Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Orange

9 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresco Da Franco

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of Montclair, **Fresco Da Franco** stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Celebrated for its "exceptional experience from start to finish," diners consistently laud the restaurant for its warm ambiance and outstanding service. The menu, rich with dishes like the perfectly cooked Bronzino and flavorful Red Snapper, showcases the deep culinary heritage of Italy with a contemporary twist. The adjoining Bar Franco, featuring bespoke cocktails crafted by mixologists straight from Italy, complements the dining experience, making it not just a meal but a memorable event. Regulars and newcomers alike agree that Fresco Da Franco offers a taste of Italy crafted with authenticity and flair, making it a must-visit for anyone in Montclair looking for an exceptional Italian meal.

A photo of Sapori Ristorante - Montclair restaurant

2. Sapori Ristorante - Montclair

4.7

Exceptional(56)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 14 times today

Welcome to Sapori Ristorante, where we’ve been delighting taste buds for 20 years! Recently restored, our charming eatery now features a vibrant, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements our exciting new menu. With our personal experience from around the world, we are bringing you the best taste of authentic Italian flavors, crafted from the finest ingredients and traditional recipes. Whether you’re enjoying a classic pasta dish or one of our innovative new creations, every bite promises to transport you straight to Italy. Join us for a memorable dining experience that celebrates two decades of culinary excellence!

A photo of Walnut Street Kitchen restaurant

3. Walnut Street Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(359)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 8 times today

At Walnut Street Kitchen in Montclair, NJ, the fusion culinary prowess of Executive Chef-Partner Beverly Lacsina shines brightly with each dish served. Nestled near Walnut Street Station, this BYOB spot offers a symphony of flavors that are both innovative and deeply comforting. Patrons rave about the eclectic menu, highlighting dishes like strawberry pasta and cacio Pepe arancio as "absolutely delicious" and "stellar." The restaurant's ability to fuse diverse culinary elements into cohesive, mouth-watering meals sets it apart. Guests also appreciate the welcoming ambiance and the celebration of local art, adding a unique cultural touch to their dining experience. With its creative flair and commitment to quality, Walnut Street Kitchen is a gem worth discovering for an exceptional meal.

A photo of LuNello Restaurant restaurant

4. LuNello Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(1139)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cedar Grove

Booked 10 times today

At LuNello Restaurant in Cedar Grove, the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine is brought to life through Chef Seger's innovative approach, blending traditional culinary skills with modern flair. Since its inception in 1990, LuNello has captivated diners with its "unique ingredients and homemade pastas," as well as its fresh, wild seafood offered as daily specials. Reviewers are consistently impressed, describing the dishes as “nothing short of amazing” and the service as “exceptional.” As one review highlights, “the Italian food...truly transported us to Italy.” With an extensive wine list and a commitment to high-quality, hormone-free meats, LuNello not only promises but delivers an exceptional dining experience, perfect for any special occasion or a memorable night out.

A photo of Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford restaurant

5. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford

4.8

Exceptional(796)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cranford

Booked 15 times today

Garlic Rose Bistro in Cranford truly epitomizes the essence of a delightful Bistro. Established in 1996, this gem has been celebrated for its unique garlic-infused dishes, creating a paradise for garlic lovers. The restaurant's atmosphere is cozy and inviting, ideal for a casual yet memorable dining experience. As noted by one patron, "The Garlic Rose is our favorite Bistro. Quality food, careful meal preparation and service is always their mantra!" Their eclectic menu features standout dishes like the praised eggplant rollatini and the best-selling garlic shrimp, making every meal an adventure in flavor. Whether it's the warm garlic bulbs served with rustic Italian bread or their famous sangria, Garlic Rose Bistro ensures a top-notch, authentic Bistro experience every time.

A photo of Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian restaurant

6. Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian

4.6

Exceptional(300)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Verona, New Jersey

Booked 6 times today

At Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian in Verona, New Jersey, the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine is celebrated with flair and finesse. This gem delights diners with a menu that brilliantly blends traditional Italian-American dishes with modern culinary creativity. Ingredients of the highest quality are the cornerstone of every meal, from "out of this world" calamari to homemade pastas and artisan pizzas. Guests continually praise the "excellent quality food" and the ambiance that makes every occasion special, from intimate dinners to memorable parties. As one reviewer shared, the food and presentation for a special event were "amazing," making Frank Anthony's the go-to venue for those in search of exceptional Contemporary Italian dining.

A photo of Taormina Ristorante restaurant

7. Taormina Ristorante

4.9

Exceptional(66)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Union

Booked 8 times today

Since opening in 1998 by chef Salvatore Taormina, from Palermo, this cozy and unique Italian restaurant has been a gathering spot for many of friends and family. Chef Sal's Sicilian roots stand out in a variety of his dishes, some including; stuffed Artichoke, roasted Branzino and our famous Hotsy Totsy Shrimp. Complemented with a private room for large groups of up to 30. Bar and patio seating also available!

8. Ferraro's

4.9

Exceptional(638)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

Booked 4 times today

Ferraro's in Westfield has been a cornerstone of authentic Italian cuisine since 1969, renowned for its dedication to freshness and quality. The family-run ethos shines through in their traditional dishes like Sausage Lasagna and Cannelloni, which have delighted patrons for decades. Diners rave about their experiences, noting, "Every dish is a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to quality," and "Nonna’s meatballs...are worth a visit." With a blend of classic and contemporary Italian flavors, Ferraro's excels in both food and service, making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine Italian dining experience.

A photo of 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro restaurant

9. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro

4.1

Excellent(359)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

Booked 3 times today

16 Prospect wine bar & Bistro is located in the center of charming Westfield, NJ. In the front we have a warm bar, lounge, and stage area featuring live music five nights a week while a 72 seat dining room occupies the back. Our menu is a reflection of the varied interests and eclectic tastes of our owners, making us unique among restaurants in Westfield NJ. Our dishes feature fresh ingredients accompanied by bold flavors, a focus on making everything in-house down to the bread, fruit juices, cocktail mixes and bar snacks. This dedication to excellence at every level adds up to a memorable experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tony
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I can't say enough good things about this spot. My wife and I had heard great things, but it took us a while to make our way here. I've never had Italian food this good. My wife and I ordered an appetizer, 3 entrees, and dessert, and I swear all of them were equally amazing. Meaning, your eyes roll up in your head when you take your first bite because it's THAT good. Such a wonderful experience. Thank you everyone at Sapori
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Sapori Ristorante - MontclairPrice: Moderate• Italian• Montclair
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4.7
R
Ruthvip
New York City •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic food, cocktails and services. Can be a little noisy on weekends but overall a great spot.
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Fresco Da FrancoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Montclair
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4.4
S
Stephanievip
New York City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on 12 Nov 2024
LuNello's never disappoints me. Whenever I bring a new guest to the restaurant, they always compliment the menu and their choice. The real testament to someone's pleasure with their dining experience is when they take some of their choices home with them to enjoy. Thank you to the team at LuNello's for making each visit an enjoyable one.
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LuNello RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Cedar Grove
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4.9
T
Taryn
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 Nov 2024
Incredible I can’t wait to come back, the food was exceptional and the service was so attentive and friendly
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Sogno ToscanoPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Village
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4.8
L
Liz
Greater Boston •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Nov 2024
Excellent food as always, Chef came to table to explain certain things server could not. Pork chop is not to be missed; it’s the only restaurant I trust with that dish!
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Walnut Street KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Montclair
•
4.5

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Orange

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresco Da Franco

2. Sapori Ristorante - Montclair

3. Walnut Street Kitchen

4. LuNello Restaurant

5. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford

6. Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian

7. Taormina Ristorante

8. Ferraro's

9. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro

See what locals rave about

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