La Cucina di Clemenza

I met up with my Father and his girlfriend for a double date Saturday night. My boyfriend and I arrived there first and were pleasantly surprised by the decor. The restaurant looks like an ordinary restaurant form the outside by we loved the atmosphere inside. Very romantic.

The service was prompt and attentive, maybe a little too so, but no complaints about constantly having a full glass of water on the table.

The food was amazing. My boyfriend and I eat Italian quite often - he always says his grandma's gravy is the best. Well, even he admitted this was fantastic. All four of us cleared our plates. I got the Pollo Octavio and he got Grandma's Sunday Dinner (or something like that). My father and his girlfriend each got the red snapper special. For desert, I had a cannoli. It was so delicious - the rest of the table joked that I inhaled it.

Highly recommend this restaurant if you're looking for a nice night out. It is BYOB.

Pizza is great, but seriously. The BEST garlic knots hands down I've ever had. They are like little croissants with garlic and butter. And cheap, 4 for $2. Cannot be beat!
UPDATE:
I had to make this just 3 stars instead of 5 because I have been in 3 separate times and they have not had them. I even waited 10 minutes today only to be told the driver had left so they wouldn't have them. I guess if you can get them, you should consider buying a lottery ticket that day too.

Had dinner last night at La Cucina di Clemenza with my wife and parents. I was immediately impressed by the decor when we walked in. The place was immaculate with wonderful hand painted walls and wood work throughout the building. It only got better from there. The food was great and adequately portioned. No one left hungry. The owner Donna was really nice and came over a couple time giving us the history of the restaurant and how they built out the facility. There are a couple private areas in the restaurant as well for small to medium size private events. Definitely worth checking out if you are in Millburn and in the mood for Italian food.

The scenery is picturesque. The service is fantastic and friendly. My only hang up is that my food was very bland! There is also a pizzeria section on the other side of the building. In conclusion, I look forward to dining in this high end eatery again!

So, La Cucina changed locations not too long ago. They went from having a small intimate restaurant on one side of town (which I always remember being good) however, once they moved it all went down hill.

My family and I have been there twice since the change of locations, and both experiences were absolutely horrible!

Not only is the food ridiculously expensive for the portions you receive, but everything is overly salted. I ordered the Chicken Francese, and had to send it back because it was not even edible. For three people with no drinks (just water) it was close to $100 for one appetizer and two entrees, which is outrageously expensive.

Last night, my mother and I went again (spur of the moment and said 'why not give it a second chance') and boy do we regret that choice. We stood at the front to be seated for quite a few minutes before anyone realized we were even there (while, the restaurant had maybe 3 other families eating) and again, I ordered a chicken dish--wich was way too salty and my mom had the Eggplant "appetizer". The way the server described it was totally opposite of how we were told it was served.

So, she got two thick slaps of eggplant over some greens for $16 dollars. What a rip off. Not to mention, it had no flavor and was poorly presented.

By the time we asked for the check, we were so fed up and just wanted to leave. The next morning, we called to complain and a very snippy and rude woman got on the phone only to tell us "that's how it is" and we would have to call back later on if we wanted to reach the owner.

Also, my mother was told her dinner would be an appetizer, and she was charged for an entree. (These servers really have a way of saying one thing and doing another!)

Now, the decor is friendly--however, moderate. They should have stuck with their old location, which was intimate and cozy!

Oh- and one last thing. There was also a party going on in the back room of the restaurant where the people were extremely loud and obnoxious, and it took the staff at least 5-10 min to close the door so the rest of the restaurant could enjoy their meals (although...we didn't.)

Complete BS, in a town as classy as Millburn, this restaurant is down in the dumps. We will never be attending again, and I highly suggest you don't either.

La Pergola and Cara Mia are always excellant, the wait staff is friendly, the managers/owners come over to greet you and start conversation, and the overall experience is much better. (Definitely what you want to look for in a restaurant)!