Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Elizabeth

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford restaurant

1. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford

4.8

Exceptional(804)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cranford

Booked 8 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 Taormina Ristorante restaurant

2. Taormina Ristorante

5.0

Exceptional(71)

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 Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret - Hilton Garden Inn - SI restaurant

3. Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret - Hilton Garden Inn - SI

4.7

Exceptional(240)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Bloomfield

Booked 1 time today

Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret in Bloomfield, Staten Island, is a culinary jewel that epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine. This Zagat-rated establishment not only offers a delectable brunch buffet accompanied by live piano music but also excels in serving Modern Italian-American dishes that delight the palate. Diners consistently praise the "food to die for" and highlight the freshness of ingredients, like those handpicked from their rooftop garden. The ambiance, enriched with art and live entertainment, complements the exceptional food and service, making every dining experience at Lorenzo's truly memorable. Whether it's the perfectly executed steaks or the innovative vegetarian options, Lorenzo's ensures a top-tier dining adventure.

A photo of Maddy Rose at Liberty House restaurant

4. Maddy Rose at Liberty House

4.7

Exceptional(2215)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Jersey City

Booked 20 times today

Maddy Rose at Liberty House in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, offers a sublime Contemporary Italian dining experience that stands out for its quality and authenticity. Patrons rave about the "state of the art tableside productions" and dishes that make you "feel that you could be on the beaches of Italy." The restaurant's commitment to crafting exceptional culinary creations is evident, with reviews noting the food is "outstanding" and "divine, with each dish a masterpiece of flavor and presentation." The atmosphere enhances the experience, boasting "unbeatable views of the NYC skyline" and an ambiance that is both "modern and inviting." Whether it’s the "splendid tomahawk" or the "perfectly peppered broccolini," Maddy Rose promises a memorable meal that brings a taste of Italy to Jersey City.

5. Pastavino

4.8

Exceptional(379)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Stapleton

Booked 26 times today

Pastavino, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Stapleton, Staten Island, offers a sublime fusion of contemporary Italian cuisine with a touch of traditional charm. Helmed by Michelin Star Chef Josh Laurano, the restaurant prides itself on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, bringing out the soul of its meticulously crafted dishes. Diners rave about the homemade pastas and focaccia, describing them as "always delicious" and "exceptional." The elegant ambiance, complemented by waterfront views, makes Pastavino a favorite for both special occasions and casual dining. Enthusiastic reviews often highlight the "amazing food & service," making it a recommended destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Italy with a modern twist.

6. Ferraro's

4.9

Exceptional(646)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

Booked 4 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 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro restaurant

7. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro

4.1

Excellent(363)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Westfield

Booked 6 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.

8. Cafe Luna - Hylan

4.8

Exceptional(15)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Concord

Booked 2 times today

Cafe Luna in Concord, Staten Island, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, particularly celebrated for its exceptional seafood and authentic Neapolitan pizza. Patrons rave about dishes like the black linguine with shrimp and the red snapper marechiara, describing them as "out of this world." The restaurant's atmosphere, with its ocean-inspired decor, complements the culinary experience, making it both "fun and fine." Reviewers consistently highlight the quality and generous portions, with remarks like "food is excellent and plentiful!" and "best Italian food in Staten Island." The attentive and knowledgeable staff further enrich the dining experience, ensuring every meal at Cafe Luna is memorable and satisfying.

A photo of Malone's Chop House restaurant

9. Malone's Chop House

4.5

Awesome(71)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Bay Ridge

Booked 5 times today

Malone's Chop House, nestled in the heart of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, offers a stellar Contemporary Italian dining experience that stands out for its quality and authenticity. With three chefs boasting a combined 60 years of fine dining expertise, Malone's serves up Italian cuisine with a modern twist that consistently impresses. Diners rave about the perfectly cooked filet mignon and grilled octopus, highlighting dishes like the "delicious" potato pie and the "fabulous" steak. The restaurant's atmosphere and service receive equal praise, described as "impeccable" and "attentive," making every meal memorable. As one satisfied guest puts it, "Malone's is a must-go-to restaurant!" This spot is a gem for those seeking exquisite Contemporary Italian fare in Brooklyn.

‘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

N
Nicola
London •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Gorgeous setting. We had river views in summer there are outside tables. A stylish restaurant with a central bar area. The food was fast and delicious and had a great vegetarian selection. About 5mins walk from York Street. Really can’t recommend this place enough.
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Cecconi's DumboPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• DUMBO
•
4.6
S
Sergio
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We got surprised with this place. It is wonderful, service really outstanding. Plates well served, Wine options highly recommended. Diana tooks care of our table and she makes the experience to escalate to next level. We were celebrating 5th year marriage and the team had great details like print a Menu with “5th Year Celebration”. 10/10
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Maddy Rose at Liberty HousePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Jersey City
•
4.7
J
JanetVIP
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Staff was very welcoming. Food was excellent and our waiter Ben was very friendly and attentive.
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Garlic Rose Bistro - CranfordPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Cranford
•
4.8
P
Patrick
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This place is such a gem - from the moment you get to the door, you can tell Cafe Mars is not your typical restaurant. The decor is colorful and vibrant; it just screams "walk in here and get ready to have a great time". The staff are warm, entertaining, and knowledgeable. I have had nothing but 10/10 service on all of my visits here. And of course, the food is fantastic. Chef Paul truly works wonders here. Run, don't walk to Cafe Mars!
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Café MarsPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Park Slope
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4.9
C
CarmenVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •42 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
There’s nothing better than a great Jersey Italian restaurant and Taormina Ristorante was just that. Everything was perfect from beginning to end. Will definitely come back when in N J
More info
Taormina RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Union
•
5

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Elizabeth

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Elizabeth

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Garlic Rose Bistro - Cranford

2. Taormina Ristorante

3. Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret - Hilton Garden Inn - SI

4. Maddy Rose at Liberty House

5. Pastavino

6. Ferraro's

7. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro

8. Cafe Luna - Hylan

9. Malone's Chop House

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