Another restaurant has opened its doors in Saline County…and it’s beginning to look promising for the local food scene in this part of the state. Recently, Italian Villa began serving diners in Benton at the former home of Ed & Kay’s, the classic Saline Co. diner that shuttered in the spring of 2014.
Italian Villa is brought to us by Chef Bruno Baqiri, who also owns and operates Bruno’s Italian Bistro on Bowman Rd. in Little Rock. Of note, this “Bruno” is not related to the renowned Bruno family who own Bruno’s Little Italy in downtown Little Rock…a source of much confusion among many Little Rock residents.
But Chef Baqiri’s decision to extend his Italian offerings to the residents of Saline Co. represents another positive move towards real growth of the local food scene in Benton and Bryant. Italian Villa will be joining a handful of excellent restaurants already opened or soon-to-be-open in this neck of the woods. All of this is good news for Saline Co. diners, who for years have been forced to make their way to Little Rock to meet many of their dining needs.
Italian Villa is offering classic Italian fare…pastas, soups, salads, pizzas. There’s also veal, chicken, and seafood dishes and a handful of house specialties.
Italian Villa is located at 15228 I-30N, Benton. Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm, Closed Monday. (501) 315-3663.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
