Former Palani Drive becomes Lily's Italian Bistro
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The outside of Lily's Italian Bistro. Photo: Courtesy of Lily's Italian Bistro
The longtime owners of Goochland restaurant Lola's Farmhouse Bistro are back in the kitchen — this time with a smaller neighborhood spot in the Near West End: Lily's Italian Bistro.
Why it matters: The owners — Ronnie Hussey and her chef-husband Tommy Hussey — came out of retirement to breathe new life into the former Palani Drive, which closed over the summer after nearly 30 years in business.
State of play: The Husseys sold Lola's last year and then quickly realized retirement wasn't for them when they saw Palani hit the market, Ronnie tells Axios.
- They opened Lily's a few weeks ago after remodeling about 80% of the space and built the menu around the Italian dishes her husband has longed perfected.
- On the menu: Italian classics as well as fast Lily's regular favorites like Bolognese, lobster ravioli and chicken marsala ($24-$29).
- Lunch options include a fried green tomato sandwich, quiche Lorraine and an Italian meatball panini ($16-$18).
If you go: Lily's serves lunch and dinner Tuesdays-Saturdays, as well as brunch on Sundays, with a dog-friendly porch at 401 Libbie Ave. It's closed Mondays.
- Happy hour runs daily from 2-5pm at the bar, with half-price appetizers, $5 mixed drinks and $3 drafts.