Traditional Italian food is arguably the cornerstone of New Jersey cuisine. At 19 South Park Street, Leone’s has been an Italian-American staple in the heart of Montclair since 1995. As it’s celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Leone’s is reflecting on its legacy and why following the beat of its own drum has kept it in business for all of these years. Keep reading to find out how Leone’s came to be and which dishes are a must-try.

The Origin of Leone’s

Owner Michael Restaino was born in Newark and is the only child of Orlando Restaino and Rosemary Leone, after whom the restaurant is named. “Both my parents loved to cook and always felt drawn to Montclair as a warm and welcoming community,” Michael told The Montclair Girl.

In 1996, Orlando and Rosemary opened Leone’s, and the restaurant has been a Montclair staple ever since. After his parents’ passing, Michael now leads the helm. The secret to Leone’s longevity lies in its loyal customers. “We are very fortunate to have the best customers one could ever ask for,” says Michael. “They are loyal, generous, understanding, friendly, and have been like family to us throughout the good and bad times – absolutely priceless."

Read More: Where to Find Baklava in Montclair + Essex County

The Menu

When it comes to the main event, Leone’s menu is extensive and fit to serve any kind of Italian food craving. “I am always creating new seasonal items and unique flavor combinations to stay current but yet authentic,” says Michael. “My true passion is making my menu different and watching the customers’ faces light up with pleasure and excitement.”

Unforgettable dishes like its local burrata (grilled pears, arugula, and hazelnut vinaigrette with the option to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for an additional cost) and rigatoni dressed in Leone’s standout vodka sauce are items that are beloved by regular visitors.

Each week features new appetizer and entree specials that liven up its already jam-packed menu like the avocado bruschetta (oven-baked bread topped with diced avocado, mozzarella, tomato, red onion, olive oil + lime) and “Firecracker” salmon (fresh grilled wild filet topped with a Thai chili sauce, local honey, maple syrup, ginger, citrus juices + scallions served with white rice + vegetables).

Its brick-oven pizza is a separate food group,  with freshly prepared ingredients and house-made cheeses. Pizzas are available in 12” or 16” sizes, with personal sizes also available in a gluten-free dough. MG recommends the classic margarita pizza (tomato, basil, + fresh mozzarella) or a Leone’s original creation like the Sweet Onion (balsamic onion, sun-dried tomatoes, fontina, + mozzarella).

There’s a lot to love about Leone’s: its comforting flavors and home-like atmosphere, and its outdoor seating during the warm months is unmatched. But one of our favorite aspects has to be its competitive prices. A three-course dinner can easily be under $100 if we aren’t including the booze that is BYOB. Dessert is a sweet treat that doesn’t break the bank or overwhelm the delectable feast of dinner, either. Visitors should try its Dark Side of the Moon (triple-layer chocolate cake) or its most recent hit, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake (homemade vanilla sponge cake soaked in condensed milk and cinnamon + topped with cereal).

See More: From Hoboken Hot Dog Cart to Passaic Restaurant: The Story of Cruz-Missile Hot Dogs + Pinchos

Leone’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30AM-10PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30AM-11PM, and Sunday from 11:30AM-9:30PM.