(TV Diner) - For excellent service as well as expertly prepared and presented Italian dishes head over to Villa Fresca!

With an unassuming facade, in a plaza right on Route One in Rye, New Hampshire, the foyer of Villa Fresca opened into a long lounge area, with a shiny bar on the right and a tiny dining room bathed in soft light and Mediterranean blue, on the left. All seatings offered the same fare, from a short but excellent four course Italian menu and wine list.

We started with the Cool Roasted Mushrooms, mixing several kinds of mushrooms with sweet charred onions.

It was a tad salty, but quite savory with the basil oil. The House Salad was faultless, dressed with cranberry vinaigrette over tender spring greens and filled with pungent gorgonzola, crunchy walnuts and tangy berries.

An amazing pomegranate glaze covered the Wheat and Barley Crusted Chicken Breast, resting on sautéed baby greens.

The accompanying corn bread was a buttery treat. Next we tried the Papparedelle with Shrimp and Lobster in vodka sauce, which was excellent, but somewhat sparse with the amount of seafood.

Desserts brought an irresistible Opera Cake, that topped a layer of moist chocolate cake with silky layers of both coffee and chocolate mousse. The Smooth and creamy Vanilla Gelato, was presented in a nice sized glass, ending a gratifying dinner.

The service was as fun and friendly as it was efficient. Prices were good and appropriately varied for portion sizes and quality - except for the Shrimp and Lobster that was expensive. Appetizers ranged $7 to $14, entrees $14 to $26 and desserts averaged $6.

Villa Fresca is a successful, sophisticated, well-rounded Italian Restaurant. The staff defines warm hospitality in a small, but not congested restaurant, that gives diners a rewarding experience.

Villa Fresca earns the Gold Plate.

Located at 150 Lafayette Road or Route One in Rye, New Hampshire, it can be reached at 603-319-1045 or by visiting

www.villafrescaristorante.com

Villa Fresca

150 Lafayette Road

Rye, NH

United States

See map: