Cafe Tivoli — Restaurant in Ridgefield

My family has been coming to Cafe Tivoli for many years. Unfortunately over the past two years we have a steady decline in the service and quality of food but a steady increase in the price of their meals. This past weekend my family of 9 were celebrating a special occassion and wanted to stay local, so we came here on Sunday for a late lunch celebration. We had a reservation so there were no unexpected surprises for the restaurant. When we arrived there were two parties set up, one for a party of 10 and our's for a party of 9. The space used for both parties was in the common area of their dining room, but the space could not comfortably fit both parties. The party of 10 was crammed into a corner with just a wall separating them from the main entrance, and our party was seated next to them, giving both parties no privacy to enjoy their individual celebration. Because of the limited space we were only given 4 tables that accommodate two people each and our 9th guest was forced to sit at the end and share one small table with two other people. Add to the fact that their seat was in the middle of the walkway for waiters to access other parts of the dining area. Unfortunately our experience did not get any better as the food was very subpar. I personally ordered the chicken francese and the sauce was practically water. I received two pieces of chicken that were quite small and a small bowl of pasta for $24. My wife ordered a chicken cordon bleu which after 3 attempts of trying to serve it hot by microwaving it and over cooking the chicken she finally decided to send her plate back and not eat. She felt uncomfortable ordering because the staff in the kitchen each came to the door to see our table and she felt as though at that point her meal would be targeted for something inappropriate. My son ordered penne vodka with chicken which gave him a full bowl of pasta with one overcooked, burnt cutlet on top for $29. My mother-in-law ordered one appetizer, a salad and her sister ordered a meal which in total for them came out to over $80. These prices are for dinners you would expect at a higher class of restaurant but the quality of food is something you get at a pizzeria. We are not sure if there was a change in either ownership or management but heavy shortcuts are being taken and I truly doubt anyone knowledgeable of cooking Italian food is actually in that kitchen. My family all agreed upon leaving that we would not return to this...

This family-owned gem deserves every bit of praise it receives. From the moment you step inside, the Stancato family's warmth and dedication to hospitality are immediately apparent.

What truly sets Cafe Tivoli apart is their commitment to fresh, homemade Italian dishes that honor traditional recipes while maintaining consistently high quality. Each dish arrives beautifully presented and bursting with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Italy. The pasta is clearly made with care, and the sauce combinations—whether you choose the classic tomato, rich meat sauce, or creamy vodka sauce—are perfectly balanced and satisfying.

The staff at Cafe Tivoli strikes the perfect balance between professional attentiveness and genuine friendliness. They're knowledgeable about the menu, quick to accommodate special requests, and create an atmosphere where you truly feel like family. The restaurant maintains a comfortable, welcoming environment that works equally well for intimate dinners or larger celebrations.

Their private party room is a standout feature — with space for 110 guests, private entrance, dedicated parking, service bar, and dance floor, it's an ideal venue for celebrations. The fact that they've been serving the Bergen County community since 1986 speaks volumes about their consistency and reputation.

Cafe Tivoli Ristorante exemplifies what makes neighborhood Italian restaurants special—outstanding food, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to making every guest feel valued. Whether you're craving a casual dinner or planning a special celebration, this restaurant delivers an experience that will keep you coming back. Highly recommended for anyone seeking authentic Italian cuisine in...

I recently had my bridal shower at Café Tivoli, and I can’t recommend them enough! My mom and sister worked closely with their team to plan everything, and it turned out absolutely perfect.

From the start, Café Tivoli was incredibly professional, transparent, and easy to work with—no hidden fees, just clear communication and genuine passion for hosting memorable events. Their menu options were expansive and completely customizable, which made planning so much fun. The food was delicious, with huge portions, and they even packed up leftovers for us to take home.

The service was outstanding—staff were attentive and constantly checking in to make sure guests had everything they needed. One of the nicest touches was how they helped break down and neatly pack up all of our décor at the end of the event, which made cleanup a breeze.

They also had a great selection of linens that matched our theme perfectly, adding such a polished touch to the space.

If you're looking for a venue that truly cares about making your event a success, Café Tivoli is the place. Warm, professional, and passionate—everything you could hope for....