Angeloni’s Restaurant & Pizzeria has been a staple of the Caldwell, New Jersey community since 2012 and has come to be renowned throughout the area for its crispy and delicious “Thinny Thin” pizza. The refined Italian menu was created by the numerous generations of the Conforti family who own Angeloni’s Restaurant. The family also owns the landmark establishment, Michael’s Pastaria on Franklin Street in Nutley, New Jersey and a third in Wood Ridge.
Angeloni’s was started by Nick Conforti Sr., his wife, Irma and other members, including Nick Jr., Mike and Amanda. Angeloni’s became the second location of the family’s three restaurants. The family has a long tradition serving excellent quality Italian food, starting with the original, Christie’s in Newark’s North Ward.
The family serves exceptional quality pizzas and many Italian favorites. The pizza comes from Irma’s family recipes, brought over from Italy and are still enjoyed on the Conforti family table each Friday and Sunday. The famous “Thinny Thin” pizza was originally a square pie, served at Michael’s and was then brought to its present (and delicious) round form to the Caldwell location. Although the restaurant is far more than a pizzeria, it serves several varieties of its thin crust pizza. You’ll enjoy the traditional favorites such as the Margherita, with fresh plum tomatoes, homemade mozzarella and fresh basil or Bianca, prepared with mozzarella and ricotta. But you’ll love their other creations such as Zingada, made with finely diced pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, meatball, cherry peppers and aged cheese and Puttanesca, tomato sauce, homemade mozzarella, Parmigiana, capers and black olives.
The dining room at Angeloni’s has a warm and inviting rustic feel – very homey, very cheerful and very family-friendly. The wait staff is courteous and attentive, even when you arrive at prime time during a Friday or Saturday evening. Since there is no liquor license, bring a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy an evening of exceptional dining.
The appetizers on the menu have all of your favorites – from cold antipasto for two; delicious and more than enough for two! to a hot antipasto with clams casino, mozzarella Caprese and hot peppers with crumbled sausage and potatoes. You’re best to come with a group so that you can sample a few.
For dinner you’ll enjoy the traditional pastas including their delicious lobster ravioli in a beautifully prepared vodka sauce, orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage, which combines exquisite textures and flavors and a favorite, spaghetti aglio olio with diced tomatoes.
Entrees at Angeloni’s offer something for everyone – seafood dishes include zuppa di pesce with tilapia, clams, mussels and shrimp over linguini; spicy shrimp fra diavolo and chicken dishes galore. Specialties of the house are prepared giambotta-style, either pork chop or chicken. Made the traditional way with Italian long peppers, onions and potatoes, each is a feast of flavors. You must try the Chicken Scarpiello, with sausage, potatoes and hot peppers.
The menu also features all of your veal favorites – from Marsala to Piccata, Parmigiana to Saltimbocca, the choices can seem dizzying, especially as you see them arrive from the kitchen for other tables. Entrees are served with Angeloni’s famous garlic knots, which are a savory treat that keeps patrons coming back again and again.
It may be difficult to have enough room for dessert, but with cannolis, chocolate cream pie, tiramisu and more on offer, you’ll surely be tempted!
If you are stopping in for lunch or ordering takeout, you’ll find a wonderful selection of sandwiches, both hot and cold. There are the traditional hot sandwiches, wraps and panini in abundance, but you’ll find several unique selections that are likely to become favorites.
Angleoni’s is located at 6 Brookside Avenue in Caldwell, New Jersey. (973) 226-1234. You can also visit their website at www.angelonispizzeria.com.
The Conforti family’ other locations are Michael’s Pastaria, 143 Franklin Street in Nutley (973) 661-5252; www.MichaelsPastaria.com and Angeloni’s Restaurant, 191 Valley Boulevard in Wood Ridge; (201) 939-1234; www.AngelonisWoodridge.com.
