Restaurants galore can be found in Essex County. Italian food in particular has a variety of options. If looking to explore food from a certain section of Italy, or enjoy Italian American favorites there are options for every occasion. If looking for a place that makes a mean meatball, dive into a bowl of homemade pasta, or enjoy a fish dish with a glass of wine, take a look at some local restaurants in the area. Keep reading to learn more about Italian restaurants depending on the vibe in the Montclair + Bloomfield area.
I want pizza, but I’m not sure if I want to eat out or have it delivered. | Ah’ Pizz | 7 North Willow Street, Montclair
Opening its doors nearly 14 years ago, Ah’ Pizz serves the Montclair area Neapolitan-style pizza from its wood-fired stone oven. The menu consists of options like appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and (of course) pizza. Try sharing the Tricolore salad (Endive, radicchio, and arugula with candied walnuts, shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano, + balsamic vinaigrette) with the Fig wood-fire pizza (Fig jam, goat cheese, + prosciutto di parma drizzled with a balsamic glaze).
I want an Italian Sandwich. Cold or hot, it doesn’t matter to me. | Angelo’s Restaurant + Pizzeria | 303 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Angelo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria sits on Broad Street in Bloomfield near the Nevada Diner. Menu items consist of hot and cold sandwiches as well as pizzas. If in the mood for a cold sub, try the Chicken Angelo (grilled chicken, roasted peppers, wet mozzarella, romaine lettuce, + balsamic vinaigrette dressing). If in the mood for a hot sub, then try the Sausage + Peppers, or the Eggplant Parmigiana.
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I want post-dinner drinks with my Italian dinner. | Bella Napoli | 1640 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Bella Napoli provides a “cozy, rustic atmosphere” with some favorites in the realm of Italian cuisine. This spot is great for grabbing a cocktail with friends, having a date, or a family dinner. Menu options to try are the homemade baked Lasagna, Chicken + Potatoes (Chunks of chicken with thinly sliced potatoes in a mouth-watering white rue tomato sauce), and Shrimp Scampi. Wrap up dinner with a specialty coffee, Sambuca, or Frangelico.
I want to eat authentic pizza but in a modern setting. | Bivio Pizza Napoletana | 107 Pine Street, Montclair
Bivio Pizza sits on Pine Street in Montclair. Its interior consists of hardwood floors with white and black walls with a black trim. Seats are available in bright red steel chairs that serve as a statement piece in the establishment. Try ordering the Margherita pizza with the Arugula salad (Arugula, homemade candied walnuts, wine-macerated cranberries, + virgin olive oil/fresh lemon vinaigrette). There are also daily pizza specials on the menu.
I’m up for something that’s casual meets fine dining. | Boschetto | 111 Grove Street, Montclair
Boschetto is a relatively new restaurant making its way to the Montclair area. Its interior is simple yet cozy with small tables, tiled floors, and dark molded ceilings. Menu items to try are Pesto Pasta (casareccia, pine nut, pecorino) and Costoletta Maiale (pork chop, summer berries, arugula). Finish the meal with Italian gelato (available in vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut).
I want a go-to place for dinners, parties, + catering. | Bucco | 61 Washington Street, Bloomfield
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Bucco in Bloomfield has Italian cuisine for all occasions. The establishment serves lunch + dinner. It also has space for group reservations and private parties. Customers can also take Bucco home as it has catering services. Try ordering the Chicken Saltimbocca (Topped with prosciutto, sage, spinach, fresh mozzarella, + marsala demi-glace), Spaghetti Bucco (Long hot peppers, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic + oil, Parmigiano + provolone), or the Panini Caprese (Fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, + basil oil).
I’m looking for Italian food with a lot of pasta options. | Cafe Giotto | 42 Church Street, Montclair
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Cafe Giotto sits on Montclair’s beloved Church Street. Carb lovers will appreciate the many pasta options to choose from. Vegetarians should try the Vegetable Lasagna. Pescatarians should try the Tagliolini Seafood (crab, lobster, + shrimp in a sweet cherry tomato sauce) or the Linguini + White Clams.
I want an Italian spot with a lot of variety on the menu. | Casa Turano Parkside Pizza | 455 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Casa Turano has an extensive menu of Italian dishes. Options consist of appetizers, pasta, pizzas, soups, salads, calzones + strombolis, side dishes, sandwiches + wraps, burgers, baked pastas, entrees, + desserts. Start with an order of garlic knots (Bread, topped with garlic + olive oil or butter herb seasoning, baked to perfection.) For a main course try the Lobster Ravioli, the Chicken Savoy (Peppers + garlic in a balsamic vinegar sauce, served with pasta + salad), or the Stuffed Pork Chops (Stuffed with fresh mozzarella cheese, roasted peppers, + prosciutto in a brandy wine sauce). At Casa Turano, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
I love bread + cheese when it comes to Italian dishes. | Cousins Pizzeria + Restaurant | 543 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield
Cousins’ Pizzeria in Bloomfield has a lot to offer when it comes to pizzas, strombolis, + calzones among other Italian entrees. Pizza options include Fresh Garlic, Italian Hog Dog (Potatoes, peppers, + onions with mozzarella cheese), Eggplant Parmigiana, and Fat Bastard (Sauce, mozzarella cheese, chicken finger, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, French fries, + boneless wings). Pizza is also available by the slice. Calzone + stromboli options include Ham, Ricotta, + Mozzarella Cheese Calzone, Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli (Chicken, ham, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, + mozzarella cheese), and Spinach Stromboli. There’s also a variety of burgers, wraps, and sandwiches available.
I want to be surrounded by books as I indulge. | Da Pepo | 54 Fairfield Street, Montclair
Photo Credit: David Pelle
Foodies who double as bookworms will find a home in Da Pepo, Montclair’s resident inside-a-bookstore Italian restaurant. In between shelves of literary classics, Da Pepo is serving Southern Italian dishes with small plates, paninis, pastas, + salads. There is also a menu available for children. Indulge in Pepo’s Board for some charcuterie favorites like salumi, cheese, olives, + fig jam. For a pasta option, try the Spaghetti Carbonara (Guanciale, egg, Pecorino Romano, + black pepper). For a panini option, try the Sorrentino (Pear, arugula, prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano, + balsamic).
I want a spot where I can get a little dressed up + have a cocktail. | Fresco da Franco | 15 Church Street, Montclair
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This Church Street staple specializes in authentic Italian cuisine + Italian cocktails. Head here for a date night, girls’ night, brunch, or dinner with family. Popular options to try are Costolette Di Brasate (Red wine braised short rib, polenta, + horseradish gremolata), and the Rigatoni Al Amatriciana (Guanciale, tomato, red onion, Calabrian chile flakes, + pecorino). If stopping by for cocktails, order the Lu Cafe Martini (also known as an espresso martini), the Limonaia Del Castel (Italicus, limoncello, lemon juice, egg white, + red wine float), or the Bar Franco Spritz (Tris Rose, Ciliegio Marasco, + grapefruit juice).
I’m up for Italian foods I don’t get to have often. | Gioia Mia | 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Photo Credit: Zack Pearl, @thebacyard
Gioia Mia has a menu consisting of classic Italian dishes combined with other items that people don’t see on every Italian restaurant menu. For classics, start with the charcuterie board with seasonal meats + cheeses, then move on to the SunChoke Risotto (ricotta salata, lemon, + white sesame) or the Green Circle Chicken (celeriac, spigarello, local mushroom, + Madeira). For those looking to be a little more experimental, try the Chicken Liver Mousse (apricot gelee, house pickled vegetables, + seeded sourdough) for starters. Then order either the Crab Tortellini (peekey toe crab, ginger, + lobster bisque) or the Pan Seared Sea Scallops (arborio rice, smoked tomato, apple chutney, + crispy kale).
I’m looking for a BYOB Italian place. | Italia Pizzeria | 48 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Italia Pizzeria in Bloomfield is a BYOB spot in town serving up a variety of Italian dishes including options such as pastas, seafood, salads, stromboli, heroes, and more. Pair a favorite bottle of Cabernet with the Chicken Murphy, or a bottle of white while eating the Fettuccini Alfredo. End the meal with a slice of cake (available in chocolate or NY cheesecake).
I’m in the mood for some good quality eats in an upscale atmosphere. | La Rocca Osteria | 23 Midland Avenue, Montclair
La Rocca Osteria is the culmination of over 25 years of experience and chef craftsmanship with each recipe on the menu. This small yet cozy restaurant has warm lighting from above as well as wall-to-wall windows to soak in natural light from outside. Enjoy the casual views of a Montclair side street while tasting the Pollo alla Griglia (Grilled octopus, roasted tomatoes, a saffron, and infused barley, with pesto + basil oil) with a side of Trancio di Focaccia (House-made Focaccia: onion or tomato). Hold the bread for the main course as patrons will want to savor every last drop of the Fazzoletti (Ricotta/spinach filled ravioli with butter + sage or tomato + basil) or the Duck (Breast of duck, peppercorn, brandy, raisin sauce, roast potato, + caramelized onions). End the evening with dessert. While there are over a dozen options for diners, try ordering the Olive Oil Cake (olive oil cake with lemon curd, mascarpone cream, blueberry sauce, + mixed berries) or the made-in-house gelato.
I want Italian food with a more modern vibe in Montclair Center. | Laboratorio Kitchen | 615 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Laboratorio Kitchen is located on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Chef James De Sisto has a history of working with influential leaders in the culinary community at exclusive restaurants. Chef brings this knowledge and experience to Laboratorio Kitchen. Menus are available for lunch, dinner, and dessert. Options to try are Fresh Pappardelle (veal and beef meatball, tomato cream sauce, fresh herbs, + Locatelli cheese), Hand Rolled Ricotta Cavatelli (tomato cream sauce, fresh basil, + shaved pecorino cheese), Day Boat Scallops (cauliflower puree, spring herbs, + chive oil), and more. Those with a sweet tooth should stick around for dessert and order the fresh tiramisu or the pistachio panna cotta (fresh raspberries, pistachio butter, + light cream).
I’m looking for something family-owned. | Luigino’s Parmigiana | 173 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
Luigino’s Parmigiana, located on Glenridge Avenue in Montclair, welcomes diners into its establishment with its warm lighting and rustic atmosphere. Its family-owned; with Chef Luigi Tripodi behind the scenes, with his wife and son making their way around the tables. Menus available are for lunch, dinner, + dessert. For lunch, try ordering one of its Roman-style oval pizzas like the Roasted Lamb (Roasted lamb, lemon zest, fresh ricotta, pickled red onions, oil-cured olives, + Calabrian chili). For dinner, try the Stuffed Gnocchi (Porcini, cream, truffle, + parmigiano butter) or the Double-cut pork chop (Potato, cipollini, baby carrots, celery, fresh herbs, + pan sauce). Finish a meal with a dessert option like the Bombolini (Nutella + vanilla anglaise) or one of the gelato flavors.
I want to create my own pasta. | Palazzo Pasta Company | 33 Walnut Street, Montclair
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Palazzo Pasta Company in Montclair serves up a variety of pasta dishes as well as entrees and desserts. What makes this place special is it has make-your-own pasta options for patrons. Start by choosing a pasta like penne, rigatoni, cavatelli, spaghetti, + farfalle (Penne is also available in gluten-free + whole wheat). Choose optional add-ons such as grilled jumbo shrimp, sweet Italian sausage, herbed ricotta, + assorted vegetables. Complete the dish with a sauce option like alfredo, bolognese, butter, puttanesca, or marinara.
I want some vegan options for Italian food. | Pizzanada | 128 Montgomery Street, Bloomfield
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Located in Bloomfield, Pizzanada provides a menu consisting of Italian dishes as well as empanadas. Menu items include pastas, soups, appetizers, sandwiches, calzones + strombolis, empanadas (savory + sweet), salads, entrees, and desserts. Pizzanada has an extensive list of vegan options available at its establishment. Choose from a vegan pepperoni + cheese empanada, vegan buffalo cauliflower pizza, vegan homemade pumpkin raviolis, and more. There are also options to build-your-own pasta or salad. There’s also a long list of vegan desserts available like zeppoles, cakes, cannolis, and more.
I’m looking for Italian food on a Monday night. | Popolari Pizza + Pasta Bar | 1047 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Mondays are hard. It can be tough to find a restaurant that is normally open on a Monday. Popolari Pizza + Pasta Bar, located in Bloomfield, is open seven days a week for dining, catering, and private parties. Menu options include American + Neapolitan-style pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, entrees, appetizers, and more. Try the Whole Branzino (whole Mediterranean sea bass, baked or grilled, served with a fresh herb sauce, garlic, half-grilled lemon, + extra virgin olive oil) for a refreshing dinner option, or try the Brasato con Piselli (slow braised brick oven short rib in red wine and vegetables over mashed potatoes) for a richer dinner option.
I’m looking to party after dinner. | Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Porta, located in Montclair, has menu options for brunch, dinner, dessert, + drinks — with dance parties on the top floor every weekend. As far as eats, there’s a “House-made” section located on its brunch + dinner menus consisting of options like Mozzarella, ricotta, whipped cheeses, + meatballs. Other menu options top try are Wild Boar Ragú (pappardelle, rosemary, sage, red wine, + Parmigiano Reggiano), and the Carbonara Pizza (guanciale, Parmigiano Reggiano, roasted egg, parsley, black pepper, + extra virgin olive oil).If looking for shares, there are items on the menu “For the Table ” like the Breaded Chicken Cutlets, or the Eggplant Parm. Happy hour takes place at the bar with drink and food specials Monday to Friday from 4PM-6PM.
I want a cozy vibe as warm as my pasta dishes. | Scala del Nonna | 32 Church Street, Montclair
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Located on Montclair’s beloved Church Street sits Scala del Nonna. This establishment takes classic Italian cooking and provides dishes with a modern twist to diners. The inside space uses warm shades of wood for decor on the floor, tables, and accent walls. Outdoor dining at Scala del Nonna is the perfect place to enjoy Italian cuisine and catch the vibes on Church Street as tables are located in front of the restaurant. Menu options to try are Salmone con Pignoli (Pignoli crusted salmon in white wine with lemon sauce, roasted tomato, + finished with fresh basil), Bistecca Giambotta (Medallions of filet mignon in a spicy sherry wine sauce with capers + country style vegetables), and Ravioli Porcini e Tartufi (Wild mushroom ravioli in a sauce of Parmigiano Reggiano, cream, + black truffles).
I love Italian food for lunch. I want a spot that has lunch specials every day of the week. | Vinnie’s Pizzeria + Restaurant | 414 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Vinnie’s Pizzeria + Restaurant has been serving the greater Bloomfield area for over 50 years. This establishment specializes in Italian dishes including hot + cold sandwiches, salads, pizzas, pasta, desserts, + more. Lunch Specials at Vinnie’s are available seven days a week for $10.99 and are served until 3PM. Specials include baked Ziti, cavatelli + broccoli, and linguini with garlic + oil.
See More: The Best Italian Restaurants in Hoboken: A Definitive List
I want an Italian spot where I can bring the whole family. | Zi Zia Pizzeria | 80 Bay Avenue, Bloomfield
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Zi Zia Pizzeria, located in Bloomfield, has options for dine-in, take-out, and catering. The menu consisted of options like sandwiches + wraps, calzones, pasta, pizzas, salads, + more. If dining with the whole family, Zi Zia’s also has a family deals menu served on Thursdays 4PM-9PM and all day on Sundays. Family combos include pizzas, wings, garlic knots, salad and penne.
Honorable Mention | Matthew’s Italian Restaurant | 1131 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
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Matthew’s Italian Restaurant opened its doors in 2010 and has been serving Italian cuisine to the greater Clifton area since. The menu mentions its goal “Neighborhood Italian, Refined,” and serves dishes such as stuffed artichoke + hot/cold Antipasto for appetizers, and manicotti + fresh rigatoni for pasta. Gluten-free + whole wheat pasta options are also available. For an entree, try the Red Snapper (with oreganata bread crumbs with fresh herbs, + lemon butter sauce) or the Veal Saltimbocca (with spinach, prosciutto, + salami). One dish that makes Matthew’s so special is the Sunday Sauce (slow simmered country-style ribs, braciole, spicy sausage, + meatballs served over fresh rigatoni pasta with a side of ricotta + basil), which is only available on Sundays. Finish this meal by ordering the Peach Melba (A poached peach with vanilla gelato, mixed berries, whipped cream, + raspberry sauce) or the Banana Foster (Baked banana wrapped in phyllo with a side of chocolate sauce + a side of vanilla gelato).
