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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Cranford, New Jersey

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24 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(907)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Cranford
Booked 11 times today
Garlic Rose Bistro in Cranford is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, offering an exquisite dining experience that stands out for its quality and authenticity. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm and inviting, setting the stage for a memorable meal. The menu, a celebration of garlic, features dishes like the addictive Harvest Chicken and perfectly cooked Garlic Shrimp, delighting even the most discerning palates. The service is impeccable, with staff who "go above and beyond" to ensure every guest feels special. With glowing reviews praising its "amazing food and exceptional service,” Garlic Rose Bistro is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.
A photo of La Griglia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2363)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Kenilworth
Booked 9 times today
La Griglia in Kenilworth truly elevates the American dining scene with its exceptional blend of flavors, professionalism, and an inviting atmosphere. Known for its "delicious food and excellent service," it consistently delivers a top-notch dining experience that leaves guests eager to return. The restaurant's menu features a wide range of expertly crafted dishes, praised for being "prepared perfectly" and presented with care. Diners rave about the "outstanding service" and the friendly, knowledgeable staff who enhance the overall experience. Whether indulging in their extensive cocktail and wine selection or savoring a delectable entrée, La Griglia offers a memorable taste of true American excellence.
A photo of Taormina Ristorante restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(128)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Union
Taormina Ristorante in Union, Kenilworth, stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where Chef Salvatore Taormina’s Sicilian roots truly shine. This cozy establishment has been delighting diners since 1998 with its authentic and exquisite offerings. Guests consistently rave about the "fantastic food and service," praising the "perfectly prepared Sicilian classics" that make every visit memorable. From the famed Hotsy Totsy Shrimp to the delectable Chocolate Box dessert, each dish is crafted with care and authenticity. Whether for a family gathering or an intimate date night, Taormina promises an "outstanding experience" that leaves a lasting impression.
A photo of Ristorante MV restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1044)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Bernardsville
Booked 44 times today
Ristorante MV in the heart of Bernardsville, NJ, is a shining example of authentic Mediterranean cuisine that leaves diners raving about its "delicious" dishes and "excellent" service. This vibrant eatery is helmed by a father and son duo who bring homemade family recipes to life, creating an experience that feels both "upbeat and chic." Guests consistently praise the "high-quality food" and "lovely ambiance," making it a standout destination for Mediterranean fare. Whether savoring the "velvety" Affogato or rich pasta dishes, Ristorante MV promises a delightful culinary journey that captures the essence of Mediterranean dining with authenticity and flair.
A photo of Vette Dining at Calabria restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(228)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Livingston
Booked 10 times today
A new chapter in Northern New Jersey dining was launched with the debut of Vette Ristorante at Calabria, a fine-Italian dining experience located at 588 S Livingston Ave, in Livingston, NJ. Nestled within the well-known Calabria restaurant building, Vette Ristorante elevates the traditional trattoria with a refined menu, thoughtfully selected wine pairings, and the culinary vision of chef and sommelier Maurizio de Rosa.
A photo of Fresco Da Franco restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1567)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Montclair
Booked 6 times today
Fresco Da Franco in Montclair shines as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation. The restaurant is celebrated for its "phenomenal" dishes like the gnocchi special with crabmeat and pistachio-crusted scallops, which diners rave about. Guests are welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the "friendly staff" and "attentive service" enhance every dining experience. The culinary team brings Italian authenticity, using recipes passed down through generations, ensuring each meal is a true taste of Italy. With a bespoke Italian drink list crafted by renowned mixologist Luca Cinalli, Fresco Da Franco promises an unforgettable dining journey.
A photo of Metuchen Inn restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1909)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Metuchen
Booked 5 times today
Nestled in the heart of Metuchen, the Metuchen Inn is renowned for its exquisite Seafood cuisine, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and unparalleled. With dishes like the "ahi tuna and crabmeat/avocado tower" and the "outstanding seafood linguini," diners are consistently treated to perfectly prepared meals that emphasize fresh and flavorful ingredients. Guests rave about the "best calamari" and the meticulously crafted "shrimp cocktail" with generously-sized shrimp. The restaurant promises an inviting ambiance and impeccable service, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a quiet evening, Metuchen Inn delivers a delightful Seafood feast.
A photo of Sapori Ristorante - Montclair restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(2826)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Montclair
Booked 17 times today
Nestled in Montclair, Sapori Ristorante delivers an extraordinary Contemporary Italian dining experience that effortlessly combines authenticity with innovation. Celebrating 20 years of culinary excellence, this charming eatery offers dishes that transport you straight to Italy with every bite. Diners rave about the "phenomenal" pasta and the "best lobster fettuccine" they've ever had, highlighting the perfect blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients and traditional recipes. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and creative menu make it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors. As one delighted guest shared, "Everything about this place is incredible." Come savor Italy at Sapori Ristorante!
A photo of Ferraro's restaurant
4.3
Awesome(656)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Westfield
Booked 7 times today
Ferraro's is a gem in Westfield, offering authentic American cuisine that delights every palate. Known for its "consistently fantastic food and service," Ferraro's stands out with its commitment to quality and freshness. Diners rave about the "juicy, flavorful" dishes that showcase the chef's dedication to culinary excellence. The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with professional and attentive staff, ensures an exceptional dining experience. Whether you're enjoying their famous Nonna’s meatballs or indulging in the perfect Penne Vodka, Ferraro's captures the essence of American cuisine with a touch of elegance and authenticity that keeps patrons coming back for more.
A photo of Focacceria Ristorante restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(598)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Basking Ridge
Booked 8 times today
When choosing this location in 2005, we instantly fell in love with the charm and history that the building offered. Walking up the front steps you hear the creak of the original floor boards, and as you enter through the large Colonial doors you may find yourself twisting the old fashioned hand crank doorbell. Every detail of the building is historical, and every picture hanging on the wall gives you a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800’s.Along with our passion for keeping history alive, we also have an even greater passion for food. We only use the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients when crafting our dishes. Not only are we preserving the history of Liberty Corner, we are becoming part of the history too.Voted one of the Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in the Country by OpenTable in 2015. Offering four separate dining rooms, you are sure to enjoy the atmosphere, along with your delicious meal. We look forward to being with you soon. We are a BYOB establishment.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nicolas
    Austin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything about this meal was perfect. Places like this are what make my visits to New Jersey a real pleasure.
    More info
    Vette Dining at Calabria$$$$• Italian• Livingston
    5
  • Beverly
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food is always excellent with service to match. Our server was attentive and made several excellent suggestions.
    More info
    Fresco Da Franco$$$$• Italian• Montclair
    4.4
  • Aria
    3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had an amazing time here. The service was attentive and friendly, the food was outstanding. The desserts were delicious, especially the tiramisu, which was absolutely incredible.
    More info
    Sapori Ristorante - Montclair$$$$• Italian• Montclair
    5
  • Yury
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The Garlic Rose is hands down one of our favorite spots. My wife and I absolutely love coming here. Every single visit, the food is outstanding...packed with incredible flavor and always cooked to perfection. The Stacked Chicken and Pork Chop with the Gilroy Potatoes are truly out of this world, and the artichoke appetizer is a must-have every time we go. You can really taste the quality and care that goes into every dish. Beyond the food, the experience is just as amazing. The owner and servers are so welcoming and attentive - they really make you feel like family. And don’t even get me started on the sangria...it’s phenomenal. Pair that with their fresh bread and garlic oil, and just wow! Had to make sure we told the waitress to cut us off on the bread so we had more room for our meals lol If you’re thinking about trying this place, don’t hesitate. It is 100% worth it...it's one of a kind and you have to go!
    More info
    Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford$$$$• Contemporary Italian• Cranford
    4.9
  • Glenn
    Houston •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 22 May 2026
    Taormina continues to dazzle with amazing food in a great setting. Owner and Chef Sal Taormina sometimes calls his food "peasant food" but it is nothing short of phenomenal every single time we go there. Great service and a welcoming bar make any trip to Taormina a can't miss.
    More info
    Taormina Ristorante$$$$• Italian• Union
    4.9

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Cranford

Discover the allure of contemporary Italian cuisine in Cranford, New Jersey, a charming location that offers a delightful dining scene perfect for food enthusiasts. In Cranford, diners can explore a variety of restaurants that skillfully blend traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques, creating exceptional and innovative dishes that cater to sophisticated palates. These establishments pride themselves on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to craft their dishes, ensuring a gastronomic experience that resonates with authenticity and creativity. Customers can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere, where each meal is served with a touch of elegance and attention to detail. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special celebration, Cranford’s contemporary Italian restaurants provide a perfect setting with a menu that promises to satisfy diverse tastes and preferences. Experience the vibrant and evolving Italian culinary landscape right in the heart of Union County, where every dish tells a story of culinary artistry and passion.

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