If there’s one cuisine that New Jersey isn’t short of, it would be Italian. Some search high + low for the perfect chicken parm dish. Others may be more or a fettuccine alfredo fan. Northern + Southern dishes can be found throughout the state, but Caldwell, New Jersey, has several spots. Keep reading for more information about Italian restaurants depending on the vibe in Caldwell, New Jersey.

I’m looking for an Italian spot that has super-thin crust pizza. | Angeloni’s Restaurant + Pizzeria | 6 Brookside Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Angeloni’s Restaurant + Pizzeria is located near the corner of Bloomfield Avenue + Brookside Avenue. This restaurant has options like pizza, soups, sandwiches, + entrees focusing on chicken, veal, + seafood. If visiting with friends or family, order a thin crust pizza to share, along with the portobello mushrooms + roasted peppers, Hotsy Totsy Shrimp (hot sauce with garlic and marinara), + cold antipasto. 

Read More: The Best Crumb Cake Spots in New Jersey

I want Italian food with a more modern vibe. | Casa Nostra Italian Bistro |  455 Bloomfield Avenue

Casa Nora Italian Bistro is a newer restaurant in the Italian dining scene in Caldwell. Those driving by can’t miss this spot as this corner space has a bold, blue exterior. The style looks simple + modern with a blue statement wall inside. Some options are Chicken Valdostana (topped with smoked prosciutto, fontina cheese in a marsala wine sauce), + Gnocchi’s Casa Nostra (wild mushrooms, asparagus, pancetta cooked in a white creamy brandy sauce).

I want a casual dining BYOB Italian restaurant. | Divina Ristorante |  461 Bloomfield Avenue

Divina Ristorante is conveniently located on Bloomfield Avenue across the street from Shop Rite Wines + Spirits. This BYOB establishment makes it easy for diners. Diners can grab a bottle of white to split with friends and try the linguini with scallops + broccoli, or a bottle of red and taste dishes like veal with wild mushrooms or Chicken Mascotta (with shitake mushrooms, artichokes, sundried tomatoes in marsala wine).

I’m craving unique pizza. | Forte Pizzeria + Ristorante | 182 Bloomfield Avenue

If looking for something a little different than the original cheese pie, make sure to stop by Forte Pizzeria + Ristorante. Forte has a slightly upscale pizzeria-style seating by the main counter. To the left upstairs, there is a dining room. The space also has a semi-formal room for private parties. Diners should consider entrees like Chicken Saltimbocca (layered with spinach + prosciutto, topped with mozzarella in a brown sauce) or shrimp marinara (sautéed in garlic, olive oil + tomato sauce, served with salad or over pasta). MG suggests stopping by for pizza and asking for a baked ziti slice or a Caesar salad slice.

I’m looking for a quick-bites spot that has an Italian Market. | Fresco Market + Catering | 115 Bloomfield Avenue

Fresco Market + Catering is located near the intersection of  Bloomfield Avenue, Elm Road, + University Drive. If unsure where to start, Fresco can meet the needs of any Italian food craving. Sections of the store are divided into sandwiches + cold dishes, hot dishes, + a section of rotating dishes. There are also Italian delicacies for sale such as fresh mozzarella, pasta, + olive oils. MG recommends asking about the Chicken Parm Garlic Knot — it’s a sandwich that’s out of this world with chicken parmigiana on the inside + a garlic knot bun.

 

I want to feel like I’ve been transported to Italy. | Il Vecchio Cafe | 234 Bloomfield Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Il Vecchio Cafe is located in Calandra’s Italian Village on Bloomfield Avenue. The restaurant features dark, tiled floors with dark dining chairs to match. Large windows surround the dining space with long, dramatic curtains. The space also has a pizza oven behind a rustic stone counter. The best day to visit \ for the full “Made-in-Italy experience” is Tuesday because it’s Pasta Night. If diners can’t make up their minds, pasta flights are available for a choice of three different pastas or three different versions of gnocchi. For those who are not pasta lovers, try the Sole Oreganata (topped with seasoned bread crumbs in a lemon white wine sauce, served with with chef’s starch and vegetables), or the Pollo Ortolano (breaded chicken cutlet over tomato bruschetta, + red onions topped with baby arugula and balsamic glaze).

I want an Italian restaurant with a rustic feel. | La Famiglia Ristorante | 359 Bloomfield Avenue

La Famiglia Ristorante is located on Bloomfield Avenue and attracts diners with its warm string lights outside. Inside the space, the decor has warm colors walls with a textured pattern. The main dining room holds a painted mural + drop chandeliers. La Famiglia has featured specials of the week that vary, but traditional items to try are the Salmon Puttanesca (Fillet of salmon sautéed with tomatoes, capers, kalamata olives, and anchovies, served with mixed vegetables + garlic mashed potatoes) or Eggplant Carbonara (with garlic bread).

I’m looking for Italian food with a nightlife scene. | La Taverna Cocktail Lounge | 234 Bloomfield Avenue

If looking for a place where the party doesn’t stop, make the next stop at La Taverna. This cocktail lounge is located in Calandra’s Italian Village. The space has a similar Italian-style menu as Il Vecchio Cafe, but with a much different dining experience. As far as the party goes, La Taverna hosts events such as Retro Saturdays with different DJs, Trivia Nights, + guest appearances from local NJ celebrities + radio hosts.

I’m looking for a spot that has classic Italian dishes and dishes with a twist. | Russillo Ristorante | 675 Bloomfield Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Russillo Ristorante is located on Bloomfield Avenue + has dinner options for all. Classic dishes include seafood risotto (saffron-infused risotto with diced salmon, shrimp, scallops, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes), stuffed artichoke, + Scaffetuni Enzo (large imported rigatoni, in a fresh sausage bolognese sauce with fresh spinach). Sometimes, traditional options are all too familiar, and the desire to try something new is strong. For those daring, try the pistachio-crusted salmon (pistachio encrusted salmon served in a provencal sauce with asparagus, cherry tomatoes and onions), the hot honey scallops (Seared jumbo sea scallops drizzled with hot honey served over tomato risotto with grilled asparagus), or the Brooklyn Chicken Parm (in a spicy vodka sauce topped with pepperoni cups over spaghetti).

See More: Maxwell Alley: A New Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Jersey City

I’m looking for an Italian restaurant with a cozy feel. | Stephanie’s Italian Restaurant | 283 Bloomfield Avenue

Stephanie’s Italian Restaurant is located on Bloomfield Avenue, near the three-way intersection of Bloomfield Avenue + Roseland Avenue. From the entrance’s arch, this establishment screams cozy vibes. Inside, the restaurant has lower ceilings, warm lighting, and framed paintings that could remind anyone of Nonna’s living room. Outside seating feels like sitting in someone’s quaint backyard complete with a water fountain, a wooden outdoor frame, + an abundant amount of florals. Options to try are Fettuccine Calabrese (pasta with jumbo shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes in a light creamy pesto sauce) or lobster ravioli vodka (lobster-filled pasta topped with vodka sauce).