Made In Italy Ristorante — Restaurant in Totowa

My husband and I went to Made in Italy in Totowa, NJ, for the first time last night. Due to the extremely rude behavior of one of the servers, it will be our last. Our server, I think his name is Fernando, was very welcoming and explained the specials, answering all of our questions. We decided to split the grilled octopus (item on the regular menu) and we both ordered the parpadell in a ragu sauce. The octopus arrived and was a generous serving. Unfortunately, it was tough, hard to cut and was like chewing rubber. A female server, not our Fernando, approached our table and we told her that the octopus was extremely tough. She proceeded to pick up a knife and fork from our table and cut a piece in front of us, basically, questioning our claim. She removed the plate, never offering an apology and brought it up to the kitchen window, where we saw the owner (?) tasting it and then speaking to one of the kitchen staff. The only person that apologized and seemed to care was Fernando. The octopus was removed from our bill but the damage was done. We order grilled octopus from other restaurants so, we know that it shouldn't be like rubber. The pasta was OK but very little meat for a ragu sauce. We ordered the hazelnut flute, which is served in a glass flute. It must have come straight from the freezer, as it was rock hard. Afraid of breaking the glass, we had to let it sit for a few minutes, in order for it to thaw enough to eat...it was the best part...

Wow! We just so happened to stumble across Made In Italy last night. We walked in were told to pick a table we wanted. We started with the mussels in red sauce. They were some of the best mussels I have ever had. The texture was perfect and the red sauce delicious.

We then had their version of bruschetta just as delicious. The bread wasn't super crunchy if that is something you worry about. It sits on top of some fresh prosciutto and the flavors are fantastic.

My husband ordered the Made in Italy Gnocchi again, the consistency and texture were perfect. He said there was no way he could eat it all, yeah well he did!

I ordered the Fettuccini Bolognese and I asked for some cheese on the side. You could tell the fettuccini was home made. Again delicious and a very nice size portion I ate it for dinner and already two portions for leftovers today for lunch.

My daughter had a pasta dish as well which she absolutely loved but I cannot recall the name of it. We looked at the dessert menu just to see, but there was no way we were eating another thing.

Great benefit is it is a BYOB so you can select whatever you want to bring with you to drink. There were what sounded and looked like amazing chicken, veal and fish items on the menu as well.

Being that we have just recently moved back in to town, we will be going...

Certainly! Here's a crafted review for the Italian restaurant:

Review:

Nestled in the heart of New Jersey, this family-owned Italian gem is a culinary haven that never fails to impress. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a warm, inviting ambiance that feels like home. The service is impeccable, with a team that goes above and beyond to ensure every dining experience is memorable.

One of the standout features of this charming restaurant is its amazing patio, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. Whether you're dining under the stars or soaking up the sun, the atmosphere is simply unbeatable. And the best part? You can bring your own wine, adding a personal touch to your dining experience.

The menu is a testament to authentic Italian cuisine, with dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. The Bronzino is a must-try – perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The pasta scoglio is a delightful blend of simplicity and richness, while the pasta carbonara is creamy and indulgent, just as it should be.

This restaurant is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and passion for food. Each visit is a journey of flavors, warmth, and exceptional service. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to reserve a table at this Italian oasis. Your taste buds...