There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of steaming hot pasta. Pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine, and here in New Jersey, there are so many amazing dishes one can find — from the classic to the creative. North Jersey has such a wide range of restaurants to choose from, so it might be hard to find just the right place. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up a list of some of the best pasta spots in Essex County. Read on to see where to find best pasta spots in the Essex County area.
ARTIE’S | 15 Newark Way, Maplewood
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Formerly Arturo’s, this spot recently relocated + rebraded to an all-day Italian eatery, with the same delicious flavors as its predecessor. In addition to being known for pizza (which is also 100% worth trying), the menu includes an incredible pasta selection. There are simpler dishes like the highly-recommended Mushroom Ravioli with truffle oil garlic rosemary sauce, along with more eclectic ones. The Cinghiale is made with wild boar ragu Bianco and mushrooms, and the Cavatelli Siciliani includes chiles, capers, anchovies, and pine nuts.
Bucco | 61 Washington Street, Bloomfield
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Bucco is a simple Italian establishment with rustic vibes. It has a robust pasta menu that will leave anyone satisfied, and it’s previously included a Sunday special of “Grandma’s Sunday Gravy” served over rotini. The Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta is a favorite among customers, along with the Spaghetti White Clam Sauce. Other dishes that stand out include Spaghetti Bucco, which has asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, long hot peppers, garlic and oil, parmesan, and provolone cheese.
Cafe Giotto | 42 Church Street, Montclair
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Cafe Giotto’s pasta is house-made along with the rest of their specialty Italian products. The chic design makes it a picture-perfect spot, going along with the upscale menu. Cavatelli, gnocchi, spaghetti, and tagliatelle can be enjoyed four ways – with pomodoro, pesto, agile e olio, or bolognese – and there are several specialty pastas. Along with daily specials like cavatelli with crumbled sweet sausage and roasted red peppers, and the top-rated Truffle Tortelloni, the specialties include Fazzoletti with spinach, ricotta, butter, and sage, and seasonal ravioli and risotto.
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da Pepo | 54 Fairfield Street, Montclair
Da Pepo, The Montclair Girl’s winner for the best pasta in the “Best of Montclair 2021,” has a warm atmosphere that’s perfect to enjoy this food. The traditional Italian recipes, made in-house, are learned from Italian ancestors, making the pasta selection top-notch. The Penne Arrabiata catches the eye with red onion, olives, hot cherry peppers, San Marzano tomato, and cream, as well as the Spaghetti Carbonara with guanciale, egg, pecorino romano, and black pepper.
The Fox + Falcon | 19 Valley Street, South Orange
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This restaurant/bar in South Orange has a chill atmosphere, TVs to watch the game, and a really fun trivia night on Wednesdays (we’ve been — it’s challenging!). It also has a host of hearty pastas on the menu. The mac and cheese here is a must — it’s creamy, rich, and can’t-stop-eating addictive. As for pastas, there’s a Spaghetti Putttanesca with scallops, marinara sauce, anchovies, chili, olives, and capers that’s really bright + flavorful; a wild mushroom Fettuccine with mushrooms, garlic, chili flakes, bread crumbs, and ricotta salata that’s vegetarian; and even vegan udon noodles with tofu pumpkin seed ‘cream,’ local wild mushrooms, and crispy shallots. You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes here.
Gioia Mia | 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
New to Montclair (in the former Fascino’s space), this spot is a contemporary American restaurant by Chef Logan Ramirez and Manager Mary Cumella, who were part of the Fascino team. The menu draws influence from various types of cuisine, but all the pastas are made in-house using flours imported from Italy. Some standout items from the menu include the Ricotta Gnocchi and the Porcini Tagliatelle (a white bolognese with pecorino).
Laboratorio Kitchen | 615 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Healthy, locally-sourced ingredients are the focus of Laboratorio Kitchen’s dishes. As an upscale dining experience, the pasta is more gourmet than others. Along with the popular house-made ravioli appetizer, the Hand-Rolled Ricotta Cavatelli and Fresh Rigatoni Pasta with Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, fresh garlic, and tomato cream sauce offer fresh meals that make you feel good.
La Rocca Osteria | 23 Midland Avenue, Montclair
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As a chic and simple Italian spot, La Rocca Osteria offers many pasta dishes as well as specials. The Tagliolini Seafood Pasta with lobster, crabmeat, and shrimp in a light cherry tomato sauce is a hearty, popular plate, and a house-made lasagna sits next to it on the specials. More of the robust options include Linguine Vongole with manila clams, garlic, and parsley; Tagliatelle Bolognese; and gnocchi with La Rocca tomato sauce and smoked provolone.
Luigino’s Parmigiana | 173 Glenridge Avenue
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New to the Montclair food scene, Luigino’s Parmigiana “funky traditional” spot is bringing a taste of the Amalfi Coast to MTC. The menu boasts traditional, Southern Italian dishes with a modern twist, plus an open-kitchen “dispensa” concept, which isn’t what it sounds like (think: cheese board station). A standout item is the truffle gnocchi stuffed with cheese and mushrooms, but other notable pastas include classics like Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe.
Mama Dag’s Seafood and Pizza House | 410 Saint Cloud Avenue, West Orange
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On its extensive menu, Mama Dag’s Seafood and Pizza House includes a bunch of classic Italian pasta good for any occasion. It is another place that makes its own pasta, and the simple dining room is full of dark blue walls. In addition to Pappardelle Bolognese, a favorite amongst customers, Mama Dag’s has a signature pasta dish of Spaghetti con Polpette, which is An Italian-American classic of “Sunday gravy” according to the restaurant’s website. There’s classic Penne Vodka, Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe, Fettuccine Carbonara, and more.
Matthew’s Italian Restaurant | 1131 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
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Matthew’s Italian Restaurant is about as classic Italian as it gets. It is a clean, sophisticated space that has become quite popular in its 12-year existence. The Rigatoni Vodka there never fails with its many rave reviews, and the rest of the pasta selection focuses on simple but effective dishes. What really intrigues customers is the “Sunday Sauce” that’s only available on that day; including slow-simmered country-style ribs, braciole, spicy sausage, and meatballs served over fresh rigatoni with a side of ricotta and basil.
Nicolas Anthony’s Family Kitchen | 450 Main Street, West Orange
Penne Sicilia (which is vegetarian) and Rigatoni Bolognese are staples on the menu at this straightforward Italian restaurant. For a bit of a kick, there’s the Tuscan Rigatoni with sausage, broccoli rabe, cherry peppers, and white beans garlic, and oil. The most unique pasta dish is the Penne Nicolas Anthony, consisting of crab, shrimp, asparagus, grape tomato, and champagne cream sauce.
Pappardelle Ristorante | 77 Walnut Street, Montclair
There are so many pasta dishes to choose from at Pappardelle Ristorante, which can be easily identified by its red awning out front. There are four different plates of Pappardelle prepared in different ways, including the Chicken Tarantella with sautéed chicken, portobello mushrooms, prosciutto, and roasted peppers in a verde pesto sauce. From Shrimp a la Putanesca to Fettuccine al Salmone, to Lobster Ravioli, and more, Pappardelle has everyone covered when it comes to eating pasta.
Popolari | 1047 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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Popolari is a bit different from traditional Italian places, offering an upbeat, retro pizzeria vibe. The Spicy Vodka Pasta comes highly recommended as a classic dish with a twist, along with the Popolari Gnocchi in a pistachio basil pesto creme sauce. Another one of the signature dishes is the Malfaldine e Fungi Truffel, served with homemade ribbon pasta, and sautéed mixed mushrooms in a porcini creme sauce. For someone that wants to enjoy one of these plates but is gluten-free, any of the pasta dishes can be made to accommodate.
Primavera | 500 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange
Primavera of West Orange has a ton of pasta options as well. The large, open dining room gives off warm vibes in a comfortable area. Traditional dishes like Gnocchi Bolognese and Penne Rigate con Vodka are on the menu, as well as Lobster Ravioli, Whole Wheat Linguini Primavera, and Four Cheese Ravioli. The Cavatelli Nona offers something that is not on every menu, consisting of homemade cavatelli, creamy ricotta cheese tomato basil sauce, diced eggplant, and melted fontina cheese.
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Turtle + the Wolf | 622 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
Although there are only two pasta dishes here, they are worth a try. Turtle + the Wolf is an industrial-chic eatery with strong roots in Montclair, as the owner actually grew up in town. The two kinds of pasta offered include a Hand-Cut Pappardelle and Pork Sumo with roasted pork shoulder, as well as the squash Agnolotti with brown butter, which is seasonal.
pastaRAMEN | 6 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
This isn’t your typical pasta spot — as it is both an Italian-Japanese spot located in Montclair. pastaRAMEN is the first Italian ramen restaurant created by James Beard nominated chef Robbie Felice. Some ramen dishes worth trying out are the Tonkotsu Porchetta, made of pork parmigiano, fennel, arugula, yuzu, + ajitama; and the Chicken Katsu, made of chicken parmigiano shoyu broth, caper, kikurage, burro, + ajitama. This spot blends together the essences of Italian-Japanese culture, getting a two-for-one food experience.
The Best Bagel Spots in the Montclair Area For Your AM Bagel Run
One of the things New York and New Jersey are most famous for is bagels. Being crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, bagels are a classic among breakfast and lunch foods for a reason. Montclair and the surrounding areas have tons of options for this classic Garden State food item, and we’ve rounded up some of the most famous eateries to grab a baker’s dozen of the iconic breakfast go-to. Read on for a list of the best bagels to satifsy that AM breakfast craving in the Montclair area.
The Bagel Box | 642 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange
The menu of The Bagel Box in West Orange includes bagels in the flavors salt, oat bran, pumpernickle, garlic, onion, marble, and more. Customers can pair a bagel with one of the many cream cheeses featured, including scallion, olive, strawberry, walnut raisin, vegetable, jalapeno, and sun-dried tomato.
Read More: The Best Brunch Spots in Montclair
Bagels by Jarrett | West Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange
Bagels by Jarrett is "The Most Confused Bagel Shop You’ve Ever Loved," as per its website. The menu includes pizza, gluten-free items, sandwiches, salads, pasta, wraps, burgers, and everything under the sun. Hidden on its expansive menu is, of course, bagels, which come in the flavors plain, sesame, and everything.
Bagel Nosh of Livingston | 1 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
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At Bagel Nosh of Livingston, bagels are the foundation of most of its menu items. This spot serves bagels in the flavors everything, rainbow, whole wheat, garlic, onion, marble, and more. The cream cheese flavors include vegetable, scallion, lox, walnut raisin, sun-dried tomato, and more. All of its lunch sandwiches can also be put on a bagel.
Beyond the Bagel | 219 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
This bagel spot serves up bagels, breakfast sandwiches, prepared desserts, and lunch sandwiches alike. The menu includes New Jersey favorites like the egg and cheese sandwich, as well as a variety of cream cheeses, including strawberry, and vegan options like scallion tofu cream cheese. The shop also serves gluten-free bagels and, of course, a Taylor Ham sandwich.
Bloomfield Best Bagels | 404 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Bloomfield Best Bagels serves hot heros, wraps, breakfast sandwiches, cream cheese by the pound, and an endless array of bagels, some of which include cinnamon, pumpernickle, salt, poppy, rye, egg, onion, wheat, and french toast.
Hot Bagels Abroad | 150 Valley Road A, Montclair
Alongside a baker’s dozen bagels and hot fresh single bagels to bring home, this small but mighty eatery serves up a French toast bagel alongside options with butter, cream cheese, peanut butter, and more. Lunch sandwiches are served with a choice of side, and can also be enjoyed on a sub for an additional charge. Gourmet wraps, sandwiches, and grilled items are also available. All of the bagels are house-made daily.
House of Bagels | 45 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
The Bagel House is famous for its massive bagels and wide array of spreads and other options. Fruits, spreads, coffees, sandwiches, and even newspapers are available at this one-stop, quick meal shop. Raisin bagels, lox, and a variety of spreads are all affordably priced, too, attracting fans from across Essex County.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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Options are endless at this eatery, where cold salads like whitefish, macaroni, and tuna can be put on a bagel or be bought by the half-pound. Patrons can also enjoy lox and cream cheese on a bagel, with a variety of cream cheese flavors, including scallion. Diners can enjoy anything from a classic Reuben or a breakfast sandwich on a fresh bagel or opt for a latke plate or a bowl of matzo ball soup instead.
Plum Bakery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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Plum Bakery, a completely gluten-free spot, has hand-rolled bagels made "the old fashioned way," as per its website. The bagel flavors include plain, poppyseed, sesame, onion, everything, and cinnamon raison.
Sunrise Bagels | 29 Watchung Plaza, Montclair
This bagel spot in Montclair has everything from the classic Taylor Ham, egg, + cheese sandwich to a lox bagel. Sunrise Bagels has over 20 bagel options, including sun-dried tomato, sesame, rainbow, jalapeno, egg, garlic, and more, as well as gourmet cream cheese flavors like the Walnut Honey Raisin Cream Cheese and the Pimento Olive Cream Cheese.
Walnut Street Bagels + Co. | 98 Walnut Street, Montclair
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Walnut Street Bagels + Co. features bagels in the flavors in plain, everything, poppyseed, cinnamon raisin, garlic, onion, sesame garlic, and whole wheat everything. There are also a variety of cream cheese flavors like roasted black garlic, kimchi, sun-dried tomato, + garlic herb.
See More: A Trip to Hoboken’s First Bagel Shop: Hoboken Hot Bagels
Honorable Mention
Carlos’ Bagel Shop | 438 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne
While this spot is not in the Montclair + Essex County area, the menu of Carlos' Bagel shop includes bagel flights, which feature four mini bagels (a combination of either plain, sesame seed, everything, or French toast) paired with a choice of four of its homemade cream cheeses. From classics like vegetable and scallion to one-of-a-kind flavors such as walnut raisin and strawberry, the spreads are good enough to take home.
