We had a large group, we were told by our friend who dine here a few times a month that this is his favorite Italian restaurant. Fried calamari was so processed, I can taste the chemical! Pasta was disappointing, lamb chop was mediocre, I order calves liver medium rare and had to send it Back, it was well done, cut up pieces drowning in brown sauces. The only positive for me was being there early, sat at the bar, ordered meatballs, with a glass of Riesling. If I left after that, then it would have been a good meal. read more

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I've been here a few times and never been impressed by the food. It's a nice restaurant so I think people get caught up in the atmosphere. I have a friend that likes it so that's why I've went back but would never go here by choice read more

The ambiance is very vibrant which leads to a very loud experience. The service is somewhat slow but not terrible. Most of the food is good but DO NOT order the filet Mignon. I've had it several times and it is very stringy and not good quality for $54. The Filet out the Outback is better. Stick with anything else and you will be ok. Good scene at the bar also. read more

Novelli is an outstanding northern Italian cuisine venue located in Wayne on the Hamburg Turnpike. A large and spacious venue, the atmosphere is inviting, high end and special. It was my first time with my father, sister, niece and brother-in-law and all were satisfied with their entrees. The appetizers were outstanding as we sampled several items and their pasta is made in-house. My Dad had veal, my brother-in-law rack of lamb and my sister had salmon. My niece and I had the pasta with mushrooms and filet mignon! The service was excellent in every way! We were all stuffed and skipped the deserts and will definitely return. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

Lived in the area for years, but never visit. Amazingly good food and nice drink selection. Feels like an old school Italian. Traditional decor and feel, so more for a special occasion versus an every day. read more

Fine ample portions of deliciously prepared meals and the fish was delicate, fresh and perfectly dressed. We didn't wait long for our table and we're sitted near the windows and they were beautifully decorated. The service was stellar and attentive. The portions were perfect and the atmosphere was beautiful and the owners were friendly and constantly asked if we were enjoying ourselves. The tables were beautifully adorned and the drinks were tasty and refreshed constantly. There was additions of cheese and olives given along with finely baked bread brought to the table throughout our meal and we could not stop eating it but still had room for dinner. The desserts were decadent and beautifully prepared. We had a Very enjoyable time and definitely will return as this establishment is indeed very fine dining! read more

Consistently good food service ambience high end food right in my area. No complaints at all

One of our go to local restaurants. Good bar scene, great food and service. The pork chops are exceptional and so is the bronzino. Typical nice Italian ambiance. read more

We had a birthday dinner here. Wonderful service; top notch and very friendly. Thanks for making our celebration a success! The food was great, esp the steak. Salads are big and easily shared. We will be back. read more

I went here for dinner last night with my family. I absolutely love this place. The service the food and everything was absolutely perfect! I haven't had better food in a long long time ! read more

Novelli - Truffle pasta - Italian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

Attentive and friendly service. The halibut and risotto dishes were delicious. The only drawback is the tables are close together and it is difficult to have a conversation due to the noise level. read more

Our experience was this...we sat down and waited. No menu no water no waiter. I flagged a waiter who asked what I wanted. I said menus and water. He seemed confused but got us menus and water. Then we needed a drink menu. By that time our waiter came. I ordered a glass of Amarone. I said Am a rhone knee. Accent on the rhone. He corrected me. Am a rhone, he said. He's wrong. Don't correct me unless you know you are right. We did not order appetizers. I had the short rib. My husband had the bolognese. My short rib was one of the best I'd ever had anywhere. The risotto was chewing gum. So unfortunate. My husband said his was OK, nothing great. The waiter had been attentive but once again with the wine we asked the size of the pour and he said 8 oz. It was 6 oz. The drinks were very good, a Manhattan and a martini. Noise level quite loud. Don't go as la couple. Go with a group. Enter tables and attentiveness. read more

Food is usually worth a four but gave a three because their menu is old and needs revisions. Also the pricing is out of control for the area. We would eat here more often if not for those two issues. read more

Excellent Food, Excellent Service, Excellent Ambiance, Excellent Cocktails. We had an array of pasta and protein. All were cooked perfectly including a gluten free spaghetti dish. The homemade pasta and fresh bread were delicious. Order Bruschetta (not on the menu). Also not on the menu were oysters. Table side home made Zabaglione with berries was the bomb. They are very accomodating and the servers fully knowledgeable of ingredients. My only disappointment is that I don't live close enough to go more often. But I will go back. They made us feel like family. read more

The quality of the food is quite good . The food is highly overpriced. That is why i have to give it 3 stars.

What happened to this place??? I know businesses are struggling but last night was horrible. NO SOAP and NO PAPER TOWELS in BOTH BATHROOMS. How are staff keeping hands clean? What about the customers?? We are in a Pandemic and this Is not acceptable. I would not have reviewed if it wasn't for this...... Food quality went downhill since last visit. Mozz prosciutto app was like the unpacked it from Stop and Shop. Cesar salad was horrible. The only think good were drinks and service. NEVER coming back especially after seeing sanitation negligence!!! read more

My wife and I eat regularly at Novelli's. All the different dishes we have tried are excellent. They also have an extensive wine list that we enjoy exploring. Service is unparalleled read more

From the street, it's easy to overlook Novelli, but it's worth stopping in to enjoy a lively bar and restaurant scene. I would recommend making a reservation as it is a popular local spot. Great cocktails, and pretty much what you'd expect for elevated Italian. read more

The restaurant itself is great. The valet knows what they're doing and the building is beautiful. We had a party of four with one coming in a bit late which somewhat affected the attention we received at the table until he got there. The drinks were good and the chicken I ordered was presented well but quite salty. Appetizers came out quickly but the clams were salty and very small, the calamari was good but the marinara was very thin and watery. We also ordered a burrata special which was very good. I'd say overall it's a nice date night restaurant but I have certainly been to better Italian places around the area. read more

I like to sit close to the fireplace in the room closest to road. I find that room to be a much cozier experience than the banquet room. Sitting at the tables across from the bar also gives a nice little ambience. The octopus app is one of my favorites of all time. The food is of very high quality and is delicious. We go once a year read more

Delicious food...exceptional service..Novelli's was a great dining experience. We had kobe meatballs and octopus for appetizers..beat salad..for dinner Novelli Shrimp with fresh pasta and spaghetti calamari broccoli rabe..wine and bar drinks..all perfect. We ate indoors was very comfortable staff all had masks.. Thank you Novelli's.. read more

Great atmosphere and great food. They don't rush you which I love. Never have had a bad meal. Their seafood is fantastic. They also had a pot hop there as a special which my friends still rave about. It's def not cheap but it's worth the $$$$ as a great night out. read more

The atmosphere is lovely. The food is very good. The acoustics are horrible. It's so loud that you can't talk to people at your table unless you shout. read more

Went there on a Saturday night. If you want to have an conversation with the people at your table, that's not going to happen unless you SCREAM at each other. Tables close to one another. It was such awful experience. We will not be going back read more

My fiance and I have been wanting to try this place for years, but somehow always ended up at a BYOB. Last night we finally made it there for a birthday party, and I'm so mad we never made it a point to go before! Everything was outstanding! Ambiance was on point and the service was fantastic! At one point I had gotten up to look at the birthday cake (I must have been up for 2 minutes) and came back to a folded napkin! The food was phenomenal, and the drinks were outstanding as well. We will definitely be going back! read more

Novelli - Italian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

I've been going to this place for years. I've always been generous with the staff and they know me pretty well. This Xmas Eve they messed up my reservation for 9 and sent me packing at 630 with no real apology. I'm not sure why the owner couldn't figure something out. I won't be back given how I was treated. Maybe they could invest in some software like the other restaurants so this doesn't happen. Give Lou at Lunellos a buzz he could help. read more

I was going there for years, but it was better one. It was the other owners the older couple. Way over priced for the area. I can get a better meal at the rail house in Montville. The owner Benny is a two face. read more

Excellent service and food. Nice atmosphere to enjoy a meal. Owner and staff very accommodating to any requests.

AWFUL experience for Mother's Day. My family and I were one of the first Mother's Day reservations, Sunday at 12:00 Noon. We sat promptly at our reservation time and placed our soft drink orders. This is where the good experience ended. Service was insanely slow. No one came to check on us. We had to flag the poor bus girl down to get refills on our soft drinks. We didn't have crazy orders either - everyone had a soft drink, no alcohol, an appetizer of a soup or salad, one entree each (except for the kids who split one) and no desserts. Four of us had the sweet corn and crab bisque. 3 of them arrived at the table barely lukewarm. We mixed them around with the greens on top, tasted them, and sent them back. When they returned, they were NOT fresh bowls of soup. The soup had been microwaved (as the greens in the soup were still mixed in), there was a film on the top of the soup from the cream base, and the bowls themselves were hot to the touch. So, not only did we not get fresh soup, but we may not have even gotten the soups that we originally had and tasted. Admittedly the soup was delicious but we were completely turned off by what was returned to our table. We ordered a simple penne with vodka and meatballs for the 3 kids at our table. They didn't get their food for at LEAST an HOUR AND 15 MINUTES after we sat down. No one had come to check on us at all during this time - we would have asked to get their food before ours. The kids were starving and restless, and tables that had sat down AFTER us were already getting their main courses. The meatballs tasted horrible - someone at our table likened it to cat food. We finally received our entrees over an HOUR AND A HALF after we first sat down. At this point, people who were seated AFTER us were paying their bill and leaving. The two halibut dishes were dry and not at all flaky or moist. My husband and I ordered the appetizer caesar salad on the menu ($12) as our entree and asked for grilled chicken.. which came to a total of $22 per APPETIZER salad. $10 mark up for a small chicken cutlet?! That wasn't even the icing on the cake. When my husband went to speak with the manager just to let him know about our experience of the long wait times and feeling ignored, the manager kept interrupting him and ARGUED back with him! We had just spent almost $500 on a meal (we had already paid the check and weren't looking for anything free), and this manager kept being aggressive with my husband and wouldn't let my husband speak... swearing on his kids' lives that the soup wasn't microwaved. (Yes, it was. We know kitchen practices better than he thought we did.) My husband felt completely dismissed and belittled by this manager - my husband actually had to say to him "can I speak yet?!". He was constantly being interrupted and receiving an excuse for EVERYTHING and got not ONE remote semblance of an apology or trying to make it right. Finally my husband said "It's obvious this conversation is going nowhere, I'm leaving." and we left the restaurant. Later that day, we called the restaurant to speak to the owner and the same manager, I believe named Benny, claimed he was the owner. As my husband was trying to talk to him on the phone, Benny put him on hold.. not once, but twice. Finally, we had enough of being dismissed and hung up after being put on hold the second time. He tried to call us back and left us a voicemail, but we already gave him two opportunities to make it right, and he wasn't getting a third. No one in our family is coming back to this restaurant. BOTTOM LINE/TL;DR - mediocre food, insanely expensive prices, inattentive staff and a downright awful owner who should absolutely not be in the service industry. read more

This place looks big on the outside, and is big on the inside, but still gives off an intimate feeling. They have a small curved bar inside to the left with a few low dining tables. Past the bar area is a small dining room with a roaring fireplace (I'm a sucker for a table next to a fireplace). My party of four sat in the larger dining room inside and to the right. The decor in the larger dining room feels prim and proper and a tad dated (the curtains in particular). We started with a drink at the bar. The bartender was friendly and inviting. After being seated at our table, we were given menus and had our drinks refreshed. The complimentary bread, olives and cheese are all really good! We ordered a second round of the cheese, which the waiter said was Parmigiano-Reggiano, but tasted a tad softer. Starting with apps, we shared the Fried Calamari (serving size seemed a bit small, but the Asian sauce was good) and two orders of the Kobe Meatballs (a single order comes with 2 for $14, which seems a bit steep, but they we pretty good). We then did a salad course, I got the Roasted Beets (could have used more dressing). For dinner, I ordered the Fresh Pappardelle with Filet Mignon Tips, Wild Mushrooms, Truffled Butter Sauce. This, and the complimentary cheese, were my favorite! The truffled butter sauce was delicious, the pappardelle was cooked perfectly and the filet mignon tips and mushrooms complimented it all. Unfortunately, another entree, the Shrimp Novelli, fell short and did not have much flavor at all. Overall, we had a lovely experience, and I'd return to try some more items on the menu! P.S. The wine glasses are HUGE! read more

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Always such a great experience at Novelli! The service by Jaime (spelling?) and Mario is amazing -- So friendly, attentive, informative and careful to be aware of my annoying food allergies. It's hard to come by such great service these days! My husband and I always enjoy the familiar and happy faces, and we never leave disappointed. The homemade pastas and risotto are absolutely delicious, and the pistachio gelato is my favorite! Highly recommend. Dayna and Paul :) read more

We have never had a bad meal here! The service is great! Staff is so friendly & attentive! Highly recommend

Wow! What a fantastic upscale Italian Restaurant! We've been here before, but this time was over the top. Valet Parking. Our waiter, Jaime, was on point, every time, the whole time. The place was packed and I never felt rushed. I went with a group of 2 other couples. We ordered the Octopus, Fried Calamari and Burrata salad appetizers. Fan friggin tastic! The Octopus was cooked to perfection, the fried Calamari was very light and not chewy, and the burrata just melted in your mouth. We each ordered different entrees and everyone said that they were heavenly (see pics). Nice presentation as well. I ordered the Zuppa di Pesce over linguine. I've ordered that at other places and wanted to compare. I liked that I didn't get a pound of linguine. I liked that I didn't waddle out of there. The portion was perfect and the fish was plentiful. I left very satisfied. This is a fine Italian restaurant. Expect to pay fine Italian prices. The ambiance, the presentation, the fantastic service and food done right, is what you pay for. Bon Apetit! read more

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We had an amazing Valentine's dinner here last night. I think this is my new favorite place. It's not byob and the wine is pricey, but the food and atmosphere are so worth it. The grilled octopus appetizer was the best. It was cooked perfectly and served with hot peppers. The arugula salad was surprisingly delicious. I never thought I could like an arugula salad that much but the candied pecans, slices of pears, and addicting dressing were so good. I had the almond crusted salmon over spinach for my entree, and that was great too. I can't wait to go back and try some more things! I definitely want to order the burrata with eggplant appetizer and the Hawaiian cheesecake dessert next time! read more

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I felt compelled to compliment Novelli's food as among the best around BUT had to issue a warning about the noise. We love Benny and he has developed a class operation (Food/Service) but I've been there 6 out of 7 times when it was loud but this past evening, there were 2 large parties sitting side by side and the CACKLING LEVEL was beyond bearable. IMPOSSIBLE to talk to friends without screaming as the inconsiderate attendees at those parties seemed to try and out do the other one with the loudest cackling/laughing possible. It's a shame NOT ONE in either party could have the spine to tell their friends to tone it down ever so slightly. I had a headache, anxiety, left hoarse and could not enjoy my food. Unfortunately, it will delay my return. A change of table was offered but we couldn't believe it actually got worse until some food finally arrived for them and shut their mouths temporarily. I guess that's what "life of the party contest" has become. read more

I eat at many Italian restaurants in NYC and was pleasantly surprised by the lovely meal I had at Novelli's. We were able to secure a reservation on a Saturday night at 8pm. All of the tables were packed, clearly this place is popular and now I know why! The restaurant was very nicely decorated and the white table cloths with candles gave it a romatic vibe. We started with the Octopus which was cooked perfectly with onions/peppers - def recommend trying, Kale salad with goat cheese which was outsanding, and the pasta fagioli soup which was a huge portion and delicious. For our mains we tried the special halibut in a horseradish sauce - OMG SO GOOD, the branzino fillet - also outstanding, and the almond crusted salmon. All three were cooked perfectly and so delicious. I also must say the service was amazing, our waiter was so friendly and the owner even came over to introduce himself. I will 100% be back and recommend you try it ! read more

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Service was excellent, as was the food. Tables are a little tight. It was extremely noisy, couldn't even talk to my friend...make evening somewhat unpleasant. read more

I suddenly had a craving for gnocchi a few days ago and started the hunt for a restaurant which serves gnocchi with tomato sauce, which led to my discovery of Novelli. HOW I have not found this place before is beyond me since I have lived within 10 minutes of it for several years, but not to worry, I will make up for lost time! We were greeted and seated right away, which I always appreciate. Our table even had a "reserved" sign on it. First comes first--several options for water, just like in Italy. We went with "still" water, because we are not adventurous. Our boring water came in the form of a glass VOSS bottle, just like we had in Rome not long ago. Ahh, very nice. First off, wine. Chianti by the glass, check. Their bottles are reasonably priced, which we'll check out another time. Next, first course. I ordered the pasta e fagioli, which was beyond hot, made fresh that morning, and very good. Husband ordered the calamari, which was excellent--soft, not chewy, with a delicious Asian sauce (one of three sauce choices.) Next, main course. Housemade gnocchi margherita. Soft, squishy bits of potato pasta in a delicious tomato sauce with gobs of fresh mozzarella--mmmmm. Husband got a fancy-looking dish of fresh pappardelle with filet mignon and wild mushrooms in a buttery sauce. Finally, dessert. I had to try their cappuccino, which came with a rock candy stir stick, and we split the tiramisu, which was presented in a stemmed glass and absolutely delicious. If the location and food weren't enough to bring us back, the service sealed the deal. Our server told us about how the food is made, the history of the restaurant, the new(ish) ownership and how much he enjoys working as part of the team. It definitely shows! Thanks for the great meal, Novelli! We will see you for lunch soon! read more

Our friends rave about Novelli so we decided to try it on a Saturday evening with them. I noticed the beautifully lit exterior as we pulled in and were warmly welcomed by the valet. The restaurant is nicely decorated and has an upscale vibe. The wine list consists of common, well-known labels. It has a good selection but not special in the sense that most of these wines are available in any liquor store, hence taking away from trying something a bit more unique. Appetizers: Tuna tartare-it was a special-very good Pasta Fagioli-excellent Shrimp cocktail- shrimps were huge Entrees: Branzino filet- served over escarole and bean which were well prepared Filet mignon- good choice if you are a carnivore Novelli offered an overall nice dining experience. read more

NOVELLI: NICE! Novelli's, formerly La Gardenia on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne NJ is such a great place. The Barelli's are in their 7th year there with hopefully many more to follow. I classify the food as classic northern Italian with an eclectic spin. Their specials are diverse offering such menu items as Roast Duck with Fig Sauce among many others that you normally would not find in an Italian Restaurant. The ambiance is not traditional either. Don't expect this to be the place Billy Joel sings about. Elegant and classy, yet comfortable and relaxed. Two dining areas, one much larger than the other, with nice fireplaces in each give the place a nice glow. Cocktails, may seem a bit pricy, but are large and potent. Cosmos and classic gin martinis are clearly a favorite. An excellent wine selection is available as well. All the food is fresh, delicious and beautifully presented, though portions are not large at all. You may not have room for one of their delectable desserts, but you probably will not have use for a "doggie bag" either. If you like pasta, their homemade gnocchi with cream pesto is so good you may want to lick the plate clean... but use a piece of crusty bread instead! Some of my favorite items include: Oysters au Gratin Chicken Piedmontese, Breast Stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and served in a Pink Sauce with Diced Prosciutto and Mushrooms Filet Mignon au Poivre, Two Medallions Sauteed with Green Peppercorns and Dijon Mustard, served with a Brandy Demi Glaze Sauce Novelli's is truly a fine dining experience. read more

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