We moved to Watchung 6 mos ago and stumbled one day to Bar Cilento and been so glad that we found this place . This has become our go to place since then. Great atmosphere, Owners are great and Food is awesome !! Were there last night with friends and Live Music and Food was awesome! Looking forward to many many more trips ! read more

Hidden Gem! Just tried this place out on Saturday for the first time, and was very impressed! Menu is not that big, but the options are great and honestly having too many options is overwhelming anyway. They had a few specials, which we did try the Brussel Sprouts on there which were good. The other apps we got were the Autumn ravioli- so good, and drunken clams and muscles. The service was good, drinks also were. The bar is nice and big and the dining room is a nice size too. The outside area looked really nice but unfortunately bad weather kept us inside- but would definitely like to try out the outside. Our entrees were all delicious- I got the short ribs (definitely one of my favorites to date, and I have tried a lot of short rib dishes out), husband got Cavatelli special (homemade Cavatelli, yum), mother got Surf and Turf special which she loved, and father got Gigi's homemade fusilli and lamb which he raved about. The best part of the night is when the owner and his wife came to meet us and spent more time than expected at our table to make sure we had a pleasant experience and then just talked about other things which was very nice. Overall it was such a great dinner and we will definitely be coming back!! read more

Finally tried this place Saturday night since they have a patio & thought we could have nice dinner outside. At 7:00 we were told all those empty tables were reserved for the band later so we proceeded inside to a DIVE BAR or as we prefer to call it "a joint". Calamari appy not bad (I would have preferred not having the stray french fries with it though). Drunken clams & mussels were outstanding. The special rigatoni bolognese @ $24 which was recommended was bland, underwhelming & came with no salad. I should have known when we were served the WORST bread ever. If you want appys & a drink it's probably ok but ONE & DONE FOR US. Service was fine & friendly. read more

I have been coming to Bar Cilento since moving to Basking Ridge. Never knew the history of the old place. I find it welcoming with a feeling of home. I always talk to Gigi and Sam/owners who make a special point to say hi when I am there. I have a teenage son who asks me to bring him here on a regular basis for the hangar steak. It's so good. Vlad and Valeria usually wait on us and I have never had a bad experience. Nicki at the bar is great too. I've brought many people here. It's my favorite local spot! read more

This place is really good and the man we had serving us was great and the food was delicious. I am definitely going back.

We had an excellent birthday dinner for my moms bday last week We had calamari, fried zucchini flowers, salads and burgers and shrimp with pappardelle. Sam and Gigi even sent over a birthday dessert. Outside is perfect with fans and flowers. read more

This place feels like home! I search for restaurants that feel like home. And this is the spot!!! Warm, beautiful spot which you feel like family. I am from upstate NY and I make my sister come here when I come visit! Love this place! Amazing food, amazing atmosphere. Cannot say enough! read more

Beer and bartenders are great. Good food. Would give them 5 stars but they got rid of the pool table. Bring it back!

It took me a while to stop in here because I couldn't get the image of Barton's Pub dive bar out of my mind when I drove past. We finally stopped in and I'm glad we did. Very good Italian food for an extremely reasonable price. Plus the service was crazy friendly. I had the hanger steak based on a recommendation and it was very tender and tasty. Wife had the eggplant and she really enjoyed that as well. They also have a separate kids menu which is actually priced for kids. I'm looking forward to going back in the warm weather to sit on the patio. Long story short this is NOT Barton's Pub anymore. read more

We were in town visiting relatives and one of their friends recommended that we would not be disappointed if we tried Bar Cilento. They were 100% right. We started with two appetizers... meatballs in a flavorful tomato sauce and ravioli filled with goat cheese, figs and butternut squash. Absolutely delicious and unique. My husband ordered the filet mignon which he said was as good as any he's ever had and I HAD to order my favorite - chicken parmigiana with a side of linguini. The chicken was melt in your mouth tender with the perfect amount of mozzarella cheese and sauce. The linguini tasted so fresh that I'm guessing it was homemade, but I forgot to ask. The portions were large and I had to take some of my meal home so that I would have room for dessert! We shared the tiramisu and cheesecake. If you asked which I liked better, I couldn't tell you because both were fabulous. On top of the varied choices of food on the menu, there was a also a great selection of beers, cocktails and wine at a fully stocked bar. The owner came to our table to just say "hello" and to make sure that we were satisfied with everything. We could tell that he was sincere and really wanted to be sure that we were happy with the food, the service etc. As if you couldn't tell, I would highly recommend this amazing place. The portions were generous and reasonably priced and next time we're in town, we will definitely be back. read more

This place it's hidden but so good great food great service really enjoyed ourselves thank you so much Sam we will be back

I recently went to this bar and left a 2 star review about them on Facebook. I was then contacted by an employee asking me why I felt they deserved a 2 star rating and what happened during my experience. They asked for my opinion so not only did I tell them why I didn't enjoy my time, I also explained what I think could be done differently. They didnt respond back, then the next day I receive a message saying "why can you not be a man and tell me face to face" "all I ask" "wtf" After my visit I was unsure if I wanted to give them another chance, I still gave the 2 stars on Facebook because I was really hoping for this to be my new bar and a place I could enjoy a few drinks with some friends. Now after not only having a bad experience, but also being insulted after having given my opinion which they asked for I will deffinetly NOT be returning and neither will any of my friends! read more

Great place. We stopped in for a beer and apps. My wife had the scallops special and I had the chicken quesadilla. She said the scallops were fantastic and the Thai sauce was great. The chicken quesadilla appetizer was great, and was a really good size. Bartender service was friendly and helpful with menu. Cannot wait to come back and try the full menu, and sit on the new patio when it's warm. read more

For a place that recently opened it has a lot of potential. I've visited Cilento twice and have had pleasant experiences both times. The owner is a real nice guy and it seems to be family operated or at at least the owner has a great deal of support from his family. The food is excellent and well priced. The bar is as well nicely stocked and both times had good craft beers on tap. I've never seen the previous place (Bartons) but I heard they really upgraded it. I myself find the bar and restaurant to have a charming interior. Overall I give this place 5 stars :) read more

I had high hope when suggesting Bar Cilento for dinner with my mother in law and husband, unfortunately the overall experience fell far short. Reading other reviews, I was looking forward to finding another "go to" place in the neighborhood. The minute we walked inside the restaurant, it was loud because the bar area. We were seated in the dining room area which we thought it would be less loud but ten minutes after seated the noise just got even louder. I believe it's due to the low ceiling. We ordered cocktails and it took a while before it was served to us and only two of our drinks were served while the third one was served another ten minutes later. We ordered apps, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup and bacon cheddar potato tots and it was all below average. My onion soup was barely warm, requested to be reheated and it came back barely hot. The potato tots was not crispy. Next came the entree, my clam and mussels drunken clams and mussels was overly salty and they forgot to bring the croutons that came with it until I asked for them. My mother in law ordered the baked chicken and it was over cooked, how do you go wrong with baked chicken? I noticed the table next to us also had their own issues with their drinks and entree as well. It was disappointing to see. Oh well, we gave it a try and it will be our one and only. Sad... read more

Excellent food, relaxed, but fun atmosphere. I went last Sunday with friends to watch football they had 25% off select appetizers which was a cool little surprise - although I'd be happy to purchase any of the food we tried at full price because it is all worth it. We had the wings and had a chance to try all of the sauces, large portion and delicious sauces. Gigi's meatballs were delicious and the burgers are fantastic! Good beer selection as far as craft beers - $3 domestic drafts during football too! I can definitely see this place being successful! read more

This was our 2nd visit....and had A wonderful experience....its Christmas Eve...my parents in from out of town....and can be picky. But my dad was impressed with his Manhatten...and he is VERY HARD TO PLEASE....we were impressed the bartender came to check and see if he was pleased. The service was great.food was delicious. My mom had the scallop special and is still talking about how perfectly prepared it was. Thank you and we plan to be regular visitors!!! Merry Christmas!!!!! read more

Enjoyed dinner here previously, have had their catered services, and tonight Sam and Gigi took very good care of us with a dinner party for our 16 year old and her friends. Food was delicious, service was great, and personal and thoughtful touches to make the evening very special for my daughter and her friends. Thank you Sam, Gigi, and staff! read more

I ordered the basic tavern burger (cooked medium -well) - what could go wrong? The burger was flavorless and drier than a desert. Will not be returning. read more

Had New Year's Eve dinner here. We've come here many times since opening. Food and service were excellent in spite of the busy night! Sam and Gigi are always hospitable, and eager to please their customers. Best New Year's Eve dinner ever! read more

Decided to stop in for a burger despite the fact that I hated the last place that use to be there so much, I swore to never go back. I'm glad I did! The place is actually clean and well lit. I didn't know the building actually had an area to sit down and eat. The new management did a great job cleaning it up. I had the burger which was a little overcooked but was so delicious that I didn't even care. They had a great selection of beer and cocktails. The bartender was super nice. I always love going to a bar or restaurant where the staff doesn't look like they don't want to be there. I will DEFINITELY be returning! read more

Came to Cilento for my Birthday lunch today. Had the Autumn Ravioli as an appetizer. Unbelievably good! Although they were swimming in butter, they managed to stay light and delicate. The subtlety of flavors and texture were unmatched. Followed this up with homemade briaccole that was one of the best dishes I have ever eaten in any restaurant , anywhere. The pasta, sauce, and rolls were heavenly. This may be the best kept secret in the area. Cilento has only been open a short while, and I took a chance having my birthday lunch here with my wife, but we were not dissapointed. Not sure about the other food, but if you can get your hands on one of Gigi's homemade dishes, you cannot lose. Ok, just had Gigi's homemade Tira misu, holy crap! Add all of this to a bartender with a healthy knowledge of a nice assortment of beers, and you are going to have a great experience! read more

Foods decent, but way overpriced. Good selection of beer. Bartender very attentive. Use caution if you're having a couple drinks, it seems like the local cops have something against this place and its patrons. I pulled out of parking lot behind someone who was immediately pulled over by local cops, I didn't see any reason for the stop, but who knows maybe suspended license/registration. Another night my son in law went there to pick up a 6 pack, when he drove in there was a police car parked outside on Plainfield Avenue. He went inside, bought a 6 pack of beer, didn't have a drink while there and exited within 5 minutes. Once he pulled out of the driveway he was immediately pulled over. Officer walked up and asked him "have you been drinking?" He replied "I think you just saw me pull in only 5 minutes ago, no I haven't been drinking I just went in to buy a 6 pack". He was detained for about 10 minutes and let go without a ticket. Use caution or uber if you're drinking. read more

I really wanted to like Bar Cilento because it's basically a "neighbor bar & restaurant", but I have repeatedly had poor experiences there. Sub-par food choices (the "Loaded Pierogies" were out of the freezer section of the grocery); the bar staff inattentive and aloof (clean glasses should be standard at any bar right? not so here) on a bright note, my guest and I got a recommendation to try "Gigi's Meatballs" and sure enough, the family recipe was terrific- the meat was tender and literally melted in our mouths! Final thoughts? It's hit or miss at Bar Cilento. (Owners - PLEASE clean up your duct tape "Help Wanted" signs at the street) read more

Went to eat here while visiting from out of town, recommended by my mom. We had a party of 6, service was fantastic, food came out fast and was prepared well! I had the pesto gnocchi and shrimp and it was delicious ! Great gnocchi and shrimp was cooked perfectly ! The tiramisu for dessert was also delicious. I also had a Moscow mule that was very refreshing ! All around great experience, everyone enjoyed their meal! (mom loved the tacos for taco Tuesday !) great prices for some good local food ! Will be back next time for sure ! read more

First of all the place just recently opened, So anything negative should of waited until they were up and running at least a while , It is family owned and run, and actually Italian food , with people from Italy cooking, Not fake Italian. The service is coming along, And I am sure with a few weeks it will be run fine. It has great food and a big selection of drink , I think they do need more people working the Bar on a Friday Saturday, But it is a good place to go have a good Italian meal and relax. read more

We really wanted to enjoy visiting Cilento's. Their location is perfect for us to stop by from time to time. One last visit was disappointing at best. The bartender believed it was more important to speak to his vendor, than to help us and other customers at the bar. After that, he sat behind the bar and smoked his e-cigarette! UGH! I would like to stop by again, but I can't handle poor service. read more

Food was very good (cheese steak appetizer and burger)nice selection of beers, service was great very attentive .. A little on the noisy side but worth going. read more

Ordered a burger and a beer here and although the burger was a bit on the small side it was tasty and the beer was nice and cold as both should be. The place had a decent vibe to it and the bar seemed to filled with old locals. Decent to drop in once in a while, but nothing special. read more

(From Dive to Thrive). The New owners of this bar now known as "Cilento" are making all the right moves. New atmosphere, compeatly remodeled, and a great staff. All pointing in the direction for success. Just give this place a try between the food, drink selection and the welcoming atmosphere. how can you go wrong? read more

Came back another time with a couple couples who wanted to check this out (we were here a first and thought it'd be the last time in Nov. 2015). Didn't remember the details of why we wrote them off. This time, service and food was good and I was wondering what our issues were previously. The check came, One of the other couples did the math on the tip (both couples drank a fair amount and we don't drink at all. They mentioned they didn't figure the tip on the alcohol which was a sizable part of the bill. We don't know better - is that typical?) Anyway, when the waitress brought some food she was wrapping up for us (after we signed the check / she took it back) and tossed it on the table. Uhm, is she pissed 'cause of the tip? Looking here, I see it was wait staff issues we didn't like back in November. Some things don't change I guess? We didn't drink / not a big bill the last time and this time didn't tip on the alcohol... if you aren't big drinkers / aren't tipping on the alcohol you get poor service? read more

Dined here with four others to celebrate the birthdays of 2 friends. It was a beautiful summer evening and we ate on the neat outdoor patio. We started with expertly made cocktails; I had a refreshing Prickly Pear. We split a selection of appetizers, each one delicious. Our entrees included a nicely cooked hangar steak, ravioli, seafood pasta, and butternut squash cavatelli. Fresh, well-seasoned, and generous portions. Desserts were homemade tiramisu, key lime pie, cheesecake, and brownie sundae. Host Sam and Hostess GiGi visited our table often (though were not intrusive) offering little extras (homemade limoncello, zeppoles, and, for the birthday guests, small bottles of Moscato). It would have been rude to decline their hospitality, and so we each left vowing to fast for the next few days! UPDATE: Returned a second time for noon lunch and had virtually no service. Doors were open, we walked in and there was no one, I mean NO ONE there. Eventually someone from the kitchen popped out and told us to sit wherever we wanted and gave us some menus and water. After waiting way longer than we should have, and with no further human contact, we left. As we got to the empty parking lot, what appeared to be an employee (whom we noticed leaving the lot as we arrived) told us she'd be with us in a minute. We pretended not to hear and just kept walking. I've changed my stars to reflect this experience. read more

The best place to come! The owners are great and make you feel right at home. Food is great and homemade

Excellent hanger steak. Good mixed drink called the Tahitian. If you don't like dessert then try the bread pudding with rum sauce...it should be $12 and they sell it for $6. The apple cider is a must try..flavorful. read more

My wife and I have been here in the past and while we wanted to like it, it fell short of expectations. We decided to go back last night after a 2 year hiatus. The staff could not have been more friendly, but unfortunately that is the end of the good news. It took 20 minutes for my wife to get a drink. Part of her meal came out burnt. Then to top it off, they gave me the wrong check. The food overall wasn't bad, but to me it's a beer, burger and appy place. For essentially a bar, the entrees were pricey. Again, the staff was extremely friendly, so we may try it again. read more

I was visiting my son and his girlfriend and we were looking for a place to watch football so we went to Cilentos. The service was great! They had drink and food specials. Both were reasonably priced and good for your money. Christina, the bartender was a tentative to our needs. read more

What a hidden gem. Sat outside with work people for drinks and appys a few months ago. Very pleasant. Decent tap list and the pumpkin raviolis were delicious. Went back the other nite and sat at the bar with a close friend. Nice vibe, good meal, bartender friendly and responsive. Only complaint, the music at the bar was kinda loud which made conversation more like shouting at a sports bar. read more

Outside dining! Perfect ambiance and the food is delicious. Pasta is home made by the owner GiGi and every bite was worth the calories! Both Sam and GiGi visited our table often and are friendly and hospitable. A definite go to place to have a great dinner and drinks!! read more

After waiting 15 minutes for our drink I ordered the Blue-cheese burger. It came out as a hamburger with cold blue-cheese salad dressing poured on top. Clueless to say the least. This is also one of the very loudest restaurants I've been in. They could fix this easily but.... as I said. Clueless read more

Never went to the old place, but have been to Cilento a hand full of times and enjoyed each time. Beer list is impressive for the area and price is right for both drinks and food. Most of what I've ordered has been very good. Good mix of older and younger crowd. Bar service is more than capable even with a packed house. read more