second or third Thursday each month). Not only do we enjoy the food, but the entertainment is by some very talented singers. Some of those who have sung at Carnegie Hall, many traveling opera troops all over the world, as well as local talented teachers from USC, Columbia College, Benedict College, and other schools from the area.Villa Tronco is the oldest restaurant in Columbia, and with four generations of experience, have really perfected the food, wine selections, and graceful service.In addition they offer Broadway and Jazz nights on Thursdays.Reservations are a must for the Jazz, Broadway and Opera evenings.Vegetarian options: Ask the server for details as the menu has specials which include a vegetarian choice.Dietary restrictions: My husband is dairy free, and they always accommodate him. The servers also alert the kitchen because they have many items that are made to order and can be adapted.Parking: There is a lot at the corner of Sumter and Blanding that is available in the evenings. Look for the sign at the entrance
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Fried Oysters, Italian Eggrolls, Calamari, Lasagna, Rack of Lamb, Side Salad, Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, Pesto Seafood Pasta, Carmella's Famous Cheesecake, Chicken Marsala
Kayla Fessenden
The food, service and atmosphere were amazing! Carmella ( owner) made my family and I feel very special. She gave us a tour of the building and a brief history of her family. Having lived in upstate NY for a few years, this is the best Italian in the area. Thank you for a wonderful dinner, can’t wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Gastright
Was excited to check this place out. Had a good history, looked cute. Reviews seemed strong.Overall, I left unsatisfied. Wait staff wasnt very attentive. Proceeded to bash most of the menu (which didn't instil confidence).Once food was served... it was clear it was frozen. Filet was over cooked. Didn't rest. Bled mostly white (when a steak bleads white it's usually due to it being frozen and thawed. If it bleeds in general it's because it didn't have time to rest). Had no flavor. Noodles were plain and the mushrooms were just thrown on the plate.As for the lasagna... it was still icy in the center. It was dry. And ultimately had no flavor aside from just a melted slab of mozzarella over the top. Again, disappointing.I just paid and went on my way. The meal came out to $90. Expensive for what it was. I told the lady upfront about my experience, instead of listening, she decided to tell me I was wrong, and proceed to tell me nothing here is frozen. She was too stubborn to listen to constructive criticism from someone who has experience in the kitchen and instead let her pride blind her in making actual improvements to her business.I hate leaving negative reviews but this one was a must. Learn to hear your feedback and offer improvement. Don't just tell the customer they are lying when we are the ones who ate the food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Rebecca Tatarinow
The food was absolutely terrible! The service and atmosphere were great. Overall so disappointing! Chewy Calamari (far from tender) lacked seasoning, burnt fried Mozzerella, caprese salad had tomatoes that weren’t close to being ripe. The veal and chicken is piccata tasted rotten and the chicken in the fettuccine was also burnt. Oh and I’ve never had runny cheesecake, where is the crust?! We came at a Saturday at 5 right as they opened. The price was not right for the quality. Maybe it was bad cooks but we won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Warren Keeling
I had a great time here. Food and drinks were great, service was great, and we watched some true crime at the bar. Love it, I'll have to make another stop while I'm in the area.
Great Italian dishes and seafood! I highly recommend this place for a romantic date night out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Pasta Primavera, Villa Tronco House Salad, Calamari, Lasagna, Rack of Lamb, Side Salad, Veal Marsala, Fried Mozzarella, Pesto Seafood Pasta, Chicken Marsala
Abbott Bray
I hate to admit this is the first time in nearly 40 years that I've walked through the doors at Villa Tronco. We were impressed by the old-school authentic vibe.Service was consistent. Foot was fantastic, and the prices were great.We will go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Alan Smith
Always a great time with good Italian food in a cozy setting. Great date night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Auretha Callison
Emily was as fine a server as we've ever experienced at any 5 star restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Thomas Johnson
Celebrated my 54th birthday there. Amazing food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Italian Eggrolls, Veal Special, Eggplant Parmigiana
I have to admit I don't usually give many 5 star ratings for the simple fact that it's symbolic to perfection, and it's not often that I encounter that. Even during the busiest of weekends (prom), the service, food, and atmosphere was delightful. I had the Stella Rose Moscato and crab cakes with pasta and marinara sauce...absolutely delicious!! Our server was vibrant and on point with our entire fine dining experience. I certainly recommend scheduling a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Old school Italian vibes, with high quality food and service. I recommend the Italian egg rolls and chicken piccata
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Primavera, Italian Eggrolls, Calamari, Side Salad
Seemless from our initial greeting to our goodbyes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Fried Oysters, Villa Tronco House Salad, Veal Special, Calamari, Lasagna, Rack of Lamb, Fried Mozzarella, Pizza, Pesto Seafood Pasta
Best Italian restaurant we have been to in the Columbia area! The food was authentic Italian and delicious. We brought my mom and aunt who immigrated from Sicily and they thought it was great too! We had the pleasure to meet the owners Ms. Carmela and Mr. Joe, who were so sweet! We had the zucchini and linguine, chicken parm, lasagna, Tronco (something...can't remember full name but could have it with chicken or veal), and seafood with pesto cream sauce dish (also can't remember the dish name ?♀️) and they were all SO good! We highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our waitress was MT and she was amazing - she was so kind and answered our many questions about menu items. Her suggestion to have the tiramisu was on point! Best we have had in a long time! The atmosphere was delightful! We brought my mother-in-law and her sister who were originally from Sicily - and they loved it! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana
We love to go on "Opera Thursdays" (the second or third Thursday each month). Not only do we enjoy the food, but the entertainment is by some very talented singers. Some of those who have sung at Carnegie Hall, many traveling opera troops all over the world, as well as local talented teachers from USC, Columbia College, Benedict College, and other schools from the area.Villa Tronco is the oldest restaurant in Columbia, and with four generations of experience, have really perfected the food, wine selections, and graceful service.In addition they offer Broadway and Jazz nights on Thursdays.Reservations are a must for the Jazz, Broadway and Opera evenings.Vegetarian options: Ask the server for details as the menu has specials which include a vegetarian choice.Dietary restrictions: My husband is dairy free, and they always accommodate him. The servers also alert the kitchen because they have many items that are made to order and can be adapted.Parking: There is a lot at the corner of Sumter and Blanding that is available in the evenings. Look for the sign at the entrance
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Fried Oysters, Italian Eggrolls, Calamari, Lasagna, Rack of Lamb, Side Salad, Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, Pesto Seafood Pasta, Carmella's Famous Cheesecake, Chicken Marsala
The food, service and atmosphere were amazing! Carmella ( owner) made my family and I feel very special. She gave us a tour of the building and a brief history of her family. Having lived in upstate NY for a few years, this is the best Italian in the area. Thank you for a wonderful dinner, can’t wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was excited to check this place out. Had a good history, looked cute. Reviews seemed strong.Overall, I left unsatisfied. Wait staff wasnt very attentive. Proceeded to bash most of the menu (which didn't instil confidence).Once food was served... it was clear it was frozen. Filet was over cooked. Didn't rest. Bled mostly white (when a steak bleads white it's usually due to it being frozen and thawed. If it bleeds in general it's because it didn't have time to rest). Had no flavor. Noodles were plain and the mushrooms were just thrown on the plate.As for the lasagna... it was still icy in the center. It was dry. And ultimately had no flavor aside from just a melted slab of mozzarella over the top. Again, disappointing.I just paid and went on my way. The meal came out to $90. Expensive for what it was. I told the lady upfront about my experience, instead of listening, she decided to tell me I was wrong, and proceed to tell me nothing here is frozen. She was too stubborn to listen to constructive criticism from someone who has experience in the kitchen and instead let her pride blind her in making actual improvements to her business.I hate leaving negative reviews but this one was a must. Learn to hear your feedback and offer improvement. Don't just tell the customer they are lying when we are the ones who ate the food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
The food was absolutely terrible! The service and atmosphere were great. Overall so disappointing! Chewy Calamari (far from tender) lacked seasoning, burnt fried Mozzerella, caprese salad had tomatoes that weren’t close to being ripe. The veal and chicken is piccata tasted rotten and the chicken in the fettuccine was also burnt. Oh and I’ve never had runny cheesecake, where is the crust?! We came at a Saturday at 5 right as they opened. The price was not right for the quality. Maybe it was bad cooks but we won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
I had a great time here. Food and drinks were great, service was great, and we watched some true crime at the bar. Love it, I'll have to make another stop while I'm in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great Italian dishes and seafood! I highly recommend this place for a romantic date night out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Pasta Primavera, Villa Tronco House Salad, Calamari, Lasagna, Rack of Lamb, Side Salad, Veal Marsala, Fried Mozzarella, Pesto Seafood Pasta, Chicken Marsala
I hate to admit this is the first time in nearly 40 years that I've walked through the doors at Villa Tronco. We were impressed by the old-school authentic vibe.Service was consistent. Foot was fantastic, and the prices were great.We will go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Always a great time with good Italian food in a cozy setting. Great date night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily was as fine a server as we've ever experienced at any 5 star restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Celebrated my 54th birthday there. Amazing food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Italian Eggrolls, Veal Special, Eggplant Parmigiana