What's the Best Italian Restaurant in Bergen County?
- Bazzarelli Ristorante & Pizzeria, Moonachie
- Biagio’s Ristorante, Paramus
- Trattoria Il Cafone, Lyndhurst
- Paisanos Ristorante, Rutherford
- Ragazzi Restaurant And Lounge, Norwood
Sounds straightforward, right? But with a dizzying array of options – everything from old-school red sauce joints to modern takes on Grandma’s homemade cooking to trattorias with gourmet pizzas -- the answer can be hard to answer.
We asked for your favorites; five have been narrowed down as part of our contest and those finalists are being profiled this week.
Voting continues until 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28. You can vote multiple times, albeit once per day.
Grab a fork, read on, and let your fingers do the clicking.
The winner will receive a framed DVlicious certificate as well as the pride in knowing it offers a taste of Italy close to home.
Paisano’s, 132 Park Ave., Rutherford, (201) 935-5755
What Makes It Pasta Perfect: Upscale but casual dining with a twist on traditional homemade dishes such pear-stuffed ravioli, cannelloni nostro (crepes stuffed with spinach, ground beef and prosciutto served with a tomato and béchamel sauce) and Angel Hair Michaelangelo (shrimp, red peppers, zucchini and broccoli over delicate Angel Hair pasta.) Among customer favs are its short ribs ravioli and Pappardelle Bolognese (Rustica) just like Nonna used to make.
Worth Special Mention: Located in the heart of quaint, tree-lined Rutherford, Paisano’s is strictly BYOB, but there is a wine shop just a few minutes’ walk down the street. Chef Julio Monterrosa has been with the family owned and operated eatery for more than 20 years and introduces new specials every week such as truffle ravioli and mahi mahi.
Every year, Monterrosa travels to Italy where he samples the local cuisine and comes back to N.J. brimming with ideas for new appetizers and entrees. On the last Thursday of the month, diners can enjoy a little comedy with their Veal Valentino and gorganzola-stuffed pork chops, says Owner Daniel Muscio.
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