Chef Frank Penna crafting fresh pasta
Sterling Heights, Michigan

Frankly Delicious

Frankly Delicious - Chef Frank Penna
Chef Frank Penna
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Our Story

A Family Legacy

the1960s
1965
First Kitchen

The Beginning

A Dream Takes Root

Frank and Angelina Penna arrived in Michigan with hearts full of hope and a burning desire to achieve the American Dream. It was Angelina who first envisioned the restaurant, crafting her treasured recipes with love. Together with their children Tony, George, and Marylou, alongside cousin Santino Polodori, they built more than a business—they created a legacy. Every dish served turned neighbors into family.

1985
Father & Son

The Apprentice

Tradition Passed Down

Chef Frank learned at his father's side, mastering the art of handmade pasta. Every strand rolled by hand, every sauce perfected over decades.

2000
A Destination

Villa Penna

Doors Open Wide

What began as a family kitchen became a destination. Villa Penna opened its doors, bringing fine Italian dining and celebrations to Michigan.

2024
Three Generations

The Legacy

Three Generations Strong

Three generations strong, passing traditions to the next generation. Every dish carries the soul of our family, ensuring these flavors live forever.

10K+Lbs Pasta Annually
3Generations
55+Years of Excellence
Signature Dishes
Frankly Delicious

Signature
Dishes

Four dishes. Decades of tradition. Scroll to discover the craft behind every plate.

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Fettuccine Alfredo
01
PASTA MASTERCLASS

Fettuccine Alfredo

House-made pasta, creamy parmesan, the dish that defines us.

42 mintime
2serves
Medheat

The simplest dishes demand the most discipline.

Chef Frank Penna
Angelina's Lasagna
02
FAMILY ORIGINAL

Angelina's Lasagna

Seven layers of love, grandmother's recipe, passed through generations.

90 mintime
8serves
Medheat

This is Angelina's legacy on a plate.

Three Generations
Ricotta Gnocchi
03
FROM SCRATCH

Ricotta Gnocchi

Pillowy clouds of ricotta, brown butter sage, a study in restraint.

35 mintime
4serves
Medheat

These clouds wait for no one.

Chef Frank
Chicken Piccante
04
CLASSIC ITALIAN

Chicken Piccante

Lemon caper butter, white wine, the perfect balance of bright and rich.

25 mintime
2serves
Highheat

The sauce is the soul of this dish.

Villa Penna Kitchen
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

What's in Your Kitchen?

Select your favorite ingredients and send them to Chef Frank.

If he picks your selection, your dish will be named after you!

🥩🧀🍝🥬🫒🌿🍗🧄🍅
TAP TO OPEN YOUR KITCHEN

Carlo's Midnight Carbonara

From Your Pantry
Wall of Fame

Where Your Ingredients
Become Legendary

Every dish here started with ingredients selected by people just like you. Chef Frank transformed their picks into culinary masterpieces.

1

You Pick

2

Chef Creates

3

Dish Named

4

Fame Awaits

Maria's Sunday Sugo
PantryPlate

Maria's Sunday Sugo

M

Maria Gonzalez

Detroit, MI

March 2024

Selected Ingredients

OrecchietteSan MarzanoSausageBasil
The Rosetti Risotto
PantryPlate

The Rosetti Risotto

R

The Rosetti Family

Sterling Heights, MI

February 2024

Selected Ingredients

Arborio RicePorciniParmesanWine
Tony's Sweet Indulgence
PantryPlate

Tony's Sweet Indulgence

T

Tony Benedetto

Warren, MI

January 2024

Selected Ingredients

MascarponeEspressoCocoaAmaretto
Angela's Truffle Dreams
PantryPlate

Angela's Truffle Dreams

A

Angela Romano

Troy, MI

December 2023

Selected Ingredients

FettuccineTruffle OilCreamParmesan

Your ingredients could be next. Your name on a dish.

Submit Your Ingredients
VIDEO TESTIMONIALS

Hear It From Our Guests

Real stories from families who trusted Chef Frank with their celebrations

Maria Gonzalez
2:34
FEATURED
M

Maria Gonzalez

Bride - Wedding Reception

Chef Frank created magic with our ingredient selections. Our guests are still talking about it months later!
247 loves
Sterling Heights, MI
Tony Benedetto
1:58
T

Tony Benedetto

Anniversary Celebration

The personalized menu was beyond our expectations. Villa Penna made our 25th unforgettable.

189
Troy, MI
The Rosetti Family
3:12
R

The Rosetti Family

Baptism Celebration

From appetizers to dessert, every dish was a masterpiece. Our family traditions now include Villa Penna!

312
Detroit, MI
Angela & Michael
2:08
A

Angela & Michael

Engagement Party

The fruit and cheese display was a showstopper! Everyone wanted to know who catered.

156
Warren, MI

Want to share your Villa Penna experience?

Six Magnificent Halls

Villa Penna

From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, host 30 to 450 guests across our stunning halls featuring marble floors, custom bars, and impeccable service.

Chef Frank Penna

“When you celebrate at Villa Penna, I'm not just behind the scenes—I'm behind every dish, every detail, every moment. Your guests become my guests, and your event becomes my passion.”

Chef Frank Penna|Owner & Executive Chef
Your Journey Begins Here

The Grand Lobby

Villa Penna Grand Lobby
Interactive Tour

Grand Staircase Entry

Modern fireplace with gold accents & crystal chandelier

Villa Penna Pastry Display
Cocktail Hour

Grand Staircase Entry

Cascading roses with ice sculpture welcome

Lobby Showcase
Grand Chandelier Entry

Grand Chandelier Entry

Tiered gold chandelier with pampas grass florals

Click to explore
Reception Welcome

Reception Welcome

Elegant seating chart & cocktail tables

Click to explore
Fireplace Lounge

Fireplace Lounge

Cascading florals & candle ambiance

Click to explore
+7
View AllPhotos & Video
6Grand Chandeliers
2Private Bars
6Banquet Halls
450Max Capacity

Choose Your Perfect Space

Six Distinctive Halls

Grand Ballroom
01 / 06
220–450 Guests
Video Coming Soon

Antonio + Giorgio Combined

Grand Ballroom

Our flagship venue — one magnificent hall for grand celebrations

6 Chandeliers2 BarsDivisible

▼ GALLERY BELOW

Grand Ballroom Gallery6 Photos
💍

Weddings

Elegant ceremonies & receptions

🏢

Corporate

Meetings & presentations

🎂

Celebrations

Birthdays & anniversaries

🎩

Galas

Black-tie events

55+

Years

6

Halls

450

Max Guests

1000s

Events

Behind the Kitchen Door

FranklyDelicious

Experience the artistry, passion, and tradition that goes into every dish at Villa Penna. Watch Chef Frank Penna in action.

Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦Frankly Delicious ✦ Chef Frank Penna ✦ Villa Penna ✦ Est. 1968 ✦
FEATURED

The Penna Legacy

Chef Frank shares his passion for authentic Italian cuisine

TECHNIQUE

Frankly Delicious: Alfredo

The signature dish that started it all — made from scratch

BEHIND THE SCENES

Kitchen Secrets

Step inside Villa Penna and see the craft behind every plate

EVENTS

Villa Penna Events

Where celebrations become legendary — every detail, every moment

FAMILY RECIPE

Family Recipes

Three generations of tradition, handcrafted with love

Follow the Chef

Watch. Follow. Taste.

@FranklyDelicious across every platform

Watch All Episodes
FRANKLY DELICIOUS ✦ VILLA PENNA ✦ EST. 1968 ✦ STERLING HEIGHTS, MI
From the Kitchen

Chef Frank's Tips

Philosophy
Italian cooking is an exercise in restraint. It's not about how many ingredients you can add, but how few you can get away with while still creating magic.
Chef Frank Penna
Our Moments

Events Gallery

A glimpse into our kitchen, events, and the passion that goes into every dish we create.

EventsKitchenDishesTeam
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Upcoming Events

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