The family that owns the recently opened Villa Italia Cafe has a long restaurant tradition. Just as important, the family is patient. They wanted to make sure that everything was just right — from the lasagna to the pizza to the linguini pescatore, as well as the restaurant setup and the staff training — before broadcasting the restaurant was open.

Nine months after opening, Eugenio Rizzo, his wife Fallon and his mother Shelly, are ready. Moreover, Villa Italia Cafe, located at 2808 10th St. W. in Palmetto, is ready. A sampling of the menu confirms that, yes, the wait was worthwhile, as is the drive almost to Snead Island.