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    Cafe Giotto

    4.4 (228 reviews)
    ModerateCafes
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Cafe Giotto Photos

    CAFE GIOTTO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Giotto

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    Reviews With Photos

    Caesar salad with grilled chicken
    Yordana O.

    We had a great lunch. The servers were friendly and gave great suggestions since it was our first time. It's a BYOB spot and there's a wine shop right next door which was perfect. We sat outside and started with a Caesar salad + a side of grilled chicken. Chicken was seasoned and a great cut of breast meat. I had the lasagna and my husband had the Tagliatelle, Aglio e Olio, and sausage crumble. The lasagna was okay. It was missing ricotta or something that didn't make the layers just stick together flatly. The tagliatelle Aglio e Olio definitely needs to be touched up. The pasta didn't taste like anything and the sausage was good but didn't have any of the flavoring from the Aglio e Olio. We asked for a side of parm, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. (The before & after picture is included). It was very very good after we added some life to it! As for the dessert.....blown away! First of all, the Affogato was the best one I've ever had. We asked to substitute Caramel Gelato instead of vanilla. YES! So good! Then we had the Berries & Cream. Listen...I don't know what that cream was but I am going back specifically for this dessert. WOW! We almost ordered a second one because I didn't want to share. So light and tart. Beautiful!

    tiramisu and pan a cotta
    Joyce K.

    Cafe Giotti is a cute tiny Italian spot in Montclair where a friend and I walked in on a Friday evening to have dinner. We were given complimentary bread and I ordered the fazzoletti since I was unfamiliar with that pasta shape. It was essentially like a ravioli in that it had filling and it wasn't bad even though it looked like a small portion size. For dessert, we had the tiramisu and panna cotta, which was my friend's first time having panna cotta. I appreciated how both of our desserts came with fresh berries and I liked my tiramisu!

    Angel G.

    Because of all the good reviews of this place, I wanted to try it since it's been sitting in my bookmarks for so long ! Finally was able to try it out and a couple things I must say -- It's a great place to eat at when the weather is nice as they have seating outdoors. Inside is quite small, though I'm not sure if there was more seating in the back since I kept seeing people walk back there... Onto the food ! The sourdough you get in the beginning was so nice -- warm, crispy, and fluffy. The perfect, rustic sourdough. The house focaccia came in an unexpected fashion, but it was so good. A nice focaccia with some caremlized onion topped with arugula and balsamic glaze - yum. The Caesar salad was good, but nothing exceptional. We enjoyed the pasta for the pasta itself, and the clams were delicious, but we both came to the conclusion that the sauces might have needed just a little more garlic but this is probably just our personal preference. The way the pasta itself was made, though, was so good and chewy, you could tell they're made right there. Service was great! The water refill just kept coming it was honestly quite amazing. We could pour the water ourselves but it's like they never gave us the chance to. Staff were all kind and bustling around. We saw some servers bring out lasagna and honestly that looked perfect so I would want to try that. Would I come back here ? Maybe. But I would recommend this place for someone to try out if they wanted proper pasta.

    Parpardelle and meatballs - delicious
    Gold M.

    Very inviting space to dine in, friendly staff and good food. Wish they would take reservations but we didn't really have to wait too long. We were a party of 4 and ordered the clams (got about 10 small clams) for an appetizer as well as the eggplant parm. Both very tasty. The tagliolini seafood and the parpardelle and meatballs were the best dinners. The other 2 meals - lasagne bolognese (small portion and was lacking something) and the cavatelli bosco (lacked seasoning and was disappointing) - were just ok.

    Lamb sando.
    Saul G.

    Stopped by for a Saturday lunch. Picked up a bottle of Rioja from Amanti as Giotto is BYOB. Had the lamb sandwich on peasant bread. Well put together, moist and delicious == could only manage half because I plumped for the side of roasted potatoes with peppers and onions. That was outstanding-- perfect cook on the potatoes, lots of sweet red and green peppers and soft purple onions. La Portena's chicken sandwich with broccoli rabe and mozzarella was also excellent. Sandwiches were accompanied by a generous portion of taro chips. Will return for pasta. Good service as well.

    Arancini
    Lauren N.

    Enjoyed lunch at Cafe Giotto with a friend. It's a small cafe with outdoor seating on the sidewalk of Church Street, which was perfect on a breezy afternoon. We started with the arancini, which are half mozzarella filled and half meat filled. Absolutely divine! My friend ordered the cavatelli with bolognese and I got the padova panino. The panino was what Italian sandwich dreams are made of- crusty bread, fresh toppings, and bursting with flavor. Service was friendly but on the slower side, but we were in no rush so didn't mind. Would definitely come back here again, especially for the rice balls!

    Focaccia !  And all the bread (10 on 10 scale) and pastries made in house.
    Pete M.

    December 2024 update. Same excellent fantastic tiny little spot with some of the best and most authentic high quality Italian food around with great salads, sides, home made bread and pastries. Got to do the affogato too - first the gelato here is first rate but tur affogato is done right with fresh strong espresso .. not just coffee poured on top of ice cream. Super tight space with limited seating but in summer outdoor tables. Always nice staff. Great $ too.

    Seasonal Ravioli (top left, has truffle), Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi (top right, part of special menu), Tagliolini Seafood (bottom middle)
    Abi P.

    Service here is a 10. The host was very nice and able to accommodate out needs. Food was on point, everything we had was very good. Once you place your order the table is giving bread and olive oil. They give you a very nice portion of food, my friend and I both had enough to take home. Desserts are a must here! The panna cotta with the balsamic is bold and so yummy with that whip cream and berries. We sat outside in the front of the restaurant and it is fully shaded. You may have to share tables with other parties like we did, it was no biggie, there's enough room where you don't feel like anybody is violating your space.

    Panna Cota-delicious
    Miriam D.

    First of all bread, tomato sauce, blueberry jam all handmade, which I bought to take home-Lasagna was the right amount, delicious-chicken parm panino had a delicious crispy bread-Panacota better than flan it had blueberries, blaberries, strawberries and red-berries, it was super delicious-they gave us some Taro chips that are healthier than potato chips, I learned something today, thank you. Service was attentive and fast. Wow I'm definitely coming back.

    Cavatelli Bolognese
    John L.

    What a gem Cafe Giotto is! We were looking to try a new place and the reviews led us here for lunch. First of all, what a nice place. Very cool cafe vibes. Now to the food. Our table started with the Arancini and House Focaccia as appetizers. Delicious. We ordered Cavatelli Bolognese, Lamb Panino and Giotto Special Panino. So fresh and flavorful. The bread on the sandwiches had the right crunch and air. Only thing to know, be prepared to wait. Around 6-8 small tables. But it's BYOB!

    Eggplant parmigiana app
    Elizabeth L.

    I'm not sure how I never left a review for this place but I have nothing but great things to say. From the amazing scallop grapefruit salads I go for in the summer to the heaven on earth lasagne and eggplant parm IT IS A MUST VISIT. Food is impeccable, service is accommodating the outdoor seating is adorable. Only pain points would be once the weather gets cold the indoor space leaves much to be desired a true hole in the wall type space but plenty to offer in terms of food, baked treats and coffee. They are sister restaurant to The Corner, but honestly no comparison in terms of food. My husband and I grabbed a barstool seat at the window for lunch midweek and just people enjoyed people watching and a decadent meal. If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life (and not gain a pound) haha it's probably this eggplant parm. Seasoning, sauce, eggplant, CHEESE it's just that good. Alone is enough for a meal (the app portion) We also ordered the pesto tagliatelle, perfectly el dente pasta and sadly this was a miss for me only because I think the steamed broccoli rabe watered down the dish. I ordered it as a side and then opted to add it in so not one of their signature dishes. They were serving a broccoli rabe lentil soup so I'm thinking they just used the steamed reserves from that from than sautéing Other than that everything I have had here is superb. Other details: Street parking Ample outdoor tables thought typically in a wind tunnel BYOB

    Andrea M.

    I've had this establishment bookmarked for a year now. Ever since I came back from a trip to Italy, I was on a mission to find restaurants that their food and atmosphere resemble it. Well, I wasn't disappointed at all. The staff were very friendly and attentive. The restaurant is definitely very small and tight. However, their food was amazing. Fresh pasta and ingredients. Everything looked worthy of eating! I definitely recommend this Italian eatery for a date with a partner or friend. It's definitely suitable for 2 ppl only.

    Interior
    Jill C.

    I loved how cozy and quaint this place felt. It's a tiny establishment tucked into church street and I almost missed them. I ordered the soup special for lunch. It was short rib, potato and roasted red pepper. It wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't bad but didn't leave me wanting more. It was quite acidic and light on meat. The bread however, was fabulous. A featherlight, crisp crust and a dry Italian bread interior. The service was really lacking. I came at 12:30 and my order wasn't taken until close to 1. I wasn't given any water or even asked what I wanted to drink, which appears atypical since the other two tables were immediately offered tap or bottled water and the waitress bent over backwards to accommate breaking 1 salad into 3 plates. Perhaps I was poorly served because I dined alone. I promise I was super nice and laid back so it wasn't my attitude that caused neglect. If the service was more attentive I'd try them again but alas, there are other spots to try!

    Pesto with spaghetti alla chitarra and breaded chicken, and some tomatoes from another dish

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Nice day to sit outside, prompt service and good food..............................................what else is there to say Yelp?

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    2 years ago

    One of the best restaurants in Montclair. Just top notch. Pasta dishes and salads are highly recommended, as is the halibut.

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    2 years ago

    Great vibe; great people; all-around greatness at Cafe Giotto! A must go-to in Montclair. A little gem and a fantastic menu!

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    2 years ago

    I've been here numerous times and it's always delicious! I love their Cavatelli Bolognese, Arancini, and quinoa salad!

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    Cafe Giotto Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafe Giotto

    Is cafe giotto a byob?

    Yes

    Do they take reservations?

    Is this a good spot to do schoolwork?

    Nope really small place with limited seating but great for a meal

    Is this place good for groups? Say 8-10 people?

    Nah. Very limited seating. It packs well though; get take away.

    Is this is a sit-down restaurant?

    Yes there are many tables and counter table with high chairs

    What are their hours?

    Tuesday- Saturday: 9am-7pm Sunday- 9am-7pm Closed Mondays

    Does anyone know why they are closed today- Jan 2? It's weird-- no sign on door or anything.

    There was a sign before (on the first that is) noting they would be closed January 1st and 2nd. Not sure the reason.

    Is this from the owners of the former restaurant Giotto?

    It sure is :)

    Can you post their phone number?

    973 746 0111

    Will a food menu be posted soon?

    Just uploaded it!

    What are their hours?

    On google it says 9 - 7 daily except closed on Mondays.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Brrrrr, baby, it's cold outside in the middle of the night in December, and we stopped in at this…read moresweet-looking cafe for a bit of warmth and coffee. I wasn't sure if it opened as I didn't see anybody inside at first. Then we opened the door and stepped inside, and called out. We found the employee sitting behind the counter, but the counter was so big that it obstructed our view of knowing they were there. Upon looking around, they had a nice assortment of pastries and baked goods, along with wrapped sandwiches from earlier in the day. I spied the baked goods section and could not resist getting a chocolate chip cookie as we eyed their baked goods. We decided to share since I need to watch my calories during the holidays. I want to celebrate Christmas, and not look like Santa. The employee there made two lattes for us and asked if we would like her to heat the cookie. Yes, please and thank you! Upon sitting down, I noticed the big grease mark on the napkin, so it should be noted that their cookies are made with high butter content. The chocolate chip cookie, though generously chipped and served delightfully warm, fell a bit flat on flavor. Similarly, the latte, while hot and satisfying, was overwhelmingly milky, lacking the robust punch of a quality espresso. Here is how it ranked: Chocolate Chip cookie: 3.5/5 stars. Good texture, high butter content, but flat taste. Latte: 3.5/5 stars. Nice and hot, good alternative milk option, but too mild on espresso. This cafe is a perfectly pleasant spot for a moment of refuge and a hot cup of something, especially if you're not concerned with a full-bodied coffee experience or a truly exceptional baked good. If you're out and about needing to warm up, it does the trick.

    I have passed by this location many times. Today we decided to give it a try. The food is fresh and…read morethe coffee is flavorful. There is a nearby parking deck, short walk. Service was quick even though it was almost midday. It was a nice relaxing ambiance.

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    Cafe Giotto - cafes - Updated May 2026

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