50 Best Italian Restaurants near Little Falls

“Excellent food & service!“

“Adam took great care of us here. First time at this establishment. Delicious appetizers, pastas, pizza and gelato! Limited parking and smaller sized restaurant but delicious food and kind staff! Would recommend making a reservation if you can.“

“We couldn’t have been happier with our experience at Sear House Grill! We hosted our wedding reception dinner in the Wine Room, and it was absolutely perfect. Louis made the entire process so smooth and stress-free. The restaurant accommodated our family’s dietary needs, and everyone loved the food and cozy atmosphere.
One of the most special touches was having us “newlyweds” sit by the fireplace. It was so romantic and created the perfect, intimate setting for us to enjoy our first dinner as husband and wife. It made our wedding celebration even more memorable!
The servers were professional, polite, and attentive, making sure everything went smoothly from beginning to end. The food was hot, fresh, and delicious! Our family couldn’t stop talking about how amazing every dish was.
They truly know how to host a party and make a special occasion unforgettable. We are so grateful to Louis and the entire team for helping make our wedding celebration so special.
I would recommend Sear House Grill 1,000%! If you’re looking for a beautiful atmosphere, amazing food, and exceptional service for a special occasion, this is the place! We will definitely be back! ❤“

“We have been enjoying Louie's Bella Notte for years. The pizza is the best in town and the dinners are always delicious. From salad and sandwiches to Italian favorites, everyone can find something to love. But recently they've stepped up their game even higher by baking their own incredible bread and offering both lunch and dinner specials! Love this place!! So happy Louie's B/N is a beloved fixture in Little Falls.“

“First time ordering from Carelli’s Pizza tonight. Pizza was so delicious! Crust was thin, just the right amount of sauce and cheese! Fast delivery! Will definitely order again! Also the disco fries are amazing! Staff and driver were super nice! Thank you!“

“Yes..Staff, Service and Food always great! Have been dining here since they opened. We enjoy the Jekyll and Hyde calamari and the spiedini appetizers. Anton makes a great rack of pork and filet mignon. We ended with cappuccinos which hit the spot. 👍👍👍👍👍“

“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 (-:“

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

“Consistently delicious EVERY SINGLE TIME 👏👏👏 so grateful for great food, great service, and great ambiance. Our server tonight, Ron, was exceptional! His recommendations were spot on and he was so incredibly personable. We absolutely will be back, again and again and again.“

“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“

“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“

“Wonderful food. Nice attentive service!“

“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 !“

“The best pizza in NJ“

“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.“

“Consistently excellent meals with a very attentive staff.“

“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“

“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!!!!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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. 🩷“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“been here 4 times. now and every time it gets better

the amount of food they give you is great for the money
it does get packed so go early so you have room at the table as they are close to each other

the only issue is the parking. don't park on the wrong lot they will take your car.

my go to spot for Italian food and drinks“

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

“Muy buena comida y buena atención un sitio agradable“

“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.“

“Albert’s’s has been a go to favorite for many years and Albert is an excellent host. The food never disappoints and the service is always great. I recommend Albert’s HoHokus whole heartedly.“

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

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

“Dante’s has truly transformed the old Alexis Steakhouse space with a modern, refreshing facelift and a fantastic menu to match. It’s the perfect spot for happy hour, a night out with family or friends, or even a business lunch. One of the standout features is their exclusive upstairs party room, which accommodates 75+ guests—ideal for baby showers, bridal showers, or business meetings. The space includes a flat-screen TV for presentations or party highlights, plus its own private bathroom and bar. Convenience is another plus: Dante’s offers plenty of parking and is located near all major highways (Rt. 46, Rt. 3, Parkway, Turnpike, and Rt. 80). The cozy bar area is great for catching a game, and their intimate lounge space comfortably seats up to 10 people with private wait service—perfect for small gatherings. I’ve enjoyed Dante’s for everything from meeting friends and business lunches to happy hours and private lounge get-togethers. The food never disappoints: the prime burger is massive and made with quality prime rib, the tuna tartare is fresh and loaded with avocado, and their homemade chips are addictive. The clams casino are packed with flavor, the steak sandwich features premium cuts, and the pear salad with grilled chicken is a delicious option if you’re looking for something lighter. Check it out—you won’t be disappointed!“

“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.“

“The food is always top notch & the Menu goes on for miles . You’ll keep coming back time after time.“

“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.“

“I love coming here! Whether eat in, order take-out directly or Doordash it, they are always on point. I've tried a variety of things on their menu including dessert. It's always perfect! Great job with the flavors & consistency of all your dishes!“

“Here’s my review that I’ve been meaning to leave for a while! Overall, I’m really happy this place opened in the neighborhood and we’ve already been back several times.

Location/atmosphere: Unbeatable. Such a great addition to the Walnut Street area, and I’m a huge fan of the fast casual setup. It makes eating out with kids SO much easier. The patio is also amazing and has quickly become one of those places you naturally gravitate toward with kids or on a beautiful day.

Food: Really great! We’ve enjoyed the pastas, salads and pizzas. The menu is very pork-heavy, and I do hope over time they consider adding a few more options that make the menu accessible to those who don’t eat pork, including Muslim and Jewish diners. That said, I understand the menu is very authentic to the specific region of Italy the owners are from, and I genuinely respect that they’ve stayed true to that rather than watering it down. Hopefully there’s a way to preserve that authenticity while adding a little more variety over time.

Accessibility: The patio is wonderful, but the main entrance has a step, which can make getting in with a stroller or wheelchair a tad stressful. There is a flat entrance along the side, as well as a side door, but both have generally been blocked off when we’ve visited. I’m sure there’s a reason, but I’d love to see that reconsidered, it would make the restaurant much more accessible and stroller-friendly!

Service: The wait staff are fantastic. Everyone we’ve interacted with has been incredibly kind, patient and genuinely great at what they do. My one piece of constructive feedback is regarding one of the owners (glasses/slicked-back hair). On a few visits, I’ve found his demeanor a little dismissive or unwelcoming, whether asking questions about the menu or dining with our extended family. It’s hard to pinpoint and certainly not enough to keep us from coming back, but there have been a few interactions where I’ve walked away feeling like we weren’t quite as warmly received as other customers. I’m mentioning it because everything else about this place makes us want to keep supporting it, and a little more warmth in those interactions would go a long way.

Overall, a really great neighborhood addition with delicious food, an amazing outdoor space and a wonderful staff. We’ll absolutely continue coming back!“

“The food and service are excellent. This place is great!! I shouldn’t be saying this because people will go. There is alway a line at the door even with reservations. But it moves quickly.“

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

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

“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!“

“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“

“Good food and plenty of it“