Villa Berulia

Villa Berulia Restaurant Review:

Upon first glance, Villa Berulia may seem like the typical Italian establishment serving a conventional menu of standards found in so many other eateries around town. The classic décor, characterized by well-spaced white tablecloth settings, soft lamp lighting, and traditional still life and portrait paintings on the walls, is typical of many family-owned restaurants. But the menu provides a departure from the norm, offering Croatian and wild game selections ranging from a seafood buzara and Dalmatian cannelloni to pan-seared ostrich filets, reminding the diner that the northwestern part of Croatia used to belong to Italy. Dishes are well executed, with an insalata ai frutti di mare with octopus, calamari, shrimp and olives tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette, and caprese salad with mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, roasted bell peppers and basil providing fresh precursors to hearty main courses of a double-cut king veal chop or veal osso buco over rice or gnocchi. The wine list as well as desserts such as a creamy cannoli lean more Italian.