Bowen Brownstein
Nothing but good things to say about this place! All staff members were so accommodating upon entry and were attentive throughout the whole meal. The restaurant was modern and well lit, a promising place for any special night. My group ordered many things off of the menu but the truffle pizza and meatballs certainly stood out to us. Food was some of the best that I’ve had in town and Montclair is so lucky to gain this wonderful restaurant!! I will be back!
… moreConrad Brassel
01/16/2026
We came early as we often do, so no problem getting seated by Brianna who provided excellent service all night.
At Brianna’s recommendation, we started sharing a Spice kale / baby spinach salad as well as the salmon crudo (Sicilian orange, EVOO, jalapeno, basil and cucumber). Both appetizers were very, very good. Would have enjoyed a little more of the crudo, but the kale salad was a very nice proportion.
We decided to share a sausage pizza (‘home made sausage, fresh mozzarella, onion and hot chili peppers… and the Gigli (wild mushrooms, pecorino, black truffle and scallion) pasta.
While both dishes were really, really good, the Gigli pasta was amazing. I really need to see if I can clone this creamy mushroom pasta dish at home.
Italiana by ZOD is a BYOB… which is always a plus in our book.
… moreDavid F.
I have to give this place 5 stars, as Montclair is famous for its overrated, mediocre Italian, i.e, Sapori, Luigino’s, etc. The decor is a bit diner-ish, as it used to be a soda shop, but don’t let that fool you. these guys are the real deal. their pizza is probably the best in Montclair – crispy crust neopolita-style and terrific sauce. the salmon crudo was delish. the shrimp in garlic basil was good but not great. salads are good. the pastas were great – albeit a wee bit salty but overall very good. the two best were the mushroom pasta and the rigatoni. yum. only thing we didn’t care for was the pumpkin pasta. needs more flavor/creamy sauce. will def be back.
… moreMichael Palmieri
Great atmosphere and ambience. Felt very warm right when you walk in. Food was fantastic, I got the Gigli in which I highly recommend. We also got the meatballs, shrimp, and 2 pies as apps, (margarita and truffle) which were both excellent. Everything was ran well and servers were very nice and accommodating and food came out in a timely manner. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a good new spot.
… moreAlex Barajas
Chicken parm was terrible, potatoes were good though so I’ll give them that. Chicken was a tiny piece for $26 with no pasta or anything and with a flavorless breading. Between the breading and chicken was some nasty sauce, maybe this is the truffle referenced on the menu. The restaurant that was in this location before was much better and will be missed. I will not be coming back over here. My friends were not fans of the pizza as well.
… moreKatie Vita
This is a new Italian spot in town and has the best pizza and pasta in Montclair. The pasta is imported from Italy and the pizza is made with organic flour which is a huge plus. There was a lox pizza on the menu which was so unique and delicious, but the truffle pizza and pasta were our favorites. We got to sit in the front near the really cute flower wall. Highly recommend, we had a great time.
… moreMarley Feldmann
This restaurant was an amazing surprise. The service was fantastic. The people who worked there were so accommodating and just very sweet. I didn’t feel rushed, making the environment very comfortable. The food was delicious. The mushroom truffle pizza, meatballs, and vodka pasta had to be the best things I tried. Everything was delicious but if I had to recommend anything those things stood out. I’m a person scared of mushrooms but that was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. All of the flavors worked so well together. I’m very excited to go back and try the other things on the menu. I 100% recommend.
… moreEllie Celis
I walked in an I was greeted by the most welcoming host she made us feel comfortable right away. I absolutely loved the vibe and food of this restaurant. If you come you need to have the truffle pizza and spicy vodka pasta. The rest of the staff were very attentive and made our experience an 11/10! This is definitely a hidden gem in Montclair! I couldn’t recommend it more! Will be back!!!
… moreJohn Atlas
Italiano by Zod is a remarkable addition to the New Jersey dining scene. Zod —long recognized by the Michelin Guide—has created a menu that celebrates classic Italian cooking while boldly pushing beyond tradition. The result is cuisine that feels both familiar and entirely new.
I’ve been to Italiano six times with my wife and friends, and every visit has been memorable. Each meal offered something surprising, refined, and consistently delicious. The menu blends beautifully executed Italian favorites with global influences drawn from Chef Zod’s wide-ranging culinary background.
Alongside beloved, old-school Italian dishes, you’ll find house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas prepared with creative twists. Some standout dishes include:Spicy Vodka Paccheri
and Fire-Roasted Chicken Parm (not breaded or fried) cooked in a custom Acunto wood-fired oven
His custom-built Neapolitan oven bakes pizzas at a lower temperature (around 633°F for 6–8 minutes) to achieve a thinner, crispier crust that’s entirely his own.
Throughout the menu, simple ingredients are elevated by refined techniques honed over his celebrated career, including his time at Montclair’s iconic Blue. His dishes are in North Jersey’s traditional Italian playbook, but Zod embraces creativity. Dishes like Salmon Crudo with Sicilian orange or the pistachio cake with vanilla crème and basil show his willingness to explore unexpected sweet–savory combinations.
The restaurant is still smoothing out a few small wrinkles—as any new place does—but the food is outstanding. Sit back, enjoy, and let Chef Zod show you his inspired, evolving vision of Italian cuisine.
… moreJohn Kartanos
This new restaurant is fantastic. The food is so fresh and authentic. The pizza is excellent (we ordered 3 pizzas) Each one was better than the next. The pasta dishes and meatballs were delicious. The servers were great, and so was the dessert and espresso. I highly recommend stopping in. You won’t be disappointed!!!
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