Unfortunately, they're closing on Dec. 20th. The location is the only thing I can think of. The service was great and the ambiance was well thought out. Ordered only apps, though unique presentation and flavors. I enjoyed them and so did the customers I yapped with. read more

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Points for taking a crack at "just like in the city," but the "economic difficulties" definitely come from this area of Essex County not being able to turn tables as if it's the city--and not at the premium Bacarosa needs to charge to make that magnificent menu and this space pencil out. I give the team a lot of credit for pivoting when it was clear The Hudson Rose wasn't going to take, but Nutley still exists a few steps below Montclair and Maplewood in this regard. A post-pandemic restaurant needs certainty and needs to minimize the weird lulls that now exist in the dining calendar. Bacarosa had the product and service, but there just weren't the logistics to drive this kind of scale. Nutley's always been kinder to the smaller places on Franklin Avenue, and I think that's still where it sits as a dining destination. That's no fault of the staff or product, but that makes it very difficult to manage overhead on this space, quality, and staffing. I don't look forward to this space inevitably taking a step back to its Gondola/Peter the Great banquet hall days of yesteryear, but The Franklin Steakhouse set a poor precedent by moving from its cozy spot just north of here to a space that could hold two of its former locations. I wish this team the best and hope we see them in this corner of the county again sometime. Thank you for giving the place the quality it deserved, even if the traffic just wasn't there. read more

Bacarosa is a very attractive and comfortable restaurant located right on Franklin Avenue. There is a large municipal parking lot in front. The hostess was welcoming when we arrived and our server greeted us shortly after. As for the food, I really wish that it was better. I had the Fried Artichoke appetizer. I adore artichokes, but this was a miss for me. The artichokes had absorbed too much of the fryer oil, so they had an unpleasant oily taste. There was also a lot of rosemary which was overpowering. The artichoke purée underneath was nice. I had the Malfadine with Clams for my main. This was also very disappointing. The pasta had a lovely texture, but zero flavor. The sauce was so lacking that it was actually quite dry. The clams were tasty, but not enough to save the dish. My husband had the Iberia Secreto Marsala. This was the best dish of the night. The pork was tender and flavorful. The wild mushrooms were nicely cooked. The sauce was a touch sweet, but still good. We had the Rainbow Cookies for dessert, and these are very good. Nice and moist, with just the right amount of almond paste. Unfortunately, Bacarosa didn't hit for me. I felt the same way about the previous iteration of this restaurant, The Hudson Rose. I was hoping that this would be an improvement, but it feels like more of the same. read more

Wow. Wow. Wow. Came for happy hour, left with dinner plans and wedding venue idea. Firstly, the staff is fabulous. Everyone is knowledgeable and quick to answer any questions. Incredibly hospitable. The interior of this restaurant is absolutely stunning. From the chandeliers to the planters to the utensils on the table, you can tell it's a well thought out setting. The bar area is gorgeous and there's even a beautiful private room for dining. Onto the menu. Their dinner menu looks incredible. They have a special pre fixed menu with a great price and a happy hour that will blow your socks off. The drink menu is exciting and the food matches. I genuinely thought the happy hour. Food menu would be small bites so we literally got one of everything. I was completely overwhelmed when everything came out and we had enough leftovers for the whole week. Everything was fantastic though, and I wouldn't have changed a thing. The pork croquettes and the pigs in a blanket were my absolute favorite. Both delicious and a twist on a classic the anti pasta salad is something I'll probably order every single time. It has everything you want and it's finally chopped with a ton of cheese on top. Where do you go wrong? The focaccia that comes with the meal is also worth noting. The spread it comes with is super tasty there chili olive oil is spicy with a nice kick. My fiancé loved the meatballs and the smashburger. After gorging ourselves on their delectable, happy hour specials, we asked if we could see the Upstairs venue area. It's a beautiful space and can hold a good amount of people for any function. I hope Bacarosa stays for a while and does well because I'm already planning my next trip there. read more

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I give this place an overall rating of 3.5. I came here on a weekday so it was kind of empty. There is street parking and parking lot where you can enter from the back. It is nice and has a contemporary vibe for decor inside. The waiter was helpful in deciding what to order and if it would be too much food. We loved their Calabrian chili bottle and liked that they provided Calabrian chili oil for drizzle. Their starter bread with the flavored butter was delicious. It came out warm and was fluffy. We also dipped some with the chili oil however I enjoyed the butter with it more. For entree we ordered the pesto gnocchi and margherita pizza. I really enjoyed the pizza it was flavorful and cooked well. I dipped my crust in the Calabrian chili oil. The pesto gnocchi was a little al dente for me. I prefer my gnocchi to melt in the mouth but not be over cooked. I would recommend trying this place and I can't wait to go back and try other things off the menu including the cocktails. read more

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We recently checked out the new Bacarosa in Nutley and had a really enjoyable meal. We started with the stuffed long hots, which were super flavorful, and the octopus carpaccio, which tasted very fresh and paired nicely with the crispy chips on top. For entrées I had the king salmon which I found to be a little on the salty side for me but still very delicious with a refreshing fennel orange slaw. My fiancé went with the pork which was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Dessert was so good I couldn't catch a picture. It was a rich Nutella pudding paired with salted caramel gelato and was absolutely incredible. We'll definitely be back to try their happy hour which has a fun roll the dice concept, where if you land on double tomatoes your bill gets comped. The only drawback for us was that the lights came on at 9:45 p.m. on a Friday which felt a bit abrupt. By 10 the place was empty which is early for a brand new spot.. even in Nutley. Overall Bacarosa feels like a fresh and desirable change from Hudson Rose and we're excited to see how it grows. read more

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We were quickly seated for our 7pm Saturday night reservation. Bacarosa is beautifully decorated and perfectly lit. For drinks, a dirty martini (frosted glass was a nice touch), Cabernet, and a Diet Pepsi (no DC!). For apps, we ordered: Pork Croquettes, I'd say these were good, but nothing special. Little Gems (Caesar salad), was absolutely perfect. Amazing salad. The complimentary bread was so good, I asked for another order of it with the pasta. Nice spread paired with it as well. I would have preferred that the pasta came out before the steak, but next was the Dry Aged Porterhouse that was served with broccolini and crispy potatoes. The steak was cooked beautifully and perfectly seasoned. Same for the broccolini. I think they missed the mark with the crispy potatoes. They were underdone and certainly not crispy. Not seasoned enough for me either. But they still tasted good if you mopped them up in the steak juice. The Rosette Pasta tasted good, I think it was just too much cheese for me, especially after demolishing everything before it. To finish off the night, Rainbow cookies, raspberry sorbet and a pair of espresso martinis. Rainbow cookies were firm and were topped with chocolate chips. The sorbet was as expected. The espresso martinis were a little bitter. I couldn't tell if it was the espresso or the vodka. Still a nice after dinner cocktail. I would definitely come back. Our waitress was friendly and provided great service, the food was great and it has a solid vibe. Maybe next time, I'd invite some friends and sit at their accommodating community table! read more

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Terrific meal. Our waitress Stephanie was capable and friendly. The giveaway bread with sun dried tomato spread was excellent. We tried the wood grilled prawns and steak tartare, the tartare being a bit unconventional in assembly but tasty. Two pastas-the cavatelli with sausage and the chitarra with lobster. The latter was the best pasta I've had in 5 years, perfectly al dente (and I mean exactly correct), with added crunch of a toss of toasted bread crumbs. Prices are eminently fair, and the happy hour prices were lifted from the 90's. While we scored a parking spot out front, there is a huge lot behind the restaurant-and the rear entry is where the hostess desk is located. The only quibble is the noise level, it gets pretty loud. read more

My second time coming to Bacarosa and I loved it! From the fun Naming cocktails to the yummy food. I came to celebrate a friends birthday and we shared a few entrees. For starters, they give you complimentary focaccia bread which pairs yummy with their homemade chilli oil. We also ordered the ricotta toast, the chicken parm and the pesto gnocchi. I ordered the cocktail called smart ideas in books I never read and my friend ordered the blueberry basil non alcoholic drink. The entrees were amazing, great service and staff super friendly and helpful. There's plenty of seating and a private room for parties upstairs. There is a parking behind the restaurant which is metered parking. read more

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I recently tried this place with a group of five women on a Thursday evening. We met for a private event and got a private room which was perfect. We all decided to do the prix fixe menu, which was about $30 and included an app, main, dessert. The tuna tartare appetizer was just ok, I believe the olives flavor was overwhelming and overshadowed the tuna which was cut into small pieces. The pistachio gnocchi was really good and flavorful and the dessert was also very yummy. I loved the private room and the service. The waitress kept coming to check on us and we couldn't hear much noise from the bar or restaurant so it was a great choice for our networking event- hope to come back soon! read more

Bacarosa - Italian Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

Wow! Seriously one of the best meals we've had in a while! Chef Andrew and his team are making everything in-house, from the bread to the pasta to this ridiculously delicious sun-dried tomato butter. Every item on the menu is a hit - you can't go wrong. The service is warm and welcoming and exactly what you want on a night out. The restaurant is spacious and beautiful too. Definitely add Bacarosa to your list! Check out our full visit here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRIKCpcjiRp/?igsh=d3o1bHdhemY4Y285 read more

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Truly one of my favorite meals of this year. To start, there was complimentary bread which was delicious! So Flavorful and so were the entrees. My favorite part is the affordability of the food. Truly one of the best value meals I have EVER experienced. Great mix of affordable and delicious. I will absolutely be coming back. read more

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We had the tuna tartar, artichoke, pizza amatriciana, gnocchi, and 1/2 chicken. Delicious!!!! Must try! read more

Bacarosa - 1/2 chicken - Italian Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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Beautiful space with great cocktails. Entrees were delicious. Great pasta dishes to choose from and porterhouse was big enough to share. Will definitely have to go back to try some more cocktails and the pizza. read more

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Place is closing for a reason. Went once. That was once too many. Over priced, arrogant and so so food will close you every time. Service stunk and the ambiance was non existent because nobody went theee read more

Food absolutely amazing! Polpette...I think is the name of the app meatballs ...all different kinds of meats ....amazing! I had pistachio gnocchi ...the best I have ever had. The bread ...focaccia and sun dried tomatoes butter to die for. Great looking place lots of glass ...nice bar very modern Menu small but perfect ....no fake entrees ...everything on the menu seemed special ! Service was great ...young kid who was attentive but not over bearing ! I was surprised...this place I gave a 5!!! read more

Amazing place! Very nice ambiance, great food and service! Highly recommend this place...

I celebrated my Dad and sister's birthday here last night and will not be coming back. The appetizers were good - we got the burrata, meatballs, and whipped ricotta toast. Three of my family members ordered the Rosette short rib pasta and they all hated it. It was recommended by the waitress. My aunt sent it back because it was so bad. My uncle's ravioli had grapes on it and he said it was one of the worst raviolis he has ever had. He also didn't like the espresso martini, he sent it back to be redone. When the bill came they double charged us, so we had to get it corrected. The ambiance was fine but the restaurant is very loud. read more

Bacarosa - Private dinning area - Italian Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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Pizza fell and didn't even get asked to replace and also felt super rushed to leave. if you want to close at 9 during the week, update your business hours... delicious food but probably won't be returning read more

My friends and I enjoyed a weekend happy hour at Bacarosa. We did not have a reservation but were seating quickly. The food and drinks were excellent! The staff was very attentive to us. The restaurant itself was very cute and perfect for evening out ! read more

Absolutely splendid food, service and ambiance! Even though the dining experience was swift, it almost felt like we left on a high note. Our waitress (not sure of their name but was wearing a brunette ponytail) was extraordinary as well as the other wait staff. I will definitely come back here for a fancy and quick dinner! read more

Bacarosa - Main dining area - Italian Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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Came here for Decades Bingo! Food was buffet style and dessert was not included. Chicken parm was good and Caesar salad was very flavorful. The standout was the Italian rainbow cookies. Delicious! read more

Nutley, RUN, Don't WALK to Bacarosa!! We had an amazing dinner there last night. The atmosphere is incredible-very welcoming. The food was out of this world. I had the Chitarra and Steve had the Branzino. We shared the Pork Croquetta for an appetizer - all were very good. The staff is very well trained and friendly. Our server Stephanie was very attentive and wonderful. I was enthralled watching the bartenders crafting the exquisite cocktails - very experienced. The management could not have been nicer. One minor suggestion - serve the branzino on a plate rather than a bowl. There were bones that were hard to find and the crispy skin on the fish was lost. All in all, a very welcome addition to Nutley and high time! We will definitely be back! read more

Music was way too loud. I shouldn't have to scream to talk to my date. Staff was excellent. Food was okay. Just won't go back because it was too loud inside. read more

I told the last place (The Hudson Rose) to close. They did. This new place...10,000 percent better. Fitting for the locals. Prices are great for value of the food. Whatever it is you're doing, keep doing it! The Meal was FANTASTIC! read more

Bacarosa - Italian Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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Great vibe and food Meatball appetizer and pizza were great All the mains we had were great A go to place i will definitely go back to read more

Amazing new restaurant A must place to go Great great food and service Best Italian food outside of NYC read more

Barely one star. Entree was inedible And then still put it on the bill. Branzino was so charred and not light as it should have been. Best part of the restaurant is the bar, its drinks and bartender. Manager???? Where were you?? Horrible! read more

What kind of a restaurant only has chicken parm one night a week (Wednesday). That's absurd. It's probably the most popular dish on any given night at Italian restaurants across the country. That's like opening up a sushi restaurant and deciding you are are only going to sell tuna one night a week. Also not enough choices for non meat eaters. The one chicken dish has prosciutto. Very odd. The food is quite good. The menu needs a refresh. read more

Really good food, good service, reasonable prices, I realize that it hasn't been open that long, but I would go back. One complaint; we came at 5:30 because we were with my mother in law, so just remember, start your slightly loud music at 9:00, this way people can at least talk for a little while! read more

Food and service was wonderful, we are going back. The staff was professional courteous, and answered all of our questions.

If you like rap music with a loud thudding bass and don't care about hearing your date, this is the place for you. Food was okay, and the complimentary focaccia bread was excellent. Waitress was pleasant. read more