Fiorentini Restaurant — Restaurant in Rutherford

Came for dinner last week to celebrate my sister's engagement. Server came over and told us we were going to get some fresh bread. Bread comes to the table, and I wish they kept it in the kitchen because it was a hollow, rock-hard piece of bread. We asked for balsamic vinegar, and a different server looked at us like we were crazy and said, “Wasabi vinegar?” and we said no—like balsamic vinegar or glaze. Finally, after the bread is gone, they bring the balsamic. We asked a couple questions about the menu and started to order. We were told we had to put the whole order through—we couldn't just order apps first, which I HATE. We asked about the size of the apps, and the server told us everything is pretty small so we should order two. Well, THANK GOODNESS we didn’t listen because unfortunately, EVERY SINGLE APP was terrible. Zero salt, flavor, seasoning, taste—you name it. The only thing I could commend is the presentation of the dishes. We ordered the Roasted Bone Marrow—and I loveee bone marrow—and it was the blandest thing I’ve ever tasted. We spit it out. The steak tartare looked pretty but was also gross. We asked how many pieces come in the bruschetta and she said two pieces, so we ordered two, and one piece is enough for two people—which she could have mentioned, but it’s fine. The octopus carpaccio? Terrible. The mussels in white wine tasted like boiled water and butter. After we tasted the apps, I was scared for the entrees, so I tried to cancel the $215 steak we ordered. She told us we couldn’t cancel—it was already being cooked. The one star I gave is for the steak because it was actually very good. Now onto the pasta dishes. We ordered the Spaghettone di Gragnano, handmade corn gnocchi, 2 Pacchero mixed seafood, and 2 handmade pappardelle. SIX TOTAL. When I tell you we all took one bite, looked up at each other, and laughed—I’m not lying. The pasta was al dente x100, the gnocchi disintegrated in my mouth, seafood pasta had no sauce, none of them had salt. The reviews were great so I don’t understand what the issue was. We all collectively looked at one another and started looking for another restaurant nearby because we were still hungry. We didn’t even want to complain. When we asked for the check, the server asked why we didn’t eat anything. We said honestly, we didn’t like anything—but that’s okay, can we get the check? The server said, “No no, I can’t let you leave like this, let me call my manager.” We said, “No please,” but she insisted. A man walks up to us, doesn’t introduce himself, and just says, “Everything okay?” We thought he was just another server asking if everything was okay, maybe to clear the table. Anyways, he walks away and the server comes back and says, “Omg why didn’t you talk to him? That was my manager.” And I’m like—well, he didn’t introduce himself like a normal manager would if customers were unhappy. Anyways, manager comes back and stares at us. We tell him basically we didn’t like anything, and his response: “We have not had a complaint like this, so I need to understand what you didn’t like and why.” Now we’re getting a little frustrated and ask for the check again—and if he wants to remove anything from the bill, so be it. BECAUSE WE ATE NOTHING. THEN, the manager comes back and says, “Please wait, the chef is going to come talk to you guys. He was leaving but he’s coming back.” So we wait some more, and the wonderful friendly chef (sarcasm) comes out and stares at the uneaten plates, and here we go again—round 3—explaining what we didn’t like. He also proceeds to say, “I was leaving and had to come back to see what’s happening.” Like… sorry? We didn’t ask them to call you here. The whole situation was totally weird and unnecessary. We didn’t need to explain ourselves three times. You can clearly see the food wasn’t eaten. I’ve never had to explain myself before when I didn’t like a meal. Anyways—service, not good. Food, no good. Please fix your customer service. The manager needs to be able to resolve issues professionally—he acted like it was his first...

What an EXTRAORDINARY place Fiorentini is. My husband and I went for a celebration dinner. I can’t eat at most restaurants because I’m allergic to soy and the ingredients most restaurants use are just not high quality enough. Farm to table is one of the first places I look for a night out. And, at Fiorentini, everything they serve is made fresh from organic ingredients they just bought. They don’t own a freezer!

Our experience couldn’t have been better. First, I want to mention that I emailed Fiorentini before I made the reservation. Brenda, the co-owner, ALWAYS replied. I can’t tell you how many restaurants don’t reply to emails/Facebook messages or even phone calls when it comes to food allergens.  They had our table ready when we arrived. The service was delightful; attentive and unpretentious. Always there when we needed something but never hovering.

But now the BEST part; THE FOOD! OMG the food. I’m in show business and my husband has worked for some very prestigious places so let me just say, we’ve been to plenty of restaurants that are well-known and extremely fine. But we both agreed that the food we had at Fiorentini was in the TOP FIVE RESTAURANT MEALS we’ve ever had. (We’re in our 60s…) You hear them say on food shows how food ‘surprised’ their palate, well we were perpetually surprised at Fiorentini. More than surprised; stunned at how delicious every single bite was.

The 21 vegetable soup was startlingly rich and delicious. The best we’ve ever had. The stuffed gnocchi with mussels was indescribably delicious. Simple yet SO complex you couldn’t guess how it was made. For our entrees we chose the housemade potato tortellini with lamb ragu and the NJ Farm short ribs. Both were, again, more than excellent and very creatively paired. Portions were generous; even for my husband who always complains when presented with a skimpy plate. For dessert, Brenda suggested the panna cotta. Just exquisite. The cream paired with the orange gelee and the chocolate mousse was masterful.

I’d also like to mention, that even though they don’t use ‘cheap’ oil like soy or vegetable oil, they were still incredibly attentive to the fact that I had a sensitivity. The chef, Antonio, even took the time to come and say hello. He’s not only incredibly skilled but he’s humble, caring and charming.

I see from some other reviewers that they’re not happy with the lack of variety at Fiorentini. To them, I can only say, when there’s this kind of amazing quality, you’re not gonna get that. If you want variety, go to a diner. If you want an outstanding dining experience, run to Fiorentini. As a matter of fact, I told friends to come here to Rutherford from NYC because they HAVE to come to Fiorentini. I’m gonna be...

If you’re anywhere near Rutherford and haven’t been to Fiorentini yet, you’re seriously missing out. This is not your typical Italian spot, it’s a seasonal, farm-to-table experience that brings elegance, comfort, and bold flavors together in one stunning, wood-wrapped space.

Fiorentini is the passion project of Chef Antonio De Ieso, who brings his Southern Italian roots to New Jersey with a modern, elevated twist. The menu changes every quarter to reflect local harvests and small-farm partnerships, and the care in every dish shows. It’s a single-page menu. Confident, focused, and intentional. Honestly, that’s all it needs.

The atmosphere alone is worth the trip. Beautiful wooden interior, open concept, warm lighting, it feels like you’ve stepped into a rustic Italian villa that just happens to know great design. It’s the kind of place you could bring a date, your parents, or just yourself when you need to feel taken care of.

Now, let’s talk food.

We started with the house bread and flaxseed crackers. That bread? Perfection. Golden crust, soft interior, exactly how it should be. The crackers added a unique, nutty flavor that made even the olive oil taste elevated.

Next came the burrata with prosciutto and lemon sauce. The cheese was rich, the prosciutto soft and smoky, but the lemon sauce? That’s what brought it all together. Bright, zesty, and honestly kind of genius.

The lobster rolls felt like what would happen if a New England classic spent a summer in Manhattan. Refined, fresh, and full of flavor.

For mains, the spinach gnocchi with peas and bacon was absolute comfort. Soft, delicate pillows of gnocchi that somehow still felt light. Meanwhile, the pork tortelloni was savory and rich, the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for a second to appreciate what’s happening.

And finally, the farm-seared chicken breast. I know chicken doesn’t usually steal the show, but this one absolutely did. Perfectly crisp skin, juicy inside, and the roasted carrots on the side were so good they nearly upstaged the whole plate.

One important note — Fiorentini is a dry restaurant. No alcohol. But honestly, the food is so thoughtfully done that you won’t even notice. It gives the whole experience a grounded, intentional feel, and it keeps the focus exactly where it should be: on what’s on your plate.

Bottom line? Fiorentini is an absolute must if you appreciate great food, genuine hospitality, and thoughtful atmosphere. It’s seasonal Italian with heart, depth, and just the right amount of flair. Book a table. Thank...