Villaggio Iccara

June 3, 2015 3 Comments

New Jersey does Italian food so well in general. Then there are places like Villaggio Iccara that do it extraordinarily well. My dad and step-mom introduced Marc and I to Iccara when we moved to the Yardville area because it is not even a mile from our house. They had already learned of its magic years ago and are regulars. That’s a testament to the place in itself because my dad has no tolerance for bad Italian food and Donna has the most discerning palate I have ever encountered.

The exterior of Iccara is so unassuming compared to the treasure within! All of the best places are like that, aren't they?
The exterior of Iccara is so unassuming compared to the treasure within! All of the best places are like that, aren’t they?

The bread alone makes it worth going. It is always warm, crusty and has perfect texture. It’s served with an incredible high quality olive oil and spices.

The bread at Iccara makes my carbaholic heart happy.
The bread at Iccara makes my carbaholic heart happy.

My favorite appetizer at Villaggio Iccara by far is the fried calamari. It’s not rubbery like some and served with their house made marinara sauce. That marinara sauce is packed with basil, garlic and every other delicious thing. It’s so good!

This is the proper color of fried calamari. It means that the oil used was super fresh so that it became crispy and golden, not brown.
This is the proper color of fried calamari. It means that the oil used was super fresh so that it became crispy and golden, not brown.

To me, it’s all about the pasta for a main course at Iccara. They also do pizza, chicken, veal and everything so perfectly. The menu is extensive with lots of choices without being overwhelming and unfocused. My personal favorite is the Pappardelle Ponza. It’s fresh pappardelle pasta with sausage, shrimp, fennel and mushrooms with an amazing cream sauce. In other words, it’s basically all of my favorite Italian flavors in one bowl!

Villaggio Iccara
The Pappardelle Ponza at Villaggio Iccara is just insane. The succulent shrimp, savory sausage, tender pasta…I’m drooling.

My latest trip there was an early birthday lunch with my Dad. Since it was for my birthday, I indulged in a piece of their amazing carrot cake. I had to have that quintessential Italian cappuccino to wash it down too, and I was in pure heaven.

I was so excited about my carrot cake at Iccara that I was halfway through my slice before I remembered to take a picture. Oops!
I was so excited about my carrot cake at Iccara that I was halfway through my slice before I remembered to take a picture. Oops!

If you find yourself anywhere in the vicinity of Yardville, NJ, you need to check out Iccara. The prices are so reasonable, the food is perfect and the atmosphere makes you feel like you are in Italy. The website for more information is http://iccara.com/. You can also follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VillaggioIccara. Wonderful local businesses like this are becoming few and far between and deserve to be treasured. Buon appetito, et grazie mille! xoxo

Enjoy a piece of pure Italy right in the heart of central NJ at Iccara!
Enjoy a piece of pure Italy right in the heart of central NJ at Iccara!

3 thoughts on “Villaggio Iccara”

  1. Hi Leigh,sounds like my kind of place. Looks delicious! Hoping you are having a good summer (well almost official June 21 is fast approaching!), then off to the SHORE! Your Florida Bud always, Cheryl

    1. Always great to hear from you Cheryl!! Oh yes, this would totally be your kind of place. Summer and time at the shore soon and I can’t wait! Hope all is well with you in FL. Your bud always, Leigh

      1. Hi Leigh yes I was thinking about you both and the Jersey Shore that it’ll be soon inundated with beach goers…The smell of pizza, sausage sandwiches on the boardwalk. Ooh ice cream and taffy too…Fond memories for me as a young child. Have fun this summer, I know you will. xo Cheryl

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