Elegance in the heart of Downtown London. Villa Cornelia is sure to impress. A blend of Taste & Tradition, featuring timeless decor and innovative dishes that change weekly. The mansion which houses Villa Cornelia was built in 1892 by Alfred M. Smart, a prominent businessman and President of Ontario Loan and Debenture.
The house ranks among London's finest examples of Queen Anne architecture. It was meticulously restored to its original beauty and splendor in 1987-1988. In 1988 the house was designated as an architectural heritage property. Villa Cornelia is a place to relax, to reflect upon our past, to appreciate the gracious elegance of Victorian architecture, and to enjoy the delights of fine continental cuisine.
The house ranks among London's finest examples of Queen Anne architecture. It was meticulously restored to its original beauty and splendor in 1987-1988. In 1988 the house was designated as an architectural heritage property. Villa Cornelia is a place to relax, to reflect upon our past, to appreciate the gracious elegance of Victorian architecture, and to enjoy the delights of fine continental cuisine.
Reviews (19)
Jelvis Hermione
Dec 26, 2021
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Mandy Bennett
Dec 17, 2021
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First time I have been to Villa Cornelia. Such an incredibly beautiful house. Inside it is furnished elegantly with sophisticated with background dinner music.
My friend had the Roasted Vegetable Salad. I had the exquisite Charcueterie Board which was a huge offering with fine Brie, smoked meats, delicious chicken pate, pickled onions & carrots etc.
We both had the steak for our main, which was plated nicely and came with a most unusual yet enticing baked potato square and Toasted Brussel Sprouts with bacon. It was quite lovely.
For dessert we both had the French Tartlett with homemade ice cream
My friend had the Roasted Vegetable Salad. I had the exquisite Charcueterie Board which was a huge offering with fine Brie, smoked meats, delicious chicken pate, pickled onions & carrots etc.
We both had the steak for our main, which was plated nicely and came with a most unusual yet enticing baked potato square and Toasted Brussel Sprouts with bacon. It was quite lovely.
For dessert we both had the French Tartlett with homemade ice cream
Joe Najm
Oct 30, 2021
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I will start by saying I have been to Villa Cornelia before and the experience was average at best. Not enough to make a review, positive or negative. I soon realized that I, a 40 something middle eastern man, was not this restaurant's target clientele. I was looked up and down by an older lady with a (French?) accent. I am a quiet school teacher who dresses normally and doesn't cause trouble. So after some sighing and muttered comments, we were seated. The service was subpar, slow and dismissive. The food was acceptable for a normal restaurant, not a vaunted, self-proclaimed upper class establishment
Sheereen B.
Oct 27, 2021
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To the owner of Villa Cornelia
You completely missed the point of the review, and in fact, confirmed by your response that you, and your staff, were rude and showed very poor customer service. You stated that it was an inaccurate account of what happened, when in fact the point having the option to write a review is for the customer to let you and the public know how their experience was. This was done, and instead of recognizing that, you called them liars. I will never visit your restaurant, and if anyone ever mentions your restaurant I will gladly show them your rude response to this review
You completely missed the point of the review, and in fact, confirmed by your response that you, and your staff, were rude and showed very poor customer service. You stated that it was an inaccurate account of what happened, when in fact the point having the option to write a review is for the customer to let you and the public know how their experience was. This was done, and instead of recognizing that, you called them liars. I will never visit your restaurant, and if anyone ever mentions your restaurant I will gladly show them your rude response to this review
Ocean L'Ecuyer-Prytula
Sep 09, 2021
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A friend of ours decided to have their birthday at Villa Cornelia, which is a beautiful restaurant, however its customer service was very poor the day of.
Upon arrival we were greeted by our friend at the door, who was rudely interrupted by a staff calling us over to the counter "first, before you talk to anyone". At the counter, we were told to "show our stuff". We showed our proof of vaccination, and after carefully scrutinizing they informed us that we can't be served here because of the dates of our vaccinations. We informed them that we had been to several other restaurants so far, and showed
Upon arrival we were greeted by our friend at the door, who was rudely interrupted by a staff calling us over to the counter "first, before you talk to anyone". At the counter, we were told to "show our stuff". We showed our proof of vaccination, and after carefully scrutinizing they informed us that we can't be served here because of the dates of our vaccinations. We informed them that we had been to several other restaurants so far, and showed
Krista Blaney
Mar 25, 2021
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I will attend the Afternoon Tea, time and time again. It is absolutely amazing! The food is fantastic and always slightly different, while keeping within a traditional tea service. Always something new, while not losing out on your favourites. Everything is made in-house and with great detail. I have attended other tea services and they don’t compare Villa Cornelia. I have taken my young daughter and attended with family and friends who are in their 90’s. It is perfect for the whole age range. Large tea selection to choose from and you never go home hungry (most occasions we take food home
Thom S.
Jan 25, 2021
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Expertly crafted dishes, except the French Onion soup. The French onion soup lack the broiled cheese on top, and soup is watery without the rich, savory taste one expects. Overall as the first dish it was uninviting and uninspiring. The whole construction of the soup is difficult to understand, and I could not see why a fine dining restaurant would serve a seemingly substandard French onion soup (see photo). It was a pity because otherwise this would be very deserving of a 5 star review. Otherwise other dishes were impressively done. The seafood risotto was excellent, done just right al dente.
Richard
Nov 22, 2020
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The evening started exactly as you wanted, great drinks, service and bread. Then two of the most bland soups I’ve ever had, were followed by two poorly presented sandwiches. They were just plunked on a plate, and tasted like a 12 year old made them, on their first day of cooking school. Has tons of potential appears to have disconnected with what a restaurant is.
Sasha Barua
Oct 25, 2020
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Christopher Norton
Dec 16, 2019
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We went to Villa Cornelia for a 70th birthday meal for our cousin from London. We loved it. Ryan, the chef, also waited on our table and recommended a really nice Chianti (which we hadn’t had for years) and we had specials - steak, pasta and fish. All excellent - perfectly cooked, not too much. We’ll be back!
Jen H.
Sep 16, 2019
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We dined at Villa Cornelia for our anniversary and everything was amazing! The atmosphere was quiet and sophisticated, but not stuffy. The service was top notch. Food was incredible... I had the scallops and bruschetta and my husband and I both had the beef tenderloin which was hands down the best steak I've ever had. The chef came out and gave us a tour of the home and took our photo which was a nice memento. I would definitely return on our next special occasion.
John H.
Feb 02, 2019
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Oddly we had never been to this downtown dining icon and since we were not away for much better half's birthday this year I needed someplace special. Now to be clear if you are putting "Villa" in your name...it sets a high expectation for me. We had a 6pm rezo and were greeted warmly by front of house (Sandra & Phillip) and seated at a nice window seat in a small and intimate front dining room (this is a very nicely preserved old residence turned restaurant in downtown London). The table setting and ambiance were spot on for a birthday celebration and we were sure we had made
Chris D.
Mar 28, 2018
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Chris T.
Mar 17, 2018
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I had been to Villa Cornelia some 20 years ago, and it is more memorable now, under new management, than it ever had been before. While the restaurant retains much of its classic "parlour dining" decor, the menu and wine offerings have improved substantially.
Server Julia was friendly, attentive and accommodating to our table's special requests. Delighted to have a visit from chef Ryan as well.
The avocado, smoked salmon and pancetta appetizer is a terrific combination. The beef tenderloin on roasted fingerling potatoes was tender and superbly grilled.
A terrific spot for a
Server Julia was friendly, attentive and accommodating to our table's special requests. Delighted to have a visit from chef Ryan as well.
The avocado, smoked salmon and pancetta appetizer is a terrific combination. The beef tenderloin on roasted fingerling potatoes was tender and superbly grilled.
A terrific spot for a
Was E.
Nov 27, 2017
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Damir S.
Sep 29, 2017
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Phillip M.
Aug 12, 2017
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Just to state what may not be obvious, the Villa Cornelia is open with new highly energetic owners on site. We had dinner there on Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 and this was their second week. The menu was extensive, with vegan and vegetarian offerings. The wine and beer list pretty extensive and cocktails were ample.
We began with a shrimp/ scallop Gnocchi and locally sourced fresh bread. Main courses were a Sous Verde pork rib on goat cheese garlic mashed potato , carrots and spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken breast on garlic mashed duo of carrots and asparagus. Both were perfect in preparation
We began with a shrimp/ scallop Gnocchi and locally sourced fresh bread. Main courses were a Sous Verde pork rib on goat cheese garlic mashed potato , carrots and spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken breast on garlic mashed duo of carrots and asparagus. Both were perfect in preparation
Mary M.
Jun 28, 2017
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Kristofer M.
Aug 16, 2015
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