IL Monello — Restaurant in Peapack-Gladstone

We had an amazing experience an IL Monello for my 24th birthday. They started by sitting us outside in a wonderfully beautiful patio with light music playing in the background . Then they served us amazing complimentary items like marinated squash, bread and butter and shaved Pecorino Romano Cheese (shaved from.the wheel fresh right in front of you). They offered about 15 specials which were completely memorized in the chef Martino's head. I chose three appetizers: two specials (Clams Casino and Homemade Soup of the Day which had seafood in it that day) and one other appetizer (Fried Calamari). All of the Food I ate there was perfect, but have yet to try the soup since the other food filled me (they packaged it to go for us neatly). The clams casino were obviously homemade and that dish will always be in my mind, along with everything else I tasted at IL Monello, as THE BEST FOOD I have ever eaten. My mother's Father was born in Italy and we could easily tell you this restaurant deserves 10 out of 10 stars or 5 out of 5 stars. All the staff were extremely friendly and courteous with a classy flare, as Peapack is a very quaint and classy town. (We're from Mendham, about 3 miles away). They opened and poured the wine and Cider we brought with us as well. They also gave me a choice of dessert and I chose the profiteroles. They came out and all sang happy birthday in a very vibrant and fantastic manner as my Father played Harmonica along with the singing. The staff are All Great at IL Monello. The Dessert was perfect with an amazing whipped cream on the side (very thick and fresh, sprinkled with chopped nuts). I recommend IL Monello as my new go to spot and highly recommend it above ALL Other restaurants in the area as having that spark and class that it takes to truly have a well-run restaurant with GOOD...

The food and service was outstanding. The two waiters were attentive, timely and very polite. The brought us complimentary pre-appetizers including bread, sauteed spicy zucchini, and a slice off an imported wheel of Italian pecorino cheese. We ordered the Zuppeta appetizer: 2 each of clams, shrimp, mussels and calamari, perfect for sharing. These were draped with a fabulous lemony sauce. The calamari rings were large and tender. My wife ordered the grouper, also outstanding with nicely prepared al dente broccoli and potatoes. I had the crab and lobster ravioli with an exquisite light red sauce. Portions were take home some size. We finished with the creme brulee cheesecake - most amazing. And a piping hot and delicious cappuccino. To top it off, I enjoyed a complimentary glass of grappa (limoncello and other were also offered.) There wasn't really a wine menu, simply grape type no name offerings. Though we should have brought in our own for uncorking. The big downgrade for me was the entrance, short hall, and bathroom and even the assembly of wines. These areas were unsightly - cluttered, unkempt, and even dirty appearing. The single bathroom had a couple of flies for company and was very old and unattractive. The paper towel bin was full even while no one else was in the restaurant. We visited for dinner on a Tuesday night and only one other party showed up. Being alone was uncomfortable and made us wonder. Gratefully, the food and service truly made up the difference. Azzuro up the street was bustling, so it can't be written off as just a...

Let me start by saying I have never written a review about a restaurant in my life but felt compelled to do so after this experience.

Started dining here about a month or so ago. We enjoyed the generally very good food and ambiance on our first 2 visits and even introduced friends to the establishment. Staff is quite polite EXCEPT Martino, who appears to be the head chef/owner. Not quite sure what his issue is but he was rude and obnoxious especially at our last and final visit. He took offense when one couple at our table asked to split an appetizer. He argued they were very small in size an effort to up-sell us. More importantly, one of our friend's chicken entree was rubbery and asked to send it back for something else. Martino rushed over and proceeded to cut a piece the chicken off right on his plate, ate it and said it was "just fine"--the reason it was rubbery was because it was "free range"...Seriously?? His erratic and nasty behavior continued after that, so much so we elected to pass on coffee and dessert (for a variety of reasons) and went elsewhere. We carefully review the check to see what may have been "added" but the handwriting was illegible. It seemed to be within $20 of our estimate and that was close to make a quick exit! Upon leaving, the restaurant, he muttered an Italian curse word which translated to "who#es". Too many other places to go in the area that would appreciate our very steady and...