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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Short Hills

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26 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Vette Dining at Calabria restaurant
1. Vette Dining at Calabria
5.0
Exceptional(195)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Livingston
Booked 1 time today
A new chapter in Northern New Jersey dining was launched with the debut of Vette Ristorante at Calabria, a fine-Italian dining experience located at 588 S Livingston Ave, in Livingston, NJ. Nestled within the well-known Calabria restaurant building, Vette Ristorante elevates the traditional trattoria with a refined menu, thoughtfully selected wine pairings, and the culinary vision of chef and sommelier Maurizio de Rosa.
A photo of La Griglia restaurant
2. La Griglia
4.9
Exceptional(2348)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Kenilworth
Booked 18 times today
La Griglia in Kenilworth truly elevates the American dining scene with its exceptional blend of flavors, professionalism, and an inviting atmosphere. Known for its "delicious food and excellent service," it consistently delivers a top-notch dining experience that leaves guests eager to return. The restaurant's menu features a wide range of expertly crafted dishes, praised for being "prepared perfectly" and presented with care. Diners rave about the "outstanding service" and the friendly, knowledgeable staff who enhance the overall experience. Whether indulging in their extensive cocktail and wine selection or savoring a delectable entrée, La Griglia offers a memorable taste of true American excellence.
A photo of Ristorante MV restaurant
3. Ristorante MV
4.8
Exceptional(1029)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Bernardsville
Booked 30 times today
Ristorante MV in the heart of Bernardsville, NJ, is a shining example of authentic Mediterranean cuisine that leaves diners raving about its "delicious" dishes and "excellent" service. This vibrant eatery is helmed by a father and son duo who bring homemade family recipes to life, creating an experience that feels both "upbeat and chic." Guests consistently praise the "high-quality food" and "lovely ambiance," making it a standout destination for Mediterranean fare. Whether savoring the "velvety" Affogato or rich pasta dishes, Ristorante MV promises a delightful culinary journey that captures the essence of Mediterranean dining with authenticity and flair.
A photo of LuNello Restaurant restaurant
4. LuNello Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1217)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Cedar Grove
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Cedar Grove, LuNello Restaurant is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Chef Seger masterfully blends modern flair with traditional culinary skills, crafting dishes that have garnered a loyal following. The restaurant is celebrated for its "spectacular dinner" experiences and "flawlessly prepared" meals that tantalize the taste buds. Diners rave about the "beautiful and inviting" dish presentations, ensuring that every meal is a feast for the eyes and the palate. With impeccable service and an inviting ambiance, LuNello promises a dining experience that is "nothing short of spectacular." It's a must-visit for any Italian cuisine enthusiast.
A photo of Sapori Ristorante - Montclair restaurant
5. Sapori Ristorante - Montclair
5.0
Exceptional(2634)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Montclair
Booked 3 times today
Nestled in Montclair, Sapori Ristorante delivers an extraordinary Contemporary Italian dining experience that effortlessly combines authenticity with innovation. Celebrating 20 years of culinary excellence, this charming eatery offers dishes that transport you straight to Italy with every bite. Diners rave about the "phenomenal" pasta and the "best lobster fettuccine" they've ever had, highlighting the perfect blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients and traditional recipes. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and creative menu make it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors. As one delighted guest shared, "Everything about this place is incredible." Come savor Italy at Sapori Ristorante!
A photo of Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian restaurant
6. Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian
4.7
Exceptional(346)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Verona, New Jersey
Booked 8 times today
Nestled in the heart of Verona, New Jersey, Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian is a haven for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a delightful Italian twist. This beloved eatery is renowned for its "excellent and elevated food," offering a diverse menu that captivates every palate. From hand-cut steaks to homemade pastas, every dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, promising a taste of true American quality. Diners rave about the "amazing service and food," highlighting signature dishes like the calamari and artisan pizza. With its inviting atmosphere and consistently outstanding service, Frank Anthony's is a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
A photo of Fresco Da Franco restaurant
7. Fresco Da Franco
4.5
Awesome(1563)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Montclair
Booked 9 times today
Fresco Da Franco in Montclair shines as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation. The restaurant is celebrated for its "phenomenal" dishes like the gnocchi special with crabmeat and pistachio-crusted scallops, which diners rave about. Guests are welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the "friendly staff" and "attentive service" enhance every dining experience. The culinary team brings Italian authenticity, using recipes passed down through generations, ensuring each meal is a true taste of Italy. With a bespoke Italian drink list crafted by renowned mixologist Luca Cinalli, Fresco Da Franco promises an unforgettable dining journey.
A photo of Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford restaurant
8. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford
4.9
Exceptional(903)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Cranford
Booked 3 times today
Garlic Rose Bistro in Cranford is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, offering an exquisite dining experience that stands out for its quality and authenticity. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm and inviting, setting the stage for a memorable meal. The menu, a celebration of garlic, features dishes like the addictive Harvest Chicken and perfectly cooked Garlic Shrimp, delighting even the most discerning palates. The service is impeccable, with staff who "go above and beyond" to ensure every guest feels special. With glowing reviews praising its "amazing food and exceptional service,” Garlic Rose Bistro is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.
A photo of Focacceria Ristorante restaurant
9. Focacceria Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(581)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Basking Ridge
Booked 10 times today
When choosing this location in 2005, we instantly fell in love with the charm and history that the building offered. Walking up the front steps you hear the creak of the original floor boards, and as you enter through the large Colonial doors you may find yourself twisting the old fashioned hand crank doorbell. Every detail of the building is historical, and every picture hanging on the wall gives you a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800’s.Along with our passion for keeping history alive, we also have an even greater passion for food. We only use the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients when crafting our dishes. Not only are we preserving the history of Liberty Corner, we are becoming part of the history too.Voted one of the Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in the Country by OpenTable in 2015. Offering four separate dining rooms, you are sure to enjoy the atmosphere, along with your delicious meal. We look forward to being with you soon. We are a BYOB establishment.
A photo of Taormina Ristorante restaurant
10. Taormina Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(123)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Union
Booked 4 times today
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.
‘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
  • Daniela
    Miami - Dade •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    A lovely Italian restaurant with a great selection of wine labels. The food is awesome and service is always particularly attentive. The lasagna is highly recommended. The flavors are very authentic, and the dining room has a beautiful cozy vibe.
    More info
    Vette Dining at Calabria$$$$• Italian• Livingston
    •
    5
  • Sofia
    3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Loved this place. We had such an amazing time at Sapori! The food was fantastic. From start to finish, every dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The service was also top notch. I loved every moment and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Sapori Ristorante - Montclair$$$$• Italian• Montclair
    •
    5
  • JudiGold
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 3, 2026
    MV’s always a great experience ! Ambience and food always so good whether you are dining in the ristorante or the Tavern .
    More info
    Ristorante MV$$$$• Italian• Bernardsville
    •
    4.8
  • SheilaGold
    New York City •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 1, 2026
    The servoce and food was excellent. I loved the pairing of the lemon risotto and the halibut. WELL DONE !
    More info
    Fresco Da Franco$$$$• Italian• Montclair
    •
    4.5
  • Dominic
    New York City •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 11, 2026
    Always consistently great food, service and experience. They make it east to enjoy a night out to dinner.
    More info
    Taormina Ristorante$$$$• Italian• Union
    •
    4.9

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