I was there for a meeting, so I asked when I arrived if there were gluten free options and was assured there were. When the pasta course arrived, I confirmed with the server that it was gluten free. Started eating, then he came and took it away saying they accidentally served me regular pasta. No apologies and no consideration (from the server or the manager) that they had made me ill (even though I was visibly upset and left without eating dinner). read more

We came here on a Sunday for my dad's birthday. Not too crowded which was fine, the service was good we had two waiters- in what seemed like friendly competition to serve our table. Not sure if it was typical or if it was just because the place was empty. Anyway drinks came, food was ordered. Appetizers: Octopus sautéed with hot peppers and onions. Very good, tender octopus with sautéed sliced long hot peppers and onions. Fried calamari with your typical marinara sauce. Breading was light and crispy, and not one chewy piece on the plate. Dates stuffed with Brie and wrapped in bacon. These were good but the bacon could have been crispier. Entrées: I had the pork chop with cherry peppers and balsamic reduction. Thick, juicy pork perfectly cooked. The balsamic reduction and briny cherry peppers were great additions, the sweetness and acidity cut through the meat of the pork chop. Others at our table had: Branzino and Halibut, which were both extremely fresh and light tasting. Veal chop which was good but seemed a little tough. Duck which I believe was a special that night and it was very good. Dessert: Tartufo and cannoli were good. I can't remember the rest (sorry guys) but you're not coming here just for the desserts are you? read more

Great food, service and ambiance. We haven't been there in a couple years but going back much more frequently.

We decide to stop in after living in neighborhood for last 10 yrs.. Very Upper class... I had the Seabass and it was amazing it's.. The waiter Chris was excellent definitely will eat here again 10 out 10.. read more

We've been coming here for over 7 years and this is my first review. This is by far our favorite place to eat for a nice date night. The food here is fantastic. It's all fresh and always delicious. The restaurant is very clean and has such a nice ambiance. The owners and wait staff remember you and treat you like an old friend. They are also very good with special requests. We are always told that if it's not on the menu it doesn't matter, they will make it for you. My husband loves the Shrimp Novelli and I recommend any of their pasta or filet mignon. read more

Love it here. Great atmosphere. I love love love the chicken dish ~ its the half chicken. It is HUGE and comes in the best sauce... one of my favorites and I am really picky. read more

A nice place for a special occasion, but we won't be back often. We dine out a few times a month and were looking for a local Italian place to enjoy, but this won't be it. The atmosphere is enjoyable, but the hostess was not overly friendly and seemed a bit pretentious. The food is certainly above average, four stars, but not five. The service was wonderful and made the night worth it. read more

Great dining experience in Wayne. This is the second time we have been there in the past 3 months and is becoming our favorite place for a special ocassion. Top rate service and food. As a long time Wayne resident, I remember when it was La Gardenia, which was also a great place. I didn't realize that ownership had changed about 7 years ago - the decor is changed and it is now brighter and it is very classy looking inside. We all had one of the fish specials of the evening - and they were excellent. read more

My wife and I decided to try Novelli for the first time since the new ownership had taken over. We were hesitant for months because the old owners were such a major part of the operation and felt the quality surely couldn't be the same. We couldn't have been more wrong ! We truly feel like Novelli in Wayne has actually improved by switching owners. We started our evening by being greeted warmly by husband and wife. This young couple clearly has a passion for hospitality. We felt as if I was being taken care of by a staff of five-star attendants in our own home. The sophisticated, classy and romantic atmosphere was the perfect ambiance for my wife and I to get enjoy our Friday night out after a long week of work. The craft cocktails and extensive wine list is sure to please anyone visiting this establishment. After reading the seasonal specials we ordered the following: Appetizers-Brie stuffed figs wrapped with prosciutto and also a tuna, mango and avocado tower Entrees-Soft shell crabs encrusted with panko breadcrumbs served with a tri-color salad and also duck breast grilled with a gran munier fig sauce and wild rice. Dessert- homemade pistachio gelato and bananas foster (cooked table-side) This was one of best meals and dining experiences we've ever had. Everything from the food quality and incredibly attentive service was perfect. Our server James was very helpful and knowledgable with his suggestions. He was a true professional. Thank you to everyone at Novelli for a memorable night out! We will absolutely be back again! read more

Some of the best Italian I've had anywhere, but in New Jersey, in Wayne you won't find any better. Pasta is a homerun but that is a given. The fish is incredible. Service is outstanding. I will definitely be back. read more

Very good Italian place that has old school food that does not disappoint ,servers seem as if they have worked here for year and treat you as if they own the place ,they really care ,only drawback is we were there on a weekend and not as consistent. read more

Great food great service somewhat loud I would highly recommend recommend it for celebrations need reservations on weekends definitely going back again read more

Having had a very average meal here a few years ago, my expectations were not very high when we decided to go for dinner at Novelli recently. However we were delightfully surprised this time around as the food was fantastic. All the ingredients were extremely fresh and beautifully prepared. My wife had colby meatballs as an app - extremely tender, and delicious. I had a seafood dish in a pesto cream sauce over home made spaghetti - absolutely delightful. My wifes lobster entree was also incredible. If I had anything negative to say, it would have been about the bar staff - we waited for 10 minutes to get a cocktail without one of them even acknowledging our existence - even though we were sitting right in front of them. It was really weird, but would not put me off going back here. read more

great food. great service. got the gnocchi and it was to die for. can't wait to go back!

Went here for the first time this weekend, and I am already thinking about what I will have when I go back! Staff was attentive, cozy atmosphere even though it's a decent size with 2 rooms and a bar area. Oysters were so fresh, insane stuffed zuchinni flowers with crab, and my short ribs were the best short ribs I have ever had....dessert specials that are seasonal...peach melba...berries with Greek yogurt...zuchinni flowers with apples & ice cream...everything we tasted was better than the last! I read on here that people thought it was pricey, I did not...everything we had was light, fresh...you could tell nothing was "pre-cooked"...if you want cheap pre-fab food...don't go here, I thought the prices were reasonable....honestly, this joint is NYC quality....glad it's here though :) read more

Amazing food. Amazing drinks. The dirty Martinis are perfect and they have blue cheese stuffed olives!! Perfect place for a date night!

Excellent in ambiance, food, drinks and service! All male waitstaff, It definitely is pricey and for some that means it's not a weekly dining spot, but its worth what you pay when you go. The owners are excellent with remembering you and coming to see if you are satisfied and need anything. You can go and enjoy a drink in the intimate bar area and have a bite at the bar or eat at a table in the restaurant which is on both sides of bar area...either way you will never be disappointed here. read more

Amazing service! Delicious food. Calamari appy was to die for, extraordinarily fresh and cooked to perfection. Novelli salad came with a blue cheese vinaigrette that was delish. My boyfriend and I both had the penne vodka with peas. Served al dente. Yummy. Dessert was a Godiva chocolate cheesecake which for a chocolate lover, like myself, melted in your mouth. The melon on the fruit plate was very fresh. Couple who own the place are charming. Highly recommend. Must go. read more

My husband brought me here Sept 3,2013 for my 30th bday. It was completely empty. There was some guy and his brother at the bar I feel like he was the owners son or someone important . He was obnoxious and rude as he spoken the wrong with foul language and ignorance. But he left and it was looking up for us. When I first looked at the menu and prices I have to admit I was taken back. I'm very simple when it comes to food. I'm a total foodie but I like home cooking:) . However! The food was AMAZING and the portion size satisfies the price. I had the filet mignon and my husband the pork chop. My Filet Mignon was RIDICULOUSLY tender and the butterflied it for me. And my husband the pork chop O MY GOODNESS!!! Tender?!? Total understatement it was like the juiciest piece of chicken you have ever had ! But it wasn't chicken! It was pork amazing !! read more

Amazing food even better service! Would recommend to all. The gnocchi was one of the best I've ever had.

I give 5 stars for the food .The food is excellent and we have always had a great meal. However, I can only give the service one start. The owner Stephanie is rude. My husband and I have been there several times with a reservation and each time we arrive she can't find our reservation in the book. She made us stand in the lobby waiting for our table for countless minutes without even explaining the situation to us. She ignores us when we ask what is going on with the table. She is unfriendly and has a very poor attitude toward her customers. It makes us not want to come back. We know many people who have had the same experience with her and won't return because of her awful customer service. read more

Some of the best Italian I've had in some time. Been there twice in the past month and had great food both times. Try the octopus app and the specials. read more

I just found this site for reviews and felt I had to write one for Novelli. My family, which is quite large, used to go to the restaurant very frequently over the years when it was La Gardenia. My in laws went every Friday night - the rest of us went quite often and for every special occasion. We even had a large birthday party there for my father- in- law's 75th. The food was always good, the waiters were very attentive and the owners were always friendly and professional. They sold the restaurant years ago and opened a wonderful restaurant in Bergen County. We continued to go to the restaurant once it became "Novelli" because we all live close by and had loved going to La Gardenia over the years. Some of the waitstaff remained with the restuarant. The restauant was remodeled and was quite nice. The food was mostly good, though not great on some occasions. Unfortunately the woman who either owns or manages Novelli can be rude and unprofessional to customers. Because of her behavior we told her we'd never be back -and we haven't! We went to dinner for our Anniversary and were enjoying our meal when she came over to our table and said that a party of 4 had come to the restaurant a 1/2 hour EARLIER THAN EXPECTED so we'd have to move. With that she started to move my husband's jacket to another table! She was actually having the waiters move our plates! We were shocked. Never have we been treated like this in a restaurant. We would have been ready to leave within 15 minutes and if the other party had come early she should have asked them to wait in the bar. Even though we told her that we didn't want to move and wanted to finish our meal she moved us anyway. Once we were moved she offered to buy us a drink. We told her that we didn't want a drink. We'd already had 2 each and wouldn't want to drive after having another. We hadn't wanted anything but to be able to finish our meal at the table where we had been seated. This woman always seemed cold when we went to Novelli's. But this last experience was beyond unprofessional. My husband told her when we were leaving that we'd never been treated so shabbily anywhere and that we'd NEVER be back. And we won't. Novelli is not a cheap restaurant. My suggestion is that if you're going to spend your good money on a good meal and want to be guaranteed of being treated well go to a different restaurant. read more

Impecable food & service and a classy yet inviting , cozy atmosphere. If you never experience Novelli, you have certainly missed out in life! read more

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Most consistently excellent fine dining restaurant in the area. Fish always fresh, seasonal special like stuffed zucchini blossoms, bacon wrapped figs and soft shell crabs are a treat. The staff is excellent, the bartender Argent is a certified sommelier. The new owners Cima and Benny are friendly and attentive. read more

What an amazing experience I just had in this restaurant, the food was stunning, the service impeccable, I'll definitely go back.

I had a Party of 8 for My BDay and What Great ambiance!! The lighting wasn't to Dark Nor to Bright, Great Service from the waiter and Hostess!! The Food was On Point Very Fresh.. And The Drinks Kept coming Can't wait to try the Lunch Menu!! read more

A lot of these reviews are spot on as nowhere around here I've Ever given 5 stars. This place is the best I've been to in a while. Had the osso bucco with risotto and it was out of this world. My wife had the branzino with beans and escarole and she keeps raving about it days after. I thought she was going to eat the plate and she's not a foodie. Great service too. I'll be back. read more

First time here and very glad we chose this restaurant. Everything was outstanding! The gnocchi pesto is very light and the Orata fillet was very tasty. read more

This is a 5 star place for sure. It's one of those special occasion places that has great food and service. While some may find it pricey and maybe a tad pretentious I think that comes with the territory with a place like this. So just open your wallet and enjoy the yummy food and drinks and desserts! read more

This review is long overdue ! We went in around Valentine's Day and the hostess I believe the owner yes in other reviews did not smile much HOWEVER she runs a great restaurant ! We had our daughter with us and at the end of our dinner she did walk over and asked us how our meal was ... I honestly can't remember what we had because I was Pregnant but I do remember that I wanted to give them a great review ... The service was excellent and although we'd only back for a special occasion I wouldn't hesitate one bit ! read more

From the start to finish what a great experience. Great wine list with nice drinks from the bar. We started with salads & they were fresh and delightful. For the main course I recommend everything on the menu but the fish courses are great. The foods not cheap but you get what you pay for. They have a great wait staff and you will be treated very well. read more

Novelli is one of the best restaurants in the area, easily comparable to the best in New York. The decor and service can't be beaten. The food is always fantastic and fresh. read more

Great place! Found this on Yelp yesterday and went for dinner last night and WOW! Food was amazing, I had the Salmon Nocciola and my girlfriend had the Filet Mignon with a nice bottle of wine. The place is very nice, very well kept and the staff is very attentive. Our waiter (Ben) was always around and very professional and knowledgeable on the menu. My only complaint is really not toward the restaurant but more toward the customers last night. My table was directly behind the bar area which had 2 groups of patrons who were extremely loud and had alittle too much to drink, but you get that everywhere. I just didn't expect it on a monday night. Overall i recommend this place, i will be back soon enough! read more

Novelli - SALMON NOCCIOLA from Novelli's in Wayne NJ - Italian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

Amazing Saturday night at Novellis restaurant had an awesome time with my family and I would definitely recommend going there. Great food, great service and great atmosphere. read more

One of the best Italian meals I have EVER had. We always go to the best of the best in and around NYC for special occasions and this was right up there with some of the best, most superb NYC restaurants. THe decor, service and food were all magnificent. Must go! read more

Finally tried here after wanting to for a while and I will say we were not disappointed. Food & service are both top notch. Tried the fresh pasta with the filet mignon tips- delicious! Filet was so tender and could melt in your melt. Can't wait to go back again! read more

Several friends and I had dinner here last night. My only regret is not taking pictures of every dish we consumed so I can share them with you. From start to finish it was absolutely incredible. Wonderful staff, (our waiter Jamie was knowledgeable in food prep and just overall terrific) attentive service, lovely ambiance and delectable food. For starters... we ordered the kobe meatballs. Let's make it abundantly clear I DO NOT order meatballs out. These absolutely melt in your mouth. My only criticism was the sauce was slight3salty but that's just me. My table mates disagreed. Lol Grilled octopus does not disappoint. Wow! So tender. A special app "figs stuffed with goat cheese wrapped in Prosciutto" made its way to our table and it was perfectly salty, creamy and sweet. The burrata app had a nice presentation but nothing different from others I've had. I probably wouldn't order it again. The courses are spaced apart quite nicely. You have time to digest, savor, and enjoy. Various main courses were ordered from the specials of the day to regular menu items. From pasta to fish to the pork chop, ALL superb. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Finally, house made tiramisù so airy and light, a chocolatey rich Godiva cheesecake, a bananas foster made at out table for us, and cappuccinos served with a rock candy sugar swizzle closed the night out. It was reasonably priced for the portions and quality of food. Highly recommend and cannot wait to return! read more

Novelli - Italian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

What tasty morsels were presented in our 2 hr. frustrating experience was not worth ever going back to this snobhill eatery. From the moment we sat down at our wobbly slanted table the waiter looked like he was going to a grilling at the IRS. He could not have been more useless if I had asked him for a pen. Before ordering my dinner....the menu had a run-on list of fish selections with no sauce, vegatable pairing to be FOUND on the menu. I had to scour the menu in other dishes to find a sauce suitable. This is a joke!!! He delivered our "very tasty" appetizers but with no plates. He blurted do want plates or your bottle of wine.....I'm out of here I told my husband. He told me to relax. REALLY? This place is going down unless you like giving over $255 for a slap in the face meal. Eat here and weep. read more

Went here last night for a "date night" with my wife. Appetizers were great - dinner was just ok. My wife's linguini with white clam sauce was served with part of a wire brush in it. Should have comped her meal. Bad business. Never again.. read more