mozzarella — Restaurant in South Orange

Be warned of 18% mandatory service charges plus the additional prompt for optional add on tips with the burden put on the servers and staff to explain that this is to contribute to their salary.

To the owner of Mozzarella,

I am your neighbor from around the corner on Academy Street. I was at your restaurant yesterday for dinner treating my nephew to dinner. The food was delicious and the server Andrew was very nice.  The bill came and with just a glance I paid it as my 18 year old nephew, who is usually glued to his phone,  was actually engaging in conversation with me. I added a $12 tip without thought. Later that night I saw the 18% service charge added in. Thinking it was a mistake I walked back over this afternoon to sort it out. Andrew explained it is part if his salary and that he was sorry if he didn't explain it last night when serving us. He then went for his personal wallet to reimburse me the service fee since i had also tipped him. Completely awkward.  I felt icky. I don't want to take money back from a nice kid trying to make a living.

Whether Andrew explained the 18% or not last night when handing me the bill I do not know-although I do not remember him doing so. But why also have the add tip part on the receipt as well when 18% is already added in. I find it very sneaky.  And if Andrew and your other employees are required to explain that they are salaried employees and that 18% goes towards it shame on you for putting it on them.

When on your website today to get this email address the 18% service charge is the first thing to pop up. Not the case when scanning the QR code at the restaurant to get the menu. Again, sneaky. The last time we were at your restaurant a while back there was a corking fee added in because we brought our own wine which also rubbed us the wrong way.

I understand food prices are very high and servers and workers need to earn a living wage and you need to make a profit on top of that. A sneaky 18% service charge plus also handing the customer a receipt with a tip option is over the top when a plate of ziti is already $18 and chicken $24.

I can't tell you how excited we were to have a nice Italian restaurant open up around the corner from us and have outdoor seating with BYOB. Over the years ordering pizza and sending the nieces and nephews around the corner to pick up dinner that we ordered. Having guests over and walking literally around the corner with a bottle of wine for a nice dinner. Between the high prices, add in fees and burdens you put on your staff you have lost our business. There are better, more honest restaurants that we can support in our neighborhood that that are more transparent with their customers and more respectful to their...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mozzerella Restaurant, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish! The food and service at Mozzerella Restaurant exceeded all expectations and left me craving for more.

First and foremost, let's talk about the food. The menu at Mozzerella Restaurant is a culinary masterpiece, offering a wide range of delectable dishes that cater to all taste buds. From their mouthwatering pasta dishes to their perfectly cooked chicken cutlets, every bite was a burst of flavor that left me in awe. The ingredients were fresh, the presentation was impeccable, and the taste was simply outstanding. It's evident that the chefs at Mozzerella Restaurant put their heart and soul into every dish they create.

But it wasn't just the food that impressed me; the service was equally exceptional. The staff at Mozzerella Restaurant were incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. They went above and beyond to ensure that every moment of my dining experience was enjoyable. From their warm greetings to their helpful recommendations, I felt like a valued guest throughout the entire evening. The attention to detail and the genuine care they showed towards their customers truly sets Mozzerella Restaurant apart.

The ambiance of the restaurant was also worth mentioning. The cozy and inviting atmosphere created the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Whether it was a romantic date night or a gathering with friends, Mozzerella Restaurant provided the ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories.

Overall, I cannot recommend Mozzerella Restaurant enough. The combination of exceptional food, outstanding service, and inviting ambiance makes it a must-visit for any food lover. Whether you're craving Italian cuisine or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Mozzerella Restaurant is the place to be. Trust me, you won't be...

Amazing experience!!!

There are three sitting areas, my husband and I chose to sit in the back patio area. I was craving outdoors, pizza and wine. We were greeting and walked around the back to be seated. Very nice ambiance, lovely jazz playing- the vibes were vibing. We brought a bottle of Prosecco and knew exactly what we wanted to order. Our waiter didn’t share his name but was very attentive and polite.

We shared mozzarella sticks and the arugula and pear salad. Hubby ordered bone-in sweet chili wings and we split a 12” (pause). Divided it by pepperoni and sausage. The salad was delicious loved that the pears weren’t sweet because the dressing and walnuts had a twinge of sweetness. The sticks were sooo good!!! They come with what I think was a vodka dipping sauce. I don’t like dipping my sticks in sauce but that sauce!!!! That sauce YUM!!! We sat and enjoy for a while, I appreciate the time given to enjoy our first course and sip our drinks. Then the pizza comes along with the wings and did not disappoint. The pie was 6 slices which was well enough food. I really enjoyed this experience and really look forward to returning and when I do, I’m going to request a pie with a vodka base instead of the other sauce. That vodka sauce has me in...