Licavoli's VILLANOVA PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE
About This Spot
Stepping into Licavoli's VILLANOVA PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE in St Clair Shores, you’re gently wrapped in an inviting warmth that strikes a perfect balance between familiar comfort and a quiet sense of occasion. The atmosphere is easygoing yet grounded in a subtle energy — the kind that welcomes both a lively family dinner and a relaxed evening with friends over a thoughtfully mixed cocktail.
The pace here feels unhurried, encouraging you to savor the moment and the company. The dining spaces are thoughtfully arranged to let conversation flow naturally, whether you're tucked into a bright corner or seated at the heart of the restaurant’s buzz. An attentive but unobtrusive staff creates a rhythm to the evening that enhances rather than interrupts, making the experience feel genuinely cared for.
At Licavoli’s, the menu is a tapestry of Italian tradition with a nod to local tastes and seasonal freshness. The stone-fired pizzas capture a textured crust with thoughtfully layered flavors, inviting you to discover familiar combinations alongside house specialties that speak of the kitchen’s personality—whether it's a saucy, cheesy classic slice or a more inventive creation. Beyond pizza, the dishes carry a home-cooked sincerity: hearty pastas, fresh seafood, and lemon chicken dishes that linger comfortably in memory.
The wine bar and cocktail selections subtly complement the flavors on your plate, creating small moments of harmony in every sip. Whether you’re sharing a bottle with loved ones or enjoying a signature cocktail, these additions feel like a quiet celebration of good company and good taste.
One of Licavoli's quiet strengths is its ability to feel simultaneously familiar and refreshing. The sense of community here is palpable—servers who remember regulars, families gathered around tables, and newcomers discovering those little touches that invite a return visit. It’s not the flashiest spot around, but it’s the kind of place where shared meals become small, meaningful rituals.
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Michelle H 08 Jan 2026
The service and food was great, Jim did a fine job making suggestions & taking care of us. We ordered two 12 inch pizzas, (Mel-iterrian & Den’s Delight) 2/$28 special on Tuesdays. It came with a side salad or cup of soup. The tiramisu is delicious and a fair price at $8 for a large portion to share. We will return.
C. J. (C.J.) 11 Dec 2025
This place is really cute. The area we were seated in was bright and comfortable. He ordered pizza, I got a salad and both good. The bread with the oil and balsamic was sooo good. The bread was hot with the texture of the best english muffin you've ever had and the balsamic was delicious. Had a couple of decent Godfathers too.
Cristina Dewan 04 Dec 2025
Had a great dinner here! Started with the meatballs and they will not disappoint, they were huge! Had the breaded lemon chicken and spaghetti with meat sauce and sausage. Ended with some cannolis. The staff and food was amazing and we will definitely be back!
Jordan 29 Oct 2025
2nd time visiting. Both times I got the lasagna and wedding soup, which are astounding! This is not a cheap restaurant at all. I noticed my server, Chris, was very busy and while trying to manage his workload I believe the manager, older brunette woman, would micro manage him. Chris was excellent. I’m assuming more waiters are needed since it took my guest and I about 10 minutes to be seated, although it was busy.
Real CN 29 Oct 2025
This place was SO good! Everything was fresh, the rolls were amazing, lemon chicken was to die for and the salad was huge! Everyone was so nice and friendly from the greeter to the waiter! This isn’t a “cheap” restaurant but worth every dollar for a nice meal.
Bruce Seiler 25 Oct 2025
There is a lot more room inside than parking outside. Very bright spaces with well decorated rooms. The noise levels were different depending on the space you are in. We had great service. The waitress was very helpful. I had a salad and gnocchi with meat sauce. The salad with house dressing was okay. Dressing could have had a little more flavor. My wife got the italian wedding soup. It was good but a really small cup. The gnocchi was good and a large portion. Meat sauce was excellent. We had the tiramisu for Desert. It was such a large lice we couldn't finish it.
Jessica 25 Oct 2025
Overall we had a great experience at Licavolis. It was some of the best, fresh, Italian food I have had. It also was very reasonably priced. They had several dishes I would try. I highly recommend making a reservation as it seemed a little messy when we came in as a walk in for 2 usually patient people. The fumbling around on where to put two people was a little awkward as someone who has been a host. Luckily, they were kind enough to let us sit at the bar which is preferable because you tend to get better, quicker service most places. Our server/bartender was kind and helpful. He really was great!!
Dennis Wise 29 Sep 2025
Update 1/10/2024 - My wife and I still dine here about once every two months. We were seated in the Garden Room for the first time this evening. We've tried and enjoyed almost everything that's on the menu and now gravitate to our respective favorites. My wife had cheese ravioli with meat marinara and I had chicken Marsala. The sauces are Sicilian, which are sweeter versions of Italian sauces, and are excellent. Portions are very generous. Servers are all attentive and friendly. Everyone seems dedicated to ensuring that their guests have a wonderful dining experience. Update 12/13/2022 - I think that the restaurant is now fully open. We've been here a couple of times since our last review. Food and service were again excellent. Our expectations are now very high for the restaurant and they continue to meet or exceed them. Unfortunately, there is a new problem that will keep us from returning until after the holidays - limited parking. We had 6:00 pm reservations and couldn't find a parking spot anywhere near the restaurant. My wife dropped me off to secure our table, while she continued to search for a parking spot. She parked at the Golden Chopsticks next door, but when she walked up to the door at Licavoli's, she saw a sign that advised us not to park at Dragon's Landing on the other side, because they were having cars towed away. My wife decided not to risk parking at Golden Chopsticks either, so she went back to our car and moved it half a block down the adjacent side street. Our server told us that Licavoli's tried to work something out with Dragon's Landing for overflow parking, but Dragon's Landing wasn't interested, and they had a number of Licavoli's patrons ticketed, with a $600 fine per car. This inconvenience means that we won't return to Licavoli's in December and we will never go into a Dragon's Landing or other Dragonsmead restaurant. Their parking lot was empty, so maybe others feel as we do. Our previous review of Licavoli's follows: My wife and I went on a date night to the soft opening of the restaurant. It's currently reservation only, until it's fully open. I ordered chicken marsala, my wife ordered lasagna, and we both had an antipasto side salad. I wish I had taken a picture of the antipasto. The portion was the size of a meal. The homemade dressing was the best I have had. The quality, flavor, and freshness of each ingredient was excellent. Our entrees were also among the best versions of the dishes we have had. We sampled each others' entree and found them equally delicious. For dessert, we shared an order of 2 mini-canolis, which were very good. If they stay as good as they were tonight, this place is going to be a hit. I took a few pictures to show the decor, before the restaurant is filled with customers. It will be a great new place to dine frequently. We wish the owners and staff well on their new venture.