Café Il Villaggio closes after 31 years in Babylon

Babylon Village’s Café Il Villaggio has been a neighborhood staple serving Italian American classics for 31 years. Tonight will be the restaurant's last dinner service.

Owned by Lucy and Mike Domingo, Villaggio’s was an extended family affair from the beginning. Lucy’s sister, Josephine Mannina,  explained: "We're retiring. It’s been 31 years, our family started this business in our twenties. We just want to thank the community for all the support they’ve given us, especially during COVID."

Whether it was baked clams or fried calamari you were seeking, a Caesar salad, chicken Marsala, veal Parmigiana, filet Oreganata, or shrimp scampi, Villaggio’s had you covered. With more than 30 pastas on the menu — including classics like fettuccine Alfredo and more complex offerings like the pappardelle Siciliane, made with chop meat, peas, pignoli nuts, prosciutto and raisins in a tomato bechamel — carb cravings were satisfied on the daily.

"We’re looking forward to the next chapter, sure, but it’s been bittersweet," said Mannina.

Cafe Il Villaggio, 35 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, cafeilvillaggio.com

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.