Jennifer Tripucka 
Valet, coat check, an expansive bar, and sauce for sale: Lu Nello has all the ingredients of a very NJ night out for a special dinner. Some may not realize that the RHONJ moment that changed the trajectory of Bravo history is local to our very own Essex County. Yes, that table flip happened in none other than Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and the rest (albeit with a few bumps [and ‘Wakin’ up in the mornin’ lyrics later] in the road along the way) was history.
If you listen closely, you can still hear echoes in the walls screaming, “…engaged nineteen times” as you enter Lu Nello. And while we’ve already created a Guide to the Real Housewives of New Jersey tour de North Jersey, so this isn’t new information per se, it feels like a good time to resurrect this local lore.
The decor has been updated since the legendary scene, but the elevated Italian aesthetic is still very much intact. The menu is quite large, with specials inserted each night into its binding (don’t sleep on the French Onion Soup). A few standouts are the mozzarella-stuffed veal, the halibut, and the stuffed ravioli, but you really can’t go wrong.
See more: L’Arte Della Pasticceria in Ramsey Launches Italian Cooking Classes
Beverages are served at the downstairs bar, in the wine cellar (which can host a minimum of 18 people on the lower level), and also at dinner. We ordered a bottle of champagne to kick off the evening, and then a bottle of red.
Gluten-free and vegetarian diners will be pleasantly surprised, as the menu clearly notes GF and vegetarian options where relevant (dairy-free, not so much, but it is Italian food, so we’ll take what we can get). While there aren’t a ton of allergy-friendly options, the labeling is appreciated, and the servers were accommodating.
For dessert, we got the tartufo, the gluten-free flourless chocolate lava cake, and the cannolis, including a pistachio cannoli. Unfortunately, no sprinkle cookies (iykyk), but the cannolis were delicious.
Read more: The 50 Best Restaurants in North Jersey
Teresa, Danielle, and the Manzos’ night out at Lu Nello was hardly the first *CeLeB* visit, nor was it the last. Ciara and Russell Wilson were also recently spotted at Lu Nello back in November 2025, and it’s a go-to for many in the area. Whether you’re on the hunt for RHONJ filming spots or just a great Italian meal, Lu Nello is a hidden gem, perfect for a special dinner or a celebratory night out with friends.
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