Known as "Montclair's Italian," this long-running, family-run restaurant and cafe (20-plus years!) wins raves for its homemade gnocchi, red sauces and fresh fish. Desserts to die for and outdoor tables give the cafe European flair.
117 Grove St
Montclair
973.744.6663
Yummy, classic Italian comes highly recommended by all. Unfortunately, we have sometimes (only twice in several visits, but still a surprise at a traditional Italian spot) been served pasta a bit on the mushy side. We like it and do go back -- love the staff and most of the dishes.
I think this restaurant is very good and makes the best chicken parm I've ever had. Everyone posting these reviews needs to lighten up and pull the sticks out of their respective arses. Not just for this restaurant but all the others as well. They're not all that bad.
I meant to post this ages ago, but when we visited Marzullo's in the fall, we were sorely disappointed after hearing about this "venerable" establishment.
The service was extremely lacking (they were quite obviously paying far more attention to the group of 10 nearby). We asked for more bread before our entrees had come out and it was only brought to us after we'd eaten and already paid! I was wholly unimpressed by the food; my bf only got 5 measly ravioli that, to him, tasted like they came from the freezer, which was such a waste for what they charged. My portion was a great deal bigger, but when ordering, the waitress had no clue whether the dish included an ingredient I can't eat and was obviously not keen on finding out for me. I ended up left with a hefty portion of a dish I didn't particularly like.
The place was also extremely noisy and cramped for our taste. While others we know love the place, we won't be returning anytime soon.
Meant to post this awhile ago....
I frequent this place and I love it. Actually have only sat for dinner twice as I'm usually ordering from the walk-up counter for take out with friends. Two of whom beg to go there on each Montclair visit.
One night after while waiting in line for a table for maybe 20 minutes tops...a busy Saturday fall night... the owner went out of his way to apologize and brought two glasses of wine on the house to make up for it. ...Despite the fact I wasn't really that upset to begin with!
I love the food at Marzullos however, the service is sorely lacking.
But if you keep this in mind & accept that this is not a high-end establishment, you'll have a good time & you'll love the food.
The fried calamari is tender & all the seafood is cooked to perfection by Andre. Owner Raphael is usually on hand to suggest his favorite dishes.
My Munchmobile crew & I had a little Post-Star Ledger fame reunion here & we were treated like royalty.
Marzullo's usually is excellent value for money with reliably tasty dishes. The waiting staff and takeout preparation have usually been very quick and reliable. However, the last 2 times we went there (Aug and Sept, we had bad experiences:
- new chef burned the pizza and made a scene about paying half out of his own pocket when we came to pick it up, then forced us to wait an extra 30 minutes whilst they redid it. This whole experience was deeply uncomfortable.
- waitress we'd never met before was a lot more slapdash than we are used to and failed to bring bread to our table despite several reminders. When we'd finished our entrees she asked if we were done then when we said yes immediately brought the bill rather than the dessert menu. She then argued when we tried to order ice-cream, so we left directly.
We are hoping that these are freak incidents because until recently we loved Marzullo's.
Beware - I ordered a caesar salad to go the other night and the croutons were moldy!!! I called to let them know and they didn't seem too concerned, nor did they offer any type of refund. I will not be ordering anything else from here!
The place is terrific because you can have an excellent sit-down meal, as well as take their outstanding food to go. They make amazing sandwiches, have incredible hot & cold take-out, an excellent chicken parm and pasta, cute waitresses-what more do you want? Go early if you are having dinner. One of my favorite Italian restaurants around.
Very tastey Italian food, cozy environment. Best Italian food and dining in the area!
it's not all THAT great, really. the food is good and the service is acceptable, if a little standoffish. great takeout food - subs and such. okay atmosphere but i always feel like im on the Soprano's when i go there. nice restrooms.