An Italian menu in a stunning 18th century building

An Italian menu in a stunning 18th century building

For many of our more mature locals, Villa Romana in Fareham’s historic High Street will be fondly remembered as The Coach House, a pub frequented by most of us over 50 at some point in our younger days. Nowadays it is a little-known gem of an Italian restaurant called Villa Romana and, our friends from South Sensation headed out to enjoy a meal there. 

At this time of year when the evening draws in early, the view through the windows of this beautiful Georgian building is warm and inviting, and the welcome as you step inside is the same. Low ceilings and an open brick fireplace, an old stone floor, and a cosy layout, all set the scene for some superb Italian dishes.

Four of us who remembered it from our younger days enjoyed a three-course meal there. Starters included gnocchi with cheese sauce, and a sensational seafood starter, and the more retro style whitebait or creamy garlic mushrooms.

Our main course choices were very much on a pasta and fish theme with tuna and swordfish featuring alongside tagliatelle and rigatoni along with a bottle of Valpolicella.

Rigatoni Amatriciana

Rigatoni tossed with bacon, mushrooms, red onion, red peppers, garlic, and tomato sauce

Pesce Spada Al Limone

Swordfish lightly cooked and topped with a wine and lemon sauce

Italian cheeses and Tiramisu finished the evening!

The Villa Romana Christmas menu looks lovely – we’re already planning another visit in December!

Check them out