The Reservoir Restaurant - A True Old-School Italian Gem!…read more
Met up with some friends at The Reservoir Restaurant in South Orange, NJ, and let me tell you, we found a real gem! If you're a fan of old-school Italian restaurants, homemade dishes, and delicious pizza, this place needs to be on your radar!
The Reservoir has been serving up Italian favorites since 1935, carrying on a family tradition that goes back generations. They're even known for their original pizza pie! Walking into a place like this reminds you of the good old days when Italian restaurants were all about generous portions, familiar flavors, and bringing people together around the table.
This is a classic, no-frills Italian restaurant and pizzeria with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. They offer a large menu featuring traditional Italian appetizers, pasta dishes, chicken and veal entrees, salads, and, of course, pizza. Many dishes are homemade, prepared fresh, and served hot. The portions are generous, so come hungry! It's also BYOB, so bring your favorite wine or beer to enjoy with dinner. Just remember, CASH ONLY -- no credit cards accepted!
Let's talk about the food!
For appetizers, we ordered:
Calamari Marinara - Wow! This was so tasty and well prepared. The tender calamari paired beautifully with the flavorful marinara sauce. A fantastic way to kick off our meal!
Tony Salad - And what a salad! Loaded with chopped lettuce, mozzarella, provolone, salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives, all tossed in a garlic Parmesan vinaigrette. This salad was packed with flavor and the perfect starter to share around the table. Definitely a winner!
For dinner, we enjoyed:
Penne Vodka with Chicken & Mushrooms - Penne tossed in a creamy vodka sauce with chicken and mushrooms. Rich, satisfying, and full of that comforting Italian flavor you crave from a neighborhood Italian restaurant.
Two Cheese Pizzas - You can't visit an old-school Italian pizzeria without ordering pizza! We went with two classic cheese pies, and they did not disappoint. The crust was thin, with a beautiful bake and just the right amount of crispness. Simple, delicious, and proof that sometimes the classics really are the best!
And somehow, we STILL had room for dessert! Ha!
We finished our feast with a trio of sweet treats:
* Cannoli - A crisp shell filled with creamy whipped ricotta cannoli cream and rich chocolate morsels. A classic Italian dessert done right!
* Boston Cream Pie - A deliciously sweet way to round out the meal.
* Brownie Cheesecake - Because why choose between chocolate and cheesecake when you can have both? LOL!
Talk about a FOOD COMA! We definitely didn't leave hungry!
Let's give credit to the service!
Our server was fantastic! They were attentive throughout the meal, constantly checking on us, stopping by for refills, and making sure we had everything we needed. Great service makes a big difference, especially when you're enjoying a meal with friends, and our server really helped make the experience that much better.
Final thoughts
The Reservoir is the kind of old-school Italian restaurant that reminds you why these neighborhood establishments have stood the test of time. With its long family history, generous portions, traditional Italian comfort food, and classic pizza, it's a wonderful spot to gather with friends and family.
The food was fantastic, the service was impeccable, and we had a great time enjoying a delicious meal together. Whether you're stopping in for pizza, sharing a few appetizers, or sitting down for a full Italian dinner, there's plenty to enjoy here.
If you're in South Orange or the surrounding area, I highly recommend giving The Reservoir a try. Just bring your appetite, your favorite BYOB beverage, and some cash!
I'll definitely be back!
Restaurant details added: The Reservoir dates back to 1935 and is known for its historic family tradition and original pizza pie. Its current location is at 106 West South Orange Avenue.