A New Chapter in Dining
The family behind Cherry Hill’s beloved Italian restaurant Il Villaggio expands its culinary vision with the opening of Duo Restaurant & Bar in Haddon Township.
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience where handmade pastas, premium steaks, fresh seafood and craft cocktails come together in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, look no further than Il Villaggio in Cherry Hill and its newest venture, Duo Restaurant & Bar in Haddon Township.
For more than a decade, Il Villaggio Restaurant & Bar has been a favorite dining destination in South Jersey, earning a loyal following through its exceptional Italian cuisine made with high-quality ingredients, its inviting atmosphere and commitment to genuine hospitality. This family-owned restaurant built its reputation on a simple philosophy: outstanding food, impeccable service and making every guest feel like family. Recently, Il Villaggio’s signature Lobster Ravioli earned a coveted spot on South Jersey Magazine’s list of the Top 10 Best Pasta Dishes in South Jersey.
When you step into Il Villaggio’s Tuscan-inspired dining rooms, you know you’re in for something special—an inviting atmosphere with cozy fireplaces plus a relaxing outdoor patio. Live music can be enjoyed by all on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. You can also celebrate life’s milestones in their banquet rooms, which can accommodate up to 240 guests.
Owned by brothers Andi and Elton Lelaj and Artan and Arber Murtaj, Il Villaggio continues to flourish, bringing the finest in traditional Italian cuisine to South Jersey while expanding its culinary footprint with Duo Restaurant & Bar located at 90 Haddon Avenue in Haddon Township.
Make no mistake—this exciting new venture promises the same exceptional food, service and hospitality that have made Il Villaggio a local favorite. Andi is most proud of the relationships the owners have built, the people who have supported them and the team that has helped make everything possible. “When you start a business, you never fully realize how many people will become part of that journey along the way,” he says.
Duo Restaurant & Bar
While sharing Il Villaggio’s dedication to quality and hospitality, Duo introduces a fresh dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere, creative cuisine and an inviting bar scene. The concept brings together the familiarity of a neighborhood gathering place with the culinary standards guests have come to expect from the Il Villaggio team.
“Opening Duo was an exciting opportunity to take everything we’ve learned and bring it together in a new way. We’ve always had a passion for hospitality, great food and bringing people together,” says Andi.
Led by Executive Chef Elton Lelaj, Duo’s menu showcases Italian-inspired dishes with contemporary influences. Guests can enjoy everything from Octopus Carpaccio and Homemade Lamb Ravioli to Gnocchi Sorrentino, premium steaks and fresh seafood sourced seasonally from the Jersey Shore. Offerings balance familiar favorites with inventive flavors, creating an experience suited to both casual evenings and special occasions.
“I think our success comes down to more than just good food. It’s about making people feel welcome, creating memorable experiences and treating every guest like family.”
With Il Villaggio continuing to thrive and Duo establishing its own identity, the family’s commitment to exceptional food, outstanding service and genuine hospitality remains unchanged. At both restaurants, the goal is simple: to create memorable dining experiences that keep guests coming back time and again.
Il Villaggio Restaurant & Bar
Cherry Hill
(856) 795-1778
Duo Restaurant & Bar
Haddon Township
(856) 240-7402
