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‘ONDE is more than a restaurant’- Mark H. Vanterpool

-the new Italian restaurant opened at the Cyril B. Romney TTP in July
On July 28, 2026, another one of Mark H. Vanterpool’s visions came to reality when ONDE, an Italian restaurant, opened on the waterfront of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Photo: ONDE
ONDE occupies the space formerly home to Seven at the Pier and is built around a simple philosophy: Italian Dining in Motion. Inspired by the movement of the waves and the timeless traditions of Italian hospitality. Photo: ONDE
ONDE occupies the space formerly home to Seven at the Pier and is built around a simple philosophy: Italian Dining in Motion. Inspired by the movement of the waves and the timeless traditions of Italian hospitality. Photo: ONDE
ONDE offers guests the opportunity to enjoy lunch, sunset cocktails, and dinner in one of Tortola's most distinctive dining settings, and visitors can expect an atmosphere that is sophisticated without being pretentious, elegant without being intimidating, and welcoming from the moment they arrive. Photo: ONDE
ONDE offers guests the opportunity to enjoy lunch, sunset cocktails, and dinner in one of Tortola's most distinctive dining settings, and visitors can expect an atmosphere that is sophisticated without being pretentious, elegant without being intimidating, and welcoming from the moment they arrive. Photo: ONDE
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- On July 28, 2026, another one of Mark H. Vanterpool’s visions came to reality when ONDE, an Italian restaurant, opened on the waterfront of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park.

According to a press release, ONDE introduces a refined Italian restaurant to Pier Park, where exceptional cuisine, genuine hospitality, and the rhythm of the sea come together to create a memorable dining experience.

ONDE occupies the space formerly home to Seven at the Pier and is built around a simple philosophy: Italian Dining in Motion. Inspired by the movement of the waves and the timeless traditions of Italian hospitality.

More than a restaurant- Mark H. Vanterpool

"ONDE is more than a restaurant…It’s about creating experiences that people remember. Great food is only part of that story,” Vanterpool said. “We want every guest to leave feeling they were genuinely welcomed, exceptionally cared for, and already looking forward to their next visit."

ONDE offers guests the opportunity to enjoy lunch, sunset cocktails, and dinner in one of Tortola's most distinctive dining settings, and visitors can expect an atmosphere that is sophisticated without being pretentious, elegant without being intimidating, and welcoming from the moment they arrive.

Diners with an elevated palate seeking an escape from the monotony of standard island eating now have an oasis right in the capital city, Road Town, Tortola, at ONDE.

The concept and culinary philosophy have been guided by the experienced hands of world-renowned Chef Davide Pugliese, who is credited with creating some of the most iconic restaurants in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and further abroad.

Authentic, creative & restrained dishes

The Culinary Program is being led by Chef Dario Raia, whose contemporary approach honours the foundations of Italian cuisine while celebrating exceptional ingredients, handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, premium meats, and seasonal produce.

Every dish reflects a balance of authenticity, creativity, and restraint, allowing quality ingredients to take centre stage.

ONDE’s General Manager is Michele Lepore, who has a passion for hospitality and attention to detail and will ensure every visit reflects the warmth, professionalism, and elegance that define the ONDE experience.

Vanterpool, through his vision, has brought together an experienced team of culinary, hospitality, design, and operations professionals to create a destination unlike any other in the Virgin Islands.

27 Responses to “‘ONDE is more than a restaurant’- Mark H. Vanterpool”

  • poor people (15/08/2026, 11:18) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply
    Nice place but not for us
    • @poor people (15/08/2026, 14:48) Like (34) Dislike (2) Reply
      Don’t say that, you can treat yourself sometimes. I don’t have much but every now and again I like to sit down and treat myself to a nice place and dinner to eat.i am not endorsing anything but the food is really good and i do plan to go back soon.
      • Apparently ya can't (15/08/2026, 17:21) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
        So them watchy watchy politician could pocket watch and say you got money and try increase the cost of living on you? You can't enjoy nothing!
    • @poor people (15/08/2026, 21:46) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      If you can afford to buy lace fronts, flash eye lashes and pay to have your nails and toes done you can afford to treat yourself to a nice sit down dinner.I notice people in Tortola don’t like to experience nice things or believe in going out to somewhere nice to eat.
      • Mrs Claus (17/08/2026, 10:21) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
        "We " are always throwing what we have to the Asian market of plastic hair eyelashes bleach cream in a futile effort to obliterate our God given and superior natural and gifted likeness.
        Po poor We..ignorant and filled with self hatred
    • # poor people (17/08/2026, 10:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Speak for yourself.!!!
      BVIslanders can afford,if they desire!
  • Anton Ego (15/08/2026, 11:23) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a foodie and critic here is my review:

    Ambiance- 7/10
    Food- 6/10
    Price- 4/10

    Some tweaks and adjustments would improve the overall experience. Let’s see in 6 months.
    • @Anton Ego (15/08/2026, 19:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is my opinion, I love Italian food. For me, I would give the ambiance a 10/10, the food a 10/10. The price is reasonable.
  • huh (15/08/2026, 11:32) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Remind me again how can you make profit on selling high end pasta???? There is something there
  • good to go (15/08/2026, 12:32) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    My only thing is... Italy has healthy wheat, flour and ingredients. The west has processed ingredients that is killing the citizens. Are we going to get the European healthy ingredients or just the same cheap fake ingredients from the local supermarket sourced from the USA?
    Things to consider
    • insider (15/08/2026, 22:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Caputo Flour is from Italy so you can rest assured its authentic.
  • Xxx (15/08/2026, 13:29) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    The food is great if we are to be honest
  • hmm (15/08/2026, 13:51) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    Went last week and was very underwhelmed. Expensive, very small portions and not that great food. Service though was excellent.
    • @hmm (16/08/2026, 22:31) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      If you want your plate stuffed with food go to a local restaurant… ONDE is a fine dining restaurant..Learn what that means.
      • @@hmm (17/08/2026, 10:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Had the same experience. If the food was exceptional I would understand, but it was not. It was mediocre at best. Even the quality of the ingredients was sub-par. If they don't review and fix these issues they will not get any repeat diners - the restaurant won't last a year.
    • Fran (19/08/2026, 21:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I'm surprised by the very small portions. Usually, the French give you small portions, and you have to go get a burger when you leave to feel full.
  • Wellsah (15/08/2026, 15:37) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    any lobster or salmon alfredo for the gyal dem?
  • Truth (15/08/2026, 16:20) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    AMBIANCE 6/10
    FOOD 6/10
    PRICES 3/10
    SERVICE 8/10
    LOCATION 5/10
  • BuzzBvi (15/08/2026, 16:59) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Who is this employing?

    I would be interested to see the VIslander coming out of school that is bringing the timeless traditions of Italian hospitality!

  • Expensive (15/08/2026, 19:03) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    Mark is a great business man
    • @Expensive (15/08/2026, 19:22) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
      I would agree to that, Mark is an excellent business man. Besides that he is a job creator as well.
      • @@Expensive (16/08/2026, 09:38) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Pray tell, how many of who he is going to ask to vote for him he has hired? I know the answer. Do you? He better stick to business because he cares nothing for us. Just himself and his businesses. Politics is just another business decision I bet.
  • okay (16/08/2026, 10:34) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I need a food safety office job please
  • nope (16/08/2026, 12:05) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Went the other week. Really wanted to like it but I left disappointed. Service was excellent but not a single local employee to be seen. Every dish we ordered we had to season ourselves at the table with salt and pepper. No flavor. Italian food is all about fresh local ingredients and the only locally sourced menu item is an $80 lobster served with duck?? The dishes are over designed and don’t deliver on flavor.
  • Hirenlocal (16/08/2026, 14:56) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hire local mark.. you use many cheap labour
  • ausar (17/08/2026, 08:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    An online menu, would have made a great addition to this article!
  • Not Impressed (17/08/2026, 09:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    My husband and I went over the weekend. The menu is very limited and very expensive. When our food arrived it was underwhelming to say the least. The ambiance was nice, but not enough to make up for the disappointing food. We will not be going back.


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