Villa Marina, located at 18 Thameside in Henley-on-Thames, has quickly garnered a reputation for its authentic Italian cuisine, reminiscent of the culinary landscapes of Bologna. With a cozy atmosphere enhanced by tasteful decor—tablecloths, mirrors, and friendly staff—the restaurant sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Customers rave about the extensive menu that showcases traditional dishes, from delectable seafood spaghetti to rich lamb specials served with a handsomely crafted gravy. Many diners, like Tim Woodley, note the genuine authenticity of the flavors, making Villa Marina their top choice for Italian food in the UK.
The tantalizing desserts, such as the renowned tiramisu and sumptuous chocolate mousse, leave diners eager to return for more. Despite minor challenges with parking, reviews emphasize remarkable service and attention to detail, making every meal feel special. The restaurant ensures guests are well cared for, as highlighted by thoughtful gestures like offering finger bowls after enjoying delectable lamb dishes. With all these highlights, it's clear that Villa Marina not only meets but exceeds expectations, creating an atmosphere of warmth and genuine hospitality. Whether you're dining on a quiet Sunday evening or embarking on a culinary adventure, Villa Marina promises an experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.
Amenities and More
Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Takeaway
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Food
Healthy options
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Photos
Reviews For Villa Marina
Tim Woodley
Jul 4,2025
Having recently returned from Bologna where the food was sublime we were astonished to find this Italian restaurant where the food was just as good. We’ve found it very difficult to find Italian restaurants with authentic cuisine. For many, many years we have searched. The Villa Marina is now our no.1 destination for Italian food in the U.K..
Michael Bourne
Jun 28,2025
Lovely meal, on a quiet Sunday evening.
Janet Smith
Jun 14,2025
A surprise dinner booked by hubby. The restaurant is cosy with proper tablecloths. The mirrors on the walls make it look bigger but it was lovely. Staff are friendly, menu was quite extensive in choice and they still had specials available. Choices were beef carpaccio- veal - cauliflower cheese - minestrone soup and lam in mushroom and red wine sauce , potato’s and mixed veg.... It all tasted really good - we will be back
Krishan Ladwa
May 21,2025
Villa Marina is a traditional Italian restaurant overlooking the river. The food was ace, seafood spaghetti to start, prawns were perfectly cooked, squid was a bit over, overall very nice. Main was the special lamb, rare and was cooked correctly, rich gravy and nicely complimented the meat, was not disappointed, accompanied by a selection of veg for the table. Tiramisu, one of the best I’ve tasted in a long time - highly recommend! Service was definitely worth the charge, service was attentive, also was given a finger bowl for my main after staff saw I picking the lamb off the bones, extra credit for that. Reasonably priced. Parking is an issue due to location, there are a few spaces on the road, or a car park 7 mins walk away (free after 7pm)
Alexander Shah
May 10,2025
Review for Villa Marina Restaurant – Day 1 of My Dinner Review Journey: Kicking off my two-week dinner review adventure, Villa Marina did not disappoint. The branzino was absolutely amazing—flaky, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. I finished strong with a chocolate mousse that was just as impressive. No problem getting a table, and the service and atmosphere made it an overall great experience. Excited to see how the rest of the journey compares!
John
Apr 2,2025
This was a great restaurant. The staff were very friendly and the food arrived quickly. The place is clean and comfortable. The food itself is delicious, and I thought the price for the set menu was very fair. I’d particularly recommend the prawns with black pepper for a starter as this was delicious. The espressos were also excellent and traditionally Italian. I would definitely come back here.
Amy Johnston
Mar 10,2025
First time going to Villa Marina, and it didn't disapoint, the food was absolutely lovely. The lamb was gorgeous, and the seafood pasta was very agreeable! The manager of the restaurant Peter is great, providing a lovely service and atmosphere along with all staff. Ideal if you want formal dining in an independent within Henely.
Mullins Beach Houses
Mar 8,2025
Exceptional. Perfection in every way..... this is how to run a restaurant. The food was delicious, the service old fashioned but what everyone wants, super clean and very reasonable . You will not be disappointed. Thank you to you all for a fantastic lunch.
Reviews For Villa Marina