A Nostalgic Step Into the Past
At first glance, Bettelli’s Villa in Wilkes-Barre, PA, could easily be mistaken for an old hotel or a shuttered banquet hall. To those passing by, it has the aura of a place that may have seen better days. But once you step inside, you’re instantly transported to a Mediterranean villa of decades past, complete with vintage red booths, elegant marble floors, and gothic lighting that evokes the opulence of the early 1900s. Walking through its doors feels almost like stepping aboard a luxury liner like the Titanic, giving diners a glimpse into an era defined by classic charm and timeless décor.
Bettelli’s Villa, though, is far from a relic of the past. It has a long-standing history in the region, having started as a humble café in Miners Mills in 1941. Over the decades, the restaurant moved to Public Square in Wilkes-Barre before settling at its current location. It’s a hidden gem that many locals have likely passed by countless times, unaware of the culinary treasures housed inside.
My First Visit – A Surprise Inside
My first visit was, to say the least, unforgettable. I had no idea what to expect, and my initial glimpse of the warm, nostalgic interior was both surprising and inspiring. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to bring your significant other for a cozy, intimate meal. Unfortunately, on this occasion, I was flying solo and without the time to dine in, so I opted for takeout – but even that decision didn’t diminish the experience.
The Pizza – A Crispy and Flavorful Delight
For my first foray into Bettelli’s menu, I ordered two of their famed grandma pizzas—one plain and another topped with shrimp and long hot peppers. Each pizza was prepared on a thin, crunchy Sicilian-style dough, baked to perfection in a pan. The crust was crispy in every bite, providing a satisfying contrast to the toppings.
The Plain Grandma Pizza
The plain grandma pizza was an instant hit. Built on a foundation of mozzarella cheese laid beneath a layer of their signature sauce, the simplicity of the ingredients shined through. The sauce was truly something special – a thin, aromatic, and moderately seasoned delight that felt nostalgic, reminiscent of a traditional homemade sauce you’d find in a family kitchen. In fact, it reminded me so much of my grandmother’s sauce that it triggered an emotional connection, transporting me back to those cherished Sunday dinners. The love and care baked into this pizza were palpable, and every bite brought with it a wave of comforting familiarity.
The pizzas themselves are relatively small at about 12″ by 12″, which makes them perfect as a shareable appetizer or a snack. If you’re planning to serve a group or just want pizza as the main course, it’s a good idea to order several pies to satisfy everyone’s hunger.
The Shrimp and Hot Pepper Pizza
Next up was the shrimp and long hot pepper grandma pizza, which is offered in both red and white varieties. I opted for the red, eager to pair the shrimp and peppers with Bettelli’s sauce. The result was nothing short of extraordinary—a harmonious blend of the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp with the spicy kick of the hot peppers, all wrapped up in that tangy tomato sauce. It was almost like enjoying a seafood fra diavolo pizza, a nod to one of my favorite pasta dishes. Bettelli’s even has fra diavolo on the menu, which I’m eager to return and try based on how well they incorporated those flavors into their pizza.
Final Thoughts
Bettelli’s Villa isn’t just a place for good food—it’s an experience that transports you to a different time, offering a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to find in today’s fast-paced dining scene. The pizzas, though modest in size, pack a punch with flavor and are perfect for those who appreciate thoughtful, well-crafted dishes.
If you’ve ever driven past Bettelli’s Villa, wondering what it’s like inside, do yourself a favor and stop in. Whether you’re dining in and enjoying the retro ambiance or grabbing a couple of pizzas to go like I did, the experience is bound to be memorable. And with scores as high as these, it’s clear that Bettelli’s has mastered the art of creating a truly special pizza.
I highly recommend giving Bettelli’s Villa a try, especially if you’re a fan of classic pizza with a little extra flair—and be sure to bring someone along to share in the charm!
Want to know what the best pizza sauce is? I tested, ranked, and scored them all! Here are my Pizza Sauce Rankings!
Rating the Grandma Pizza
- Restaurant: Bettelli’s Villa
- Address: 560 Kidder St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
- Dine In/Take Out: Take Out
- Pizza Ordered: Grandma Pizza
- Date: September 2024
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 8.1 |
| Sauce | 7.9 |
| Cheese | 7.9 |
| Taste | 8.1 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 8.1 |
| Value | 7.8 |
| Overall Rating | 8 |
Pizza is Similar to:
Rating the Pizza
- Restaurant: Bettelli’s Villa
- Address: 560 Kidder St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
- Dine In/Take Out: Take Out
- Pizza Ordered: Grandma Pizza with Shrimp and Long Hot Peppers
- Date: September 2024
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 8.1 |
| Sauce | 7.9 |
| Cheese | 7.9 |
| Taste | 8.4 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 8.1 |
| Value | 7.8 |
| Overall Rating | 8.1 |
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