I am so glad a Restaurant like this has opened up in Montclair. It is just what we needed. We definitely didn’t need another red sauce place. Food is great and prices are below market!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Delly
Such an incredible find. This isn’t your typical Italian restaurant — it’s modern, a little rebellious, and absolutely delicious. Every dish feels like a fresh take on Italian flavors, full of creativity and confidence without losing that cozy, comforting touch.
The food was mind-blowingly good — nothing about it was “in-your-face,” over the top, obnoxious or complicated as we have seen done time and time again.. these are thoughtfully layered flavors, and portions that feel generous. With an Appetizer and pasta dish to myself, I was not able to finish my meal (brussel sprouts and gigli pasta dish omg!!)
On top of that, the prices are more than fair for the quality. It’s rare to find a spot that feels this special without being totally overpriced. Definitely a place that makes you rethink what Italian food can be - I’m excited to go back and eat here again.. it was easily one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Al Morina
Zod has done it again. Forget the usual supply chain and predictable plates, ingredients here are locally sourced and meticulously chosen. What stands out most is Zod’s motive: not money, but mastery. He cooks for the love of it, and you can taste that in every bite. Looking for a standard Italian spot? This isn’t it. Looking for something fresh, inventive, and crafted with heart? You’ve found it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amy Levin
I am really suspect about the majority of glowing reviews. We ate here with another couple and I kind of wish we ate someplace else. I made a reservation over the phone and when we arrived they didn't have the reservation. We waited a few minutes and were seated. I will cut them some slack since they have only been open for a week. However, the waitstaff should be trained before opening. Our waiter never checked in with us after taking our order. We also had to keep asking to have our water glasses refilled. To start, we split a ricotta wild mushroom pizza as an appetizer. The pizza is on the small size and a bit pricey for the size. It was tasty but the crust was burnt (and not in a good way). We also split the spicy kale caesar salad and the meatballs. The salad was not spicy at all but happily the meatballs (4 small meatballs) were good. I had the Malfadine Alla Norma which is supposed to have eggplant in it but it was pretty much nonexistent. Another friend had the Spaghetti w/shrimp and her husband had the Fusilli, cabbage, miso scallion entree. My wife had the Paccheri. While the pasta's were cooked properly everyone thought they were just ok. There are a bunch of better restaurants in the area so for us, this is a one and done dining experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Tracy Floyd (Tflo)
Italiana by Zod was a spur of moment spot for us as we drove to Montclair for a wedding. We need a quick pasta fix before turning in for the night. They did a fine job of delivering true to form Italian dishes like chicken parmesan and cacio Pepe. The chicken was brined and flash roasted (I think in their pizza oven) . It was delicioso. Next time I'll try their pizza, it looked amazing
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Nicole Sandas
This restaurant was mediocre at best. The food was just OK compared to other Italian restaurants in the area. Service was not great - our water was only refilled once when we asked. Chicken parm was undercooked. They did comp the chicken which was the right thing to do and did offer a free dessert, but the middle of the dessert was frozen. We will not be returning.
Shpresa Gashi
An absolute gem! So delicious. The atmosphere is the perfect balance between modern American charm and rustic Italian coziness. Every dish we tried was outstanding — from the perfectly cooked meatballs to the rich, velvety pasta that tasted straight out of Italy. Classic pizza options to really unique ones - we went back twice this week and will probably be back soon for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Salvatore Spilletti
Food was good but those prices dont match. The meatballs were sized like quarters. 1 slice of Chicken parm with nothing else for $23 is outrageous. Esthetically It was nice but I can go to Leon's get a Chicken Amore mio and it comes with pasta and vodka sauce for $26. Good Luck to them but we won't be back. I was expecting what we paid because thats the average in Montclair but the portions are for a child.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Melissa Masucci
A quaint and cozy atmosphere. The food ‘s presentation was beautiful and taste was even better. I would absolutely recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katie Vita
This is a new Italian spot in town and has the best pizza and pasta in Montclair. The pasta is imported from Italy and the pizza is made with organic flour which is a huge plus. There was a lox pizza on the menu which was so unique and delicious, but the truffle pizza and pasta were our favorites. We got to sit in the front near the really cute flower wall. Highly recommend, we had a great time.
I am so glad a Restaurant like this has opened up in Montclair. It is just what we needed. We definitely didn’t need another red sauce place. Food is great and prices are below market!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such an incredible find. This isn’t your typical Italian restaurant — it’s modern, a little rebellious, and absolutely delicious. Every dish feels like a fresh take on Italian flavors, full of creativity and confidence without losing that cozy, comforting touch.
The food was mind-blowingly good — nothing about it was “in-your-face,” over the top, obnoxious or complicated as we have seen done time and time again.. these are thoughtfully layered flavors, and portions that feel generous. With an Appetizer and pasta dish to myself, I was not able to finish my meal (brussel sprouts and gigli pasta dish omg!!)
On top of that, the prices are more than fair for the quality. It’s rare to find a spot that feels this special without being totally overpriced. Definitely a place that makes you rethink what Italian food can be - I’m excited to go back and eat here again.. it was easily one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zod has done it again. Forget the usual supply chain and predictable plates, ingredients here are locally sourced and meticulously chosen. What stands out most is Zod’s motive: not money, but mastery. He cooks for the love of it, and you can taste that in every bite.
Looking for a standard Italian spot? This isn’t it. Looking for something fresh, inventive, and crafted with heart? You’ve found it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am really suspect about the majority of glowing reviews. We ate here with another couple and I kind of wish we ate someplace else. I made a reservation over the phone and when we arrived they didn't have the reservation. We waited a few minutes and were seated. I will cut them some slack since they have only been open for a week. However, the waitstaff should be trained before opening. Our waiter never checked in with us after taking our order. We also had to keep asking to have our water glasses refilled. To start, we split a ricotta wild mushroom pizza as an appetizer. The pizza is on the small size and a bit pricey for the size. It was tasty but the crust was burnt (and not in a good way). We also split the spicy kale caesar salad and the meatballs. The salad was not spicy at all but happily the meatballs (4 small meatballs) were good. I had the Malfadine Alla Norma which is supposed to have eggplant in it but it was pretty much nonexistent. Another friend had the Spaghetti w/shrimp and her husband had the Fusilli, cabbage, miso scallion entree. My wife had the Paccheri. While the pasta's were cooked properly everyone thought they were just ok. There are a bunch of better restaurants in the area so for us, this is a one and done dining experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Italiana by Zod was a spur of moment spot for us as we drove to Montclair for a wedding. We need a quick pasta fix before turning in for the night. They did a fine job of delivering true to form Italian dishes like chicken parmesan and cacio Pepe. The chicken was brined and flash roasted (I think in their pizza oven) . It was delicioso. Next time I'll try their pizza, it looked amazing
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
This restaurant was mediocre at best. The food was just OK compared to other Italian restaurants in the area. Service was not great - our water was only refilled once when we asked. Chicken parm was undercooked. They did comp the chicken which was the right thing to do and did offer a free dessert, but the middle of the dessert was frozen. We will not be returning.
An absolute gem! So delicious. The atmosphere is the perfect balance between modern American charm and rustic Italian coziness. Every dish we tried was outstanding — from the perfectly cooked meatballs to the rich, velvety pasta that tasted straight out of Italy. Classic pizza options to really unique ones - we went back twice this week and will probably be back soon for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was good but those prices dont match. The meatballs were sized like quarters. 1 slice of Chicken parm with nothing else for $23 is outrageous. Esthetically It was nice but I can go to Leon's get a Chicken Amore mio and it comes with pasta and vodka sauce for $26. Good Luck to them but we won't be back. I was expecting what we paid because thats the average in Montclair but the portions are for a child.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
A quaint and cozy atmosphere. The food ‘s presentation was beautiful and taste was even better. I would absolutely recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a new Italian spot in town and has the best pizza and pasta in Montclair. The pasta is imported from Italy and the pizza is made with organic flour which is a huge plus. There was a lox pizza on the menu which was so unique and delicious, but the truffle pizza and pasta were our favorites. We got to sit in the front near the really cute flower wall. Highly recommend, we had a great time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great pasta, great chicken dishes, 10/10
New place just opened up, so i've only had their wood oven Pizza, that was absolutely Slamming👌!! The Best pizza around and the owner is super cool.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic taste, absolutely delicious pizza, mozzarella and salads. This is our new fam favorite place. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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