Can not say enough great things about this place. Cater from them every party and it's always a hit. Their short ribs with risotto is phenomenal and one of my favorites. Chicken, calamari, Caesar salad, bread, shrimp, the list goes on and on. Owners are welcoming and the kindest people. Service is always amazing. They are truly the best Italian spot. read more

Cafe L'Amore - Fried calamari - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

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Cafe L'Amore is absolutely fantastic!!! The food is amazing, I have never had a bad meal, the service is beyond anything I've experienced anywhere else they treat you like family, always with a smile and friendly conversation. read more

We were looking for a new place to try. We didn't have reservations but stopped by on a Sunday for an early dinner. There were plenty of seats so we chose where we wanted to sit. The front part of the restaurant allows for take out and the restaurant tot he left is open with classic decor. Our server was attentive and service was quick. The food was good with decent portions. It is a BYOB if interested. Unfortunately parking is limited however we found a spot. Also, there was a $4.52 surcharge if you do not pay with cash. Otherwise It's a nice place for dinner. read more

Spoiler alert: if you are on a diet or looking to lose weight, do not read this post. I love Cafe l'amore and have been going here for years. But just never posted about it. I have never had a bad meal here. The food is consistently good. Make that outstanding, because it's better than good. Every time I go I always order the stuffed artichoke. Literally the best I have ever had. Tonight we tried the pizza for the first time. Normally we order regular meals, but I was really in the mood for pizza. The wood fired brick oven puts a delicious smokey touch to the pizza. The crust is crunchy and light. But one of my favorite things about this restaurant is the people. Marco always greets you with a smile and makes you feel like family. The wait staff are all friendly and accommodating. If you haven't been to Cafe l'amore yet - you are missing out! read more

I've been coming to this restaurant since it was opened,years ago. The food was always excellent. 3 years ago I moved to Miami. I came back to NJ and decided to visit my favorite restaurant and was soooo pleased that the quality of food is still excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

I give this place a solid 4 stars!! Decent service! Good food. Sauce is heavier than what I like but it's fresh quality food. Parking is terrible so grab a table early. It's a byob! So bring your favorite wine and enjoy. read more

Cafe L'Amore - Special ravioli with steak tips - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

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Located on Ramapo Valley Rd., which runs from Oakland north towards Mahwah, in a little shopping center hard by the exit for Rt. 287, I was brought here for lunch last week by my oldest friend (and the brother I never had until I learned in my middle age that I actually do have genetic brothers, but I digress...). A self-made multimillionaire, my friend lives now in Florida, but often returns to this area where we grew up (not Oakland, but nearby Wayne), and we'll hang out. A word about my friend. He doesn't fit the "self made multimillionaire" stereotype. He's generous to a fault. During our "hanging out," we'll consume epic feasts (in the past, these would usually occur in NYC), and he never allows me to pay (a long time ago I learned the futility of trying to press bills into his hands). A lifelong Republican, I recently asked how he felt about "his Party." "Not my Party anymore," he replied, "I'm a Democrat now. Don't especially love them, but Trump is evil, and a Party that's ok with the likes of him isn't my Party anymore." I've never been to this restaurant, but always had good memories of the specific area (before Rt 287 was extended into NY State years ago, Ramapo Valley Rd. was the meandering but scenic route my parents would have to take when we frequently went to NY State or CT, traveling up through Mahwah into Suffern and the NY Thruway beyond, when I was a child; those childhood trips are memories I cherish). When my friend was married and living in Wayne, he and his wife used to order pizza from here and were impressed. Inside, the restaurant was nearly empty and we were seated at a corner table. Assuming the role of host, my friend said, "Let me order. I know what you like." (The joke is that I judge every Italian restaurant by the exemplary lasagne my WASP mother used to make during my childhood.) I was agreeable, and my friend ordered a variety of dishes. A word about these "feasts." When we indulged in them during our "carefree" past, my "cast iron" stomach never failed me. We were young, we were in shape, and I could consume prodigious quantities of food without a 2nd thought, or worries about gaining weight. In my old age, however, my erstwhile "cast iron" constitution is a pale shadow of its former self, and I now try to exercise some discipline over my gluttony in these epic "chow-downs." I reiterated this "vow" to myself as the food was spread out before us. We started off with a fresh basket of bread and a plate of oil to dip it in. Next up was a vegetable-laden salad. We proceeded to chicken cutlets, which were flavorful and moist. My friend ordered a plate of hot green peppers. I took half a bite of one, gulped down half of my Coke as the intense heat radiated down my gullet, and gasped out that that was enough hot pepper for me. We had lasagne, which was delicious (it wasn't as delicious as Mom's used to be, but I'm aware that I might be looking back at those fond memories of childhood through rose colored glasses). We had spaghetti with capers, olives, and oil (there's a formal Italian name for the dish, but I don't know what that formal name is). We split a pizza, which seemed not overly large but was extremely tasty, and deliciously satisfying. We ended the repast with a dessert of chocolate covered vanilla ice cream and Espresso. Service was friendly, efficient and accommodating. Left over food (and, yes, there was left over food) was put into a "doggie bag" for me to take home. That night, despite my resolve to moderate my consumption of massive quantities of food, and my feeling that I had succeeded, I suffered some gastrointestinal distress (not, I hasten to add, because of any lack or deficiency in the excellent food we consumed). When I next talked to my friend, I said, "That was a great place, but I had a rough night. I didn't think I ate that much." My friend replied, "Alright, here's exactly what you ate. You ate a chicken cutlet. You ate a salad. We had lasagne. I had a small portion; you ate the rest. We had spaghetti; you ate most of it. We had a pizza. I had one slice; you ate the rest. We had ice cream split into 4 sections. I had one section, which I didn't finish. You finished off the rest of it..." "Ok! Ok! At least I didn't eat any bread!" "No, but you took the entire loaf home with you in a doggie bag..." Ok. Mea Culpa! I suffered because of my immoderation but, in retrospect, it was definitely worth it. I've already forgotten the gastrointestinal distress, but I won't soon forget the excellence of Cafe L'Amore. I can't think of a better Italian dining experience in North NJ. An enthusiastic thumbs-up! read more

Tonight was my first time here. My sister and I wanted to try a new place. It was incredible. The parking was the only negative and I don't even care about it. Onto the food. We started with a salad and bruschetta and they were both great. We also had the chicken parm and chicken marsala for our meals. My sister didn't like the marsala, I did. She is too nice to complain but wasn't eating. The owner came around and asked how everything was and I explained the situation. He was so kind, he asked what else she would like and it was out in less than 10 minutes. The parm was great. Personally, the marsala was good, but she didn't like it for whatever reason. The chocolate mousse for dessert was awesome. The service was fantastic. I love the attentiveness, the efficiency. All around it was a great meal and dining experience and we will be back. I can't say enough great things about the staff. From the owner, to the server, to the busboy/busgirl, everybody was so happy and sweet. Absolutely loved it. read more

Cafe L'Amore - Chicken marsala - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

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Ordered delivery on Valentine's Day; Friday night, dinner hour, place was super busy. We ordered Farfalle Carbonara w/shrimp and Veal Saltimbocca w/veggies & potatoes. With all that was going on, we received the correct order, food was hot and delicious. They even remembered to include their famous homemade bread! Absolutely love this place and, even more, the fabulous people who do their all to make our meals so tasty. read more

Everything on the menu is cooked to perfection, with ambiance and service that goes above and beyond!

Always a quality experience--my little hometown is lucky to have delicious food and an extensive menu in a warm family-run atmosphere where the owner cares about each customer's experience. Filet tips in porcini sauce, veal sorrentino, and calamari fritti are favorites. Valet makes it easy-in easy out if you go that route, tho I found street parking a block away my last visit. read more

Food was good,price was great,place was packed,glad we had reservations,long waiting line if you didn't service was a bit slow however we bought a lot of wine ,so we did not mind,for a big party on a budget and you want good food ,this is the best place read more

Awesome restaurant! We've been coming here for over 30 years, and it never disappoints! Dad had the stuffed salmon special which was phenomenal and I had the veal special (topped with fresh mozz). Perfect ! (Wish I took a pic!). I live in south Florida now so it's always a treat when I come to visit and we come here! read more

Very kind staff. Cute interior. Easy parking right off the road and highway too. Highly recommend.

I've been going to Cafe L'Amore for almost 30 years. You must be doing something right to have survived and thrived for so long. I believe it is the genuine friendly and welcoming hospitality of Michael in the front, and the outstanding, high quality and consistency of the cuisine from Mark in the kitchen. Yes, the prices have gone up. But the quality of the food and service, is worth the price IMO. It is a BYOB so that helps. From the delicious and fresh house salad to the limoncello cake for dessert, everything is delicious. Other stand outs are the short ribs, osso bucco, bronzino with crab meat over risotto, and the filet of sole Livornese. Parking is not abundant, so on the weekends, they have a valet. This is, and has been, one of the best quality restaurants in the area. I urge you to try it and see for yourself! You won't be disappointed! read more

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We have been going here for years. Celebrations of all sorts, date nights, or just family dinner- and they have NEVER disappointed they have ALWAYS- provided our family and friends with a great meal a great atmosphere at a price that is much less then it should be. I have recommended and will continue to recommend Cafe L'Amore. Say hello to Michael and Mark read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! My boyfriend bought me to Cafe L'Amore for a dinner date and i honestly fell in love. First of all this place is BYOB, they have free valet parking and their food is to die for. We order the clams for an app and they were delicious! I had the Filet of sole prepared francese for dinner and that was also something I will for sure be coming back to order. The entire feel in the restaurant is truly authentic and homey. I have already recommended to all my friends! read more

Cafe L'Amore - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

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First Time There, The host Michael assisted everyone at the table with dinner selections. Food was great as was the service, Pleasant ambiance. A keeper read more

love the place! the food is great, nice owners, and really nice service. Definitely recommend!

First I'd say that the parking is terrible!!! There are few places to park! You will want to leave before you even get in. Next, the ambience or atmosphere is like a truck stop when you first walk in! Bad first impression. Finally, the food was not good! I had filet of sole, it was awful no taste. My friend had eggplant parm that was ok she said she had better. The puffy pita bread was great, but you have to order it! The one we ordered came out deflated! It was half deflated.. The service was terrible. It was a weekday not many people were in the restaurant, but you still had to track down your waiter or waitress and ask for something. They never came by to see if everything was OK. I suggest you go to a good Italian restaurant that has a nice atmosphere and good food. The prices here are no different than any other Italian restaurants. I would not go back again and I would recommend that you stay away as well. I don't know if the owner is Mark, but there was a man that asked us how everything was, I was too embarrassed to tell him that we did not like the food since I had a guest I was treating out for dinner. It had good reviews so I took a chance! I should've walked out when I first walked in. Find another place to dine! read more

Their pizza is the best. Period. Really good pasta too. Their parking lot is tiny, so it's best to show up when the valet is there. read more

This small Italian restaurant is a gem! great service, fabulous thin crust pizza and pasta fagiole soup, and nice ambience. We just had lunch but the entrees and pasta options sound delicious. read more

My name is Marc his name is Marc us Marc's stick together. Wonderful guy with an amazing attitude. Some of the only wood oven pizza still in operation in Bergen County. Very very very good pizza 100% stop here for a nice bite! read more

Cafe L'Amore - "Nonna" Tradizionale Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

The food was delicious and authentic, the service was great - they tried to please us in every way possible. The owner was so friendly and helpful. Parking is not great (small plaza) but if you tell them there's no space when you go in, they'll take your keys and park it for you. Nice, warm atmosphere. read more

Excellent svc bit slow but, OK . Excellent food but , walked out still a bit hungry .Quantity of food getting less and less by the year

This is where you find endless menu of delicious food ,two of my favorites are chicken L'Amore sandwich and pizza. Great taste and service , cannot wait to go back soon!!! read more

What's a small cozy little dining room was one of the best Italian meals that o have ever had. We were seated at our table on a very busy Saturday night and the room was PACKED. This place is BYOB so our waitress promptly served us water and opened our wine. For appetizers we ordered the octopus special and burrata which was served with candid walnuts, beats, and clementine slices. The octopus was cooked PERFECTLY and served over hummus which was smoothly delicious. For entrees I ordered mushroom encrusted sea bass which was also cooked perfectly and the sauce that came on top was the perfect touch. Also at my table was ordered the pistachio encrusted salmon and short rib over risotto. Everyone at my table was immensely pleased with their food and we will be back! read more

Cafe L'Amore - Mushroom encrusted sea bass - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

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The food is outstanding. Never a bad meal. Their chicken francaise is fantastic!!! The service is wonderful and the management is extremely nice. Cannot say enough good things about this restaurant!!! read more

Great food, old school ambience. Fair Warning: this restaurant is BYOB. The food is pretty great from what we ordered. Pizzas, pasta, beet appetizer, etc. This place has a really old school vibe. Parking is a problem, I suggest using the valet as there is not nearly enough spaces to accommodate even 1/2 of the patrons. read more

This is the best place in my opinion to have an unbelievable meal. By far the best Calamari I have had. I have been eating here for 23 years and have never been disappointed with any meal I have ordered. Their sauces are the best. The owners Mike and Mark are very customer friendly making you feel at home. I would recommend any special they have on the menu all are fabulous. Give them a try I guarantee you will not be disappointed. It is a BYOB so go and enjoy. read more

Consistently, fantastic food. I have been here several times for dinner, and it's always outstanding. If you need light delicious PIZZA on the go. Just call ahead and pick it up on your way home. The staff is really nice and accommodating. It's definitely on my top 10 list for a great meal. read more

Wow! What a great dining experience. The meal EXCEEDED our expectations in just about every way. The taste of the dishes, quality ingredients, reasonable pricing, and the friendly attentive service made our visit very enjoyable. The portions were huge and very satisfying. Even MY lovely WIFE was pleased with this place... that aint easy to do...Cafe L'Amore you've dazzled us with stunning professionalism. Thanks so much. read more

Delicious food, nice size portions, good service and comfortable dining. Will definitely go back

This place is hands down AMAZINGG! Forever been a favorite restaurant of mine from the beyond delicious food that never dissapoints!!! Everything is mouth watering and always consistent Their pizza is to die for and the Cappuccino is the best I have had in the world The best part of this restaurant is the top notch service and hospitality they offer!! They always make you feel at home and the owner is such a sweetheart. Always leaving the restaurant with a huge smile on my face Thank you!!!! read more

Cafe L'Amore - Amazing Brick Oven Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

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Why take reservations? Unlike previous times, this visit was a disappointment. We had a reservation and was seated 1 hr 15 min after the reservation time. People came in after us and were seated before us. Then no one came to take the order until we asked after waiting almost another hour. Our table was crammed on top of another patrons table - so close that our elbows were practically hitting. So over crowded. My dish was not up to their usual standards (and it was their recommended special). If it wasn't a byob and if we weren't with good company, we never would of stayed. Ease up on the reservations - make it less crowded and more enjoyable. read more

Good food good service nice atmosphere - Michael and mark are great loving people - stop by and have an enjoyable evening

Great neighborhood pizzeria/restaurant. BYOB. All entrees that we tried were all above average and tasty. Portions are large enough to share or order a few different dishes to share. read more

Well I need to be honest, I was all set for a disaster but I ended up being totally wrong... I HATE going out on a holiday. To me you are always rushed, crammed in and stuck with a preset menu with very few choices. But as it was Mother's Day and all my mom wanted to do was go to a dinner here so I had to. I called a few days ago and a gentleman told me that if we there by three I did not need a reservation for three people. I said "even on Mother's Day"? And he said yes. Well today I got a little nervous and called to double check and was told the same thing. I hung up and my phone rang, it was them saying there was a mistake and that they were booked. I was NOT happy and explained what I was told. They put me on hold and came back and said if I came ASAP they would make it a point to get us in. I want happy to rush my 72 year old Mom but hey they were working with me and trying to fix their mistake . We made it there quickly and as soon as I said my name they apologized again and sat us quickly. The food was great . We started with shrimp cocktail for my mom and my boyfriend and I had the best beet salad I have ever eaten. Perfection. Our entrees were great as well, although I was correct about the limited choices. But we were all happy with what we had. I also had one of the best cups of coffee I've ever tasted there. The atmosphere was slightly dated and the prices a bit high for the decor but all in all we had a great meal with decent service and were very happy . My k already asked if we can return for her birthday read more

We ordered for takeout at around 2:30 pm and got the food within 20 minutes which is excellent! We ordered a large cheese pie, chicken parm, and involtini de pollo with veggies and potatoes. Everyone loved the food! Fresh and just mouthwatering! Everything was great especially the involtini chicken with sausage dish. I could honestly drink that brandy sauce!!! I'm so glad we ordered from here because I didn't want it to be just another Italian food order. Will definitely return to try more dishes because this will be our new favorite place! read more

Cafe L'Amore - Involtini chicken and sausage dish $16.95 and excellent! - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, New Jersey

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Fantastic pizza and chicken parm. Very welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of kind employees. Pleasant experience!