The minute we stepped into this restaurant we were greeted by a lovely hostess. We waited 20 sum minutes for a table with reservation and enjoyed a glass while waiting patiently! The food the vibe were both amazing! We moved from NY and surprised to find this hidden gem in montclair! We were in for a surprise. It was BYOB but got 10% off wine store next door. We ordered the mushroom soup that the server recommended and blown away. Also both pasta dishes amazing. We will be back and can't wait to go again! Thank you Laboratorio kitchen!! read more

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I'm not sure if I made a Yelp review about this spot before but I have to say every single time I've been here I haven't been dissapointed once. The food from this place appetizers, dinners and desserts are all on point and amazing. My wife and I have been here a couple times and have tried new things almost everytime. They usually change up the specials by season it seems so there is always a variety to choose from. The service here is impeccable and super fast, there is no waiting 30 minutes for your food ever. We recently went last week and the place was packed but still got our service quick and the food came out promptly. I can't even recommend anything because it seems there isn't anything on the menu that's bad which is rare to say about a place. If you haven't been here definitely stop in and make sure to make a reservation. read more

I've been here twice: once during the summer and another last week and I love it! I love that it's BYOB. It's so smart bc a lot of times restaurants don't have wines that I actually like. read more

This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The food was amazingly delicious. The hostess was exceptional and lovely. The only reason I'm not giving this establishment a 4 star is My wife and I where celebrating our 19 anniversary. The waiter wasn't knowledgeable on the menu, Also he rushed us to leave the table as there was open tables inside and outside. That's bad for business! read more

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Fantastico.. We had a party of eight people and everyone loved the appetizers and dinner choices. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Montclair. read more

Overall it was a decent experience. We had a 7:30 reservation and they couldn't seat us until 7:45. The bread came out so hot it almost burned our hands. We had the meatball appetizer which was okay and the arugula salad which came with pears and goat cheese. I had the steak au poivre which I thought was a little tough (medium rare). My wife had the scallops which were overcooked and a little bit fishy- the cauliflower purée with it was actually really good. The service was fine but always seemed a little rushed. I'm not sure why this has 4.5 stars but I would give it a low 3. read more

Everything g was delicious here. Very pretty ambiance and lighting was dim so it sets a pretty romantic scene. Loved the BYOB. We got scallop appetizers, sea bass and desert special. All excellent choices! read more

Nice interior and good service. This restaurant is really good but I will have a few suggestions ( which seem very picky but...) on how to get that 5th star. Bread was served immediately - rolls were good but I recommend to serve with salted butter instead of unsalted with some sprinkles of salt on top. Had Veal and Beef meatball as an appetizer. This meatball is huge but also full of flavor. A tiny bit tough. Definitely substantial enough for 3 people. I had Day scallops with cauliflower puree. Was very good but I suggest to sear both sides. These are nice big scallops so sear on both sides is really important. Cauliflower puree was delicious - no suggestions there. Husband had Rigatoni pasta with sausage. He thought it was very good. We had flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Was good but very cold and dense. Overall, a very good meal but hoping with a few tweaks to get to a great meal. read more

One of best restaurants in Montclair, and probably all of Jersey. Incredibly fresh ingredients and superior quality food - all served in an authentic, refined atmosphere fitting for the North Jersey culinary scene. Fantastic for intimate nights, small groups and parties. Highly recommend this place. read more

DELISH! We came here on a Wednesday night and learned about the Mon-Thurs special of 3 appetizers for $20... wow, sold. I had arugula salad, shrimp dish and mussels. Friends had flatbread, chorizo and shrimp. We all loved our dishes and they were decent portions. The server was so attentive, it was a BYOB and he kept coming over to fill our glass and ask how everything was, something I noticed does not happen often in other restaurants. We ordered desserts, a tres leches cake and some kind of chocolate cake, which we loved. Suggestion: Come during the week, the vibe is nice and mellow, food was perfect and service was excellent. read more

We found Laboratorio Kitchen on a popular reservation app then confirmed with Yelp! Reviews. This restaurant is an executive restaurant with regards to service, presentation. The food was really good overall. We started with mussels a la rabiatta to share and a leek soup for our non-seafood eating guest, along with 3 tapas: homemade linguini, crostini, and creole shrimp. The mussels were fresh, but I would've liked a spicier rabiatta; the shrimp was maybe a little over cooked, a forgivable mistake. All entreés were well received. We ordered scallops, steak au poive, org chicken, and lamb chops. Great entreés, nothing more nothing less. No dessert, we were too full. I would definitely come back, and try some different items off of their successfully creative menu. read more

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Great ambiance, amazing food! A unique approach to classic Italian, the muscles are scrumptious, all appetizers looked delicious! A must visit place in all of Montclair! read more

I enjoyed my first visit to Laboratorio having seen exceptionally well executed dishes, prepared in a modern and totally satisfying way. The menu choices are great from creative small plates to full entrees, apps and salad. The kale salad with goat cheese was very fresh and tasty although the goat cheese fairly chincy. I would have thought they'd serve this with a brûléed goat cheese croton. It rather they flecked small chunks of the cheese making it almost irrelevant. The salmon was fantastic, as was the lamb. Veggies done perfectly. Dessert choices looked good - I can't recall what I had however. I can say it looked better than it tasted - very sweet. Perhaps not fair to mention it when I can't even recall what it was but maybe that's a statement in itself. The only "problem" I have with this place is the odd offering of Italian pasta dishes when the main menu is nothing close to Italian. I'd call it American modern cuisine. It's almost like they can't figure out what they really want to be. I'd can the pasta and focus on their main menu which is quite good. Prices are reasonable considering the high quality. Service exceptional too. read more

It started with a bang. The ambience is lively and the service was great. We ordered the homemade pesto ravioli which was excellent. The cheese was very fresh and the pesto was fabulous. For entree I ordered the organic chicken with mashed potatoes. The lemon taste was good but the consistency of the chicken was gross. It was rubbery and tasted like it was boiled or stemmed before lightly pan firing. Very strange and I honestly could not get past it. For dessert we ordered the tres leches which was not like a traditional tres leches but very tasty. Overall I have mix feelings about this place. read more

The chicken parm has been on the menu for a few weeks but my first time trying it was yesterday. It was everything I hope to find in an excellent rendition of this dish! The chicken was perfectly cooked, the bread crumb coating added a nice crunch, the cheese was just the right amount to let the chicken be the star of the dish and the marinara sauce was up to their usual standards. And bring a BIG appetite because the portion is more than generous! Thanks Chef, for another crave worthy menu item. read more

What a nice restaurant. Nice atmosphere. I celebrated my birthday with my beloved daughter Sarina. We had an amazing dinner with the top of the line service and amazing food. It was the best . Istra Rivera read more

It's one thing to have a 90 min table limit, but if your kitchen can't turn out an appetizer, and entree and desert in 90 min to a couple that isn't delaying at any point, then don't tell the couple they only have 10 min for desert before they even order. And, then to argue with the same couple while they're still at the table?!?! They actually removed the table cloth from the table for The table next to us as they were paying the bill! Customer service is non-existent with the hostess that claimed she was 'just subbing' but has been there every time we've previously eaten there. Last time we'll ever go and food isn't worth the lack of customer service experienced. Too many better options in town to go back. read more

One word...EXCELLENT! Two words...Superb Service!! Three words...Book reservation NOW!!!!! read more

Excellent food and service. The mushroom risotto off the menu was amazing. Ordered a pasta special with shrimp and chorizo in a tomato sauce and it was so so good and different than anything I'd ever had. The shrimp was cooked perfectly it literally melted!! Mussels appetizer was great, very tender mussels I can't deal with chewy mussels! Nice ambiance and BYO. Parking is a real pain though, so you have to plan ahead. The only negative is the bread in the bread basket was boring...but Im grasping at straws lol. Speaking of straws they put a twirl on the paper on the straws on your drink which was cute lol I seriously can't wait to go back! read more

Have been here several times including having my daughter's baby shower there, too , and I am always impressed by incredible food, presentation and great staff. Laboratorio Kitchen is my favorite restaurant and if you haven't been there, you are missing out! I always feel happy here and wish we lived closer to be able to come here more often. We scallops and the fig and goat cheese crostini (yum!) for appts and for main course the Branzino and it was the best we ever had, but every dish is equally delicious as is a feast for the eyes as well.. beautiful presentation ...and don't get me started on their desserts...OMG says it all! It's a BYOB and a wine store is on the corner and parking across the street. What more could you want... oh,Great value, too!' read more

First time here and it was absolutely delicious! Service was ok but the atmosphere is great, relaxed chic casual. BYOB which is an added bonus! Reservations recommended as it is an intimate setting. read more

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Really good food. Love that it is BYOB. Shared a muscle appy and had the trout for dinner. Very good. Will definitely go back.

We went there for dinner. We felt rushed and unwanted. On top of that, my friends who are not American left a tip and they were told it wasn't enough! Turned lights on and told us they are closing. Rude experience, food was good but attitude ruined it. Note: owner contacted me about my experience so he really does care in providing good service read more

We had dinner here Friday night with a 6:45 reservation. They seated us immediately and the fantastic service started right away. They brought a bucket for our white wine without even having to ask for it. The warm rolls accompanied by a large pad of butter with sea salt on top were so yummy that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The menu has tons of delicious options....my husband got a special appetizer of crostini and homemade burrata and I got a salad with walnuts and cranberries that had a hard to believe it was so good balsamic dressing. For mains he got the salmon....not a drop of anything left on his plate and I got the mushroom risotto with lump crab which was incredibly delicious. We shared a key lime dessert which was, no surprise, yummy! From start to finish everything was delicious and service was amazing. They are doing everything right here and... Laboratorio we will DEFINITELY be back! read more

Food is amazing!!! This is a great place in UMTC! Larry Dembrun read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - #LarryDembrun - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

I really must say this place surpassed my expectations. When you first walk in the lady at the front offers to take your coat which helps take so much extra room off the table. After being seated the waiter came up right away and made his recommendations. We got the New York prime and a special paperdella past i believe with the burrata cheese for appetizer. Everything tasted AMAZING! The service was great, the ambiance was great, and the food was great. Really doesn't get better!! Def will be back read more

My new favorite restaurant!! I am beyond impressed with Laboratorio Kitchen. For apps we had the meatball and the house made burrata. They were outstanding! For dinner I had a tortellini special with truffle that was TO DIE FOR. My husband had the strip steak, which was seasoned and cooked perfectly. That's one thing that really stuck out to me throughout the night - the chef here really knows how to season food properly. The desserts were equally as fabulous as everything else. I can't wait to go back! read more

Vrey pretty place with a great atmosphere, food was amazing with an exceptional service read more

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Two Chilean Sea Bass, Two Salads and one Pasta dish to share please! We walked in without a reservation and my first thought of the ambiance was chic. The chandeliers gave the place a little touch of luxury. I like it. Our waiter was pleasant but not really charismatic. When I asked about specific items on the menu, though he was very descriptive the only word that came out of him several times was "good," which didn't really help us make any choices. Nevertheless, we started with Burrata Salad. Glad we had a nice balance of salad. The fresh cheese, what a delicacy when it hit my lips and the capers did well with the over balance of salt in the salad. Nice starter. The House Made Ravioli, now this was my favorite of the night. Ricotta, Pecorino, Pesto and Lump crab. Wow! I wanted another order! Perhaps three raviolis to share wasn't enough for me but I held back from ordering another. Personally, I thought the pesto and lump crab was well balanced and delicious. Texture of the sauce was perfect. It was like a pea soup texture without the hot temperature. As I said earlier, it was tough making a decision for dinner but we both went with Chilean Sea Bass over cauliflower puree and spinach. No regret here. The cauliflower puree didn't taste like cauliflower. That's bonus points on my end. I don't like cauliflower at in any shape or form but I loved this. Spinach on the other hand was just spinach. Pan seared Chilean Sea bass was well prepared. Delicate golden crisp layer on the outside while moist, flaky from the inside all composed with taste of freshness in every bite. The wine pairing was, Sauvignon Blanc. Dinner was plentiful. Neither of us felt pudgy. If you are craving Italian and want to go small, this is the place for you. Buon appetito! read more

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This place doesn't immediately pop up on the yelp searches so we actually came upon it just walking by it. The reason being could be that the enterees aren't focused on anything particular and more of what you'd see in an chef competition show where chefs try to come up with these high scale meals. you can choose to have one detailed entree or 3 smaller entrees if you want to sample more than one selection for a value price. I went with the organic chicken which is kind of a safety meal from all the fancy other choices that could may not be for my tastes but I must say it was not just your run of the mill chicken dinner. The lemon sauce was excellent being the core of the whole meal it made the chicken delicious, the mashed potatoes delicious and the carrots delicious. I had some of the mushroom chorizo which had a flavorful crab but the rest of it wasn't for me Bs just tasted bland. Not to mention anything mushroom is on my blacklist usually. The service was great, Byob and they will open your wine and even have some delivered from the local liquor store which is interesting. The ambience is nice but better suited for a party more than 2. The food is is kinda high but based on my dinner alone I'd say it's worth the shot but bring the bucks. read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Hot buns - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I had been wanting to try Laboratorio for a while. Finally booked a reservation on Saturday. First, I wasn't sure why the 7PM times were not available on Open Table. We took the closet time at 6:30 and while we were there until about 8 it only was 65% filled. I ordered the fig and Gorgonzola crostini. It was deconstructed which made it a little messy and sticky to eat with the fig balsamic syrup. This was the stand out with the flavors of sweet from the fig and sharp from the cheese. For my entree, I went with the salmon which was served over a cauliflower purée. It created a creamy mild balance almost like mashed potatoes. For dessert, we ordered the pecan pie which cane with a scoop of gelato. I found that the prices were a little high for what presents as a more upscale restaurant. I agree with the other Yelper that presentation was good but nothing taste-wise made it an over the top experience. read more

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Excellent food and great service. The parking is tricky, but it's worth it. Try it out!

Really good restaurant in a highly competitive market. Definitively recommend this restaurant in a hugely competitive market. Pastas are great. Bring two bottles of wine and have a few courses! read more

I was totally blown away by this spot in Montclair. We were seated immediately for our reservation. Our jackets taken at the door. When evaluating a new place I always look for three things: 1. Cleanliness, 2. Quality, and 3. Professionalism. This place checks off on all three. Our waiter, Alex, was extremely attentive and polite. We ordered apps on their special menu: Spanish sausage, shrimp in sofrito sauce; all delicious. Even their bread was superb. Our food came out in a timely manner, and we even enjoyed a free tres leches cake for dessert as it was my friend's birthday. They weren't obnoxious with the singing either--something we all appreciated. This place is perfect for a first date/more formal celebration. I'd come dressed nicely. Ladies maybe heels? Guys, a nice button down. Can't wait to come back and try something new read more

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We liked our visit, but had to wait 20 minutes to be greeted by a waiter. Thankfully, we brought in a bottle of wine that was already open, and we were immediately greeted by a basket of bread by the busers. We were well on our way to buzztown before the waiter came for the first time. Could be because there were two large (+10 people) parties there the night we made our reservation. The food is very reminiscient of Houston's in Bergen County, and in a good way. The chef's bio states he worked at Highlawn Pavilion before and it shows in the taste and quality of the food. The ambiance is hip but noisy. Not a place to have a quiet and private dinner. Reservations definitely recommended for the weekends - and make sure you plan enough time to scout out a parking spot! It is a very nice restaurant with entrees in a price range that is more affordable than return trips to Highlawn. read more

We held a party for 24 here today, and had booked it before ever dining here. After reading reviews, and walking in to look at the menu and speak with the chef about a month ago, we didn't need convincing. The chef is young, and is quite the up and comer. He was gracious when we met with him, and the party that we had was done to perfection. We had (3) family style appetizers - spicy chorizo, shrimp and a fig crostini. Salad service (organic greens) and we kept the main course options minimal for this crew - Dry rubbed Filet Mignon, organic chicken and Dover sole. Each dish was prepared with such attention and this was not treated as a typical party as i have seen at many other restaurants where they all come out at once and often times not done with care. There was nothing that we could complain about, and we plan on making the effort to come back often to Montclair specifically for this restaurant. The chef has created a wonderful tasting menu so that you have an opportunity to come in and not have to spend money on a dinner, but still be able to get a taste of this little gem, and even better yet, this is a BYOB. If you have a chance to get in here, i would suggest you do it sooner than later because i don't expect that within the next year, you will be able to get in unannounced. Prepare to be on a waiting list, or plan on booking in advance. This place is a hot spot. So glad we found it. read more

Drove by this place a few times and finally decided to try it. The inside is well decorated and the service is very nice. The food came out quick and fast. The veal meatball is huge and so yummy. I honestly would order it for my entree and a salad next time. They are also BYOB which is really nice and on par with other Montclair restaurants. Very cute for a date night. read more

Great BYOB Italian restaurant for a celebration or a nice dinner! We started with the fig and Gorgonzola crostini which was delicious! The ingredients paired so well together and felt perfect for the winter time. We ordered three entrees-the local mushroom risotto, fresh pappardelle, and homemade linguini. All three portions were pretty sizable-enough for us to take leftovers home. The risotto came with chorizo and crab meat and topped with crispy spinach. Everything in the risotto was cooked well but tasted too flavorful like there was too much going on in the dish. The pappardelle was outstanding! The giant meatball and tomato cream sauce were divine. This dish was definitely our favorite. The linguini came with scallops, shrimp, and crab in a tomato sauce. The fish was all cooked nicely and tasted fresh but the sauce was a little underwhelming. We felt it could have used some more herbs and spices. The table bread was warm and soft on the inside. Service was good-everything came out pretty timely. The only thing was that we were rushed out towards the end of our meal but is understandable as there was another reservation after us and they needed the table. read more

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Great food and wonderful service! We came in on a Sunday night with no reservation (only two people) and they were able to seat us right away. Appetizers and entrees were great. Would definitely recommend. read more

This place did not disappoint, and has earned each of these 5 stars. The tasting plates we loved were the Creole Shrimp - delicate, layered and nuanced, and the mussels - a generous portion in a rich and delicious garlic cream broth. Just divine. For entrees, we had the Steak au Poivre and the Chilean Sea Bass. Both were perfectly executed and absolutely delicous. Finished with the Pecan pie, which was small (perfectly portioned IMO) - just the perfect amount of sweet, salty, nutty and creamy. If I were to raise a downside - it's that I am not a fan of cool / white lighting. While it does add a modern touch, I think warmer lights would create a more initmate ambience for dinner. Also, there were just a few tables occupied on a Tuesday night, and while service was prompt and very friendly, it could be more attentive. As a suggestion, I think this place could be fantastic if they trained staff more carefully (Filling an empty wine glass, not interrupting conversation to clear away a dish etc.) Overall, a great place, and we hope to return with friends. read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Chilean Sea Bass with Cauliflower Puree/ Scallion Oil - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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