The Italian Pantry Bistro
13 Eastman StCranford, NJ 07016
(908) 272-7790
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Rated By: Chaps n Calyx
Date of Rating: November 14, 2008
Review:
Great place to eat. Excellent food. We particularly love the Sunday Sauce Pasta with meat balls and oxtail plus the nutella ravioli for dessert. Everything is made fresh daily. The owners and the staff are very friendly.
Rated By: Janet Z
Date of Rating: December 17, 2008
Review:
Fantastic variety of freshly prepared foods with homemade pastas!
Rated By: Kara O
Date of Rating: December 18, 2008
Review:
The owners were so attentive and accomodating. The food was wonderful! The service was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and inviting!
Rated By: Jennifer
Date of Rating: January 8, 2009
Review:
I went in for lunch with some coworkers, and we loved it. We were in and out in an hour, which is perfect for lunch! There was a lot of food for the price! It was excellent and def. worth a trip. The close knit intimate atmosphere is a perfect place for date night! Make sure you try it out!
Rated By: Susan
Date of Rating: February 3, 2009
Review:
A wonderful addition to the Cranford scene, the Pantry offers fresh, delicious and healthy fare in a charming, intimate atmosphere. Don't miss the sweet potato soup!
Rated By: Elizabeth
Date of Rating: February 5, 2009
Review:
Went there for lunch. Reasonably priced - in and out in an hour - absolutely wonderful preparation - fresh ingredients - a true cut above - my new favorite restaurant. You will not be disappointed! Can't wait to make it back for dinner.
Rated By: Cathy N
Date of Rating: February 9, 2009
Review:
Great food. The staff and owners friendly. I will make the Italian Pantry a must to visit again.
Rated By: Jon K
Date of Rating: February 17, 2009
Review:
HORRIBLE!!!! I took my fiance there for Valentine's Day and I am happy that she is still with me!!!! The food was served cold and was extremely bland. I would have rather went to White Castle's candle lit dinner for Valentine's Day. I have never had a worse experience at any restaurant anywhere. I would not spend 5 dollars to have this meal again. Not to mention that I ate again right after I got home!!! I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy.
Rated By: JR
Date of Rating: February 22, 2009
Review:
My wife and I had a WONDERFUL experience for Valentine's Day! The pre fix menu was awesome and each course was perfect and flavorful. As always, just GREAT!
Rated By: Joe F
Date of Rating: February 22, 2009
Review:
Wow, to the guy who likes White Castle (Jon K)...you know good food. We had a reservation there for Valentine's Day and it couldn't have been more perfect. Oh by the way why would your girlfriend want to be with someone who would rather eat White Castle. The pre-fix menu was great. We didn't even know what was on the menu and didn't care. The Italian Pantry rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rated By: Absolutely Love the Italian Pantry
Date of Rating: February 25, 2009
Review:
Jon K: "I would have rather went to..." Ah, poetic justice.
Rated By: Linda S
Date of Rating: March 2, 2009
Review:
I'm wondering if the gentleman who said he'd rather have eaten at White Castle was part of the obnoxious table of 6 that was at the 8pm seating when my husband & I were there on Valentine's Day. This was our first time at the restaurant and we absolutely LOVED it! The pre-fixed menu was a great - the food was delicious (I'm still craving the risotto!!). The portions were perfect and the flavors blended well together. We enjoyed the night very much - except of course for the previously mentioned obnoxious table who were obviously drunk & tried to ruin the night for the rest of us by being loud & complaining about everything. My husband & I actually felt bad for the wait staff who had to deal with them. Italian Pantry is terrific and we have already been back for another fantastic meal!
Rated By: Laura B
Date of Rating: March 6, 2009
Review:
My daughter's best friend's mom says this is the BEST culinary experience ~ the highest quality, freshest ingredients come together to make great Italian food that's '...more than that'. "You can taste the quality of the ingredients; the olive oil and goat cheese are the finest money can buy"...I cannot wait to try it! Thank you, Lisa!
Rated By: Maria E
Date of Rating: March 6, 2009
Review:
The Italian Pantry was delicious!! We have been there 3-4 times already and every time the food is great. The Frito Misto, appetizer is wonderful!! This is my new favorite restaruant!
Rated By: John H
Date of Rating: March 6, 2009
Review:
Gnocci, WOW... Polenta cakes, WOW... and their pizza, like no other... diffrent, fresh, new, all I can say really is, try it for yourself.
Rated By: Mike & Joanna B
Date of Rating: March 11, 2009
Review:
Absolutely the best! Chef Frank Rizzo is extremely talented! The quality, flavor and presentation are exquisite. Every item served is fresh and flawless. We have dined 5 times and each experience has been perfect. The Italian Pantry Bistro is by far, in a league of its own. Easily could compete with the big guns in NYC.
Rated By: Cathy A
Date of Rating: March 16, 2009
Review:
A GREAT Restaurant. The food is wonderful, unique choices, fresh ingredients, presented beautifully, the service was impeccable. The intimate atmosphere made a celebration with friends the perfect evening.
Rated By: Jackie C
Date of Rating: March 30, 2009
Review:
What a great find in NJ! As a former New Yorker, my husband and I have always driven into Manhattan for all our nights out, but the meals at Frank's restaurants are FRESH and top quality! He even gave me special butter for a recipe! I love it!
Rated By: West Windsor Ray
Date of Rating: April 14, 2009
Review:
Did lunch today and can't wait to go back for dinner. Great restaurant!
Rated By: Food Dude
Date of Rating: April 19, 2009
Review:
Best Italian food in Jersey; salmon risotto is A++
Rated By: Paula
Date of Rating: April 30, 2009
Review:
Delicious! Great atmosphere, friendly, attentive service and fantastic fresh food! I love that it's a BYOB too! We were there for hours - so nice not to be rushed! The BEST cheesecake I've ever had! Everything was perfect!
Rated By: Food Guru
Date of Rating: May 19, 2009
Review:
The food was alright, nothing too crazy. Way overpriced though!!! $30 skirt steak come on!!! The only thing that was excellent was the cheesecake. The hostess seemed to not know what she was doing.
Rated By: Food Lover
Date of Rating: May 21, 2009
Review:
So funny, I was there two weeks ago and had the skirt steak (which is actually $24), my husband had the rib eye and we both had the Barolo wine reduction sauce. Delicate but flavorful. Our "carne" was cooked to PERFECTION! The Italian Pantry potato salad was awesome! I never knew potato salad without mayo could be so darn goooood!!!!I can understand the hostess seeming a bit frazzled, the restaurant always seems to be so packed!! Also, for only having one server in the whole place, the service was personal and timely.
Rated By: Westfield Resident
Date of Rating: May 27, 2009
Review:
We went to the Italian Bistro for dinner on 5/9 and had Salmon. We asked for it to be cooked medium and it was over cooked and tough. We barely touched it.
Rated By: Rob R
Date of Rating: June 19, 2009
Review:
Just had lunch there and my expectations were exceeded. The calamari with balsamic sauce was some of the best I ever had...I love calamari. The waitstaff was attentive and the owner came out and greeted us. Don't miss out on this little gem!
Rated By: Foodman
Date of Rating: July 9, 2009
Review:
Awesome...dominates every restaurant in Westfield, Cranford. Better than NYC restaurants.
Rated By: Mike & Joanna
Date of Rating: July 25, 2009
Review:
The Italian Pantry continues to exceed our expectations! It is by far our favorite restaurant....the summer menu is fun, wholesome and incredibly delicious! Lisa and Frank have embraced their vision and successfully created a bistro that is exceptional in taste, service and atmosphere!
Rated By: That Guy
Date of Rating: August 29, 2009
Review:
rock on...keep on cooking and we will keep on eating!!!!!!!!
Rated By: Jeff G
Date of Rating: August 31, 2009
Review:
Simply wonderful. I can't wait to go again!
Rated By: Debutante
Date of Rating: September 9, 2009
Review:
Well, after perusing the menu and picking out what I wanted, the waitress came over and informed us that four (!) dishes were not available this evening. The menu doesn't have THAT many choices to begin with, and of course, the two things I was thinking of choosing were on that list. Same for my friend! However, I saw someone eating the skirt steak and it looked great. I had the gazpacho for an appetizer. Very delicious, a generous portion with bright flavors. Yum. The skirt steak turned out to BE delicious and it was cooked just the way I asked for it. A wonderful meal after a shaky start. Definitely will go back and hope for a full menu !
Rated By: Local Foodie
Date of Rating: October 22, 2009
Review:
We too went there for Valentine's Day for their pre-fixe menu and I have to agree I wasn't at all impressed. Had we known what the menu was ahead of time we most definitely would not have gone. The staff was nice and their regular menu looked fantastic. I was unable to eat half of the food. It took forever for each course to be served, and there was one table in the corner who caused such a scene, screaming for bread and yelling at the waitstaff it was embarrassing. Jon K., wasn't too far off with his review, however, we would love to give this place another try.
Rated By: New Jersey Rider
Date of Rating: January 3, 2010
Review:
I was at the Italian Pantry weeks ago with some friends...the food was fair, whatever...the only good thing about that place is the B.Y.O.B. thing!
Rated By: Bill_70
Date of Rating: January 4, 2010
Review:
I've been there few times already and got disappointed with their pricing. Their prices are fair for pizzas and pastas, but when it comes to entrees it is a totally different thing; way too expensive! Another thing I also noticed is that their prices for specials change during the same night! One Saturday I went there with my wife around 5 and I ordered a risotto special, later on that same day my buddy went and got the same thing but was charged a couples of bucks more than me! Make up your mind over there!
Rated By: Marianegs
Date of Rating: January 18, 2010
Review:
I went there on Saturday night, 1/16/10 and the food was AMAZING!!!!! Everything on the menu looks so good, but I went for the Cheese Fondue and the skirt steak risotto, and it was delicious, I was so full but I didn't want to stop eating. LOL! The deserts are to die for also! The owners Lisa and Frank were very nice and came out to introduce themselves. This restaurant is one that will stay on my lists of must go to!
Rated By: Billy O
Date of Rating: April 12, 2010
Review:
I came for lunch and left completely satisfied. The grilled chicken BLT panini was to die for. The server was also terrific; he made me feel very welcome. I recommend this restaurant to anybody that enjoys eating well.
Rated By: Lin and Tony
Date of Rating: May 1, 2010
Review:
Enjoyed entrees from the spring menu...Hubby loved the ravioli with red roasted tomato sauce. The calamari appetizer was the best I have ever had!!! Our party of six was impressed with the authentic italian cuisine! FOUR STARS ****
Rated By: Seamus M
Date of Rating: May 5, 2010
Review:
I have not eaten there yet, but I am ready to go there to get some paninis. My friend told me they are to die for, so I hope that I can have one before fate steps in.
Rated By: Brandon
Date of Rating: May 15, 2010
Review:
I go once a month on Friday nights and the food is incredible. Frank is a top notch chef and the portions are big. We always stop at the NJwineseller wine store ang get a bottle from Jason to pair with our food. Always a great time, the only negative is that the restaurant is small so sometimes there is a wait.
Rated By: Sauce King
Date of Rating: May 30, 2010
Review:
Went to this place last Saturday night. What a waste of time and my money. First of all we waited for about an hour and a half. After that we had the calamari, it was chewey and way over seasoned. Gross. Next we waited for almost an hour for our "Sunday Sauce" and let me tell you, it tasted like it was from two Sundays ago. I make way better sauce and it was way over priced. The worst was dealing with the owners about my bill, no class. Guys don't waste your time.
Rated By: Jackie C
Date of Rating: July 9, 2010
Review:
Frank and Lisa are two of the nicest people and we consider them friends. The food is authentic and the freshest. This restaurant is for people who embrace great food and celebrate eating!
Rated By: Eles
Date of Rating: July 27, 2010
Review:
I think this place rules. I have eaten here twice and have been wowed. I love the the interesting and unique flavor combos. I think with any small restaurant it is forgivable to have an off-table or night once in a while. It is truly my fave spot of the moment.
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