50 Best Italian Restaurants near Cedar Grove

“Had my daughters wedding tonight at Il tulipano I give it a 5 stars Mario helped us so much Cocktail hour was absolutely outstanding our dinners was amazing the workers took such good care of us Thank you so much Mario and staff the Capozzi family“

“Wow! Took us years to get here… but so glad we did! I’m an Italian originally from Queens who doesn’t much care to eat an Italian restaurant when I can get it home cooked. My better half, however, is a boy from Brooklyn, who is Italian by osmosis & loves to eat it out of the home. For his birthday we wanted to go somewhere special. We did! LuNello ranks up there as one of our favorite Italian Restaurants EVER… From the valet staff, to the maitre D, hostesses & waitstaff, to the ambiance… and the FOOD. There are basic dishes on the menu but so many interesting & varied plates that I was blown away! Everything we ate, from appys, to main courses, and dessert (famous bread pudding) were the best!“

“Delicious food prepared with such love and care. You will enjoy every morsel😁“

“I frequently order takeout from Biga. Their classic Jersey pie is made with excellent ingredients and served by friendly and efficient staff. Whenever I have a chance, I visit the front of the restaurant, but I always wish they had a waitress or a larger dining room. The restaurant is tucked away in the back and can be a bit gloomy. Despite this, the food is fantastic. Definitely give it a try!“

“Love it there!! Amazing service, incredible food, and awesome atmosphere. Our go-to, always!“

“Always great food and attentive service!“

“Food was delicious despite the meat not being cooked as requested. The atmosphere & our server, Julian, were incredible! Julian found out at the end of our meal we had a celebration & went above and beyond to help us celebrate! Would definitely recommend & return (-:“

“Matthew 's Restaurant is 1 of the best restaurants in North NJ if NOT The Best. The food is always Delicious & Service is excellent. Beyond that, the atmosphere or aviance is excellent. The vibe & energy is first rate positive fun & culinary enjoyment. I believe that this fine dining experience is also driven by the owner Matthew who is usually in the restaurant greeting guests & helping out. When you visit Matthew's you'll have a great time and it'll feel like you're on mini-vacation from the stress of every day life while seemingly enjoying the warmth of family. It may be a cliche but it's definitely true. 10 stars ⭐ out of 10.“

“Wonderful food. Nice attentive service!“

“Love the food, love the place, very attentive, don't walk run here, great!“

“The best Italian restaurant in Rutherford. Huge portions and the fish dinners are incredible. If you see mahi mahi, snapper, cod or salmon on the menu, order it! You will not be disappointed! Friendliest service around!“

“Una excelente atención, bien acogedor, ricos los platillos de comida, grande el lugar de estacionamiento con personal de seguridad y una amabilidad tanto al ingresar como al salir, me llevó una buena impresión lo voy a recomendar. Gracias por todo“

“Well, this is a special place, don't you believe? Let's see.I was walking around looking for a place to eat and saw this deli , mind you that when you see a line outside a deli and customers willing wait in the cold for food , you know the food is going to be off the hook ! In line a sweet man was telling the history of the deli and how is the best town and anything I choose will definitely make me happy, another customer arrives and tells me to how much he loves it ! I knew I had found a gem that needs to be shared , because customer's are raving for it , the employees and owner sweetest guy very patient in waiting for me to decide what I wanted I even bought few things brought from Italy while I waited for My delicious 🤤 Little Nicky sandwich 🥪 which not only is so big I ate it for lunch and dinner 🍽️ is the best sandwich I've had in years ! I appreciate the stories of when it was established. I care so much for the excellent customer service and the way they run the place makes you feel like you step into a home! I'm definitely looking forward to what to try next!!! Sorry for the no picture of the sandwich, I ate the whole thing 🤣 don't forget grab freshly made mozzarella!!!!!“

“Perfect seamless reservation - plenty of parking even texted to let us know where to park. Inside wonderful atmosphere all the staff was friendly. The food was amazing -especially the Caesar Salad . A thank you card in my left over bag ❤️ the bathroom has a full changing station with supplies . Thoughtful touches throughout the experience that really make you feel the owners care -which makes me so happy I came here . I recommend definitely to anyone !“

“Had the pleasure of eating at Giorgio"s last night before a show at SPAC. Service was outstanding, menu explained and food was excellent. From our salad, entree and desert everything was outstanding. I highly recommend it but please not before a show I may now get a reservation again.“

“We went just before closing time and the service was phenomenal! We have a person with autism and they were so patient; when we asked him how he liked his food his response was “the food is so good I feel like I am in Italy.” Thank you for a memorable evening.“

“The best pizza in NJ“

“Consistently excellent meals with a very attentive staff.“

“The Italian food is so delicious and authentic 👌👌 everyone is so nice. And the mozzarella is the freshest cheese. They hand stretch it every day. I love that they use tallow to fry and they make their own dough without all the processed junk. You eat and feel satisfied instead of heavy.“

“Love Justin’s Manny definitely knows how to make you feel at home and his staff is exceptional!! We love and celebrate all our important days there!!!
Going there for 15 years -never a bad meal
Sharon and Marty“

“everything !!! rice balls can’t be beat. vodka sauce the best“

“We had our daughter's baby shower here and it was an exceptional experience. The food and service were outstanding. Highly recommend this wonderful venue.“

“Excellent food, excellent service and reasonably priced!“

“We had my daughters baby shower here yesterday. The food was absolutely amazing! The manager Sam was extremely easy to work with long distance (I live in Pennsylvania). The wait staff were very friendly and attentive . I would highly recommend this place for a private party.“

“My husband and I just ate at Allettante, and what a superb experience!! Everything was absolutely delicious. My husband had the Chicken Parmesan, and I had the Branzino. Both dishes were flavorful, beautifully prepared and truly did not disappoint!

Our waitress was incredibly attentive and made sure we were comfortable and satisfied throughout our entire dining experience. A huge shoutout to all of the owners as well, who personally took the time to come over, greet us and thank us for supporting their establishment. That personal touch meant so much!

It’s always a pleasure to support a Black-owned, Newark-raised family restaurant, that takes such pride in its food, hospitality and community. We will definitely be back again and again! Wishing Allettante continued success and many more years of serving the community. 🩷“

“ALWAYS.. fantastic Italian food. The very best!! Been going there every Saturday night since they opened. Unbelievable Italian cuisine, great service & Frankie and Jen are concerned & attentive to their customers.“

“My wife and I recently celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary at From Scratch, coinciding with the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, and it was an unforgettable evening that exceeded every expectation. From the moment we stepped into the warm, inviting space, the staff made us feel like honored guests, with a special nod to the milestone celebrations—both ours and theirs. The atmosphere buzzed with a joyful energy, perfectly balancing sophistication and comfort, as if the restaurant itself was toasting a decade of culinary excellence. The four-course tasting menu was a masterclass in flavor and creativity, each dish showcasing the kitchen’s dedication to crafting everything from scratch. I began with the beef tartare, a delicate yet bold starter. It set the tone for what was to come: precision and passion in every bite. My wife got the eggplant caponata for her first course, a vibrant dish that was both rustic and refined. It was a testament to how From Scratch elevates humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The handmade raviolis were an absolute highlight, each delicate parcel bursting with a silky ricotta filling. The pasta was so tender it practically melted, a labor of love that spoke to the restaurant’s name and ethos. We couldn’t stop raving about the texture—perfectly al dente, yet impossibly light. The mint added a hint of freshness to the dish, that I was originally hesitant about, but I’m happy I gave it a go! For the main courses, my wife got the lamb. Perfectly cooked to a rosy pink, it was fall-apart tender, and had a perfect crust on the outside. The dish was hearty yet elegant. Equally stunning were the scallops, seared to golden perfection with a buttery, caramelized crust. They sat around a small bed of caviar with purple mashed potatoes. Each bite was a harmonious balance of sea and earth. The meal concluded with a ricotta dessert that was nothing short of divine. The creamy, cloud-like ricotta mousse was paired with a coulis with ginger dough crumbs. It was the perfect sweet note to end the evening, light yet indulgent, with flavors that lingered long after the last spoonful. From Scratch isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of craft, community, and unforgettable moments. For our anniversary, we couldn’t have chosen a better place to mark the occasion, and we’re already looking forward to returning to see what the next decade brings for this culinary gem. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a dining experience that’s as heartfelt as it is delicious!“

“went here with my daughter a few days ago, and everything was outstanding. The food and drinks were delicious, and I had one of the best Cosmos I’ve ever had
and I’m very picky about my Cosmos! The atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was great as well. I highly recommend this place and can’t wait to come back.“

“We had our daughters 18th Birthday Bash here at the Appian Way on: February 5th, 2022. We dealt with Bob throughout the whole process. And he was just great! Alot is included in the price you receive. And many other venues don't compare when it comes to price. Helping to save you some money along the way. The rooms are beautiful and my guest were amazed. The workers were accommodating and helped get our room together way before time. This helped us tremendously with getting most of the setup being done the night before. The lighting is awesome. The food was absolutely delicious. My guests are still raving about the food. It really was better than I expected. I will definitely be back to celebrate more gatherings. Thank you Bob and your staff for your get service.“

“Very fun social vibe, special Birthday ritual, food was excellent, I practically licked my plate, service was attentive and the manager very active.“

“Excellent food and service always an enjoyable evening at Michael Angelo’s in Fairfield“

“Muy buena comida y buena atención un sitio agradable“

“Delicious food with great service!!“

“I had dinner here and it's the best ITALIAN FOOD I've had in a long time,SERVICE was great as well.“

“We enjoyed a gorgeous dinner at La Rocca Osteria, on the corner of Midland Avenue and Portland Place (a block south-east of Valley Road and a block north-east of Bloomfield Avenue), this week. The food was brilliant - fresh, flavorful and great portion sizes. I was thrilled with my choices of the buratta salad, crabmeat-stuffed lobster tail with mashed potatoes and a chocolate mousse cake. My fella demolished the mussels and clams in a white wine and garlic sauce, lasagne (he thought it was so delicious that he even bought a second portion to give to his dad) and cheesecake. I almost wish I’d taken photographs, but I was more interested in the experience than documenting it. The service was fantastic as well - friendly, calm, organized and reliable. Parking nearby wasn’t difficult either. It’s the second time we’ve eaten there; the first was on our first date. It was just as lovely then too.“

“Excellent service and food. Accommodating for dietary needs. They even took our group earlier than our reservation which was much appreciated as we were all from out of town and heading home immediately following lunch. Roasted potatoes, chicken francese, eggplant parm and sausage with peppers all got rave reviews.“

“Seasonal dishes fresh and beautifully presented! Friendly and helpful team with excellent dish recommendations :)“

“Came here with my husband for our anniversary. The garlic spread on the bread with scallions was so good! Then the homemade bread was so fresh out of the oven! The mozzy sticks and marinara were delicious! Crispy and cheesy. The sauce was wonderful. The potatoe croquettes were also so good and the sauce was amazing!! The soup was one of my favorites. Just right. I loved the thin noodles. The salad was ok but my husband enjoyed it. The chicken skillet with bruschetta was AMAZING! Very generous portions. The sauce was so flavorful. I added mushrooms and best mushrooms ever! The spinach was a little salty but great! And the bruschetta mixed was a wonderful mix! I truly did love it. The calamari was okay but not my thing. The pasta was amazing! And all homemade. My husband liked the calamari but didn’t realize it wasn’t breaded. The cookie and Ice cream were great! I liked the cheesecake! Very light! Highly recommend and would come back. Service was wonderful and I enjoyed how they spaced out the food.“

“A true gem of restaurants in Livingston, NJ. The delicious food reminds me of the fantastic food we tasted in Italy. This is very different from most Italian restaurants in America. The presentation of the food is superb and the food is amazing. Be prepared for an epicurean feast followed by delectable dessert. Prices are very reasonable, in addition.“

“My husband and I love Primavera. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner of 65 people here in June 2025 and the owner/chef, along with all the staff were so friendly & accommodating. Guests from our rehearsal dinner still talk about the meals they had that night and the amazing atmosphere of the restaurant.

My husband and I now try to go to Primavera at least once a month as a date night and the staff still remember us and are so attentive. The food is very delicious and the different specials each night you can tell are thought of with intention and care. We highly recommend if you want a date night there or a private party!“

“Outstanding food, pizza is better than in Italy and I lived in Italy for a couple of years! Meatballs are so light. I don’t know how they could make them that way, would love a recipe! The sauce is also fantastic, well seasoned and flavorful! If you like spicy food, their muscles are a must try and they serve them with a fresh hot home baked bread, you can’t stop eating it! Their zucchini fritters are light and crisp like potato chips and not greasy at all and served with light lemony humus! If you haven’t eaten there yet, it’s a must! You won’t be disappointed!“

“Had a great dinner! Always great service too!“

“Excellent food & service!“

“The best thin Sicilian pizza I have ever had in my 56 years of life. Recommended 100%.“

“Outrageous food, I had the veal chop and it was delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant.“

“Love Felina! It is so beautiful inside and the food was very good. We all enjoyed the complimentary eggplant and bread and the linguine dish was fantastic! The calamari app was also perfect. My friends and I were there for all of our birthdays and it was fantastic, they made us feel so special!!! Our server was so helpful and nice. The bar manager was also so nice and made excellent drinks! We all shared a perfect tiramisu to end the night. We are def going back!“

“Delicious food, and friendly staff. Highly recommend!“

“been coming here since 2008. great food and atmosphere.“

“There is never a time that I can say that the experience wasn’t exceptional from start to finish. The food is always incredibly fresh, and you could truly taste the quality in every bite. The menu offers a wonderful variety of Italian dishes, each prepared with great attention to detail. The staff at Villa Rosa were equally impressive, providing friendly and attentive service that makes each meal even more enjoyable. They were knowledgeable about the menu and eager to ensure that the dining experience was perfect. Check them out for your next event as well! They supplied my office with a great variety for our holiday party this year! Overall, Villa Rosa is a gem in Hawthorne that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for delicious Italian cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.“

“First time at Divina yesterday…definitely not my last. It was a bridal shower event.. and it was more than perfect…Divina served a delicious meal, desserts and wine, at least three appetizers…and the service..spot on..waiter always ready to assist…highly recommend. 10⭐s“