After 16 years in the restaurant business, Faton and Jerry Lumani wanted to open a modern Italian cafe like those they grew up with in Europe. Places where guests spent evenings lounging and carousing with friends over authentic pizzas, fresh gelato, and shared bottles. A place that was more concerned with patrons savoring time with friends and food, than in turning tables.
Reviving a historic building in downtown Middleton, Faton opened the doors in 2006, building Villa Dolce into the vibrant and popular place that it is today. With great food and an easy atmosphere, Villa Dolce brings something new to Middleton. As Faton will tell you, People should dine out with friends, relax, unwind, and take time to enjoy their food.
Reviving a historic building in downtown Middleton, Faton opened the doors in 2006, building Villa Dolce into the vibrant and popular place that it is today. With great food and an easy atmosphere, Villa Dolce brings something new to Middleton. As Faton will tell you, People should dine out with friends, relax, unwind, and take time to enjoy their food.
Services
Villa Dolces accurate, on time and delicious catering is available to parties of up to 100 people, anywhere in Middleton. Our fresh Italian cuisine will please all of your guests with a variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, and desserts. From business luncheons to bridal showers, anniversary parties to graduations, our long list of returning and regular catering customers are proof of our client satisfaction.
Reviews (26)
Ss Kk
Jan 29, 2022
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Cherise K.
Jan 29, 2022
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I liked this place! It's unassuming and easy to miss in the middleton downtown area but very museum gelato shop esc inside. If you thought that was a weird description, that's because it had some perplexing design elements, but let's talk about the food.
We can for restaurant week which varied in price from $25-30 for an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Really good options for each and there were three of us so we each had a different entree. First however, the appetizer. Salad was good but just a basic side salad. The whipped ricotta cheese and honey was great and the bread
We can for restaurant week which varied in price from $25-30 for an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Really good options for each and there were three of us so we each had a different entree. First however, the appetizer. Salad was good but just a basic side salad. The whipped ricotta cheese and honey was great and the bread
M. B.
Jan 26, 2022
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My friends and I decided to visit during Winter Restaurant Week. For starters I had the Tomato Bisque Soup, which was full of flavor and included croutons and a little bit of cheese in top. My entree was Braised Lamb Shoulder w/whipped potatoes, roasted vegetables and lamb demi Glace. The lamb was good and tender with hardly any fat. The veggies were good, but would've liked more. For dessert I had the Flourless Chocolate Torte, and that was very good. All around good experience and would like to go back and try other items on the menu.
Tom Borchardt
Jan 26, 2022
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It is no secret why this local restaurant has been around for as long as it has. Atmosphere, service, and food and drink creativity and quality all contribute to its well-earned reputation. Best for groups of 4 or less, ideal for couples on a first date or 101st date, the dining area offers a cozy and intimate setting with low noise level. One of our favorite places.
Darlene Shell
Jan 26, 2022
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Trying new restaurants during Restaurant Week can result in finding that special dining experience which results in thoughts of repeating. That was our experience at Villa Dolce. My house cocktail (Lavender) was perfection, the burrito appetizer subtle and tasty, the lamb main very filling and the creme brulee outstanding. The atmosphere was cozy and very busy, with the waitstaff friendly and capable. My dining companions were also pleased.
Hanna G.
Jan 25, 2022
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Sad that I'm leaving 3 stars, but this experience just isn't worth 4... we came for restaurant week- great deals and a chance for the restaurant to "wow" us to come back.. but it wasn't there. The crime brûlée was the star of the show- great flavors and the custard was lovely. The torte was also good- but very rich. My fiancé got the pizza, probably the best deal, more of a doughy crust- but great otherwise. I had the lamb shoulder- it came out lukewarm/cold on cold potatoes with cold veggies. I heard the table next to us complain about it being cold as well. Decent
Sharon
Jan 01, 2022
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Tressa Isensee
Jan 01, 2022
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Daniel Page
Dec 05, 2021
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Kate P.
Nov 17, 2021
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Jonathan B.
Oct 01, 2021
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We were excited to try this place since there are normally a lot of people eating here outside in the summer.
The inside part of the restaurant is nothing great, but also not bad.
We started off with the Burrata Caprese (highlight of the meal) and this was tasty, but I wished there was more bread.
Given a large potion of the menu is devoted to pizza, I would have expected pizza to be the best thing to order. We were just underwhelmed by the pizza, maybe our expectations were too high. We ordered Prosciutto and Arugula, and also the Maria's Pizza. Everybody preferred the Prosciutto one
The inside part of the restaurant is nothing great, but also not bad.
We started off with the Burrata Caprese (highlight of the meal) and this was tasty, but I wished there was more bread.
Given a large potion of the menu is devoted to pizza, I would have expected pizza to be the best thing to order. We were just underwhelmed by the pizza, maybe our expectations were too high. We ordered Prosciutto and Arugula, and also the Maria's Pizza. Everybody preferred the Prosciutto one
Pedro Dominguez
Sep 28, 2021
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Here’s a summary of our visit
1. We made a reservation a day in advanced, highly recommend if a Friday or Saturday night. You have to call and reserve as the online reservation does is not working
2. Appetizers, drinks, food and dessert were great! We ended up taking a quart if gelato home.
3. The service was great, we got what we needed in time and very polite staff
4. The dining area is small and you might feel “crammed”
Our bill was close to $200 (drinks, appetizers, entre, dessert to go)with tip included, would definitely be back to try more food
1. We made a reservation a day in advanced, highly recommend if a Friday or Saturday night. You have to call and reserve as the online reservation does is not working
2. Appetizers, drinks, food and dessert were great! We ended up taking a quart if gelato home.
3. The service was great, we got what we needed in time and very polite staff
4. The dining area is small and you might feel “crammed”
Our bill was close to $200 (drinks, appetizers, entre, dessert to go)with tip included, would definitely be back to try more food
Frank B.
Aug 21, 2021
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Had a great experience at Villa Dolce cafe this evening. Sat outside and enjoyed the downtown area and live music across the street.
Started off with the Brisket Italiano which is smoked brisket, herb demi, giardinera, Italian cheese fonduta on a grilled warm slice of na'an. It was amazing, I could eat so many of them! Only comes with two, wish it came with more but was a perfect start to dinner.
Ordered the cheese and meat lovers pizza also. Requested well-done but they didn't come out that way, still was delicious though. For dessert we got the chocolate eruption which is chocolate
Started off with the Brisket Italiano which is smoked brisket, herb demi, giardinera, Italian cheese fonduta on a grilled warm slice of na'an. It was amazing, I could eat so many of them! Only comes with two, wish it came with more but was a perfect start to dinner.
Ordered the cheese and meat lovers pizza also. Requested well-done but they didn't come out that way, still was delicious though. For dessert we got the chocolate eruption which is chocolate
Jessica R.
May 04, 2021
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Scott Young
Apr 15, 2021
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Kendra L.
Mar 20, 2021
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We were excited to check out villa dolce! It's perfectly located in the quaint center of Middleton.
However, the food was underwhelming and reminiscent of a fast food Italian restaurant. Though there were large portions, I was not pleased with the quality to price ratio. The gelato was more the saving grace with the variety of flavors.
However, the food was underwhelming and reminiscent of a fast food Italian restaurant. Though there were large portions, I was not pleased with the quality to price ratio. The gelato was more the saving grace with the variety of flavors.
Lexi G.
Feb 19, 2021
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Stopped in here for the first time last week. They are doing a great job with social distance and serving about every other table. When entering the restaurant there are desserts showcased all of which looked amazing- Gelato, cannolis, layered cakes, etc.
I ordered the salmon salad which was super fresh and flavorful. We also ordered the pasta farfelle which was to die for and probably what we would all order next time. The Gorgonzola and pear pizza was a bit underwhelming. There just wasn't much flavor to it. The other pizzas which we passed on the way in looked delicious so next time we
I ordered the salmon salad which was super fresh and flavorful. We also ordered the pasta farfelle which was to die for and probably what we would all order next time. The Gorgonzola and pear pizza was a bit underwhelming. There just wasn't much flavor to it. The other pizzas which we passed on the way in looked delicious so next time we
Clayton B.
Nov 26, 2020
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I've been here 3 times.
Admittedly, I'm from Chicago and the bar for food quality is higher.
My most recent visit, i specifically ask how the pizzas are cooked and that I'd like mine well done.
Well the pizza was undercooked. (Still uncooked dough on top of the cooked crust). Toppings were high quality though. The side of asparagus was extremely cold. For $35 I'd rather make the drive to Greenbush Bar on Regent.
The other times I had a chicken panini - eh.
And then some coconut gelato which i liked.
I know these restaurants are hurting but so are employers and consumers
Admittedly, I'm from Chicago and the bar for food quality is higher.
My most recent visit, i specifically ask how the pizzas are cooked and that I'd like mine well done.
Well the pizza was undercooked. (Still uncooked dough on top of the cooked crust). Toppings were high quality though. The side of asparagus was extremely cold. For $35 I'd rather make the drive to Greenbush Bar on Regent.
The other times I had a chicken panini - eh.
And then some coconut gelato which i liked.
I know these restaurants are hurting but so are employers and consumers
Larry S.
Aug 06, 2020
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I ordered takeout the last night and got the Shrimp and Scallops over linguine. The grassy area next to Village Green currently has picnic tables so we got to eat quickly once our order was done. My order is a bit on the pricey side ($28) but I was shooting for good pasta (I splurge occasionally for carbs) and seafood - win-win.
The portion was good, the dish itself looked like the top layer had a different hue than the rest of the pasta and looked 'stiff'. It had that look like a leftover being pulled from the fridge - my guess - it was under a warming light while my table-mates
The portion was good, the dish itself looked like the top layer had a different hue than the rest of the pasta and looked 'stiff'. It had that look like a leftover being pulled from the fridge - my guess - it was under a warming light while my table-mates
Rebecca O.
Jul 27, 2020
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We love Villa Dolce! It is our "go to" place! We like their variety of foods, depending on what we feel like eating. During Covid they provide outside seating, but during nonCovid times we like eating inside also during the cold months, as the rooms are small and cozy. The staff is friendly and the owners are welcoming!
Pamela G. S.
Nov 27, 2019
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On a rainy November night, six of us - four adults, a teen, and a tween -arrived at Villa Dolce Cafe. We had called in advance, so they had seating for six ready for us. The place was warm, cozy, and smelled wonderful. There are high stools for bistro seating in the entrance room, but four small rooms have regular table seating.
Two of us ordered the LUMANI'S ALBANIAN SAUSAGES plate and enjoyed it very much! The sausages, served on a salad of baby greens, beet shreds, olives, and bits of artichoke hearts and roasted red pepper, are beef and lamb, lightly seasoned and charcoal grilled.
Two of us ordered the LUMANI'S ALBANIAN SAUSAGES plate and enjoyed it very much! The sausages, served on a salad of baby greens, beet shreds, olives, and bits of artichoke hearts and roasted red pepper, are beef and lamb, lightly seasoned and charcoal grilled.
Brianna R.
Oct 02, 2019
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We started our night with drinks. I got the pomegranate Moscow mule ($7). It was quite sweet (personal taste) but overall tasty. We ordered the cheese curd appetizer ($9) which was very yummy and the crab bruschetta. I wasn't expecting the crab to be cold, it kind of made it taste like a deli salad, but fresher. We shared the calzone for our entree ($21). It was delicious and enough for 2. For dessert, we split the Nutella crepes ($10). They were packed with Nutella and strawberries! I would most certainly go back for a special occasion, but it is a little expensive for a casual dinner out
Tahlia K.
Sep 12, 2019
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While visiting Wisconsin, we ate a ton of really great food and Villa Dolce was our last dinner stop. While we thought the food was tasty, the portions were pretty small considering the price. For example, my seafood entree was $30, but it only had 2-3 small scallops, 2 grilled shrimp, and a very small section of salmon. Even with a side of fries and the appetizer I ordered, I wasn't very full. But at least we all enjoyed our food.
Until dessert. I ordered a slice of the Princess Torte, which had looked so cute in the display case we passed on our way to our seats. It was pretty lackluster
Until dessert. I ordered a slice of the Princess Torte, which had looked so cute in the display case we passed on our way to our seats. It was pretty lackluster
Ericka B.
Jan 26, 2019
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Went here for restaurant week because I've heard very good things about the place and there menu looked great! I was impressed at the setup as when you was in it's a bar and a dessert bar, then you go back into other rooms of the "house" to be seated.
I ordered the bruschetta, the shrimp and goat cheese pizza and the mint gelato. My friend ordered the tomato bisque, the Maria's pizza, and the grapefruit gelato. Both appetizers were quite good and since we tried each others, actually paired well together. I was kind of surprised to find a slice of what seemed like Canadian
I ordered the bruschetta, the shrimp and goat cheese pizza and the mint gelato. My friend ordered the tomato bisque, the Maria's pizza, and the grapefruit gelato. Both appetizers were quite good and since we tried each others, actually paired well together. I was kind of surprised to find a slice of what seemed like Canadian
Joan B.
Feb 25, 2018
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Went here with a couple friends for restaurant week. The stromboli appetizer was pretty tasty, whereas the truffle fries were not anything special (small portion, not a lot of truffle flavor). The gnocchi alla vodka was delicious - would definitely try it again! As was the shrimp and goat cheese pizza. The desserts, on the other hand, were underwhelming- we tried the black forest cherry crepe and mini cannoli. They were super stale and flavorless (probably because they mass produced them for restaurant week). I would try this place again outside of restaurant week.
Thuy Dan T.
Feb 24, 2018
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Came here during restaurant week to get a little taste of everything. Depending on what you choose for your main, 3 courses for $25 is a great deal! I love the set-up of this restaurant! It's so cozy with bright lighting. Beware of only 2 bathrooms though.
Truffle fries are always the safe choice to start although the restaurant week portion looked very small, would consider revise the plating for that. Entree favorites were the Gnocchi Alla Vodka (super generous portion size and the sauce is fantastic) and the Shrimp and Goat Cheese Pizza (very interesting combination, but nonetheless yummy
Truffle fries are always the safe choice to start although the restaurant week portion looked very small, would consider revise the plating for that. Entree favorites were the Gnocchi Alla Vodka (super generous portion size and the sauce is fantastic) and the Shrimp and Goat Cheese Pizza (very interesting combination, but nonetheless yummy
