An innovative Italian menu is complemented by plentiful wines at this romantic fine-dining venue.
Mathew Heart
Lunello in NJ is a gem and we visited during our Jan 2025 Travel! The valet parking made our visit seamless. We started with the calamari fritti, which was crispy and flavorful. For the main course, the MEDAGLIONE DI VITELLO LUNELLO was tender and rich, and the LINGUINI ALLA VONGOLE with shrimp and chicken was perfectly cooked. Dessert stole the show with an indulgent tiramisu and delicious cannolis. The service was top-notch, and the ambiance was elegant and inviting. Highly recommend for a memorable dining experience!
… morePhilip Benincasa Jr
Never disappoints. Lou is absolutely one of the best chefs. Creative, thoughtful & delicious food. Service is second to none. Oscar doesn’t miss a beat. It is consistently top notch.
… moreLouis Schornstein
LuNello’s is like a unicorn. There are many places to enjoy fine, dining and excellent service. However, this place sets the bar at the highest level. Everything about it is first class. From the time you were greeted at the door, you feel like extended family. The finest ingredients are used to prepare a gastronomic extravaganza, the likes of which you will rarely experience. Prepare to experience multiple taste bud orgasms. Each course will leave you eager for the next. The cocktails are spirited. The wine list is expansive. Luis could not have taken better care of us if we were blood relatives. Treat yourself today. Make reservations. God Bless America! God Bless Blue and Gold! Remember Everyone Deployed Everyday!
… moredavid
I’ve done many dinners here, between date nights, work dinners, and couples’ nights out, and the place never disappoints. It is consistently excellent, which is why it remains a regular stop for us.
The Food
The menu is solid, but you have to know what to order. The Tuna Pizza is a massive hit and should not be missed as an appetizer; it sounds different but it works perfectly. The Burrata is always fresh, and for an entrée, the Pollo Martini is fantastic.
One thing to note (which you’ll see in other reviews) is that they have a very long list of daily specials recited by the waiters. Listen closely because some of the best stuff is off-menu.
The Vibe & Bar
We love starting or ending the night at the bar. The scene is very lively, great for just hanging out and soaking up the vibe. The bar staff is friendly and they make a fantastic Espresso Martini.
The Service
It feels like a family operation in the best way. Lu himself is always popping in to say hello to tables, which adds a nice personal touch you don’t get at chain restaurants.
Whether you are there for business or a night out, the place will not disappoint you.
… moreKirsten Guinto
Best restaurant in the area! We got the baked clams, stuffed hot peppers, ravioli to start and they were all 10/10. Me and my fiancee got the pappardelle porcini, bone in shell steak special, and truffle fettuccine special and it was perfection! I had the tiramisu tini for dessert and it was the best. I can’t wait to go back!
… moreEmmanuel Amador
This was my first time trying LuNello’s in Cedar Grove, NJ, and I must say it exceeded my expectations! I’ve passed by this restaurant many times but never stopped in until now and I’m so glad I did. The ambiance and décor are beautiful, warm, and welcoming. From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and checked in often to make sure we had everything we needed. The drinks were spot on the Lychee Martini was made to perfection, and the Espresso Martini was just as good. The appetizers were fresh and flavorful, and the entrées came in generous portions. The risotto was absolutely outstanding hands down the best risotto I’ve ever had! We made sure to save room for dessert, and the White Chocolate Bread Pudding completely stole the show it left us speechless.
What we ordered:
• Calamari
• Fresh Oysters
• Risotto di LuNello
• Chicken Martini
• Pappardelle Porcini
• White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Drinks:
• Lychee Martini
• Espresso Martini
Overall, an amazing dining experience from start to finish. I can’t wait to return!
… morePeter Mercuri Channel 24
full disclosure; for the past 5 years I have never been a fan. I always felt it was over rated and over priced. I know people love this place but I never got it. Tonight I had the pork chop with a side of pasta with Bolognese sauce and it was excellent, really enjoyed the meal. The service is always the best and always good looking women. Had a really nice evening.
… moreNicholas DiGiovanni
Went here back in April for my birthday dinner. We all left disappointed due to the wait staff. The hostess was amazing and the food itself was very good. Unfortunately, the service completely ruined the experience.
The wait time for food and drinks was unreasonably long, and the biggest issue was the wait staff on the first floor. We were essentially ignored the entire time It genuinely felt like we were an inconvenience rather than paying customers especially at their price point.
The servers were clearly attentive and friendly to tables that appeared to be regulars, while we struggled just to get eye contact. I couldn’t even get a server’s attention to order another drink, and eventually decided not to order more alcohol at all—why increase a tip for staff who are actively avoiding your table?
To add to the confusion, there’s a strange makeshift “bar table” setup inside the dining room, despite the actual bar being directly across the entrance. It disrupted the atmosphere and made no sense layout-wise.
Great food and a great hostess, but the service was inattentive, frustrating, and honestly unacceptable.
… moreJohn Kocak
Lu Nello’s Italian Restaurant is the definition of classic Italian dining done right. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, refined, and genuinely welcoming—exactly what you hope for in a great neighborhood Italian restaurant.
The food is exceptional across the board: thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and full of authentic flavor. Each dish tastes intentional, balanced, and rooted in tradition without feeling dated. The quality of the ingredients truly stands out.
Service is attentive yet never intrusive, with a staff that clearly takes pride in both the cuisine and the guest experience. You’re made to feel like a regular, even on your first visit.
Lu Nello’s is the kind of place you return to again and again—whether for a special occasion or a relaxed, memorable dinner. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates timeless Italian cooking executed at a high level.
… moreAnthony Panichelli
Food was ok and people watching was elite. Cant for the life of me understand how this place of all places didn’t use espresso in their espresso martini?! You can get a nespresso for $70 at target yet they choose to use cold brew concentrate???? Service was kinda bizarre, forgot a bunch of things — why not just write stuff down if you’re forgetful.
… more