Italian VIlla restaurant in Cream Ridge, is owned by mom and pop team Biagio and Raffaela Scotto, or “Benny” and “Mama Scotto” as customers refer to them.
Operating a successful restaurant is nothing new to these energetic owners. Their previous restaurant, Romeo’s, was located in Fort Dix, N.J. Eventually, they sold it because they wanted a less hectic schedule and more family time.
However, after a few years of retirement, Benny says they were missing the hustle and bustle of running a restaurant.
They purchased the Italian Villa restaurant and customers from the old establishment followed them.
The familiar and comforting aromas of garlic, basil and thyme fill the air with the warmth from the pizza oven embracing you as you enter the restaurant.
Dominic Tesar, a customer before he joined the staff as a server says, “ I love the food and everyone is so nice here. Raffaela and Benny are really understanding and they work with you.”
The smell of pizza hot out of the oven on a cool afternoon is irresistible. The thin crust slice, when folded in half, retains its shape and integrity. The cheese and sauce do not pool into a messy clump on the plate.
One of their best sellers at the restaurant is fresh, homemade pasta. Benny cranks out six different types for their weekly specials. There is a wide variety to choose from, with the most popular choice being the Vodka Rigatoni.
Benny explains they have added whole wheat pasta and some gluten-free options to the menu, too, like a cauliflower pizza crust.
He says, “We want to make our customers happy, so we try to accommodate their special needs.”
Lucia Scotto, the owners’ daughter who also works as a server says, “That’s the advantage of cooking everything from scratch, you can customize it. Nothing is frozen, we use fresh, quality ingredients for our dishes.”
Vidwatee Sewdass, a customer from Princeton, NJ, says she makes the 45-minute drive to the restaurant regularly.
Sewdass says it’s worth it for, “Really good Italian food and better than homemade desserts.”
The owners and staff work to create an atmosphere that lives up to the motto emblazoned on their T-shirt, “Come as friends, leave as family.” They greet folks with a friendly hello and a welcoming wave on the way in.
The restaurant area can seat up to 40 patrons in the dining room, with an additional five seats at the countertops. Weather permitting, guests can sit on the patio and enjoy takeout.
Located on 445 Route 539, Cream Ridge, New Jersey, Italian Villa is minutes away from the Jackson Outlets and Six Flags Great Adventure theme park. They are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
