IANNATION.COM

La Famiglia: Italian; Bogota; 107 E Main St @ Palisade; 21/15/$31; 201-489-1713; Menu highlights include house-made pastas, traditional Italian appetizers, fresh fish and flavorful meats; BYO; Filled nightly with locals, staff will treat you like family; Extremely affordable classics are served. Calamari Fra Diavolo, Chicken Francese, Linguini con Vongole stand out.

Il Villaggio: Italian; Carlstadt; 651 Rt 17N @ Passaic Av; 25/22/$47; 201-935-7733; Upscale, mature setting; Classic Northern Italian dishes; The double cut Veal Chop and Crème Brulee stand out; Fairly large menu that is composed of both complex and commonly seen dishes; Excellent, reliable restaurant. Calamari fra Diablo; Mature date night or perfect for mature crowd; Great wine list. Endless specials… King Crab appetizer even. Truly a great place. Even has a large bar area. Function hall/ weddings too.

CLIFFSIDE PARK

Villa Amalfi Ristorante: Italian; Cliffside Park; 793 Palisade Av @ Warren; 22/18/$40; 201-886-8626; Very old school authentic Italian; Filled with locals; Upscale-casual; Spacious bar area and in general a large place that can seat a sizable group; Great for private parties; Excellent menu, not huge, but with all the standards; Some live entertainment; Transports you back to Italy. Perfect for couples or families.

Buco: Italian; Clifton; 953 Allwood Rd @ Rt 602; 21/17/$37; 973-779-3500; Popular old school Jersey Italian joint; Friendly service, large portions, and one of the biggest menus you’ll ever see; Tons of pasta, chicken, port and veal dishes; Great place to go with family and good for groups. 8 soups on the menu. Also, well spaced tables.

Il Mulino: Italian; Dumont; 132 Veterans Plaza; 22/18/$41; 201-384-8016; Reliable southern Italian from the owners of Café Italiano in Englewood Cliffs; Soft Shell crab in season is excellent; BYO policy always helps; Attentive staff and a relaxed, casual environment; Menu has something for everyone and always some daily specials to entice; Great family or date restaurant.

Trovato’s: Italian; Elmwood Park; 206 Hwy 46 @ Mill St; 26/19/$44; 201-797-7552; Personable, friendly service; Well spaced tables and an Italian feel; Hugely long menu – they served almost anything you may come up with; Homemade pastas stand out; Local following; Romantic, date friendly. Outstanding experience; Masterful cooking despite large selection. Large portions – plenty of leftovers. Their formula just works.

Cassie’s Pizza: Italian/ Pizza; 18 S Dean St @ Palisade; 19/15/$32; 201-541-6760; Brick over pizza – whole pies – in their specialty; There are a dozen or so pasta and meat dishes on the menu as well; Great salads; Very laid back, casual setting; Decent bar as well.

Solaia: Italian; Englewood; 22 N Van Brunt @ Palisade; 19/19/$55; 201-871-7155; Long a popular restaurant in the area- cool scene at night; Post Bergen PAC (concert hall) hotspot; Upscale cuisine; Expensive tabs; Surf & Turf Mondays are a value; Homemade pasta are excellent- but again expensive for area. Perfect place for a glass of wine; Mixed reviews on service.

Café Italiano: Italian; Englewood Cliffs; 14 Sylvan Av @ Irving; 22/18/$38; 201-461-5041; Great outdoor dining on nice patio in summer; Friendly, neighborhood restaurant; Reasonable prices and reliable fare; Speedy service and large menu. Family feeling and well made specials.

Grissini: Italian; Englewood Cliffs; 484 Sylvan Av @ Palisade; 23/20/$58; 201-568-3535; Expensive but worth it; Huge menu with upscale Italian fare; Unique offerings plus classic standards; Impeccable service;  Try the Buffalo Mozz with Jersey Tomatoes followed by Linguine with whole lobster fra Diablo. Also a scene at night- people watching and great for a drink.

GoodFellas Ristorante: Italian; Garfield; 661 Midland Av @ Plauderville; 22/16/$42; 973-478-4000; Family style Italian; Family style so less needed; Lobster tail fra Diablo and shrimp scampi; Hugely long menu with all the standard Italian classics included; Old world charm; “Sopranos” feel. Great for groups. Authentic as they come.

RoCCa: Italian; Glen Rock; 203 Rock Rd @ Main St; 23/17/$40; 201-670-4945; Connected to a Market to buy goods; Inventive, well prepared classic Italian dishes; Fair prices and generous portions; Family style available; BYO; Well spaced tables; Top  shelf desserts. Market has incredible breakfast and lunch (especially sandwiches) selections to go; Closed Monday. Go on a Sat for dinner before 7pm to catch market open for business.

Maggiano's: Italian; Hackensack; 70 Riverside @ Rt 4; 20/19/$30; 201-221-2030; For a chain- very high quality; Family style dining; Huge portions of well prepared food; Perfect for groups; High energy setting; Decent cocktail and wine menu. Endless menu. Perfect spot to go to with a crowd; Attractive setting.   

Solari’s: Italian; Hackensack; 61 River St @ Bridge; 21/17/$38; 201-487-1969; Live music on Saturdays; Absolutely huge menu, yet you feel they care for each dish; Affordable and higher end items to choose from. Active bar scene; Locals love the place- been around for 75 years and 3 generations; Fun time while eating. Not pretentious at all. Family run business; Try the Shrimp Scampi or Linguini with Clams.

Dino’s Restaurant: Italian; Harrington Park; 12 Tappan Rd @ Schraalenburgh; 23/21/$46; 201-767-4245; What a gorgeous setting from the outside- country house feel; Inside, well spaced tables, gracious service and an excellent menu of classics and a few surprises; Pasta dishes stand out. Something for everyone; Neighborhood regulars; Closed Tuesdays.

Anthony David’s: Italian; Hoboken; 953 Bloomfield @ 10^th St; 26/19/$43; 201-222-8399; BYO with inventive, nearly perfect Italian selections; They have a formal dining room and more casual bistro setting; Desserts excellent; Daily brunch; Gourmet market next door for shopping. Fantastic cheese plates. Known for desserts- especially doughnuts. Store turned into bistro.

Augustino’s: Italian; Hoboken; 1104 Washington Av @ 11-12^th St; 26/16/$49; 201-420-0104; Cash only- 10 table classic; Make a reservation and be prepared to consume incredible food; Homemade specialties; Spirited staff; Old school Italian feel- terrific atmosphere; One of the best around. Has a small bar. Truly an experience.

Grimaldi’s Pizza: Pizza; Hoboken; 133 Clinton @ 2^nd St; 24/11/$20; 201-792-0800; All about the pizza at this Coal oven institution. The original and far more famous sibling is in Brooklyn; No slices; Fresh mozz on the pies is fresh and perfect. Outdoor seating.  They serve wine and beer.

MAHWAH

Roxanne’s: Italian; Mahwah; 150 Franklin Turnpike @ Stephens; 22/18/$38; 201-529-0007; Attractive bistro setting with outdoor dining available; Brick oven turning out fabulous pizzas; Stylish red oak décor; Both individual and family style portions available; Tons of homemade pasts dishes to choose from and a large menu overall; Decent bar scene;  Massive portions- family or individual style available; Have whatever you want! 

Arturo’s: Italian; Midland Park; 41 Central Av @ Greenwood – Madison; 23/20/$47; 201-444-2466; Like eating at home with huge menu of Italian mainstays; Tuxedoed service- classy atmosphere; For a special occasion; Slightly pricy but overall great. Closed Mondays; Massive selection of food. Menu includes dishes ‘beginners’ will easily recognize. Lobster tails fra Diablo stands out.

Corso 98: Italian; Montclair; 98 Walnut St @ Willow; 23/19/$45; 973-746-0789; Upscale quality in a comfortable setting; Osso Bucco is amazing; Friendly service and outstanding menu; Though a limited number of selections (25 or so) it is original and often changing; Quaint dining room feel – like at home;

Fascino: Italian; Montclair; 331 Bloomfield Av @ Grove; 26/22/$57; 973-233-0350; BYO high end Italian; Desserts are fabulous; Unique, mouthwatering menu; Tasting menu available; Top shelf cuisine complete with smallish portions and impeccable presentation. Perfect blend of traditional and modern.  Smallish menu focused on masterpieces. Romantic.

Osteria Giotto: Italian; Montclair; 21-23 Midland Av @ Bloomfield Av; 25/17/$44; 973-746-0111; Wildly popular BYO Italian; Food is flat out outstanding though service a bit rushed and décor just so-so; Outdoor seating; Creative pasta dishes and epic specials; Closed Tuesdays; Very solid option. Once seated, you’ll be glad you travelled here…. Sauces in particular are so very flavorful.

Aldo & Gianni: Italian; Montvale; 108 Chestnut Ridge @ Grand Av; 22/15/$38; 201-487-4220; Large menu – excellent classic selections- something for everyone; Fairly inexpensive; Uninventive décor but clear effort is made; Solid, if not inspiring choice for dinner; Food is excellent, however. BYO. Family feel. Welcoming.

MOONACHIE

Sanzari New Bridge: Italian; New Milford; 105 Old New Bridge Rd @ New Bridge; 20/20/$52; 201-692-7700; Both personal portions and family style available; Solid all round- problem is it’s expensive for the genre and quality; Menu has the usual classics, but nothing too creative; Spacious setting and dining room; Bar area; Well maintained; Great service. Fairly fancy evening overall.

Dimora Ristorante: Italian; Norwood; 100 Piermont Rd @ B-Way; 23/19/$56; 201-750-5000; Old school family owned restaurant; Chef Gino will take care of you; Classic Italian menu- large selection to choose from; Very friendly feel, full of regulars; Not the cheapest place; Always crowded and busy- can be noisy.

Cenzino: Italian; Oakland; 589 Ramapo Valley Rd @ Franklin Av; 24/20/$48; 201-337-6693; Very consistent cuisine, expertly prepared by owners; Decent bar scene; Closed Sundays; Extremely good looking menu with mouth-watering selections to please anyone; Certainly a must-try. Good bar scene. Ultra friendly.

Portobello’s: Italian; Oakland; 175 Ramapo Valley Rd; 20/21/$40; 201-337-8990; Huge place featuring different rooms & settings; From rustic farmhouse to a cozy library- something for everyone setting wise; Menu is a combination of Italian classics, steaks and even a raw bar. Certainly a different way of doing things- unique experience to be had. Friday night: Comedy and dinner buffet.

E & V: Italian; Paterson; 320 Chamberlain Av @ Preakness; 23/12/$32; 973-942-8080; Seafood is excellent here; Warm, family environment- very casual; In existence since 1967; Family style dining options; Massive menu – whatever you want is there; Spacious; They care about their customers; Inexpensive. Cash only.

Kinchley’s Tavern: Pizza; Ramsey; 586 N. Franklin Tpke @ Orchard; 23/9/$21; 201-934-7777; Known for Thin Crust pizza; Friendly service; Bring cash; Extremely popular and been around for years;  Fans absolutely love their pies. No slices; Has other Italian dishes as well.

Luka's: Italian; Ridgefield Park; 238 Main St @ Park; 22/15/$34; 201-440-2996; BYO Italian in a storefront; Owner-chef is friendly and attentive; Fairly basic menu of classic selections; Large portions; Crowded and popular; Could use a facelift. Overall very reliable. Friendly, comfortable scene. Luka the owner will personally make you feel at home.

A Mano: Italian; Ridgewood; 24 Franklin Av @ Chestnut; 22/18/$26; 201-493-2000; Very attractive and date-friendly pizzeria that serves other basic Italian specialties. Wood oven; 30 foot high ceilings;  BYO; Salads and paninis also stand out. Ideal for weekend lunch.

Brooklyn’s Coal-Burning Pizzeria: Italian; Ridgewood; 15 Oak St @ Ridgewood Av; 25/12/$20; 201-493-7600; No slices served; BYO except Hackensack location which has beer/ wine; Fresher than fresh coal over pizza; Truly melt in your mouth pizza; Crust is beyond outstanding.

Radicchio: Italian; Ridgewood; 32 Franklin Av @ Chestnut; 22/18/$49; 201-670-7311; Upscale Italian; Homemade pastas; Nothing fancy décor wise but tables are private; Photos of most dishes on line; Tons of specials; BYO; Expensive overall but dishes are well prepared; If everything were $5 cheaper it would be a sure bet. But why be cheap? Perfect date night spot. Local crowd.

Tre Voci: Italian; Ridgewood; 16-18 Chestnut @ Franklin; 20/19/$40; 201-857-3494; Absolutely excellent pizza; Italian-American entrees; Large menu reasonably priced for the area; Wildly popular new establishment as of late 2009; Make a reservation; BYO; Meat lasagna is specialty. Wood oven. Best described as an Americanized-Italian place; ‘Careful food choices- nothing too complex.  

Dinallo’s: Italian; River Edge; 259 Johnson Av @ Madison; 22/17/$44; 201-342-1233; Old school, old world Italian feel; Can be cramped and noisy on weekends; Older, more family oriented crowd; Solid food- large selection; Great specials. Huge portions of food. Decent bar.

Risotto House: Italian; Rutherford; 88 Park Av @ Pasaic – Ridge; 21/15/$32; 201-438-5344; Nothing fancy except consistent, solid Italian fare; 10+ Risottos and also a couple dozen other options to choose from; Mostly standard Italian fare; BYO; Your basic neighborhood trattoria. Bruschetta is wonderful; Good portions and decent prices; Pleasant experience but nothing fancy. Menu Here.

Amarone: Italian; Teaneck; 63 Cedar Ln @ Broad – Teaneck; 22/15/$41; 201-833-1897; Filled with locals; Large sized portions served with style in a consistently good eatery; Traditional setting – tables for four laid out with space; Average décor made up for by service and food. They will work with you on adjustments to the menu; Authentic Italian service. Neighborhood regulars.

BV Tuscany: Italian; Teaneck; 368 Cedar @ Palisade; 20/18/$42; 201-287-0404; Neighborhood Italian; Not a huge menu – 10 appetizers, 15 entrees; Mouthwatering aroma and food; Good but not great; Perfect for a weekday dinner in a welcoming environment. Osso Bucco.