Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Orange

Price: Moderate (4)Price: Expensive (4)

7 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresco Da Franco

4.5

Awesome(1452)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 11 times today

Fresco Da Franco, located in Montclair, has received an outpouring of rave reviews for their exceptional authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for a well-rounded menu boasting of traditional Italian dishes infused with unique flavors and sauces, as well as unusual brunch options like chicken & waffles. Patrons lauded the aesthetically pleasing ambiance and the top-notch service. They also complemented the fantastic dining experience, gluten-free options, and the large portions. Highlights included pesto shrimp pasta, grilled peach and Gorgonzola salad, salmon dish, and octopus appetizer. Many reviewers tagged it as an ideal place for date nights, meetings, and friendly gatherings.

A photo of Walnut Street Kitchen restaurant

2. Walnut Street Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(345)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 1 time today

Walnut Street Kitchen is a highly-acclaimed dining destination in Montclair renowned for its top-tier Contemporary Italian cuisine. Many patrons attest to the exceptional quality of the dishes, with favorites including the swordfish, crab cake, and the pork chop. The chef's innovative culinary approach is highly praised, with dishes showcasing unique flavors and fresh, local ingredients. Diners find the menu to be creative with incredible attention to detail. Customers also commend the wonderful service and relaxing ambience, with one calling it a "true gem." The restaurant also caters to vegan customers, offering a good selection of vegan options on the menu. Walnut Street Kitchen is also noted for its excellent, specialized vegan options, making it a versatile dining spot.

A photo of Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford restaurant

3. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford

4.8

Exceptional(780)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cranford

Booked 3 times today

Garlic Rose Bistro in Cranford stands out for its exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine. With an ambiance exuding an old-school Italian bistro feeling, the restaurant is highly favored, and reviewers frequently praise the excellent service, warm atmosphere, and the outstanding food. While the menu may not be extensive, it boasts a variety of not-so-typical Italian choices, many with a garlic flair, staying true to its name. Dishes such as the creamy eggplant rollatini, flavorful pasta, stuffed mushrooms, and teriyaki scallops come highly recommended. Even garlic lovers and non-lovers alike leave more than satisfied. With excellent service, great Italian food, and a wide range of wine selections, Garlic Rose Bistro certainly deserves its high standing among Italian food aficionados.

A photo of LuNello Restaurant restaurant

4. LuNello Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1129)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cedar Grove

Booked 13 times today

LuNello Restaurant is frequently praised for its remarkable Italian cuisine. Customers regularly rave about the "delicious orichetti, sausage, and broccoli rab", and it's well recognized as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. The menu offers an impressive range of dishes that are described as "extraordinary Italian food". From the meticulously prepared salmon and veal valdostano—an overall crowd favorite—to a great range of meats, salads, and a wonderful wine list. The quality of service also contributes to its impressive reputation, with the staff often described as outstanding and attentive. Customers constantly express their anticipation to return, making it clear that LuNello Restaurant never fails to exceed expectation.

A photo of Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian restaurant

5. Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian

4.8

Exceptional(293)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Verona, New Jersey

Booked 1 time today

Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian is widely heralded as a gem within Essex County for its exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine. With a menu boasting classics such as Veal Parmesan, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Chicken Marsala, coupled with unique offerings like Pork Chop d'Lupo and Frank Anthony's Filet Mignon, it's clear why reviewers characterize this restaurant as unbeatable in its category. The effusive praise extends beyond the menu, with reviewers lauding its fast, pleasant service, generous portions, and consistently fresh food preparation. The restaurant's extensive, flavorful offerings, commitment to excellence, and warm, inviting ambiance secure it as a standout favorite for those seeking quality Italian dining.

6. Ferraro's

4.8

Exceptional(633)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

Booked 10 times today

Ferraro's is a highly praised Italian restaurant located in Union County, New Jersey, and Westfield, garnering unanimous acclaim for its excellent cuisine and service. Reviews consistently commend the restaurant for its quality dishes ranging from non-deep fried eggplant parm to gluten-free ravioli. Its friendly and attentive staff add to the great dining experience, making customers feel like family and ensuring they're well-catered to, even those with special dietary needs. The establishment's commitment to authentic and healthy Italian food, combined with a comfortable atmosphere, makes Ferraro's a favorite among many and "the best authentic Italian food" spot for some.

A photo of 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro restaurant

7. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro

4.2

Awesome(352)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro exhibits the best of American cuisine, receiving high praise from patrons. The reviews glowingly describe the "great food", "well-priced drinks", and "efficient wait staff". Whether you're dining for a "Mother's Day dinner" or simply enjoying the "live music", the warm and inviting atmosphere of this restaurant is notable. Patrons rave about the "delicious" offerings, from "lobster risotto" to "hanger steak to mussels"; everyone finds something unique and satisfying. The attentive service and the exquisite food make it a "wonderful wine bar". This is a place where you can experience genuine American cuisine at its finest.

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