I made reservations here for my husband's 70th birthday. I called a month ahead, explained I would be celebrating a special birthday with my husband, our 2 children and their spouses. Six people total. One month ahead. And I could only get an 8:30pm reservation. Fine. I chose Lunello's because of the food and the atmosphere. It was after Thanksgiving so I knew Lunello's would be decorated for Christmas and in the past it has always been very elegantly decorated. When we arrived for this special dinner we were not shown into the beautifully decorated dining room but instead we were led upstairs (past an open bathroom-ugh) into a plain room that looked like it was used for private parties. No decorations, no elegance. Just 4 or 5 large tables in a room upstairs. There was some sort of bar to the left of us with dirty wine glasses on it. Behind us was a makeshift table with trays and dirty dishes. Not the elegance I was accustomed to. The food was good but I couldn't get past my disappointment in our surroundings. Our bill was $600. For that amount of money I expect ambiance. Again, I told them it was for my husband's 70th birthday. There were only 6 of us. We did not need a huge table or a banquet room. I was never told I wouldn't be seated in the main dining room. This is something that should have been mentioned when I made my reservation--a month in advance. I won't be returning. read more

Gotta say this My wife and I have been coming here for a few years now. We have even taken friends here for their first time. Normally very good-this past time not so much. We don't mind paying a little extra for service and atmosphere but this past time was the last time. The night was excellent til desert. I pulled the cookie from the cream in my plate and a blonde hair about eight inches long came with it. Called our waiter over and presented it to him. Nothing was done or offered to compensate for this Burger King would have done something for sure Bye bye Never again read more

Amazing food! Can't go wrong with any of the pastas and the meat dishes are delicious - really their entire menu! The customer service is top notch and they are helpful in suggesting gluten free options as well. The risotto is gf and they have gf pasta. When I ordered they had penne, but it sounds like they may have other options on certain days. Highly recommend!! read more

The decor is beautiful and the food was superb. The buffalo cheese appetizer with tomato was incredible. I had the seafood salad special for dinner. They didn't have the right grappa tho :( read more

Lu Nello - Italian Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

My husband and I went out for a date night. We picked Lu Nello's because it's always been good. We were beyond disappointed this evening. My entree came out steaming hot, so I couldn't take a bite for the first 10 minutes. Needless to say, I watched my husband enjoy his entree, not what I expecting. When the waiter came by and asked how it was, I explained that my entree should never have been allowed to be served that hot. I'm sure you've guessed, we never saw him again. The topper was when we picked up our car from the valet, the guy said very loudly "ok, whatever". We gave him a very decent tip, but I guess it wasn't good enough. How incredibly rude!!! I think they've gotten ahead of their reputation, and therefore, it just doesn't matter anymore. read more

Dining at this restaurant is a luxurious experience. The staff is phenomenal. The waiters are so professional, prepared, and helpful. It is a little pricey but it is worth every penny. I can't imagine any restaurant serving more delicious food than Lu Nello. read more

Lu Nello - Italian Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

The bar area of this restaurant DOES NOT follow Covid guidelines. I walked in to a fully packed restaurant and needed to walk right out. Staff was not wearing masks and tables were so close you could touch the elbows of the table behind you. read more

Hostess was very rude and disrespectful towards our party. We were spending $900 at the restaurant and it was totally worth it for the food, wait staff, and atmosphere. The hostess was obnoxious, arrogant, and an overall witch. The wait staff hadn't brought our check yet and she came over disrespectfully yelling at us to leave because another table needed to be seated. We had elderly and handicapped guests with us whom which need assisting equipment (that the hostess took and put in the coatroom). They could not leave without this assistance while there was a scene being made in the restaurant over something that was not worth arguing about. This was our favorite restaurant, we have celebrated many birthdays and events here but unfortunately we will not be visiting anytime soon. Hopefully they can bring back the previous host and hostess. read more

Very good food but pricey. Depends on where you are coming from too far of a drive for me

So where do I start. This place is the real deal. You start your dining experience with a shot of fresh complimentary soup. Afterwards the waiter comes and impresses the heck out of you by how he is able to memorize around 30 specials in detail. My family ordered to start the arugula salad and seafood salad. They were both delicious especially the seafood salad so unbelievably fresh. Main course we ordered the osso buco, pasta with sausages, filet mignon risotto and pasta with calms. We finished with a white chocolate bread pudding. Everything was absolutely delicious. read more

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7 feet, 11 and 3/4 inches. That's how high the bar has been set by this restaurant (Olympic world record is 7 feet, 11 and 1/2 inches). Have your car washed and reservation ready if you plan on coming to Lu Nello on the weekend. When pulling in to Lu Nello and being greeted by the friendly valet, it lets you know the level of service you are about to receive. Next, walk in the door, where on a winters night you check your coat upon being sat at your table. The maitre'd here looked very familiar after having him read the extensive list of specials. I got it, I know where I recognize him from. He must be the son of Pavoratti and Michael Buffer. As extensive as the specials are, the wine list looks as thick as War and Peace. Chicken consomme, bread, olives, parmesan cheese and a mini ice cream cone. Oh, I'm sorry, in case you misunderstood, I didn't order any of this. These were gifts to us from the restaurant. After hearing all the mouth watering specials, I decided to try the Veal Chop wrapped in prosciutto. Being that I was in a fine dining restaurant, I had to try with every ounce of me to not put the bone in my mouth and suck out the marrow. For an appetizer I had the beet salad which was fresh and light. The moment I realized I was in a fine establishment, is when the waiter with super sensitive hearing must have heard a crumb hit the table and came by with his little metal zamboni to rid the table cloth of any debris. While I hoped to write this review the night I went there, everything was just so perfect, that I came home and dreamt of my next visit there. To keep my review short and to the point, this is the perfect place for birthday, anniversary, holiday or really any day that you want a perfect meal from a great chef and nothing less will do. read more

Amazing is an understatement. My fiancé and I met my cousins here for dinner last week. It was my first time here but, my cousins have been here a few, and raved about it. We had reservations, which I would recommend especially if you plan on coming in on a weekend or for a holiday. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgable. After taking our drink order he recited a very long and extensive specials list. Everything you could possibly imagine was on this list, salmon, tuns, filet mignon, pasta, pork chops, etc. For appetizer we ordered the tuna trio and the mozzarella corroza, both delicious. The tuna was so fresh and served three way, tar tar, one was encrusted in black pepper and one was encrusted in a wasabi. The corroza was not greasy at all! For dinner we all ordered something different, we had the pork chops, salmon special which was encrusted in a pignoli and honey mustard and cooked perfectly, we also ordered a chicken dish and a veal dish. Everything was great, no one had any complaints. Everything was cooked perfectly and very fresh. For dessert we ordered the bread pudding to share, phenomenal!!!! Everything was excellent and I would absolutely recommend it, a little pricey so you may want to save it for a special occasion! Enjoy! read more

We took our entire staff here for dinner last month. The food was great, the staff was great. They have valet parking so big plus. Drinks are pricey but, expected. Can't go wrong with a high end meal here' read more

Came here for a family dinner, having never been here before. Has old world charm and service, and you pay for both. This is definitely a special occasion restaurant. The food was tasty and plentiful, but not out of the ordinary for a good Italian restaurant, which was disappointing. The five stars are definitely for the ambiance and service, as the food would warrant four stars. Wine was also expensive for the amount of wine in the glass. Just reserve this place for important occasions. read more

Perfection. Enuf said. Thank you Lou and staff. This is the only Italian restaurant that I like, coming from a person of Italian heritage.

What can I say- a fan for too many years to remember. I go out numerous times a week to NYC, NJ- you name it- I eat out a lot. I am a pain in the a@@ and this place NEVER disappoints. I have clients that I take who have experienced it all and they all agree- one of the best dining experiences ever. Probably one of the best places in NJ. Service is great and the food- divine. Wine list to knock your socks off. Last night I had a long day- sat at the bar- treated like a lady- had a great pasta dish (all hand made by the way). You walk out of there knowing a quick trip at the bar- or a long lingering night at a table is always a great time. read more

Good afternoon, I haven't been back to this location, in a very long time, but remembering a wonderful experience. So, I thought this would be the perfect choice for my Birthday dinner, with high expecations from my previous visits. We were seated immediatlely upon arrival, the only caveat was that, I have difficulty walking, especially with steps (with a visual limp) and was unaware of the upstairs dining room. I mentioned this to the young lady, who escorted us and she told me "there is a bathroom upstairs".... I asked what does that mean ? I gingerly walked up to the 2nd floor dining room and she kindly said "take your time", being totally oblivious to my situation. So, the lack of thoughtfulness for your patrons, I found totally surprising, albeit her young age, where was her training or her common sense? Shortly after being seated, a complimentary teacup size of clear chicken soup was offered. Bland, tastless, could only find notes of perhaps some sort of base, a hint of acid may have helped, or not...barely took a sip. Ok, it is my Birthday, take a breath and think positive, it can only get better, right?? My appetizer was off the "Specials", shrimp with cannellini beans....the shrimp were wonderful, succulent, sweet, tasty, done perfectly, except they substituted Butter beans ( which I dislike lima beans, one of the same, they ran out cannellini beans.) the waiter was kind enough to replace the beans with sauteed spinach. Tender spinach, perfectly sauteed with dark brown bitter slices of garlic, throughout. My entree, Veal LuNello....unfortuanely, visually unappealing, swimming in sauce, and was lacking flavor. Such a dissappointing evening, perhaps my expectations were too high due to my special day. But, there was such a lack of care from the hostess to the kitchen, I must say that my waiter and the manager, were kind, understanding and professional in every way. read more

The most unusual experience at a restaurant at this price point. The food was absolutely delicious! The most delicious fresh halibut, fig appetizer, calamari....all fantastic. Now the strange part...service attentive yes...but attitude. Group of 6 Ask for 2 checks between 6...attitude. on my check left 23% tip with cash. Person leaving Credit card payment waiters added extra $$$ onto their card without them authorizing... what? ?!!! Food great! Service sadly shady... read more

These guys don't miss a beat even during these difficult times. Absolutely perfect crisp bright caesar salad and Lou's lasagna bolognese. I liked the thoughtful masks and gloves at pick-up. I just called when I arrived and they brought it out front. Next time I am going to go for the pasta kit meal. What a great idea! read more

Excellent from start to finish. Expensive, but you can taste, smell, see etc the quality and care put into the place. Wife holds a similar opinion. She had a pumpkin appetizer (yes, pumpkin) that was outrageous. 6 stars. we both had veal dishes that we excellent. Crowd is very "north jersey". lots of guys who looked like Joe Guidice from RHW of NJ. but no tables got flipped :) everyone being civilized! worth a trip and the prices - reminds me of Casa Dante circa 1986. and that is HIGH praise!!! read more

I have loved this restaurant for years but last night they outdid themselves. We had the calamari which was feather light served with two sauces you could drink. Then came the locally sourced salad from Morgan's Farm, organic greens perfectly dressed. Pasta was a pappardelle with mushrooms, not heavy and very flavorful. I had the pan seared halibut with cauliflower mash and summer vegetables. It was amazing as the fish was lightly browned from the pan, the sauce was a light better herb. Beautiful. My husband had a chicken and sausage with long hots in a brown sauce. It had a deep rich flavor he loved. We keep going back because we always have lovely food. The service is attentive. read more

This is actually a retrospective review, as we dined here in November of 2013. Ambiance - 4.5 Stars: Lu Nello has some upscale features that I'm sure some people would really enjoy. The coat check is fine during winter months, but I always feel a bit odd giving away my coat. Additionally, the only parking option is valet - and I HATE valet. I do not like people messing with my seat position, fiddling with dials, and burning out the clutch in my car. The parking lot isn't even that big, so it's not like you have to walk a half mile to get into the restaurant from where you would be parking your car. This is just my opinion though. There seems to be a trend with Jersey restaurants forcing you to Valet your car - whats up with that? With that being said, Lu Nello's interior is nicely appointed. It's very cozy and warm inside. The night we went was very empty, however, and that made me feel a bit uncomfortable. I would say they need to get rid of the carpet though, there's something that grosses me out about carpet inside of restaurants. Service - 4.5 Stars: The service here is great. Not sure how the wait staff manages to memorize all the specials, as they are abundant. I had read some complaints about people not being able to remember all the specials that are rattled off - but when we were there they did offer us a print out (after he completed his speech). Wine glasses were continuously filled. End of the meal they came around with a tool to scrape the crumbs off the table, for some reason this always makes me giddy. As with many other upscale restaurants, I did feel as if the servers were a bit cold to us due to our age. Food - 5 Stars: All three of the dishes we had were specials. Appetizer was a small pumpkin stuffed with mushrooms, cheese, sausage, and a few other things. I was hesitant to try this - but I'm glad we did. It was amazing. Entrees were the Gnocchi and Halibut specials. The gnocchi were much different than any gnocchi I have had before. House made, obviously fresh as they were still quite tender, but they were MASSIVE. Each gnocchi was the size of a stuffed shell or manicotti, and there were about 5 or 6 on the plate. It was served with, of course, Bolognese. The sauce was very very good. Halibut was also quite good, considering I don't like fish. The pumpkin appetizer was very creative, and the gnocchi was a change from every gnocchi I have had before - so accolades are deserved for these two dishes. Plating - 4 Stars: Nothing over the top about the plating. Everything came out looking good. Price - 4 Stars: It's quite expensive, but I believe it's justified. Overall, very good experience at Lu Nello. We may just return again this November for the same special occasion. read more

I've been to many, many italian places to eat and this is one of my faves. The food quality is consistent and delicious. It's a bit on the pricey side but you at least get what you pay for. Highly recommended. Defin make reservations to eat here. read more

I have been going to Lunellos's for many years and have never been disappointed. My wife and I went last saurday without a reservation. Although, they appeared full, they were able to accomodate us. We had a drink at the bar and 30 minutes later a nice table was available. While at the bar, generous drinks were poured. No measured drinks at this fine restaurant. For dinner, I always start with a half order of pasta. It is always fresh with plenty of flavor. It was a little salty but very enjoyable. For main course i had the Bronzini which was one of the specials. It was prepared perfectly and came with vegetables and a potato. My wife was similarly pleased with her meal which consisted of a tuna appetizer and a soft shell crab special. The wait staff is great as is management. I guess that's why I have been going her for so many years. read more

MY PAISONO'S, WHEN WILL ITALIAN RESTAURANTS FINALLY START PRINTING THE SPECIALS. I ALREADY FORGOT THEM, AND YOU JUST FINISHED READING IT! " COME BACK LET'S DO IT AGAIN " An app with figs and Prosciutto, like being back in the old country. Braised Short Rib with Gnocchi on the special. Unfortunately the sauce's flavor fell short of being anything special. Heard from the waiter, how all deserts are home made. Too bad he didn't mean a different home, like mine.Unfortunately this Taramisu is not getting them up to four stars either......................................... read more

What a quaint and delicious Italian restaurant with excellent service and food. I had the stuffed dates and the fettuccine fra diavolo when shrimp. read more

Before the COVID 19 pandemic, I was looking forward to celebrating my wife's birthday at Lu Nello's.I was going to locate a romantic corner of Lou's beautiful establishment for just us two. A fresh ceasar salad and a dish of that wonderful Papardelle pasta to start off with before we both settled on a "special entree" would be just perfect. Wham! Fast forward and we are now home during the pandemic. No worries! I am still looking forward to the celebration...but it will be at our home. The family is here and we are all safe. For the time being, Lou you put together a menu for pickup /delivery that will make the evening perfect. My wife's Eggplant Parmigiana selection is on the menu... To Lou, Stephanie and the team.....you are all missed. We will get through this together and celebrate more birthdays in the near future at your "house" in Cedar Grove. The Lawrence Family! read more

Not sure I'd be nearly as generous as other posters on YELP in my review of Lu Nelllo. In fairness, I was there for a business lunch; not a social dinner. That said, the service was crisp and top end but the meal was good and far from great. I started with a seafood salad (average) and had grilled salmon over broccoli rabe as my entree. The salmon was nicely cooked but the vegetable was overcooked. Ambiance is a tad dated too. Not a bad place but far from deserving a 4.5 star rating. read more

I guess LuNello's deserves the praises it gets, but I'm not sure why. I mean I can get as good or better in many other places in NJ. Or I can just stay home and make my own... and obviously for less money. I had the orecchiette (sp?) with sausage and rabe which is my current favorite 'italian' dish. It was good, but like I said, I've had better in many other italian restaurants. My wife chastised me for getting something so 'ordinary' but I really like this dish when it's made well. My wife had pacific bass, which was ridiculously priced at $37. Really? $37? She had the chilean sea bass at Queen Margherita in Lodi the day before which was just as good and half the price. This place definitely has 'something' because this place was PACKED... and packed means LOUD. I hate having dinner where I have to shout to have a conversation. Ok, I'm an "old fart" and maybe once upon a time I would have enjoyed this place more (assuming I would have had the money for this place) Not sure, but I doubt I'll be back. read more

This is some fancy Italian food! We got 2 different seafood salads to start the meal. I've been dreaming of both since then. SO good. The chicken consumme you start the meal with is unbelievable. I would gladly take a huge bowl of it next time. The entree I got was veal w/ truffles. It was heavenly but it's those seafood salads I cant stop thinking about!! read more

First time at Lu Nello since it moved to Cedar Grove. Overall very good experience. The decor is pleasant and the greeting and seating was top notch. Service was very good. For appetizers we had the beet salad with peppers and garlic that was excellent. The baby arugula salad was very good. Another person had a white bean and onion salad that he said was good but was not happy with the size of the serving. As far as the main course, several had the Chicken Angelo which I thought was very good. It was a moist chicken breast smothered with peppers, potatoes and crumbled well cooked sausage. It was served in a olive oil / brown sauce that was very tasty and had a little kick to it. One of our group had the risotto with steak tips that he said was excellent. Another had the pork chop which he said was fantastic. Several had the osso bucco with mashed potatoes. They both indicated that the sauce and mashed potatoes were extremely good. The meat while good was not as tender as they normally would expect. Deserts all around were very good. I had the white chocolate and caramel bread pudding that was very good. Some shared the apple-crisp with gelato and said that was also very good. The wines were good. The wine list is extensive. We were a group of eight people and they sat us in a room that seemed to be all large groups. While the service was good in the room, it was very loud and made it difficult to make conversation over dinner. My tip would be to make sure you asked to be seated in the front room. Food was good, but I rated it down one notch because of the room noise. I would come back outside the holidays season to give it another try. read more

This restaurant has the most delicious food that I've ever had! I have only been here twice, but each time, my experience has been outstanding! The zuppa is incredible. The last time I was there I had the braised short ribs and they were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The dessert is to die for! We ordered a little bit of everything. If you're on a date, this is a great spot to impress them, the service is outstanding! The decor is pretty fancy and the host very welcoming. Also there is only vallet parking which gives it a "high-end" feel when you walk in the restaurant. I love this place, I look forward to returning very soon. read more

Setting is great. Nice premises but decor seems to be stuck in 1980 time warp. Food is "ok" but nothing great. The main problem is that all the waiters have heavy foreign accents. Nothing wrong with an accent, but so difficult to understand them. What ruined my evening was the list of specials. There were at least 20 specials which the heavy-accented waiter rattled off so fast it was a strain to follow, let alone understand. He took almost a full ten minutes to list the specials, but it felt like an eternity. Plus he didn't quote prices. Suggestion to restaurant. Keep the staff. They're good. But print out the specials with the prices. Much faster and simpler. If you can't do that? Then reduce your specials and ask someone who can speak clearly to recite the specials. With prices! read more

I have been to this restaurant too many times to count. Last night was phenomenal once again. We were a party of six & everyone had an awesome meal from start to finish. I had the stuffed zucchini flowers.. Yum and then Sea Bass oreganato which was Outstanding finished with the ridiculously delicious white bread pudding. Great service, great food always a win. read more

Everything about this restaurant was excellent. The food, service, and staff all did a wonderful job. Yum!

As a Jersey native and an Italian, I know my Italian food. And Lunello's gets it right every time. The dishes are simple yet amazingly fresh and flavorful. I never even open the menu- I just wait for the epic specials list. Actually, there's one exception to that rule- the insalata di mare (seafood salad). But I have that memorized, so my first statement was correct- I never open the menu, haha. For dessert the white chocolate bread pudding is a MUST. If you don't order it you're just foolish. read more

I've heard good things about this place, but being a food snob and not finding many places in NJ that can compare the quality of food in NY, I wasn't in a rush to be disappointed with trying a new place. Finally, after getting a random sitter surprise and another couple telling begging us to go there, we decided to check it out and I'm SO glad we did. In a chest* nut shell: 1) Food was amazing - truffles were in season and to die for! 2) Ambience was gorgeous, especially with the Christmas decor 3) Service was fantastic! *(Pun intended - I'll explain later if you care to continue reading) The place is beautiful on the inside! They have new decor, clean bathrooms, white linen tablecloths (which could have been ironed but who pays attention to that detail except for me?), beautiful crown molding and warm neutral wall tones with a home feeling and comfortable classy ambiance! It was busy especially by the bar when we arrived, but I didn't mind having a cocktail while our table was prepared. The host offered to take my coat and later delivered my coat tag to my table which I thought was a nice touch. Another host escorted my drink from the bar to our dining table. I was glad I didn't have to balance that across the dining room in heals as I once was an unsuccessful waitress. The bar scene was filled with some folks eating at the bar and some having a cocktail. The majority of clientele were dressed to impress. There were some men in suits which probably came straight from a business meeting, but mostly were dressy casual with nice pants/skirts and nice shirts except some weird couple of guys in their sweat pants which were later seated. (They must know someone or just not give a ish.) I still can't figure them out...Anyway.....I was with good company and had great conversation so getting back to the restaurant... We were with a "regular" and we got seated with a very nice server named "AL"...he probably was the best server there as he provided exemplary service and I think he's been there for a long time. I was impressed as all the waiters memorized their long list of detailed specials which is longer than their 4 page menu and filled with in season items. We had multiple attendants checking in on us at all times and my drink was always filled when my head was in conversation like magic. Then I'd turn to take a sip and voila! A brand new cocktail! We ordered appetizers and shared them family style. I had the The Spiedino, Calamari Fritti and Pappardelle Porcini.........HOLY ish is that Pappardelle great! It's to die for with the homemade pasta noodles and the best way I can describe the comfort of the taste would be like a luxury version of Mac and Cheese, but ooo so smooth, creamy and tasty with that truffle oil. I was actually very sad I had to share this dish with my group. For dinner I had the Medaglione di Vitello Mangione and again in truffle butter....I devoured the entire dish! The veal was tender and the sauce had this 'cravability' factor that I look for in fine dining. We were too stuffed for dessert, but we were offered chestnuts roasted from an open fire with our cappuccinos. I thought jack frost was going to nip at my nose but the next experience was to watch them be opened! It was almost a form of mini entertainment as our host smashed them on the table with his palm sending a sea of shells in front of my party. It was fun way to end the night since I never had them before and I'm all about trying new things. But, they are not my cup of tea as I found them to be chalky and dry to taste. Anyway, since I'm most interested in great food when we do get out this is a place I will definitely return. I was expecting to pay about $200 for my husband and I and I think the price with tip came to about $180/couple and it was worth it. I'm definitely going back! If I had to nitpick I would say the valet could have opened the car doors on the way in and out for the passengers. I always appreciate a door being held open for me but maybe I'm too high maintenance. It was odd that the valet was just there to park the cars...if you want to offer service then start by servicing your ladies. Several other reviewers commented about the restaurant being loud, but I didn't think it was too loud having lived and dined in NYC. There was only a minor annoyance with the loud stomping of servers running up and down the stairs during our meal to the second floor but this really wasn't a big deal to me at least. We weren't offered water with our meal which was a bit annoying but fine in the end because I was enjoying my vodka. Maybe, that has something to do with the 5 star review... read more

The iconic restaurant where Teresa Giudice flipped the table on Real Housewives Of New Jersey read more

Lu Nello - Italian Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

I would have easily given this gastronomic gem 5 stars, but we waited 45 minutes for our dinner entrees. I had the Branzino ...yum, and my friend had the jalapeño crusted sea bass which was amazing!!! Before and after dinner the waitstaff was on point. Aside from our entree delay, it was one of the most amazing dining experiences I have had to date. I often eat at NYC restaurants, entertaining clients and spending $1200 on a meal for 5 people. The food at Lu Nellos was on par with those establishments. I love the valet touch, and the Wise Guys atmosphere. I cannot wait to return and give it the five stars it deserves. read more

This place is amazing I highly recommend it for a business or date night dinner Great food and outstanding service at a very reasonable price Atmosphere was relaxed. read more