Focacceria Ristorante — Restaurant in Bernards Township

Unfortunately I had an awful experience at this restaurant on Saturday night. A special birthday occasion for my mom turned into a ruined evening. The staff was beyond rude and slow aside from the sweet hostesses that were running around doing the job of 3. We sat at our table for 25 minutes before anyone even acknowledged us with bread and water. Our waiter finally came over (after asking a bus boy to send him) and demanded a full order (apps and entree) without even discussing the specials with us or introducing himself. As the night continued, no one asked how are food was or even acknowledged us to see if we needed anything. I ordered the Chicken paillard which was completely bland with no seasoning. No one even asked me if there was a problem - just removed my full plate of food with no comment. Then check was presented and that was it. I was so upset that I went inside and asked for a manager - I waited 20 minutes to speak to the owner who was BEYOND rude to me and not even apologetic as he made me stand there waiting for 20 minutes. He was defensive, unapologetic, and rude. He didn't seem to care that we were completely neglected and told me that "you already paid so there is nothing I can do." it was beyond unfortunate. by 1030 PM we were finally leaving. The next day when my mom opened her to go container to eat her remaining 4 slices of seared tuna, she noticed that only 2 pieces were packed. Overall it was just an awful experience and it is unfortunate that the attitude and mentality of management most likely sets the tone for the rest...

My friend and I were here on Saturday night and while the food was ok, the service was awful. I would like to preface this by saying that our waitress was very nice and this review does not pertain to her.

After being seated, we were enjoying our meal and conversation for about 20 minutes when a different waitress approached us and asked if we were done eating, despite our plates still being full. Five minutes later, another waitress asked the same question. Then, another ten minutes later, a third waiter came over and asked if we were done. At this point, we were tired of being repeatedly asked, and decided to ask for the check even though we had only been there for about 40 minutes and were not even halfway through our meals. It's worth noting that other tables around us, who were seated long before us, did not face the same interruptions.

When our check arrived, it was clearly for a different table and significantly more than what we had ordered. We informed the hostess, who took it back only to return with the same incorrect check. It was only after pointing out the mistake a second time that we finally received the correct bill.

Lastly, the waiter who seemed almost eager to see us leave, offered to box our leftovers. Apparently he was never trained in how to properly seal a takeout container, because the oily pesto gnocchi which I ordered ended up leaking through the bag and spilling all over the seat of my car.

Overall, we cannot understand why we were so rushed and overlooked...

Never had a bad meal here over several years. A truly reliable BYO with delicious Italian fare and outdoor seating in warmer weather. The specials are truly excellent and not wallet shredders.

There are vegetarian options in all courses and often among specials (potato leek soup or sweet potato ravioli for example).

Indoors seating is tight given it’s an old colonial home serving the restaurant. It’s tight in the vestibule and the stairs but not uncomfortable once you’re seated. The environs are basic, and won’t garner any wows. That job is left to the food.

The service is excellent, with very attentive waiters and bus crew. They don’t rush you though, as sometimes attentive staff might tend to do.

What gets to you is the noise level. If you have the misfortune of being seated near or next to a loud group, as happened to us yesterday, just enjoy the wine and the (neighbors’) conversation. There’s really no noise mitigation in the dining rooms - acoustic tile, wall coverings, or carpeting (which I know can get icky, so maybe better off without). Even on the outdoor patio, the newly installed speakers can be loud at times, competing with already loud guests.

Still a totally worthwhile visit. The food...