By Emily Newburn

WindMill Grille & Pizzeria is a family-owned business managed by sisters Betime Elezi and Gzime Sadiku, along with their husbands, Brain Elizi and Futi Sadiku. The restaurant opened on March 5 in downtown Batavia, not far from the riverwalk. They offer made-in-house dishes from homemade recipes and market themselves as “providing Batavia residents with quality ingredients in a welcoming modern casual environment.” I thoroughly enjoyed the food and service of the restaurant and can’t wait until my next visit.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by a person on staff. They offered us a choice between outdoor or indoor seating. We chose an indoor booth located by a window. The seating area was spacious, comfortable, and clean. The waiters went above and beyond to make sure our dining experience was as enjoyable as possible. They were attentive, friendly, and it was very apparent that they care about their customers and enjoy their work.

Included in the WindMill Grille & Pizzeria menu is a wide variety of foods to choose from at very affordable prices. In addition to salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, they also serve pasta, seafood, and steak. We ordered the combo platter for our appetizer, which included chicken wings, potato skins, onion rings, carrots and celery, and a spinach dip. It was the perfect starter for our meal and had us anxiously awaiting our main course. 

The food was served about 15 minutes after we ordered. I selected the Cajun pasta, and my friends ordered burgers and a thin crust pizza. We were all pleasantly surprised at the freshness and quality of the entrees. My pasta dish was rich and flavorful, and the presentation of the plate was very appealing.

What made the restaurant stand out was the exceptional interior design. Every aspect of the modern, rustic space is carefully thought out. According to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, the family spent months revamping the old building before opening. Their hard work is evident in each detail of the area. The geometric light fixtures hanging on the ceiling brighten the room but maintain the homey and laid-back atmosphere. Additionally, a tiled accent wall towards the back adds a lot of character to the restaurant. My favorite feature was the white sliding barn doors leading to the bathrooms. 

I love to support local businesses, especially ones with friendly staff members that offer you an experience you are sure to remember. WindMill Grille & Pizzeria is the perfect place to get lunch or dinner with a group of friends. The affable environment also makes it suitable for a family visit. The stunning interior is one I am unlikely to forget any time soon. This restaurant is a fantastic addition to the Batavia restaurant scene and is definitely worth checking out. 

My review: 5 stars (out of 5)