Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Short Hills

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford restaurant

1. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford

4.8

Exceptional(796)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cranford

Booked 11 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 Sapori Ristorante - Montclair restaurant

2. Sapori Ristorante - Montclair

4.7

Exceptional(60)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 10 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!

3. Fresco Da Franco

4.5

Awesome(1473)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 16 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 Walnut Street Kitchen restaurant

4. Walnut Street Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(361)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montclair

Booked 3 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 Taormina Ristorante restaurant

5. Taormina Ristorante

4.9

Exceptional(66)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Union

Booked 5 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!

6. Ferraro's

4.9

Exceptional(639)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

Booked 23 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 Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian restaurant

7. Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian

4.7

Exceptional(300)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Verona, New Jersey

Booked 4 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 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro restaurant

8. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro

4.0

Excellent(359)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

Booked 1 time 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 Mountain Hill Bistro restaurant

9. 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

‘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

A
Amanda
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely fantastic experience as always. Celebrating a milestone birthday. It was everything you could hope for. Can’t wait to return.
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LuNello RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Cedar Grove
•
4.9
C
Carla
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
After my trip to Italy last year, I’ve been on the hunt for a restaurant that could replicate the incredible flavors and dining experience I had while I was there. Nothing seemed to compare—until we discovered this absolute gem. From the moment we walked in, I knew it was going to be special. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the staff made us feel like we were part of the family. As for the food—wow. Each dish was more flavorful than the last, with ingredients that tasted as fresh and authentic as anything I had in Italy. Every bite transported me right back to the charming trattorias I dined at during my trip. It was exactly what I’d been craving, and I can’t wait to come back!
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Sapori Ristorante - MontclairPrice: Moderate• Italian• Montclair
•
4.7
C
Colleen
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
A great atmosphere and the food was amazing. Every dish was delicious. Andrea was a hospitable and efficient server. Definitely will return to eat here again!
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Sogno ToscanoPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Village
•
4.8
J
Justin
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great service and great food! We love Garlic Rose!
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Garlic Rose Bistro - CranfordPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Cranford
•
4.8
E
Eliza
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
Have now enjoyed three dinners and have been happy every time!
More info
Ristorante MVPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Bernardsville
•
4.7

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Short Hills

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Short Hills

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford

2. Sapori Ristorante - Montclair

3. Fresco Da Franco

4. Walnut Street Kitchen

5. Taormina Ristorante

6. Ferraro's

7. Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian

8. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro

9. Mountain Hill Bistro

See what locals rave about

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