This page is incomplete. I have started with some of my most favorite places to dine and will add more as time allows. Mangiare & Piacere!
Italian Food
Queen Margherita Trattoria, Nutley, NJ
Italian owned and operated. Pasquale and his brother built the brick oven by hand in the heart of the restaurant that they cook their margherita pizzas in. I have known Joe their manager for over ten years, he is a friend of my brother. This place treats all their customers like family. The food is amazing and their food reminds me of my childhood when I would go to see my grandparents in Jersey City. My grandfather like Pasquale was right off the boat from Italy, first generation Italian here in the USA. If you ever want to impress a woman with a nice Italian meal this side of the Hudson, this would be the restaurant you would want to choose.
Il Vagabondo, New York, NY
From the indoor Bocce ball courts to the red and white checkered table cloths this hidden classic has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. I remember when there was no menu and most people had no clue of Il Vagabondo's location unless you knew some one who was connected. Even though it has become more mainstream it is still classically Italian and the food is exceptional. This is a fun and romantic place to get to know some one new.
Sea Food
Portofino Ristorante, City Island, NY
Not only is this the best sea food in New York but the location is breathtaking especially at sunset. This is another place I have been going to since childhood. It was the first place I ever tried lobster. I will never forget it, it was my thirteenth birthday. Was one of the best meals of my life time thus far. The prices are reasonable for the location and fare and the staff goes out of their way to make sure all aspects of the service are exceptional.
The Crab House, Edgewater, NJ
Another beautiful seafood restaurant located right on the water. This is a favorite of The Giants as well as many other prominent NYC socialites and celebrities. The food is always prepared well and quite often when I have left there after a meal I have needed a nap. If only because the food is so satiating and filling. My only complaint is they need a more extensive desert menu.
Indian
The Village Resturant, Jersey City, NJ
From the multiple waiters attending to you to the Indian cinema playing on a large screen int he back of the restaurant this place is classically Indian. It is also the only place that takes me seriously when I tell them to make my food spicy. Most places assume that since I am a Caucasian woman that I can not handle high levels of spices in my food. On the contrary I love spicy, hot foods. This place does not disappoint on service or fare and I feel is a bargain for their prices. I wish I lived close enough for delivery.
Raagini, Mountain Side, NJ
This was the first place I ever had Indian cuisine(Thanks Alan). It has become my favorite type of food over the past ten years or so. This restaurant would probably be the best fit for any one seeking to try Indian food. Their staff is bar none the best I have seen thus far in regards to explaining different dishes as well as giving comparatives of western similarities to this exotic and flavorful eastern fare. They also have an amazing vegetarian menu so if you have a mixture of different palates and eating styles this is a good place for a large group meal with out having to worry if every one will find something they like on the menu.
American Fare
Joe's American Bar & Grill, Paramus, NJ
While this is a chain restaurant the service at this location is unbelievable. Located in Garden State Plaza one of the largest malls in northern New Jersey they are able to handle the ebb and flow of guests that the mall provides with ease. The food is always made fresh and to your liking. When I wrote to the regional manager in regards to my compliments on the service at one point I noted that my only displease was with the mango salsa on my fish. The management changed the preparation and recipe twice and asked me to sample it. They would have kept doing so until it was to my liking. While I am not like most customers their dedication to serving the people who are their true patrons was very impressive.
