Villa Ballanca

Villa Ballanca is an exceptional local staple. Italian food has a special place in my heart, and this establishment does not disappoint. This is a family friendly restaurant that welcomes you the moment you walk through the door. If you keep an open ear, you may just hear some of the wonderful staff speaking Italian. Their food is fantastic, and some of the flavors are out of this world. Their alfredo sauce is some of the best I’ve ever had, the fresh bread is warm and delicious, the wedding soup top notch, and the house salads are crisp and vibrant. I’ve been here several times and I am working my way through the large menu. It’s all worth trying. Service is excellent, well staffed, and very tentative. Employees are efficient, polite, and accommodating. Atmosphere is welcoming, think Sunday family dinner vibes. Bring your family, enjoy a conversation, laugh a little, and stuff your bellies with some scrumptious food. It is with great pleasure that I absolutely recommend planning some time to make a visit. You will not leave disappointed or hungry.

We wish we would have tried this place a long time ago!! I have NEVER tasted anything like the raspberry chicken! It is like a protein dessert- that might be an odd way to describe it, but you just HAVE to try it to understand, the sauce is delicious! My husband drank the sauce that came with his dish and said it's the best Italian dish he's ever had! Kim was a wonderful server, very attentive/answered plenty of questions, the restaurant was super cute with beautiful art all around, the owner was so sweet, and their prices are fair! We will happily drive 45 minutes to go to this amazing restaurant again and I highly recommend it!

Very friendly staff. Owner is super welcoming and food is delicious. I recommend the eggplant rollatini. Best homemade breadsticks

Great old school restaurant with a killer menu and trust the food is amazing please make it a bucket list to try it’s a place to die for. (SMILE) I almost got full from the complementary bread

Neighborhood Gem - Went out here this evening with 4 other family members (been coming here for years and plan to come back again). We enjoyed good food and had a good time. Overall I rate it 4.4 out of 5 for the food and 5 out of 5 on service. We arrived at 6 PM in the restaurant was packed. However, even though they were extremely busy our wait person was very attentive, got us our drinks quickly and checked in frequently. Food was good to very good - everyone started off with fresh salads and we had a couple of bowls of the wedding soup. Salads were fresh wedding soup was very good 5 out of 5 on the soup. Dish 1: fettuccine à la carbonara - huge portion just as described in the menu (not traditional carbonara, but an alfredo version) rich, filling, tasty 4.5 out of 5. Dish 2: linguine Pescatore with scallops, shrimp, muscles and clams - seafood was all cooked perfectly, dish was great where seafood was highlighted and not the sauce ( if I had a critique, the sauce was a bit watery and could’ve used a pinch more seasoning) but it was very good 4.5 out of 5. Dish 3: vegetarian calzone was cooked well tasted great and the sauce was excellent which bumps the overall rating to 4.6 out of 5 (the filling seemed a tad light on mozzarella but the sauce made up for it) Dish 4: raspberry chicken, I did not try this but I heard it was great and would get it again if they came back. 5 out of 5. Dish 5: chicken Parmesan chicken was cook well pasta was done well and 4.5 out of 5. This place is a great value when you consider the combination of the quality, service, and price. We will be back!!!

I was really excited to try this place because the menu looked great, with all the traditional Italian favorites, and when we walk in there's a man speaking Italian to the hostess. It was busy, but we got a table fairly quickly, in less than ten minutes. Unfortunately the food was just meh. I had the baked ziti, one kid had fettuccine Alfredo, and my other kid had penne primavera. Our salads came first, and they were warm, to match the building itself. The restaurant did not offer much relief from the 85-degree heat outside. The salad seemed fresh, with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onions, but having it warm just was not appetizing. The complimentary bread was piping hot, so that was nice, and it tasted fine with butter. Nothing to write home about. The baked ziti had no flavor. Just noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese, but didn't seem to be seasoned at all. I asked the kids how theirs was and we all felt our entrees were a 3 out of 5. I had a Pepsi and the kids had water, and those were all great. Very cold and the right amount of syrup in the Pepsi. And our server was fabulous. Very friendly and prompt, got everything right. No complaints there. Also the price was fine: $52 for the three of us. But if you're looking for flavor, I'd skip it.

Food was very good. (2nd) visit. The first time we had pizza and it was very good. This time I had pasta. Please be hungry because they gave plenty. Definitely be back.

Stopped in for lunch with my daughter and her aunt. Service was wonderful. We enjoyed our meals. Will return next time we’re in town.

Delicious Italian food, friendly and attentive service and lovely Tuscan style decor. Owners are always present to talk to. Awesome place to eat. You will not walk away hungry as portions are very generous.

I've been dining here for years and I always enjoy the food and service. Last evening on a weeknight that was busy but not packed, we were seated, ordered, and got all three courses within five minutes of each other. There was no room left on our two-top because all the plates came almost at the same time. They had run out of butter for the bread, limes for the drinks, and apparently time for us to enjoy each course before it got cold. The food was delicious, but the timing of the service was very rushed (not our server's fault) and how does a restaurant/bar run out of butter and limes? We will of course return, but next time we'll order one course at a time.

Boom! We came here for our Admin Christmas party. The place is old school, but very cozy with a friendly feel. Our server was so fast, efficient, and friendly. She did a great job. Our table got a mix of things, raspberry chicken, Romano, salads, and pastas. My wife had a steak salad, which she really liked. I had Veal Romano, (I would have gone Chicken Romano, but the server recommended the veal. Boy was she right, it was outstanding! The style is similar to my favorite South Hills Italian restaurant, Pasta Too, with a healthy side of pasta with your entree.

Was very disappointed. Didn't like their sauce. Then I got a piece of cheesecake it was terrible. Was rubbery. Brought it to the owners attention. He had some kind of story. No I'm sorry you didn't Like it. Won't go back

This is a great little Italian spot close to Home and they make you feel at home. I was there this evening and I was happy to see so many people there and business going so well! I can see why because the quality has been able to withstand the many years I've been visiting. Highly recommend the raspberry chicken. It's really unique a sweet and savory experience! Also the chicken Francesca is light with an egg batter and delicious lemon sauce. I paired that with gluten free pasta which was also great. As for on the side the complementary warm rolls and flat bread is something I always look forward too. The owner is always so friendly and welcoming. He always seems grateful for your visit which I think is sweet to see! Highly recommended. Also!! Come hungry HUGE portions.. bag for your buck!

The food is always amazing and the wedding soup is out of this world. Stop in or get take out, you'll definitely go back for more.

Food was fantastic, pricing reasonable, casual family atmosphere, great service. If you're looking for Italian with a broad menu of freshly prepared and homemade dishes, this place can't be beat! A notch above Verona Village Inn (which is also great) and on par with Pasta Too as my favorite Pittsburgh area Italian restaurants. My wife copied my order of house Chianti, wedding soup, eggplant parm with spaghetti. Best eggplant parm I've ever had. Also shared side orders of meatballs and sausage. Cannolis for dessert. Our server Kim was enthusiastic and gave great guidance on the menu. Just a fantastic meal from start to finish!

This is such a homey, family owed restaurant. The staff is very kind. I've had multiple dishes from here and have enjoyed all of them. I have also gotten takeout and the pasta was perfect. This is good Italian meal at reasonable prices. Highly recommend.

It's like the food is bad on purpose. My Italian dressing tasted like a shot of vegetable oil

Have you ever wanted to step into the Godfather movie or Good Fellas? Wondering what it would be like to be treated like a part of a huge community and enjoy service like you were one of the family? This is the place. While we could dine on the raspberry chicken every time we visit, we had to explore the menu further. Nothing disappoints and is always generous. The ambiance is so lovely, the service is always with a smile and open heart. So please, watch your favorite mob movie, put on a nice outfit for fun, and follow it up with romantic dinner here. You will not be disappointed.

Sometimes I write these reviews for myself so I remember. It might help others too. Note to self - next time order anything that has their cheese filling. Manicotti, stuffed shells, ravioli, etc. Their cheese filling is incredible! Also, I liked their ranch dressing over the blue cheese and house Italian. This place is good!

My wife and I stopped here for dinner.The sauce is like bad cafeteria food. the dinner rolls were being recycled. I don't understand how you call this Italian food.

As usual good food haven't been there for a bit but still good, owner-chef came out thanked us for coming, every waitress we've had there is very friendly and nice

This is kind of a fail safe place for us. They have some of the best Italian in the area. It is authentic, from the old cou try and is reasonably priced. I personally enjoy their gnocchi and angel hair. Their Alfredo is also better the next day which is a fun fact because you will get multiple meals from your dinner. The ambience is typical Italian resturant. The chairs are ok, but not super comfortable. Service is usually personal and kind. The owners are typically who is there to greet you when you come in.

Owners are very nice and friendly. Wedding soup is outstanding and packed with meatballs and chicken. Hoagies are tasty but not much meat...more toppings than meat. Pasta dinners without red sauce are delicious. The red sauce is on the bitter side. All in all, a good place for a good meal.

Great last minute choice . Chianti , Lasagna and Chicken Carbana (excuse spelling) Enough for a few days

Their eggplant parm is some of the best I've ever had! Their service is always fast and their prices are so reasonable!

Best Wedding Soup in the area! Great food, great service! Family owned and they make you part of their family. Owners never too busy to greet you and offer assistance as needed.( offered often to get the doors for my Grandpa who is in a wheelchair)

Order takeout all the time and they are extremely generous. The sauce is the best in the area so I always ask for extra and boy do they provide. Ha! Also love their lobster ravioli and their villa pizza is my husband's favorite!

The food is delicious! The staff is very professional & helpful. The owner goes to each table to see if everything is OK & he's a very nice man. The atmosphere is also very good but the food is incredible. Have eaten there many, many and have NEVER had a bad meal or any complaints.

I got the raspberry chicken and a side of linguine with their pink sauce. Loved every bite of both. Their pink sauce (vodka sauce) is my favorite in the Pittsburgh area. It is to die for. As for the Raspberry Chicken, delish!!!! This was my first time getting it as I usually just a dish of pasta with the pink sauce but I am happy I tried something different! It was stuffed with their chefs own recipe of cheeses and spinach. It tasted so light and delicious. They also had these crispy straws Which went very went will every bite. It was almost like a desert but in a dinner. This is one of my favorite restaurants!!! I will definitely be back.

If you want to have good wine with your meal do not bother coming here. We came armed with 3 bottles of amazing wine since everything on the web and past comments led us to believe byob was permitted. Well apparently they do not allow that any longer and will not give the option to charge corkage fee. Instead, they offer Sutter Home and one cheap Italian wine that costs 10 bucks in the store. I am sure there are people who are ok with no wine choices, but sadly the visit did not work out for us.

This place has been around for a long time, but it rarely comes to mind when going out to eat. We started with the appetizer sampler. We really liked the fried zucchini as the breading was light and crispy. The fried mushrooms were decent. The mozzarella sticks were fine. The onion rings were pretty good as well. I ordered a side salad which was pretty basic, and they offered a basket of garlic bread sticks that the table liked, but I also tried one of their rolls which I really enjoyed. They came out warm and had that crispy outside and soft inside that I really enjoy. My Mom ordered chicken Marsala for her main and they gave her a nice sized portion with a huge amount of chicken. She enjoyed the dish overall. My Wife ordered a meatball sub with fries and she really enjoyed her plate. The bread was toasted nicely and the fries had this coating that was light and tasty. I went with the Special Calzone. It has pepperoni, sausage, ricotta, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and mozzarella. The outside shell was fantastic. It was similar to the rolls where it had that crispness outside and was slightly chewy inside. The ricotta really stood out to me and I thought it was really tasty. Lastly, the service was exceptional. Our server's name was Kim, and she was really personable and went well out of her way to make the meal as great as possible. We got there just before the restaurant got completely slammed, but Kim managed to juggle an awful lot of folks while making sure we had everything we wanted. I think my family absolutely plans on going back sometime in the near future.

Wonderful! Food is always hot and delicious, the staff is amazing and the owner makes you feel like extended family!

Truly Italiana Villa Ballanca is always enjoyable. My family have been going to this restaurant for years now & have never been disappointed. We've even held some special events here. My mother loves the Chicken Romano. Dad likes to try something different each time we go. I personally recommend the Raspberry Chicken. And if they're not too busy, ask to get a batch of Garlic Knots. The owner/chef knows his customers and takes care of them well. You'll definitely be back.

Large cheese pizza was spot on . Super tasty. Meatball casserole was very good , lots of peppers and mushrooms and cheese. Only issue was too many onions for my liking and just my personal opinion. Staff are always super friendly . Been coming here for years , I think I'm they need to do a little updating though on the walls and floors etc. looking a little rundown .

Villa has wonderful food and owners are so nice . Our "go to" place for great Italian.

Fantastic service. Food is so good, last time there, my daughter and I both had the Raspberry Chicken, taste was wonderful and chicken was very tender. Have loved everything we have had there.

If I could give this place 10 stars I would!!!!! recently went and tried the Sicilian pizza with everything on it TO DIE FOR!!!!! One of the best pizzas I've had in a long, long time. THIS PLACE NEVER DISAPPOINTS! The servers are always attentive and do a great job!!!!

Great service. The food was less than stellar on their vast menu. Many of our entrees lacked flavor and seasoning. There aren't many restaurant options in this area so they are frequently busy. Nice ambiance but parking can be tricky.

Delicious, efficient, homemade Italian food. You can never go wrong here! Always on point.

Our favorite Italian restaurant. Amazing staff! Fresh ingredients. Beautiful atmosphere. Incredible recipes.

Good food and friendly and fast service. I like to take the family because I can get a nice Italian dinner and the picky kids have option of more kid-friendly food as well. Great place

For a local Italian joint, this is top tier. Everything is made from scratch and you can tell. Any dish I've ever had here was amazing. The parm, bread, raviolis are all great. The wine selections are unbeatable and the ambiance is truly intimate. Great for a one on one dinner or a celebration for the whole family!

Wide variety of authentic Italian dishes. Cozy environment and friendly staff. Try the pink sauce!

Whether for private dinners or large parties, the food is always perfect and the staff is extremely professional.

All good-authentic Italian restaurant with casual atmosphere and fairly priced. Can handle group lunches.

Excellent service and the best Italian food in town! The homemade manicotti and the pizza are my all time favorites! They really make you feel like family here.

Good food and very reasonable prices. Real wedding soup and huge dinner portions. Reservations are recommended

Great restaurant!! Food is always good as is the service!! It's a gem in Lower Burrell! Well worth the drive!!

Classic family style Italian dining that is definitely NOT the Olive Garden. Great filling portions of fine pasta and a pretty good Sicilian though its not my favorite sauce. An establishment in the Lower Burrell / New Kensington area for a while this is the spot for a laid back family meal or get it delivered

Great Italian food, very authentic. Had the chicken parmigiana and it was really good. Server and food were all very fast. Great table side bread also.

Went there tonight for the first time. Food was delicious. The portions were large. And the service was absolutely incredible. Everybody was extremely friendly. Love this place. Will return soon. Can't wait to try the pizza.

Food is excellent and the amount is large. The service is also good. Always enjoyable

Use to think this restaurant was best for Italian food. Went there often. Took many friends and family there for meals. Then I decided to try something different from my usual veal parmigiana. I order veal ramano. The meal was horrible. This in no way resembled veal ramano. It was just fried veal with some cheese sprinkled on it. I could not finish the meal. Bringing this to the attention of the server proved fruitless. We stopped going there for three years. I was sick from the meal for 3 days. Yesterday, because it was open we ordered a meal for take out. The quality of the meals were terrible. This time, because the picture online looked so good, I ordered chicken ramano. Again, it was nothing but fried chicken. Looked nothing like the online picture. The meal had no flavor at all. The only bright spot was the dinner rolls. They were delicious. This will be the last time I eat at or get take out from Villa Ballanca. I will never go to this restaurant again! In my opinion, if you want excellent Italian food, go to Elena's. It's only a few minutes down the road.

Always greeted by friendly staff. The food is always top notch. Enjoy this place for lunch and dinner. If you like seafood I highly recommend the Linguine Pescatore!!

We threw a party for 30 people. The food came promptly and still hot. Everything ran super smooth and the owner and staff could not have been friendlier.

I heard good reviews of Villa Ballanca and thought to give it a try on my birthday. The server was rude when she came to take my order and failed to even say welcome. She abruptly took my order and then served my what I thought was garlic bread. More like cold toast cut in pieces. I ordered a beer and the Veal Marsala. It was a huge portion of noodles with a mountain of mushrooms, but where is the veal? They had cut up the veal steak into small pieces which couldn't be distinguished from the mushrooms, except they were a little more tougher. When I tried to order desert, the server looked at me like "why are you wasting my time? I want to go home." Mind you I am hearing impaired and wear hearing aids. She wouldn't acknowledge my hearing loss and rambled on about something. I gave them two stars because the food was decent tasting. When

Excellent! Good, Service all exceptional. Great choice for authentic Italian food. Portions are quite large which is great as when we eat there we always have lunch for the next day as well. Don't change that!!!