Each visit to Villa Di Como evokes a genuine sense of nostalgia from my time living in Italy. Having dined at numerous Italian restaurants throughout Saratoga, Albany, and Schenectady, I can confidently say that none compare to Villa di Como. It is, without question, the most authentic Italian restaurant in the Capital District. The owner Ali delivers a true taste of Northern Italian cuisine, complemented by a well-curated selection of wines by the glass. During our recent visit, I enjoyed the eggplant parmigiana while my date had the chicken parmigiana—each dish perfectly prepared. The rigatoni was cooked al dente, capturing that satisfying balance of texture and tenderness, with generous yet refined portions. For dessert, the house-made tiramisu is exceptional. Every detail of this hidden gem reflects care and authenticity, and I look forward to returning again soon.

ayana wilson

The owner Ali was wonderful. The staff was very courteous working together to make this experience amazing. Isabella served us with a smile. The food, 0h! The food is delicious and plentiful. Such a great authentic taste in each bite. Desert was yummy I had the canoly and the room transformed, I swipe a piece of my partner’s cheesecake and wow! 10 out of 10 I recommend. Thants Ali I didt fogey my food. Happy New Year

Nela

My husband and I live in the neighborhood and have been coming to Villa Di Como since they opened. We are thrilled to have this restaurant so close. The food, service, and ambiance never disappoint. Over time we brought here our friends, and family members, and our adult children become frequent customers as well. One time we had an unexpected family event with a larger group including several children. The owner went above and beyond to organize the space and accommodate our party. Definitely an A+ in every way.

Hope Van Tassel

My husband and I went here for an early dinner for the first time this past weekend. The ambience and the cleanliness of the restaurant were amazing. Our waiter was professional and attentive. The food was to die for - so authentic!!!! It is an a la carte style menu, so salads etc are additional. We had the calamari as an app and then the main dish, which was extremely filling - no need for bread and salad beforehand as it would have spoiled our appetite for the main dish. We cannot wait to come back! On a side note: Lark Street has gone down hill in my opinion! It used to be a very eclectic street with fabulous restaurants. Now, it seems quite sketchy, which is why we preferred to go in the late afternoon. It is street parking, and we were lucky enough to have found a spot right outside the restaurant. I would have been a bit apprehensive if we were a block or two away, especially at night. Overall, the experience was top-notch!

Brittany Trojanek

Had the absolute pleasure of being hosted by Matteo and he did not disappoint when enhancing the best experience for my first visit here. Ordered a little of everything and not one thing was less than fantastic. Homemade Limoncello and orange cello. And espresso martinis were divine.

+3

Marielle Martin

We finally found a place that feels like true, authentic, northern Italy food. If I’m wrong, that part doesn’t matter - it is amazing food. The pasta, the red sauce, and the homemade limoncello! 🍋 Chef Como’s creations are delicious! Legit. We will be back again and again. Reservations needed. It’s a small place.

+1

Michele Bertuzzi

Last night was my second visit to Villa di Como within the past year, and once again I was blown away by the hospitality. Owner Ali and his head chef Tony treat you like family — the experience truly feels like a classic Italian Sunday lunch thanks to their warmth and attention to detail. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including the Margherita pizza, focaccia, carbonara, cacio e pepe, and rigatoni with shrimp, mushrooms, and sausage — which was my personal favorite. Every dish was excellent. To finish the evening, Ali treated us to his homemade limoncello and arancello, the perfect ending to a wonderful night out with friends and colleagues. Hands down the best Italian restaurant in Albany!

Anthony Scarsella

We had a fantastic dining experience at this charming Italian restaurant for a large group of friends! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the warm hospitality of our wonderful host, Ali, who made us feel right at home. We loved the (pasta special) porcini, shrimp, and sausage pasta, which was cooked to perfection—it was fantastic. The fresh homemade wagyu meatballs were another highlight, bursting with flavor and accompanied by a delightful tomato sauce. But the real star of the night was the cacio e pepe—done in a wheel of pecorino romano table-side with the flame and all. The wine selection was impressive, featuring a range of exquisite options that beautifully complemented our meal. We also enjoyed some authentic Italian liquors, which added a special touch to our evening. To cap off our delightful dinner, Ali treated us to his homemade limoncello, and let me tell you, it rivals the best from Sorrento, Italy. I highly recommend this gem for anyone seeking delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, fantastic wines, and a relaxing ambiance. We can’t wait to return!

Craig B

What a find this place is in Albany. Appetizers and pasta dishes were outstanding. The red sauce is really delicious. Our server Matteo was great and knew the menu very well and helped us select our entrees. The cheesecake dessert was one of the best we have ever had. You can tell the chef is an off the boat Italian by how good everything is. It’s a tad on the expensive side for Albany, but the food was really top notch. Highly recommend!

Serena Beana

Intimate and authentic Italian setting. Meatballs are the best! All food was excellent as was the service. Looking forward to returning in the future. Highly recommend giving this place a try, and reservations are required. So make a date.

Ajg018

What a great experience!! The ambiance is warm and inviting. We loved that you can have a quiet conversation, not talk above the noise(there wasn't any) and still have it private. The service is casual and attentive. With only 7 tables and some bar service the turnaround time for the food and drink is quite fast. The ingredients are fresh and top quality-the sausage in my dish was the best I have had. The food is flavorful and seasoned perfectly. This the only time I can remember that I didn't add salt,pepper or ask for parm with our dinners. It was PERFECT. Yes, you might spend a little more, but this is not Olive garden or some other run of the mill local "italian"restaurant and you can taste the difference from start to finish. This is treat to be savored and we can't wait to return.

Emilio Locilento

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, this is the place. From the moment you walk in, you feel more like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home than just dining at a restaurant. The food is absolutely incredible—every dish tastes homemade, rich with authentic flavors, and clearly crafted with love and passion. The service is equally outstanding: warm, attentive, and genuine without ever feeling rushed. But what truly sets this place apart is the ownership. Ali treated me like family and made me feel at home. That personal touch creates a dining experience that goes far beyond just a great meal. This restaurant is a gem—incredible food, wonderful service, and owners who care deeply about every person who walks through the door. Can’t wait to come back!

Ciro Scotti

Excellent Italian restaurant in Albany, NY . Only has 7 tables and some bar seating so getting a reservation is a must. The food was excellent, from appetizers to dessert, and the service was prompt and courteous. A lot of the sauce put on the pasta can be a little spicy but if you request no spice they are very accommodating and make the dish the way you would like. They bottle their own limoncello which is very good as well.

+2

Paul Hartman

Went early. No reservation. Just us and bartender/server. Food was phenomenal 😋 house made limoncello was a great aperitif!

+1

priscilla palacios

This restaurant has a 'by reservation only' policy, but we went when it wasn't busy. We got a table without a reservation which was very convenient. The server was very attentive. The food was delicious. The red pepper flakes was very spicy. Tried the dessert as well.

Timothy Brennan

An amazing restaurant in the heart of downtown Albany with authentic Italian cuisine. You never know you weren’t on the shores of Lake Como Italy. The chef has trained with amazing Italian chefs in Lake Como. Brought some beautiful and unique dishes to this gem of a restaurant. He serves amazing Limoncello and orangecello. If you’re in the area, definitely take time to make a reservation for an amazing night out.

+5

William Jones

Villa di Como is by far the best Italian restaurant that we have found in the Capital region. I love the fact that they focus on one pasta and it is perfectly cooked every time we’ve been there. The Garlic Bread is a must every visit. The Calamari Fritti is perfectly fried and the Arancini is on point. As for the entrees, the Chicken Parm is by far the best Chicken Parm I have had in the region. It’s perfectly crispy with a delicious sauce to boot and it comes with that perfectly cooked spaghetti I mentioned above. Can’t wait to dine again!

+3

Alexandra Golden

Quickly became my favorite Italian spot in the capital region. Every dish we ordered was superb and you can taste the flavors and freshness. Burrata Salad was amazing. The garlic bread and pastas were not heavy and made with quality ingredients. Definitely enjoyed the limoncello! The staff was very accommodating. I highly recommend everyone to go here! Prices were on part with the quality.

+1

Liling Fei

Delicious, fantastic, magnificent! The very best Italian restaurant I’ve very experienced. The true Italian food I can say because I have 12 years of working experience in Europe before! What we ordered today, there’s no disappointment. Each one turns out to be surprisingly delicious!

Eric Jon Hough

The Pollo Lago di Como was absolutely delicious. The prices were a bit higher than I expected; however, you're paying for an exclusive, upscale experience (very small dining room) and quality food.

Matt Lehmann

Great restaurant but the prices are outrageously high. The pasta dishes are really fantastic, definitely on the level of a very good restaurant in Italy. However be prepared to pay. A lot. Over $40 for a plate of Bolognese is the highest I’ve ever seen in my life. The pizza is only ok. Upstate NY is far away from Italy so it’s ok for a special night.