Tried this local restaurant recently for fine dining and we’ll definitely be going back. “Villa Cornelia”:https://www.villacorneliarestaurant.com/ is in a house on the west side of downtown, London, Ontario. There is parking in a lot behind the venue, a couple of pay lots along the street and on-street parking as well. The building dates from 1892 and is described as being of Queen Anne architectural style with a lovely turret on one side.
The décor is a step back in time. We were sat at a table in what was probably the dining room of the original house. There were two additional rooms at the front of the house and rooms upstairs.
The food was delicious! The chef started us off with an amuse bouche – confit of duck with a soft cheese in a phyllo case and a raspberry coulis. Although it was difficult to make a choice, for our mains, my friend had the holiday risotto (seasoned with fresh herbs, topped with pulled turkey and cranberry gastrique for $25) and I chose the catch of the day ($32) which was Arctic Char served on mashed rutabaga (the secret ingredient was maple syrup) with green beans and broccoli and some grapefruit on the fish to cut the fat of the skin. As the meals were light enough we both ordered dessert ($9 each): the blueberry crème brûlée and the chocolate cake with coconut cream frosting.
The service was very attentive with the wait staff and the chef checking on us throughout the meal to make sure that everything was to our liking; it was.
It is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week except for Christmas Day and Statutory holidays. Although the kitchen closes at 9:00 pm, customers can relax over their meals as long as they like.
