Caffe Piazza Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in Hillsborough Township

We arrived for our 6:30 reservation (which was originally scheduled for 6:00, but someone called and asked if we could move it and we agreed) and waited ten minutes before we were seated. Inexplicably, another party of two for the same reservation time was seated before us. When we were finally seated, our orders were taken and our appetizers arrived after a long wait. Eventually, someone who we presumed was the manager came out and explained that there was a mishap in the kitchen and apologized. We then proceeded to wait almost two hours for our entrees. During this time, not a single waiter or manager came to give us an update about our meal. When we got tired of watching other tables get their food and asked for the check to pay for our appetizers, we were told that the entrees would come out in a couple of minutes and we could wait or take them to go. We insisted on the check and a few minutes later the food appeared in to-go containers with a check for the entire meal. We had no intention of paying for entrees that were close to two hours late. When the manager then appeared with two desserts that we did not ask for, we calmly explained that while we were happy to pay for the appetizers, we had no intention of paying for rest of the meal, pointing out that according to the receipt, the order was entered at 6:51 and it was now 8:35. The manager became defensive and explained that the delay was because we had ordered appetizers which disrupted the order of meals coming out of the kitchen. He then told us to “relax” (no one had raised their voice) and pointed out that he had brought out a free dessert. After we continued to insist that the charge for the entrees was unacceptable, he brought us an amended check for the appetizers. We left enough cash on the table to cover the apps and a portion of the entrees and left with the food because we were hungry.

While mishaps can and do happen in the kitchen, the lack of communication about our meal was completely unacceptable. Instead of being honest about the delay and asking how they could make it right, we were blamed for ordering appetizers and causing the delay ourselves. This was clearly a restaurant that was in over its head with a full dining area and a private party happening at the same time. In the future, Caffe Piazza, bite off what you can chew, take responsibility for your mistakes, and be honest with your customers. Your food is good, but you have a lot to learn about basic...

Caffe Piazza was a big, welcoming surprise in its unassuming location. Not since I've been in Italy have I had a similar dining experience. Welcoming atmosphere, the wait staff was exceptional - knowledgeable, attentive, courteous, helpful and friendly.

The food - I dipped my bread in the olive oil and upon tasting it, immediately noticed that this was really good olive oil, and it went uphill from there, everything we ordered and tasted, looked, and was, delicious.

The house salad came out and my wife and I both agreed, this may be the tastiest salad dressing we'd ever had! I don't know what was in it!

My grandmother was from Calabria, and she could cook, and I grew up eating her sauce, so I never get the Sunday dinner (Stofato Special) at restaurants as I'm usually pretty sure I'll be disappointed. I gave it a shot and it was excellent. The meatball, sausage and braciole were tender and tasty and the sauce was scrumptious over the fresh made pasta. I was in heaven. I cleaned every drop of the bowl with my bread.

The other 3 diners ordered a fresh pasta with a tomato cream sauce, a seafood dish and a chicken with vegetables dish and every single dish looked so good, I am thinking I'm going to have to go back at least 3 more times to try them 😋

Had the pistachio gelato for dessert. Just full of pistachio flavor, and that creamy gelato texture that makes your tongue dance, savored every bite.

I ordered a cappuccino, which upon tasting it, also lifted an eyebrow as it was exceptionally good.

After dinner, the owner, who is from Italy took pride in telling us about their ingredients, their philosophy and their roots in Calabria (no surprise!). He also shared that their family has been serving up delicious meals here for 29 years, that's just amazing. Just like back home, he offered some Limoncello to end the meal which sealed the deal.

If you've been to Italy, or if you haven't, check this place out and you'll feel...

I just had to take a moment to share my dining experience at Café Piazza. As someone originally from New York, where good food is never in short supply, I’ve found it challenging to discover restaurants in Somerset that truly stand out. Café Piazza is a rare gem, offering something beyond the usual Italian fare.

From the first bite, it was clear that every dish was prepared with care and passion. What really impressed me was how unique the menu is, this isn’t your typical Italian spot serving chicken marsala or francese. The food was full of bold, rich, and savory layered flavors.

One standout dish was the stuffed zucchini flowers. It’s rare to even find these on a menu, and their version, filled with creamy ricotta, was absolutely divine. It’s the kind of dish that immediately tells you you’re in for something special. And they delivered! Every single plate my husband and I tried was exceptional. The lamb chops, in particular, were perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.

Finding a place like this in Somerset feels like striking gold. Moving from a city with endless options to an area with fewer standouts hasn’t been easy, but Café Piazza nailed it.

It was definitely an experience. If you’re someone who appreciates great food made with heart, this is the place to be. I can’t wait for my next visit. Enjoyed it...