Villa Berulia will be closing after 45 memorable years
After 45 unforgettable years serving this community, we share this news with a heavy heart: Villa Berulia will be closing.
What began in 1981 as Johnny’s simple dream — a warm, welcoming place built on good food and genuine hospitality — grew into something far greater than we ever imagined.
Over the decades, Villa Berulia became a setting for life’s moments: first dates that turned into anniversaries, family milestones, celebrations, and quiet evenings that meant more than anyone realized at the time. These memories have shaped who we are, and they will stay with us always.
This decision was not made lightly. The realities of running an independent restaurant today — from rising operating costs to the challenges of maintaining a small, family‑run business in a changing city — have made it increasingly difficult to continue. Despite our best efforts, the time has come to close this chapter.
Our final day of service will be Saturday, June 27.
As we approach these last weeks, we invite you to join us once more — to share a meal, a memory, or simply a goodbye. As Johnny would say at the end of a long, lively night: finita la musica.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our story.
With sincere appreciation, Alex, Steve & the entire Villa Berulia Crew
wishing you all the best ….
Dear Steve and Alex. We send you such thanks and appreciation for years of memories. Although we live on the other coast, every visit to NYC included dinner with you. So many dinners of amazing food, friendly conversations, and a place that felt “like home.”
We wish you and your wonderful staff the very best for soft landings into new chapters!
With gratitude and good wishes,
Brad and Mark
So sorry to hear this news. Some of my best memories in NYC and in my life have been spent at Villa Berulia and Trio and the Ivanac family. Thank you so much for all you did for your customers and the community. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Sincerely, David Dube’
Absolutely a great place and great food. I live in Houston but Villa Berrulia became a must-go place every visit. Also any friends I sent there from Houston were never disappointed. My cousin Clare Costello and her friend Doris had been coming since the opening. You all will be greatl missed. Jane. B.
I am so sorry to learn this news but I totally understand. You have continued your Dad’s legacy with love, care and creativity! He’d be so proud! Villa Berulia has been my only NYC restaurant since I met your Dad when he became my client. I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent in your restaurant and will lovingly remember all those who worked with your Dad and Maria and you both. I always said when I walked through your door “I was home”.
I will see you soon and I wish you much love and happiness!
Barb
I am very glad I had a chance to get to know your food, family and crew…
I wish all of you well.
My deepest regrets on the loss of your restaurant to NYC. Are you staying in NYC or trucking back to Europe? Although I do not get in as much as I use to, I loved your Dad when he was alive and certainly sweet
Maria. I am going to try to get in during the month to wish you well. God bless the 3 of you and Maria.
I’ve been a regular since 2001, making it 25 years. It will take me a long time to adjust to this sad news. I can only imagine what it means to Alex, Steve, Amelia, and the staff (some of whom have been there for decades).
Best wishes to all of you.
I’ve been going to you since you opened in1981 fist as a young assissant to my VP boss for lunch meetings with our clients, then with my wife on special occasions and now with a special friend and never was disappointed. Johnny was great, took care of me like I was family and I appreciated his warmth and friendliness. His son and all the staff made me feel like I was a special customer. I will miss the feel and food and staff from the top down. Best wishes to all!!
Both Cathy Vannozzi and I have been dining at Villa Berulia for the past 20 or so years to celebrate special occasions. We grew to know and love Johnny, as well as Alex and Steven. Whenever we were in NYC, Villa Berulia was a must. Although we understand why it is closing, we are truly broken hearted. At the same time we are grateful for the wonderful memories, the hard working staff, and most of all for Steven, Alex and family for all of their years of dedication and service…Thank you and many blessings in whatever comes next for you!
So sorry to hear,, so many wonderful times and dinners in the 80’s and 90’s with Johnie, Maria, Mira and Darko!
Pat Piskura
So sad to hear about this great restaurant great place. It’s so hard to find places that treat me like family and it’s just a go to place where you want. Excellent food that is authentic.
I’m so sorry to hear that you are closing. We will miss you.
The DeSousa family will miss you! This has been our go-to NYC restaurant for many, many, many years. Wishing you the very best. Thank you for all the memories
Though I will always wish you guys life’s best, this news colors my day with incredible sadness as I consider you to be family. Life will never be the same without your presence in the neighborhood. Hoping something will somehow change and planning to see you as often as possible between now and 27JUN! Sending HUGE hugs & love, Georgianna-
Though I will always wish you guys life’s best, this news colors my day with incredible sadness as I consider you to be family. Life will never be the same without your presence in the neighborhood. Hoping something will somehow change and planning to see you as often as possible between now and 27JUN! Sending HUGE hugs & love, Georgianna-
I am stunned and deeply saddened to receive the news that Villa Berulia is closing its door
on June 27th, after 45 wonderful, very special years in business.
I first started dining at Villa Berulia shortly after your restaurant’s opening in spring 1981. Over the ensuing 45 years, there have been hundreds of magnificent and memorable occasions spent with you from entertaining important international clients from around the world to welcoming foreign diplomats and stars from the world of classical music, celebrating special birthdays, engagements, wedding anniversaries or just having a quiet dinner with a friend.
To our late, dear Johnny who always greeted us with a cordial, warm hearted “welcome home” to
Alex, Steve. and crew who have continued Villa Berulia on, in Johnny’s spirit and memory, during recent years in such outstanding, marvelous fashion. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Very best wishes to you all, now and in the future, regardless of what life may hold in store.
Hoping to stop-by and see you one more time before Villa Berulia closes and becomes
the fondest of memories never to be forgotten.
Warmest regards,
Leland
Very sad- thanks Alex for your efforts. John was always a gracious host and Bob and Tom and Jim always enjoyed our time with the two of you and the waitstaff. All great things have their run and yours was exceptional. Thank and best wishes for the
Next chapter of your life.
With many fond memories and freest thanks.
Sincerely,
David Caputo
All the best folks. So happy we could reunite a few months ago after moving to Florida. Thanks to all for several fond memories. Fran and Frank McDonough
Much love to the family
We wish Alex Steveand staff. All the best
Wow. I’m literally crushed. Thank you for providing us with all the amazing experiences we had in this restaurant. From the top down this place is one of the best restaurants we’ve ever been to, getting treated like family, the good side of family.
Dear Alex and Steve
Stunned by the closure of Villa
You both have treated Eleanor and me very
Well and we
Will miss your friendship and the good times we had at Villa
Thank you for all you have done for us and hope you have much
Success in the future
Warm regards
Eleanor Castellano and John McGhee
Dear Alex,
Barbara and I were so happy to join you this past Saturday evening the 27th
for one last time, on Villa Berulia’s “finale.” Our meals were magnificent,
as they have always throughout the past forty-five years. And everything
else was just pure perfection.
And now, Villa Berulia shall live-on forever in our thoughts and memories
with great fondness, never to be forgotten.
Please stay in-touch with us. Wishing you and your family all the very best
now and in the months and years to come. Whatever “road” you may now
travel, we hope the journey brings you much happiness, success and
contentment.
Until we meet again …….
Warmest regards,
Barbara and Leland Hoch
Dear Steve and Alex,
It was with great surprise and sadness that we learned of the closing of our beloved Villa Berulia. Bob and Marie Plachter and us enjoyed many years of dinner for special occasions and for just a simple, enjoyable night out with great food. We especially enjoyed drinking and talking about Portuguese wines with Steve. We will miss you terribly and wish you the very best for the future.