Popolari comes from the Italian word meaning popular, and this restaurant in Bloomfield has some of the most popular classic Italian dishes on its menu — including dishes like pasta puttanesca, chicken Milanese, and shrimp scampi. For Bloomfield residents looking for a place to enjoy a handcrafted pizza or a classic Italian pasta dish Popolari, a “retro-chic” pizzeria and restaurant, is a go-to for locals. Read on to learn more about Popolari, a unique Italian spot located at 1047 Broad Street in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
From Milan to Montclair
Owned and designed by long-time Montclair resident Mido Emad, Popolari brings the flare of retro Milan to New Jersey. “I have always wanted to open a restaurant, I love cooking but I never wanted to be in the kitchen. I am more of a creative person,” Mido told The Montclair Girl ahead of Popolari’s opening back in 2021.
Before opening Popolari, Mido heard about an open restaurant space from a friend, and after looking at the space and seeing its potential, he jumped right in and began designing and creating a new brand for his restaurant. “I heard about the restaurant from a friend who is now the head chef of Popolari – Chef Floyd,” Emad explained. The two of them and Emad’s girlfriend formed a team to create Popolari.
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The restaurant has about 60 outdoor seats and about 39 indoor seats. The entire restaurant creates the feeling of being in a cool lounge in Italy. The interior features an open-concept kitchen with bar-top seating, and a colorful display of handcrafted vintage posters displaying different Italian icons.
Pizza + Pasta Perfection
The restaurant has two different kinds of pizza — a ten-inch Neapolitan-style pizza, and a 16-inch American-style pizza with all of the classic toppings. Some of the pizza options include Margherita, Grandma Pie, artichoke, and spinach ricotta, among other options.
When it comes to pasta dishes, the choices include spicy rigatoni vodka, burrata over gnocchi, cavatelli + broccoli, and more. Entree options include everything from eggplant parm and veal Milanese to whole branzino and pork chop + peppers. There’s also a variety of handhelds like Caprese, meatball, and cheesesteak sandwiches.
“The idea is to marry both worlds, between a pizzeria and traditional Italian restaurant,” Emad explained.
Emad was so serious about getting the pizza right that he bought a brand-new oven and imported it from Italy ahead of opening Popolari.
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“This is just a place where you can come and hang out, we are child and family-friendly, and we are pet friendly too with our outdoor seating,” Emad said.
Popolari is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, as well as for brunch from 10AM-3PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Follow @themontclairgirl on social media for more Montclair area gems.
42 Restaurants for a Fun Night Out With Friends in Northern New Jersey
There are tons of excellent restaurants in Northern Jersey, but finding a place to eat with a group of friends can be…challenging. Don’t worry, we’re about to help you become the hero of your group chat. These are some of the best places in Northern New Jersey to dine with friends, so think of these as a group dining cheat sheet. Keep reading to discover where to make a reservation for the next girls' night out or group hang in the Northern New Jersey area.
Bloomfield
Fanny’s + Ladyfingers | 1109 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Fanny’s Restaurant is a modern bar + eatery with shareable plates, like Baked Clams + Wagyu Meatballs. This is not a place to skip dessert. Its sister restaurant, Ladyfingers Bakery + Bar, makes the sweets and the gluten-free Limoncello Cheesecake is hard to beat.
Popolari | 1047 Broad Street
Popolari is a retro-chic pizza + pasta restaurant in Bloomfield. The crispy Neapolitan Pizzas + flavorful pasta dishes make this a go-to in the neighborhood. Gluten-free pasta is available. The wine list features a selection of reds + whites from California.
The Brookdale | 1099 Broad Street
The Brookdale is a sports bar with a one-pound mozzarella stick. This is not for the faint of heart (or stomach), so bring some friends to see if everyone can finish the oversized appetizer together. The Brookdale is a go-to brunch spot and, trust us, it is hard to pass up the sweet Cinnamon Rings.
Read More: Where to Take Your Parents Out to Eat in Northern New Jersey
State Street Grill | 9 State Street
State Street Grill is a classic American diner with breakfast specials, burgers, + chicken fingers. It’s a spacious restaurant with a tempting pastry case. Trust us on this, it’s going to be almost impossible to leave before ordering at least one slice of pie.
Montclair
Ah’ Pizz | 7 North Willow Street
Ah’ Pizz is a popular Neapolitan-style pizza chain with a full menu of wood-fired pies. It’s BYOB, so make sure to grab a bottle of wine before coming in. The restaurant accepts reservations for groups of all sizes, so there’s no stress about finding a table big enough for everyone.
Alto Rooftop | 690 Bloomfield Avenue
Alto Rooftop is a go-to place for girls’ nights — the cocktail menu here is super. In addition to drinks, this spot has light bites + brunch on Sundays from 12PM-3PM. Groups of 10 or more can make a reservation by emailing [email protected].
Bar Franco | 5 Church Street
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Bar Franco is a high-end cocktail lounge owned by Hollywood TV producer Franco Porporino. (Yes, Franco also owns the lively Italian restaurant Fresco Da Franco.) Bar Franco is a sleek, stylish bar where friends can sip mixed drinks like the Bar Franco Spritz + Pera Carmellata. Anyone feeling extra fancy can order the La Bomba Dessert, a cookie topped with chocolate mousse, vanilla cream, and 24-karat gold.
Cafe Giotto | 42 Church Street
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Cafe Giotto is an authentic Northern Italian restaurant with homemade, seasonal dishes for lunch + dinner. The signature Lasagna Bolognese is always worth an order + the sandwiches are served on bread that tastes like it was baked with love.
Cornbread Farm-to-Soul | Montclair, Maplewood, + Newark
Cornbread Soul is a casual soul food restaurant with locations in Maplewood, Montclair, and Newark. The menu covers all comfort food needs with fried chicken meals, BBQ pork ribs, and, of course, original made-from-scratch cornbread.
The Corner | 115 Grove Street
The Corner is a cozy breakfast + brunch cafe that opened in Montclair in 2015. The restaurant is known for its fresh-pressed juices and fresh berry pancakes. Everything in the restaurant seems ready for an Insta-photo shoot (in the best way possible) + so keep it in mind for those times you want an aesthetic meal.
Dan + Day's Burgers and Shakes | 598 Valley Road
Dan + Day’s Burgers and Shakes opened earlier this year in Upper Montclair and quickly became a go-to spot for All-American comfort food. There are some big outdoor tables for larger groups to sit + enjoy Grass Fed Beef Burgers, Wagyu Hot Dogs, Homemade Veggie Burgers, and, of course, creamy milkshakes.
De Novo | 275 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair + 1257 River Road, Edgewater
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De Novo is an elevated restaurant in Montclair, with another waterfront location in Edgewater with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s a nice place to go for a group celebration + there are a variety of drinks including cocktails, mocktails, beer, + wine. To secure a table, make a reservation online in advance.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street
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Egan + Sons is a laid-back Irish pub that opened almost 20 years ago. The bar has happy hour specials from 3PM-5PM Monday to Friday, so consider meeting some friends here for a post-work drink.
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
Faubourg is a modern French brasserie + cocktail lounge with patio seating for sunny days. Reservations can be made in advance on Resy for indoor or patio tables. The menu is updated seasonally, but there are always some delicious plant-based and nut-free options.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street
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Halcyon is a chic, seafood spot that feels like it would belong in NYC. There is live jazz on Tuesdays from 6PM-9PM, which could add some flair to the next group dinner. Reservations can be made in advance on OpenTable.
Just Jakes | 30 Park Street
Just Jakes is a casual neighborhood bar with live music every Friday + Saturday night (make sure to bring cash since there is a cash cover charge). The patio is dog-friendly + there are plenty of flat-screen TVs throughout the restaurant to watch sports with friends. The happy hour specials run Monday to Friday from 12PM-6PM.
La Rocca Osteria | 21 Midland Avenue
La Rocca Osteria is a BYOB Italian restaurant named for a medieval castle. With a vast menu of pasta, fish, steaks, and salads, it is the type of place where a group of friends can feel like they are dining like royalty.
Le Souk | 51 Watchung Plaza
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Le Souk is a Syrian restaurant made for family-style meals. Favorites include the Pomegranate Chicken, Monk Baba Ghanoush, and Traditional Hummus. Many of the dishes are gluten-free, which is a perk for anyone in the group with dietary restrictions.
Luigino’s Parmigiana | 173 Glenridge Avenue
Luigino’s Parmigiana is a fun place to celebrate with friends. It’s a large restaurant + reservations can be made online in advance. This restaurant was chosen as the Best Chicken Parm in Montclair in 2023 according to The Montclair Girl readers.
Mesob Restaurant | 515 Bloomfield Avenue
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Mesob is a BOYB Ethiopian restaurant that was recognized for having the best vegan/vegetarian-friendly menu in 2022 by The Montclair Girl readers. The menu also has gluten-free options and they accept reservations online. It’s a fun spot to go with a large group because so many of the menu items are made to share.
Nami Nori | 378 Bloomfield Avenue
Nami Nori is a temaki bar from NYC that brought signature open-style sushi hand rolls to Montclair. There are classic + vegan options to satisfy everyone. It is BYOB (so grab some wine or sake before coming in) or enjoy one of the non-alcoholic cocktails on the menu, like the Yuzu Palmer or Strawberry Sting.
Pasta Ramen | 6 South Fullerton Avenue
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Pasta Ramen is a Wafu Italian restaurant with dishes that blend Italian and Japanese flavors and cooking styles. The restaurant was co-founded by James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist Robbie Felice who first started the restaurant as a pop-up in 2020. For large groups, make a reservation online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street, Montclair + 101 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Raymond’s is an upscale diner with locations in Montclair + Ridgewood. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it’s a great place to meet friends at any time. We love going for a casual weekend breakfast to order the Huevos Rancheros or Raymond’s Original French Toast.
Samba | 7 Park Street
Samba is a certified gluten-free Brazilian restaurant with options for everyone. On Fridays + Saturdays only, the restaurant serves the Brazilian national dish called Feijoada, a black bean stew with pork sausage and pork rib stewed for 24 hours.
Tacoria | 367 Bloomfield Avenue
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Tacoria is a go-to Mexican restaurant in North Jersey with vegan and gluten-free options. The flavorful tacos, burritos, and nachos are all customizable. The Montclair location has some big tables to accommodate larger groups.
Tierney's Tavern | 138 Valley Road
Tierney’s Tavern is a go-to Irish dive bar with live music + comedy nights. The menu includes classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches. For drinks, there is a selection of bottled and draught beer.
Zeugma Grill | 44 South Park Street
Zeugma Grill is a Mediterranean restaurant with mezze, salads, and gourmet entrees to share. The cold mezze options, especially the Labneh Za’atar + Babahanoush, are great and all worth the order.
Surrounding Towns
Avenue Bistro | 558 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
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Avenue Bistro is a relaxed pub that always seems to have a special event going on. Whether it’s Oktoberfest, a Mardi Gras Party, or bottomless brunch, this is the place to go in Verona for a fun time with friends.
The Barrow House | 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton
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The Barrow House is a traditional farmhouse restaurant with rustic American farm fare + craft cocktails. Meet some friends at the bar for happy hour, which runs Monday to Friday from 3PM-6PM. We especially love coming for the discounted Crispy Cauliflower and $10 specialty cocktails.
Belmont Tavern | 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville
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This old-school Italian tavern famously served Clint Eastwood when he was in town. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but there are large tables for big groups of friends. Many people come to Belmont Tavern to try Stretch’s Famous Chicken Savoy or Pork Francaise.
Biagios | 299 Paramus Road, Paramus
Biagios is a family-owned Italian restaurant that hosts football + baseball watch parties. The bar stays open late (yes, it closes at 3AM) to keep the party going in Paramus.
Bitol Mexican Handcrafted Cantina | 1061 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
Bitol is a Mexican restaurant with a super cocktail menu. The refreshing margaritas, which come frozen or on the rocks, can be served in a pitcher for larger groups. This is a fun place for a special meal with friends, especially when ordering the steak cooked tableside on a lava stone (Yes, it is as epic as it sounds).
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Cowan’s Public is an elevated neighborhood pub that hosts special events for holidays, like Oktoberfest, Halloween, and Christmas. It’s a cozy space with a great cocktail menu. The menu even features creative mocktails for a fun, booze-free night with friends.
Elia Mediterranean | 240 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford
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Dining at Elia feels like being transported to Greece. The menu is full of gluten-free, seafood, and meat-free options. Elia’s has burlesque nights on Thursdays, which can be a fun watch to shake up a regular girls' night out.
Gus’ Last Word | 191 Valley Boulevard, Wood-Ridge
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Gus’ Last Word is a retro-style eatery with board games + specials throughout the week. Mondays are $1 wing nights and Wednesdays are $10 burger nights. On Tuesdays, Gus’ Last Word hosts trivia nights so gather up some friends for a fun (maybe challenging) night together.
The Hudson Rose | 238 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
Hudson Rose is a new restaurant in Nutley that is sure to become a go-to for burgers + Boardwalk-style fries. The cocktail menu has some classics, like a solid martini, along with seasonal specials. Reservations can be made online in advance to secure a spot.
Lefkes Estiatorio | 495 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs
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Lefkes Estiatorio is a chic Mediterranean restaurant with a live DJ on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s a top-tier spot so save it for a nice night out with friends. Mrs. Jackie Goldschneider, of the Real Housewife fame, even dined here last year.
ORA | 304 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
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ORA, which means “right now” in Italian, calls itself a “freestyle” Italian restaurant because it blends old-world traditions with modern techniques. On sunny days, enjoy a cocktail on the patio while catching up with some friends.
The Parkside Social | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
The Parkside Social is a laid-back tavern with happy hour specials, brunch, and dinner options. With oysters, gluten-free buffalo cauliflower bites, and blackened pork chops, this satisfying menu has something for everyone. If there is room for dessert, the seasonal sorbet or the classic carrot cake won’t disappoint.
See More: All-You-Can-Eat Spots in Northern New Jersey
Sofia | 36 Engle Street, Englewood
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Sofia is a farm-to-table restaurant + steakhouse that serves one of the best espresso martinis around. It’s a popular two-story nightlife spot with DJs and live music for dancing with friends.
Taverna Veranda | 725 River Road, Edgewater
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Taverna Veranda is a chic Mediterranean restaurant with happy hour on Monday to Friday from 5PM-7:30PM at the high tops + bar area. There are tons of gluten-free and vegetarian options on the menu for everyone to enjoy. The patio seats provide an excellent view of the waterfront and NYC.
Ventanas | 200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee
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Ventanas is a modern bar + lounge in Fort Lee with a packed events calendar and a dinner menu that features sushi and steak. From Truffle Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays, Fuego Thursdays + live DJ sets on Thursdays, Fridays, + Saturdays, there is always something exciting going on here.
