Grissini — Restaurant in Englewood Cliffs

I had high expectations for this restaurant, which is why we brought our best friend here for her birthday. For starters, it was immediately obvious that aside from possibly 1 couple and the restaurant staff, we were the only non-white people in the restaurant. That should’ve tipped us off. The stares from other diners when we entered the restaurant and then when we were being seated, and obvious lack of attention to service (failure to bring a bread plate though asked 2x, having to wave down the servers) were not welcoming to say the least.

As for the food, the birthday girl had the chicken marsala. The chicken tasted as if it had been previously frozen. The mashed potatoes and vegetables looked like something you’d get served in elementary school. I had the Paglia e Fieno - the pasta itself was decent but the cream sauce was on the salty side and the prosciutto was not fresh. To be fair, our other friend ordered the Tagliolini with shrimp and didn’t have any complaints. Also, I will note that our waitress was accommodating with my drink which I initially did not like.

However, the most upsetting part of the night was that I had expressly requested in our reservation notes that the staff include a candle with dessert to sing happy birthday to my friend. The staff was very well aware of this request because both the host and waitress asked who was the birthday girl in the group. During dinner, the staff sang happy birthday for several other guests. But when it came time to do the same for my friend, nothing. Dessert was brought out without any acknowledgement that it was her birthday. To add insult to injury, the birthday girl’s cheesecake tasted as if it had been previously frozen. Our other friend had a small bite and confirmed that it was bad. I raised this with the waitress and she deducted our 3 beverages from the bill which was appreciated but did not take away from our overall negative experience.

In sum, if you’re looking for great quality Italian food with a diverse crowd and great service, this isn’t it. I recommend the Little Italy neighborhoods in the...

Don’t let the fancy cars parked outside fool you, this is nothing more than an average Italian restaurant with prices that do not justify the value. Learn from my mistake, you aren’t missing out on anything.

I haven’t been here in a LONG time and, well, it’s clear that both the quality of food and service have rapidly declined. Very unfortunate because this used to be a great spot.

The amount of specials they offered was ridiculously unnecessary and came off as desperate; there were more “specials” than actual meals listed on the menu. Overall, food quality ranged between average, salty, and bland.

I don’t like throwing individuals under the bus unless it is well deserved and tonight was unfortunately one of of those instances. Our waiter, Manuel, was a major let down. I give most positive credit to the additional staff who hustled to fill our waters and cleared our plates quickly. The worst part was that I gave Manuel my credit card when I went to the restroom to pay for the meal because I didn’t want my father-in-law fighting me for the bill. He quickly charged the card and by the time I returned to the table the check was waiting for signature. To my surprise, 2 appetizers and 4 main courses with a mediocre bottle of wine (Rodney Strong priced at $80) came to a total of nearly $400. I’m a numbers guy and I added up everything, about $60 of unknown charges were packed in to the bill. The fact that Manuel didn’t even provide the portion of the bill/receipt that itemizes all of the charges further supports the low level of service and snake-like tendencies to expect from the wait staff at Grissini. Even with the correct amount, the amount of money spent for nothing for than a normal, average meal, is a waste.

Bottom line is that if you drive by you will see luxury cars parked out front, which is nothing more than a smoke screen. Don’t be fooled. Save your money and visit a real restaurant, one that still has integrity and cares about providing a quality experience from...

If you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine that feels both homey and elevated, Grissini is the place to be. Tucked away like a secret escape to Italy, this restaurant doesn’t just serve food — it serves comfort, flavor, and a full-on experience. I’ve been a regular for a reason, and two dishes in particular keep pulling me back: their Gnocchi di Patate and their pizza.

Let’s start with the Gnocchi di Patate. These little pillows of heaven are everything gnocchi should be — light, fluffy, and perfectly tender. They melt in your mouth, not in a soggy or overly chewy way, but in a way that makes you want to close your eyes and savor every bite. Each piece tastes like it was made with love and tradition. The sauce (whichever one you choose — I personally love it with a classic pomodoro or creamy gorgonzola) complements the gnocchi beautifully, never overpowering but enhancing the flavors in a balanced, mouthwatering way.

And then, there’s the pizza. I don’t even know where to begin. The crust deserves its own standing ovation. It’s incredibly soft, yet it has this perfect golden exterior with just the right amount of chew. Not too thick, not too thin — it’s that magical in-between that makes you appreciate the dough as much as the toppings. Every bite feels fresh, flavorful, and addictive. Whether you’re a fan of the classics like Margherita or something more loaded with toppings, every option tastes like it was crafted by someone who really understands pizza.

What I love most about Grissini is the consistency. It’s one of those rare places where every visit feels just as amazing as the last. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and the staff is always kind and attentive without being overbearing. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer, finish your meal slowly, and soak in the atmosphere.

In short, Grissini is the ultimate comfort spot for Italian food lovers. If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and order the gnocchi and a pizza —...