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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Watchung

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mountain Hill Bistro restaurant
1. Mountain Hill Bistro
4.2
Awesome(13)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Stirling
Booked 1 time today
Join us for Mountain Hill Bistró Brunch and Dinner experience.Best BYOB Best Patio Good People-Good FoodGillette, New Jersey
A photo of Ristorante MV restaurant
2. Ristorante MV
4.7
Exceptional(795)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Bernardsville
Booked 53 times today
Ristorante MV in Bernardsville, NJ, offers a sublime Contemporary Italian dining experience that consistently captivates locals and visitors alike. Celebrated for its "world class cuisine" and "impeccable service," this family-operated gem uses traditional recipes that impress with their authenticity and innovation. Guests rave about the "beautiful ambiance" and the food that is "as good as the best in midtown Manhattan," with specialties like the praised Carbonara which diners claim rivals those in Italy. The vibrant bar serves up "exquisite cocktails," enhancing the modern yet warmly inviting atmosphere. For an Italian culinary journey marked by "excellent food and drink" and a "perfect service," Ristorante MV is the premier choice in Bernardsville.
A photo of Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford restaurant
3. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford
4.8
Exceptional(797)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Cranford
Booked 14 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 Ferraro's restaurant
4. Ferraro's
4.9
Exceptional(639)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Westfield
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 Cafe Venezia restaurant
5. Cafe Venezia
4.8
Exceptional(632)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Martinsville
Booked 8 times today
At Cafe Venezia in Martinsville, the essence of a traditional Café is elevated through an authentic Italian lens, inviting guests to savor a slice of Italy with every visit. Patrons often rave about the "best penne vodka I’ve ever had" and the exceptional Ravioli's white cream sauce, highlighting the café's dedication to crafting dishes that resonate with genuine Italian flair. The atmosphere at Cafe Venezia is described as "warm & cozy," perfect for enjoying meticulously prepared café classics. Complimented by a BYOB option, every meal becomes a tailored, delightful experience. Regulars and new diners alike agree, Cafe Venezia is a must-visit for an "amazing" and "outstanding" Café experience where the food always promises to be "fresh and obviously made to order."
A photo of Metuchen Inn restaurant
6. Metuchen Inn
4.7
Exceptional(1775)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Metuchen
Booked 19 times today
At Metuchen Inn in Metuchen, the essence of authentic Italian cuisine is celebrated with fervor. Diners rave about the "delicious and cooked to perfection" dishes, highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship behind each meal. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident, with patrons describing their dining experiences as “always amazing” and praising the “excellent and outstanding service.” Specialties like the bolognese and seafood linguini are particular favorites, embodying the rich, flavorful essence of true Italian cooking. This culinary gem offers an inviting ambiance, making it the perfect locale for those seeking a slice of Italy in Metuchen. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual outing, Metuchen Inn delivers an Italian dining experience to remember.
A photo of Taormina Ristorante restaurant
7. Taormina Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(66)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Union
Booked 9 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!
A photo of 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro restaurant
8. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro
4.0
Excellent(359)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Westfield
Booked 5 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.
A photo of Ovations restaurant
9. Ovations
4.9
Exceptional(283)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • New Brunswick
Booked 3 times today
Outdoor dining available!In the heart of South Bound Brook, Ovations serves a unique culinary fusion featuring sumptuous American and Italian cuisines in its relaxing and friendly eatery. For starters, enjoy the jumbo coconut shrimp with sesame garlic sauce and the homemade rice balls, which display Ovations inventive aesthetic. Some of the house specialties include the pan seared scallops and shrimp with white wine sauce served over risotto, the braised boneless short ribs baked with port wine and plum tomatoes and the chicken Giardiniera with arugula, mozzarella, tomato, red onion and balsamic vinaigrette..
A photo of Social restaurant
10. Social
4.4
Awesome(342)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Somerville
Booked 3 times today
Outdoor dining available!Social is a contemporary restaurant and lounge in Somerville that specializes in offerings that are perfect for sharing. With a regular menu and party menu, it is not difficult to solve those hunger pangs. With a full bar and a cozy atmosphere, Social is the ideal place for being “social.”The social sharing plates include classic favorites like calamari, boneless wings, as well as tasty homemade rice balls, and coconut shrimp. Hearty appetites will love the entrees including braised boneless short ribs, filet mignon and handheld options such as a grilled chicken sandwich & homemade burgers. Classic dishes with options for chicken, pasta, and seafood are also favorites. Lunch, dinner and evening entertainment are all great reasons to check out Social.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Elizabethvip
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server Anthony and the hosts were so friendly and attentive. Came for a quick nibble- got the calamari and Greek salad. Both SO delicious and unique. Also, can’t beat the view!
    More info
    Maddy Rose at Liberty HousePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Jersey City
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Phenomenal place! I’m not a huge steakhouse person (I feel like home cooked is yummiest) but my boyfriend is so I booked this restaurant for our anniversary since I saw the Italian and Asian influence. As soon as we walked in we loved the ambiance, the flowers and trees gave it an intimate romantic feel. The staff was very attentive and polite and knowledgeable. We had John as our waiter and he was quick and seemed like he liked working there. The food was AMAZING! To give background, we love gourmet/specialty food and don’t mind spending for our bellies. We got the caviar and oyster appetizer, the crunchy rice, wagyu, caviar appetizer special, ricotta gnocchi, bone in cowboy ribeye, olive oil cake, fig cake and butterscotch crème brûlée. But before our orders the assorted bread basket was to die for as well and the butter! I have nothing bad to say about any of the dishes! Every ingredient was thoughtfully added and I didn’t feel like anything was fluff. We are for sure coming back and I recommend this place to everyone
    More info
    Jasper Stone Italian SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Italian• Spotswood
    •
    4.8
  • Kimvip
    New York City •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It’s always an amazing experience at The Garlic Rose. They have unbelievable service and food consistently. I’ve never been disappointed in all my years dining here. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fantastic meal out.
    More info
    Garlic Rose Bistro - CranfordPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Cranford
    •
    4.8
  • David
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Outstanding overall. Attention to customer care and the food were outstanding. This is truly a very good restaurant with a great Italian menu with great quality .. it feels a bit clicky but that’s to be expected in Bernardsville. I will be going back
    More info
    Ristorante MVPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Bernardsville
    •
    4.7
  • Amanda
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Absolutely fantastic experience as always. Celebrating a milestone birthday. It was everything you could hope for. Can’t wait to return.
    More info
    LuNello RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Cedar Grove
    •
    4.9

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