Ottimo Cafe — Restaurant in Howell Township

If you are looking for upscale dairy in the greater Lakewood area, you need not look farther than Ottimo. They have been in Lakewood the longest for two reasons. Great consistent food paired with great staff. Recently, I stopped by to visit and try some new dishes. We started with a Tropical Tango smoothie and I got a Caramel Frappe sans whip. They happen to have amazing drinks, so naturally I had to try one. For apps, I have been a big fan of their amazing tuna tartar for the last two years. That’s why this time I wanted to try something different. So I went with the Tuna Tataki. I love fish and this dish didn’t disappoint. Perfectly seared tuna topped with jalapeno. We also ordered the world renowned Cauliflower Bites, which were crunchy, with a trio of sauces. We also got their very popular Crispy Brussel Sprout Caesar salad. The salad was really something else, very different from a classic Caesar with the addition of the Brussel sprouts, but with great aromatics and even better flavor. I am very picky with my salads, I don’t like too many toppings, but it was delicious. For our mains, we went with the Salmon Pinwheels, which consisted of Stuffed Salmon and panko horseradish. It was rolled and baked, served over a sweet potato puree, with a side of a green beans and a honey jalapeno sauce. The sauce was amazing and the fish was cooked to perfection. While it was an unusual collaboration, the taste was something else. Sweet yet spicy. We also ordered the Tortellini, which was sweet potato stuffed tortellini with broccoli, spinach, pistachio over a sweet Alfredo sauce, with a touch of maple syrup and grated parmesan. I like pasta dishes, and this was a whole new level. Creamy and packed with flavor, yet not heavy. Next was the pan seared gnocchi with confit garlic, truffle mushroom cream sauce over homemade potato gnocchi. Each piece was seared with a nice crust, yet pillowy soft inside. The cream sauce was a nice addition that pulled the dish together. Lastly, was the Eggplant Milanese, breaded and fried eggplant with a mixed green salad, fresh lemon juice, heirloom tomatoes, and an onion balsamic reduction on top of parmesan cheese. It was perfect, crispy on the outside and yummy on the inside. Always consistent, great atmosphere and a great...

We wanted a place that would be both delicious and have impeccable Kashrus.

After speaking to lots of people, as well as our Rav (for the kollel super yeshivish extra makpid chevra - 🫶🏻 respect) , we decided on Ottimo for our event.

BEST DECISION EVER!!!

I don’t write a lot of reviews. Not my thing. But hakaras hatov is due here.

The food was delicious. The service was impeccable. Everything was “sure, no problem”.

We had a buffet of appetizers; Mozzarella sticks, nachos, warm spinach dip, cauliflower bites and a mushroom basket for the fried food. Caesar, quinoa and portobello salads, and stuffed mushrooms to die for. (My personal favorite)

Beet carpaccio for the foodies - that’s me. Amazing.

Then we had our mains. Pastas, pizzas, eggplant parmesan - I got the Branzino which was delicate and perfectly seasoned.

We had the greatest family event ever. The staff was there when they should be, disappeared when we had our family time, and reappeared for dessert.

Chocolate lava, crème brûlée, cheesecake - you get the picture.

No I don’t work for the place. No I have no vested interest in promoting them. But of all the places I’ve tried so far - you’d be a fool not to go to Ottimo.

Thank you all for an absolutely once-in-a-lifetime family celebration. May HKBH shower you with Hatzlacha, and may you continue to bring Simcha to so many.

Sincerely, A very satisfied customer, who is going on a...

I recently had the pleasure of dining here a fantastic dairy restaurant that left me thoroughly impressed. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional.

Upon entering, I was greeted warmly by the friendly staff, setting the tone for the evening. The service throughout the meal was impeccable; our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to accommodate any dietary preferences or questions.

Now, let's talk about the food! The menu offered a delightful array of dairy dishes, and every bite was a culinary delight. each dish was prepared to perfection, showcasing the chef's culinary expertise.

The ambiance was inviting, with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for a family dinner The attention to detail in the restaurant's decor and table settings added to the overall charm.

To top it all off, the dessert selection was heavenly. I couldn't resist trying the cheesecake, and it was the perfect sweet ending to an already wonderful meal.

In summary, ottimo is a dairy restaurant that truly stands out. The combination of excellent service, mouthwatering cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. I can't wait to return for another...