Grano Italian Ristorante

First time diner. Was highly recommended by 2 friends and local reviewers, and did not disappoint. Not pictured was my wife’s black truffle and mushroom pasta that was wonderfully indulgent. I love octopus when done well, and I enjoyed their grilled version that had a nice balance of chew and tenderness. My fish ragu on squid ink pasta was lighter and more herbal, which I enjoyed as a complement to the rest of the meal. Host specifically asked if we were celebrating any occasion, which I appreciated since we were. Server was forgiving when I accidentally walked out with the wrong receipt with my signature, sorry! 🤦‍♂️ Restaurant aims to please and offer a memorable experience, and they hit the mark with us. 👏 Not an everyday place for us with the higher price, but worth it for special occasions and when you need to treat yourself.

Amazing authentic Italian dishes. From the moment we arrived the service was impeccable. We were greeted my name was taken down and waited probably not even 5 minutes and they were busy even on a Wednesday. We celebrated my girlfriends birthday and Antonio demonstrated what above and beyond hospitality is. Chef checked on us and made sure that our visit was very much appreciated. He also visited other tables which made the experience feel more as if you were having a meal with family. We had a birthday dessert which was excellent and they sang happy birthday to my lady without missing a note. They are the quintessential of what hospitality is and should be. The alfredo and vodka sauce were creamy, delicious and the flavors were not overpowering. Everything from the tomato sauce for the great bread to the pasta tasted homemade. Would recommend a thousand times and will definitely be back to enjoy other dishes. Ask for Antonio if you get a chance. Thank you for the great experience, definitely deserve all the praises.

This place is welcoming and friendly, and the staff makes you feel like they've known you forever! The owner personally came out to greet us. The food is fresh, delicious, and so so damn good! We had the Sangria, the pear and honey appetizer (sorry, I can't remember the name), a few different pasta choices, and 2 deserts plus a lovely cake as a gift for our wedding. It's such an amazing atmosphere. This place is so worth every penny. I honestly can't wait to go back, try more things, and take more of my friends to this lovely place 🙏

Cannot rave about this place enough! By far the most authentic Italian food we’ve had since returning from Italy last year. The handmade pasta and sauces are clearly made with a passion and eye to quality. The wine selection was on point. Call and make a reservation.

First time at Grano and enjoyed it very much. My son took us out there for my birthday and Father's Day and we really enjoyed it. Real authentic Italian food that we haven't had since we lived in NJ years ago. Everything was great from service, atmosphere, food. We were given fresh bread with tomato dipping sauce to start. We had fried calamari as an appetizer and glass of Moscato to start. I had the traditional Chicken Parmesan, and my wife had the Veal Milanese. Both were excellent. Great meal for a special occasion.

Not from the area, so when I say you gotta try this place, i mean it. Met up with some family, it is a hole in the wall, you can't even tell there is such a great restaurant there. The food is so good, and dessert is even better. Get the chardonnay. It pairs so well with all the food. The special was squid ink noodles with scallops and wow, so much flavor. It was a little expensive, but it was worth it, in my opinion.

First time here and it was amazing! Fresh, delicious food and great service. The chef came by to greet us and was very friendly and attentive. Highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!

Fuku P

It was my husband's birthday and our first time here. We had a prosciutto and burrata antipasti followed by a seafood pasta and a homemade pasta dish (giordonini) with ricotta and tiny meatballs. Everything was super delicious!!! Our waiter Antonio and all the staff were very friendly and polite. This is the best Italian restaurant we ever been since we moved to the area. They went out of their way to ensure we had a special day. We highly recommend Grano to anyone looking for delicious honest Italian cooking and genuine hospitality. You cannot go wrong here and we cannot wait for next excuse to come here.

Grace H

5/5 stars I’m still reeling from the incredible dining experience at Grano Italia Ristorante! Every aspect of our meal was meticulously executed, from the warm welcome to the impeccable service. The culinary offerings were truly exceptional, showcasing the chef's creativity and skill. We began with the complimentary bread and homemade tomato sauce, which was perfectly toasted and had just the right amount of spice. The Calamari was a great start to the meal, with a light, crispy breading that didn't overpower the tender squid. The Lobster Linguini was a showstopper - generous portions, succulent lobster meat, and a perfect balance of flavors. The Crab with Truffle Chowder was another highlight, with a rich, creamy broth and a generous serving of crab. Other standout dishes included the Bolognese (rich, thick meat sauce paired with perfectly cooked egg noodles), Gnocchi Pesto (tender gnocchi and vibrant basil flavor), and Oxtail on Mashed Potato with Red Wine Reduction Sauce (fall-off-the-bone tender meat and a depth of flavor that was just incredible). The Moscato pairing with dessert was inspired, and the Tiramisu and Creme Brulee were both divine. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, with Chef Fabrizio taking the time to visit our table and ensure everything met our expectations. A huge thank you to Chef Fabrizio, Claude, Horacio, and the entire staff at Grano Italia Ristorante for making my friend's birthday dinner truly unforgettable. If you're looking for a special dining experience, look no further!

Mei Chi Siu

Food was delicious. I had the lobster pasta; a bit pricey (price was written on the menu) and had a sticker shock upon paying. Suggestion: they should at least put the prices of their special dishes on the menu. Other than that, the lobster was fresh& succulent and expertly detached, and the pasta sauce was delicious. My friends had veal pasta, clams white sauce pasta, and seafood risotto. They all loved what they ordered. I will recommend this place to my family and friends.

Rachel (Gasparini) Menon

I’m obsessed with this place! Hands down one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve ever been to. As a vegan, I’m so appreciative of all the delicious vegan pasta dishes they have! It’s so nice I can share an incredible meal with my vegan and non-vegan friends alike. Seriously, everyone loves this place! I always come here for special occasions too! Lastly, I’d be remiss not to mention how lovely the family is that owns this place. They are so warm and inviting. It feels like you’re in their home! A true taste of Italy, very authentic!

Chelle D

I travel to the area for work and always make it a point to have dinner here- it's the best Italian restaurant. The meals are amazing and service is impeccable. The arugula salad is delish and I can't resist the Bolognese.

Rosa Palella

My son and I had dinner at the restaurant and the staff was so welcoming. We had made a reservation for patio seating. The chef stopped at our table after our meals were served. Everything was absolutely delicious and we will return soon.

Cherie T

what a nice restaurant! i didn't even know this restaurant existed! i missed out all these years!!! well it's not too late, i'll just have to visit this restaurant every summer. i met up with my two friends on tuesday night and there were plenty of seats but as the evening went on this restaurant was packed! and there were plenty of birthday celebrations! good thing we were there early to get a table. The staff greeted us with some bread and we ordered fried calamari to start off with. We eventually decided to sample more food by ordering another appetizer, the octopus salad and two pasta entrees: seafood pasta with white wine sauce and arrabiata with fettuccine. Throughout our meal we were spoiled by samples from the chef: we got a crab chowder with truffle oil which was my favorite dish of the night! the truffle was so potent and i love the smell and taste of truffle. if you're not a fan, maybe you can skip this. then after this soup sample, while we were digging into our pasta, the staff came to us with a plate of some croquette appetizer in the house. we were just so surprised to receive not one but two complimentary sample dishes. And both were very good! the staffs were great. the chef was super friendly and welcoming. Chef went around the tables to say hi and introduced himself to the party. I loved it. Not all restaurant does it and i extremely love it when the Chef comes out to say hi that way i can meet the chef who created all these delicious dishes. we were so full but i must order their tiramisu, i heard many good things about it. so we just shared one and it was so light and airy - perfect. i think we each could have gotten our own dessert. my two girl friends and i cannot wait to meet up at this restaurant again to try other dishes! we really enjoyed our night and it was such a good place for us girls to catch up on each other lives while enjoying delicious meal.

Eli T

First time diner. Was highly recommended by 2 friends and local reviewers, and did not disappoint. Not pictured was my wife’s black truffle and mushroom pasta that was wonderfully indulgent. I love octopus when done well, and I enjoyed their grilled version that had a nice balance of chew and tenderness. My fish ragu on squid ink pasta was lighter and more herbal, which I enjoyed as a complement to the rest of the meal. Host specifically asked if we were celebrating any occasion, which I appreciated since we were. Server was forgiving when I accidentally walked out with the wrong receipt with my signature, sorry! 🤦‍♂️ Restaurant aims to please and offer a memorable experience, and they hit the mark with us. 👏 Not an everyday place for us with the higher price, but worth it for special occasions and when you need to treat yourself.

NiNi

One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve ever been to — seriously! I went with one of my closest girlfriends, and from the moment we walked in, we were blown away. The place feels so warm and authentic, like a little slice of Italy tucked away. Service was top-tier — our server was super friendly and on point the entire time. And the food? Absolutely delicious 🤤. Every dish was packed with flavor and clearly made with love. We couldn’t stop saying how it felt like a scene from Lady and the Tramp — cozy, romantic, and full of old-school charm. If the Jersey Shore crowd knew about this spot, it’d be booked every weekend. The owner even came over to check on us, which made it feel extra special. You can tell they care about every guest. Easily 5 stars. We’ll definitely be back — next time with more friends in tow!

Joshua White

Cannot rave about this place enough! By far the most authentic Italian food we’ve had since returning from Italy last year. The handmade pasta and sauces are clearly made with a passion and eye to quality. The wine selection was on point. Call and make a reservation.

Alexandria Moreno

Not from the area, so when I say you gotta try this place, i mean it. Met up with some family, it is a hole in the wall, you can't even tell there is such a great restaurant there. The food is so good, and dessert is even better. Get the chardonnay. It pairs so well with all the food. The special was squid ink noodles with scallops and wow, so much flavor. It was a little expensive, but it was worth it, in my opinion.

Erica Quinn

First time here and it was amazing! Fresh, delicious food and great service. The chef came by to greet us and was very friendly and attentive. Highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!

Tiffany Dukes Kress

I mean wow. What an incredible dining experience. Michelin quality in a strip mall. Do not be afraid to splurge on the specials. Chef Landi is an incredible talent and wonderful host. His whole team rolled out the red carpet for our first visit.

Jesus

Amazing authentic Italian dishes. From the moment we arrived the service was impeccable. We were greeted my name was taken down and waited probably not even 5 minutes and they were busy even on a Wednesday. We celebrated my girlfriends birthday and Antonio demonstrated what above and beyond hospitality is. Chef checked on us and made sure that our visit was very much appreciated. He also visited other tables which made the experience feel more as if you were having a meal with family. We had a birthday dessert which was excellent and they sang happy birthday to my lady without missing a note. They are the quintessential of what hospitality is and should be. The alfredo and vodka sauce were creamy, delicious and the flavors were not overpowering. Everything from the tomato sauce for the great bread to the pasta tasted homemade. Would recommend a thousand times and will definitely be back to enjoy other dishes. Ask for Antonio if you get a chance. Thank you for the great experience, definitely deserve all the praises.

Daniela Hernandez

This place is welcoming and friendly, and the staff makes you feel like they've known you forever! The owner personally came out to greet us. The food is fresh, delicious, and so so damn good! We had the Sangria, the pear and honey appetizer (sorry, I can't remember the name), a few different pasta choices, and 2 deserts plus a lovely cake as a gift for our wedding. It's such an amazing atmosphere. This place is so worth every penny. I honestly can't wait to go back, try more things, and take more of my friends to this lovely place 🙏

Mike Nicastro

First time at Grano and enjoyed it very much. My son took us out there for my birthday and Father's Day and we really enjoyed it. Real authentic Italian food that we haven't had since we lived in NJ years ago. Everything was great from service, atmosphere, food. We were given fresh bread with tomato dipping sauce to start. We had fried calamari as an appetizer and glass of Moscato to start. I had the traditional Chicken Parmesan, and my wife had the Veal Milanese. Both were excellent. Great meal for a special occasion.

Grano Italian absolutely exceeded every expectation. I came with friends to celebrate a birthday, and I’ll admit I was hesitant at first because the reviews were almost too good. I figured it was smart to be skeptical. But from the moment we walked in, it was obvious the hype is real. First, the food. Truly incredible. Every dish tasted unique, like nothing I’ve had at other Italian spots. It felt authentic, true Italian, intentional, and made with real care. Easily some of the best Italian food I’ve had in my life. The atmosphere felt warm, lively, and genuinely inclusive. It wasn’t just a “nice restaurant vibe,” it felt like community. The staff were beyond hospitable and attentive in a way that never felt forced. They kept our water replenished, checked on us at the right times, and somehow managed to be both professional and personal. They treated us like family, picked up on our personalities, joked with us, made us laugh, and made the whole table feel celebrated. What really stood out is how generous they were. They did so much for us, far beyond what we asked for, and made the birthday feel special in a real way, not a scripted way. They even surprised us with a photo, which turned the night into an actual memory we can keep. If you’re debating whether it’s worth going, it is. Go. Celebrate something. Bring people you love. This place delivers. And last note, because my entire table agreed: the owner is very handsome. You’ll know exactly who I mean.

I am Italian food snob a result of growing up in NY. I had to come back to Grano a second time to see if the 1st was lightening in a bottle. Everything was amazing 🤩 again, the service, experience , and the food! The chef sent out a free seafood soup for each of us and it was super tasty. We enjoyed our mains of the lobster risotto, oxtail stew, and mushroom cavaletti pasta. The table was silent as we enjoyed the meat, pear, cheese, honey drizzle with bread! As always Chef came out to say hi as he does with everyone. Call to make your reservation and do it now! Absolutely one of top Italian meals I have enjoyed ever.

Been here over a dozen times over the last three years. Never had a bad experience. The quality of the food is excellent. The menu has a wide range of dishes. The preparation and flavor are authentic. The service is excellent as well. The staff is consistent, they have been there for years and always have a warm welcome when we visit. Their periodic specials are excellent.

Lillian Wright

I cannot recommend this place enough. I was in the area for work and searched “lasagna near me”, found this restaurant, and had the best lasagna and focaccia I’ve ever eaten. Worth every penny. Owner was funny, atmosphere was great, and food was fantastic. Definitely will be returning.

Bruce Deushane

Been here twice. First time was terriffic! Second time was outstanding!!!! Good was so delicious and creative. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and caring. Chef came to the table during both visits. Wonderful feeling when you enjoy great did in a relaxed atmosphere.

inez jauregui

Been here over a dozen times over the last three years. Never had a bad experience. The quality of the food is excellent. The menu has a wide range of dishes. The preparation and flavor are authentic. The service is excellent as well. The staff is consistent, they have been there for years and always have a warm welcome when we visit. Their periodic specials are excellent.

Kimon Haramis

A bit too expensive for a Target Strip mall location. He charges $38 for three small scallops and $48 for chewy boar pasta. Both of these items were “market price”. I guess you’re ok if you order from the menu that had prices. Overall the food was good but be careful ordering from market price menu.