Villa Italia has welcomed diners to University Road in Belfast since 1988. The family run restaurant occupies a listed Georgian building close to Queen’s University, giving it a setting with more character than a standard neighbourhood pizzeria. Its long history and broad appeal make it suitable for family meals, dates and larger celebrations as well as a straightforward Italian dinner.
Pizza and pasta form the heart of the menu. Margherita provides a simple starting point, while combinations such as the Calabrese bring together salami, nduja, roasted peppers, rocket and Italian cheeses. Pasta choices range from spaghetti bolognese and carbonara to seafood linguine with prawns, calamari and mussels, and gluten free pasta can be paired with the restaurant’s sauces.
Antipasti include tomato bruschetta, grilled goat’s cheese, arancini, meatballs and mixed fried seafood. Diners looking beyond pasta and pizza can choose from chicken dishes, chargrilled steak and lamb, pork, duck, sea bass and salmon. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free markers help visitors navigate the menu, with vegan cheese and a gluten free pizza base also available.
Tiramisu, affogato, profiteroles and house made cheesecake continue the Italian theme into dessert. Prosecco, wine, spritzes, cocktails and espresso give the meal a suitable finish, whether the visit is brief or celebratory. Villa Italia’s strength is the combination of familiar cooking, an extensive choice and the continuity of a Belfast restaurant that has served generations of diners.
Address: 39–41 University Road, Belfast BT7 1ND, United Kingdom
Villa Italia Menu
Pizza
Vegan cheese available (0.50 extra) / Gluten free base available (1.50 extra)
MARGHERITA (V)
Tomato & Mozzarella
PEPPERONI
Tomato, Mozzarella & Pepperoni Sausage
ROMANA
Tomato, Mozzarella & Ham
PIZZA BRUSCHETTA (V)
Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Garlic & Basil Oil
LA RUSTICA
Parmesan Cream Base, Garlic Infused Crushed Baby Potato, Sauteed Onions, Fresh Rosemary & Bacon, Finished with Hot Honey
MIA
Tomato, Mozzarella, Ham, Mushroom & Oregano
HAWAIIAN
Tomato, Mozzarella, Ham & Pineapple
PICCANTE (S)
Tomato, Mozzarella, Pepperoni Sausage, Salami, Onions & Chilli Sauce
CALZONE (Envelope Pizza)
Tomato, Mozzarella, Ham & Salami folded and cased in a tomato and Parmesan shell
ANTONELLA
Tomato, Mozzarella, Salame Calabrese, Fior Di Latte & Rocket
PIZZA VEGANA (VG)
Tomato, Vegan Cheese with a Mix of Mediterranean Vegetables
VENEZIANA
Tomato, Mozzarella, Sweet Chilli Sauce, Chicken, Peppers & Red Onions
CAMPAGNOLA
Tomato, Mozzarella, Chicken, Bacon & Sweetcorn
POLLO (N)
Tomato, Mozzarella, Chicken, Sweet Roasted Peppers & pesto
BIANCANEVE
Mozzarella (White Base), Parma Ham, Chorizo, Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan & Rocket
CALABRESE (S)
Tomato, Mozzarella, Salami Calabrese, ‘Nduja, Sweet Roasted Peppers, Rocket & Fior Di Latte
GIARDINIERA
Tomato, Mozzarella, Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Garlic, Basil Oil & Parmesan
VILLA ITALIA
Tomato, Mozzarella, Pepperoni Sausage, Ham, Bacon, Mushroom, Sweetcorn & Pineapple
Antipasti
FORMAGGIO DI CAPRA CON BARBIETOLA (V)
Grilled Goats Cheese, Garlic & Thyme Roasted Beetroot served on Brioche with Caramelized Onion
GAMBERONI ALLA TRAPANESE
Tiger Prawns in Garlic & Chilli with White Wine & Cherry Tomatoes. Served with Focaccia Bread
CANNELLONI (V)
Pasta Tubes filled with Spinach & Ricotta Cheese, Oven Baked in a Tomato Sauce & Gratinated with Cheese
FUNGHI CON PANCETTA
Deep Fried Mushrooms with a Bacon, Peppers & Cheese Stuffing, served with a tasty Garlic Dip
FRITTO MISTO (GF)
Baby Squid & King Prawns dusted in Corn flour, deep fried & served over Rocket Salad with a Lemon Mayonnaise
BRUSCHETTA DI POMODORO (VG)
Grilled Slices of Bread, Topped with Tomato, Red Onion & Garlic in Olive Oil
ARANCINI (N)
Arborio rice Balls with Chorizo, Parmesan & Peas, Bread-crumbed & deep Fried Served with a Pesto Mayo
POLPETTINE CON POMODORO
Homemade Meatballs in a Delicious Tomato Sauce, Topped With Cheese & Served with Garlic Bread
MORSETTI
Chicken Goujons Served with a Paprika Mayonnaise
Extra Sides
GARLIC BREAD
GARLIC BREAD SUPREME (With Cheese)
PIZZA GARLIC BREAD WITH MOZZARELLA CHEESE
Pasta
All our pasta sauces are gluten free and available with penne gluten free pasta.
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE
Our Very Own Recipe of This Italian Classic made with Glenarm Shorthorn Mince
PENNE MARCANTONIO
Penne Pasta Cooked with a Delicious Combination of Chorizo, Sun-Blush Tomato, Chicken, Mushrooms & Peas, Laced with Cream
LINGUINI CON POLPETTE
Homemade Meatballs in a Tomato & Basil Sauce over Linguini
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA
Spaghetti Tossed with Crispy Smoked Bacon, Parmesan Cheese & Egg Yolk in a Cream Sauce
TAGLIATELLE AL SALMONE
Tagliatelle Pasta with Smoked Salmon & Spinach in a Cream Sauce
LASAGNA DELLA CASA
Traditional Homemade Lasagne Served with Your Choice of Side Order
LINGUINI SCOGLIO
Classic Dish of Linguini Pasta, Tossed with Garlic, Fresh Chilli, King Prawns, Calamari & Mussels in a Light White Wine & Tomato Sauce
LINGUINI ALL’ANGELO (S)
Linguini Pasta in a light Cream Sauce with Tiger Prawns, Spicy ‘Nduja, Roasted Red Peppers, Roasted Onion, Thyme & Peas
RAVIOLI ALLA NORMA
Ravioli filled with mozzarella Cheese, Served in a San Marzano Tomato Sauce, with Aubergine and Burrata Cheese
Pollo
All of the below Chicken Dishes are served with Vegetables and a choice of Potatoes or Side Salad.
POLLO ALLA VERONESE
Breast of Chicken Filled with Bacon & Garlic Stuffing, Served With a Wild Mushroom Sauce
POLLO FORMAGGIO (GF)
Escalope of Chicken Breast Cooked in a White Wine & Cream Sauce, Topped With Ham & Gratinated with Cheddar Cheese
SPIEDINI SAPORITI (GF)
A Tasty Marinated Chicken Kebab Garnished with Pilaff Rice & Served With a Sweet Chilli & Crème Fraiche Sauce
Carne & Pesce
MAIALE AL MARSALA
Locally Sourced Medallions of Pork Fillet, Pan-Fried and complimented with a Creamy Marsala & Mushroom Sauce
BISTECCA (GF)
10oz Locally Sourced Angus Sirloin Steak Chargrilled and Cooked to your liking, Served with a choice of Garlic Butter or Black Pepper Sauce
FILETTO (GF)
8oz Locally Sourced Fillet Steak Chargrilled and Cooked to your liking, Served with a Choice of Garlic Butter or Black Pepper Sauce
AGNELLO ALLA BRACE (GF)
Chargrilled Lamb Rump, Marinated in Garlic, Rosemary, and Mint, Served with a Rosemary Infused Dauphinoise, Mint Pesto & Jus
ANATRA AL MANGO (GF)
Marinated Barbary Duck Breast, Cooked to your liking and served with a Mango, Apple and Chilli Cream Sauce with Crispy Leeks
SPIGOLA ALLA DINO (GF)
Pan-fried fillet of Seabass with sauteed Potatoes & Chorizo, Tiger Prawns and Spinach with a light Lemon and cream. Sauce served with Vegetables or Salad
SALMONE ALLA FIORENTINA (N)
Pan-fried Fillet of Salmon with a Sun-dried Tomato, Basil, Pine Nut & Parmesan Crust, Complimented by a Light Lemon & Cream Sauce, Served with Roast Mediterranean Vegetables and your Choice of Potatoes
Contorni
CHIPS OR DICED POTATO IN GARLIC BUTTER
BABY BOILED POTATOES
CHEF’S SELECTION OF FRESH VEGETABLES
MUSHROOMS IN GARLIC BUTTER
GARLIC BREAD
GARLIC BREAD SUPREME (WITH CHEESE)
TOSSED SALAD
PIZZA GARLIC BREAD WITH MOZZARELLA CHEESE
Dolce
AFFOGATO (N)
Vanilla Ice-Cream sprinkled with Amaretti Biscuits, served with a shot of Hot Espresso and a shot of Amaretto Liqueur, for you to drown (Affogato) to your liking
TORTA DI CIOCCOLATO
A Delicious Chocolate Fudge Cake Served With a Hot Chocolate Sauce
TIRAMISU
Villa Italia’s Version of This Classic Recipe
PROFITEROLES (N)
Choux Pastry Filled with Cream, Topped with Hot Chocolate & Finished With Fresh Cream & Nuts
FUDGE OR CHOCOLATE NUT SUNDAE (N) (GF)
Vanilla Ice-Cream with Your Choice of Chocolate or Fudge Sauce With a Sprinkling of Nuts, Topped with Fresh Cream
TORTA ALL’ARANCIA CON CIOCCOLATO
This delicious combination of Orange & Chocolate makes this Home-made Cheesecake a real delight. Served with a Chocolate Sauce
SORBETO MISTO (GF)
Trio of Assorted Sorbet Served in a Brandy Basket Accompanied With a Strawberry Coulis
GELATO CON PERE (GF)
Honeycomb Ice-Cream & Pears Served with Fresh Cream & Sprinkled with Chocolate
PANNA COTTA (GF)
Raspberry and White Chocolate Panna Cotta with a Berry Compote
CRESPELLE DOLCI
Warm Homemade Crepes with Chocolate & Fudge Sauces, Served With Honeycomb Ice-Cream
CARAMELLO DELLA NONNA
Sticky Toffee Sponge Pudding Served Warm with a Delicious Toffee & Caramel Sauce & Honeycomb Ice-Cream
Coffee & Tea
AMERICANO
ESPRESSO
CAPPUCCINO
CAFÉ LATTE OR MOCHA
LIQUEUR COFFEES
SELECTION OF TEAS – DECAFFE, GREEN, PEPPERMINT OR EARL GREY
HOT CHOCOLATE
House Red Wines
PALMENTO SHIRAZ I.G.T. – SICILIA
With attractive berry aromas & soft tannins, this delightful red is beautifully balanced
PALMENTO NERO D’AVOLA I.G.T. – SICILIA
This young fresh red explodes with lush black cherry flavours & a hint of spice on the nose
Italian Red Wines
PRIMO SANGIOVESE MERLOT
Brambly berried fruit that’s plenty ripe, gentle roasted notes give way to red and black plums
CHIANTI CLASSICO SERRESTORI D.O.C.G.
Made predominantly from Sangiovese, this ruby red wine from the best vineyards in the region has attractive aromas of cherry & raspberry
MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
Soft ripe summer fruits on the palate, with a clean finish
PRIMITIVO PUGLIA ‘I MURI’
Deep & intense with layered notes of dark chocolate, liquorice & cherry
VALPOLICELLA DOC
Produced in the famous classic zone of the same name from selected grapes, full ruby red colour with an intense fragrance & bold fresh taste
PIPOLI AGLIANICO
Garnet red in colour with complex aromas of underbrush, violets & cocoa. Full-bodied with sweet red fruit, delicate oak nuances and a persistent finish
FARNESE ‘EDIZIONE CINQUE AUTOCTONI’
Winner of ‘Best Wine of Italy 2015’. Five grape varieties aged separately then blended into a rich, powerful yet very drinkable wine with hints of blackberries, vanilla, cinnamon & mixed spice
Rosé Wines
CANYON ROAD WHITE ZINFANDEL – CALIFORNIA, USA
Light-bodied with hints of strawberry, cherry & watermelon and a smooth, crisp finish
PINOT GRIGIO BLUSH DELLA VENEZIE IGT LAMBERTI
Attractive colour with soft strawberry flavours and an easy-drinking off-dry style
House White Wines
PALMENTO PINOT GRIGIO I.G.T. – SICILIA
Apple, Pear & Melon flavours, followed by a well-balanced, dry, crisp finish characteristic of this exceptional Sicilian wine
Italian White Wines
PINOT GRIGIO ‘SANTE PIETRE’ IGT LAMBERTI
Classic Pinot Grigio from Northern Italy with a delicious fruity style
White Wines
PIPOLI GRECO FIANO
Pale lemon in colour with tropical fruit aromas and subtle vegetal notes. Rich yet fresh with lime zest character balanced by Greco grapes
INYCON SAUVIGNON BLANC I.G.T. – SICILIA (Available by the Glass)
Aromatic with notes of passion fruit, grapefruit peel and herbs. Refreshing, long-lasting and pairs perfectly with pasta, salads and spicy fish dishes
SANTA ALICIA RESERVE CHARDONNAY – CHILE
Complex and multi-layered with hints of top-end Burgundy, integrated with white pear & melon fruit
ESK VALLEY MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC – NEW ZEALAND
Intense and powerful with ripe tropical fruit, citrus and fresh herb notes. Dry, full-bodied with a crisp finish
THE NED MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC
Bursting with lively citrus & nettle aromas, vibrant and concentrated flavours showing true regional character
Red Wines
SANTA ALICIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE – CHILE
Warm inviting nose of damson & cherry, followed by a smooth texture with flavours carrying through to the palate
FAUSTINO DE CRIANZA RIOJA DOC – SPAIN
Traditional Rioja dominated by Tempranillo, offering succulent ripe raspberry flavours
URMENETA MERLOT – CHILE (Available by the Glass)
Medium-bodied and smooth with intense aromas of blackberries and plum, forest fruit flavours on the palate
Sparkling & Champagne
ASTI SPUMANTE DOCG
Fresh, fruity and medium-sweet, one of the best Spumante wines available
VILLA JOLANDA PROSECCO – ITALY
Refreshingly off-dry with sharp Cox’s apple fruit balanced by soft melon & lemon mousse
VILLA JOLANDA PROSECCO – 20cl
Quarter bottle
CODORNIU BRUT ROSÉ CAVA
Light and pure with strawberry and raspberry notes, vibrant and true to Codorniu’s historic style
MOËT & CHANDON NV
World-famous Champagne house
Cocktails
BRAMBLE
Boatyard Gin, Villa Jolanda Prosecco, Crème de Mure, Anam Irish Citrus & Agave
APEROL SPRITZ
Aperol, Villa Jolanda Prosecco & Soda Water
WHISKEY SOUR
Black Bush Irish Whiskey, Anam Irish Citrus & Beer Honey
ESPRESSO MARTINI
Vodka, Coffee Liqueur & Fresh Espresso Coffee