Very disappointing.... had gone to the restaurant multiple times in the past. Recommended to a group of my friend's to have a Mother's Day gathering at Cara Mia (we go to different restaurants in the area every year). My friend made reservations 3 weeks in advance for a party of 20, just to find out the day before when she called to reconfirm that they don't have it! The restaurant completely mishandled their mistake. No apology. She wrote down the time and the exact nature of conversation when she made reservations, had all the details of the menu etc. The person she spoke to on the phone was extremely rude and dismissive. We asked to speak to the owner, and he said that he is too busy with a large party and hung up the phone. We are local families who used to go to this restaurant at least once a month or every other month - that's not the way we expect to be treated. If you made a mistake and left 20 people without reservations on Mother's Day, at least handle this error with dignity and respect. There are plenty of restaurants in our town, and this is not the way to treat your regular customers. VERY disappointed. read more

Just got COMPLETELY screwed by Cara Mia restaurant here in Millburn. Made reservations for Mother's Day 3 weeks ago for a party of 20, just to find out that they don't have it! Spoke to a guy there on April 22, who guaranteed my reservations and was supposed to "check with the owner" if I can get some discount on a pre-fix menu for our small kids in the party, but assured me that everything is booked for me. Called yesterday to reconfirm, just to be told that there is no such guy in the restaurant and that "there are no men working here who can take reservations." For those who know me know I take VERY copious notes when I call and speak with ANYONE regarding business and I make restaurant reservations ALL THE TIME, so I am not exactly clueless! Just spoke to the guy who "took my reservations" who clearly confirmed that he spoke to me, acknowledged everything and then backtracked everything saying he "never guaranteed" anything and changed his story 5 times as to what he allegedly told me (he was on a speaker phone, so my husband heard it and was dumb founded!). Now, I have 20 ppl and nowhere to go as everything is completely booked. Ready to cry today and all of Mother's Day. If you live in town or around here, I would think TWICE before booking ANYTHING with them! read more

The linguini w clams was decent at best. Thin + soupy with chopped tomatoes? the clams were sandy. My eggplant rollitini app was my entree. It would be better is prepared fresh for each order. The bread would have been nice if warmed.. My boyfriend didn't touch his entree. I ate his, the short ribs were dried out yet smothered in red gravy. And not on a bone? This was my second time here. The first time I had chicken Milanese . The cutlet was basically burnt. Doubt I'd return.. Maybe, but probably not . read more

We had dinner here on Sunday night and found the entire experience delightful! The food is great, the place is nicely decorated and the service is excellent. This is the kind of restaurant where your silverware gets swapped out for the correct type depending on what you order. When you reserve, if you indicate it's a birthday they bring your dessert with a candle, and the whole staff sings at your table. My husband and I loved this cozy place! read more

I always look and read the reviews before i visit any restaurant, i sure did look for this one, but no one talks about the service here, is AWFUL, There's an older woman with long blonde hair, she didn't even welcomes my family and i, don't even bother to ask if this was our first time here, absolutely nothing, first she drop one of the menu on my daughter and don't even apologize with her, after give menú to everyone except to my husband and we have to ask her for one- never smile, never came to our table to check we need anything- AWFUL AWFUL service-. Now for the contrary i have to give kudos to Susan, very polite and pleasant lady, always attentive to our table- The food was good, but we didn't enjoyed, because of the environment so bad- First time and last time- read more

Totally perfect! Service was just excellent. We were served at the same time and all the food came out perfect as ordered. Any dietary requests where easily honored. The food is great. I had the Butternut squash soup special appetizer, an amazing broiled Salmon and my friend had an extraordinary Blackened Snapper. Now let's talk about the BYOB option, there's a liquor store with a great wine selection only two doors away. We just had a great time. read more

I can't believe they have 4 stars. The complementary bread with tomatoes and onions had no taste. The eggplant chips tasted like they were sitting in dirty oil all day. For the appetizers we had garlic shrimp. The garlic shrimp were in flour and fried. Then put in a garlic sauce with something like Italian dressing. Horrible. Then we had veal Marsala. No taste. The entire dinner was disappointing. read more

With a Groupon about to expire, we went on a Monday evening. Absolutely, wonderful. Everything from the service to the food, exceptional. Little zucchini chips and bread to start. We shared arugula salad. My husband ordered the almond crusted salmon, I had chicken Marsala. So good! Dessert didn't disappoint either. Apple tart with ice cream, homemade. Would definitely return. read more

I've been here a number of times and have never been disappointed. Great service, great atmosphere, and great food. Everything is delicious but the clams are legendary. read more

Absolutely loved this place. Went tonight with a business partner and my wife for dinner. The staff was awesome, the owner Sadije was super nice! Their hospitality was great and the food was amazing! My wife has the fettuccine cara mia...it was delicious! I had to dig into her plate a couple of times. I had the panko crusted fish cooked to perfection (juicy and savory) with the broccoli rabe and mashed potatoes. Amazing! We had the homemade meatballs for appetizer, delicious! And the apple tart with ice cream for dessert with a cappuccino. Definitely going back very soon. Will recommend to all my friends and colleagues read more

Went for my birthday- gave us a free bottle and were very nice and stayed after closing instead of kicking us out. Food was delicious

We came with a Groupon to try it out on a Tuesday night. We were very pleasantly surprised. The service was impeccable and every person who worked there ensured that our every need was met. The food was also stellar. We ordered garlic shrimp and the sauce was so good we lapped it up with all of the bread we had. Both of our entrees were also incredible. i would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone! read more

Took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner. We loved it! The staff was very nice and attentive. The hostess was very helpful at keeping secret that they knew it was his birthday and later helped me surprise him with a dessert with a candle! The food was excellent..the ambience is very romantic and the fact that it's BYO makes it excellent in my book! Highly recommend this restaurant. Especially since we live in Millburn and have been everywhere else--this may be our favorite! read more

Wow! Excellent fresh authentic Italian food! I went there with my friends for a girls night and they were extremely patient and helpful the entire evening! Service was superb and everyone was so friendly. We got the calamari, farfalle special, chicken paillard, salmon and carbonara. We all loved our choices. I especially appreciated how they made sure the egg was fully cooked for the carbonara since they noticed I'm expecting and it still tasted amazing. For dessert, I highly recommend the cookie cake. So so good! Atmosphere is perfect for dates, families and girls night! If you go after six, there is free parking at the deck across the street. read more

What a delicious meal! The highs: The complementary bruschetta style bread with fried zucchini slices was a tasty welcoming plate. All of our entrées were delicious. My branzino was fresh, properly seasoned and properly cooked. Such a well executed dish. When 4 people order dinner and the plates are practically clear, that's a great sign. The portion sizes were right on. Just because my food was delicious and I could have eaten more does not mean a huge portion is necessary. The chocolate chip cookie cake is sensational! It's really a chocolate chip molten lava cake that oozes sinful delight. They were kind enough to swap out the vanilla ice cream for a hazelnut gelato to satisfy my craving. The service was adequate for the most part. Water glasses were regularly refilled, though wine glasses were not. Substitutions (by my dining partners--I don't really believe in it) were readily accommodated. The lows: Upon arrival it was clear that they had screwed up our reservation. Thankfully, they sat us immediately. The Caesar salad was a pretty limp uninspired rendition, though adequate. Only when we were ordering were we informed that they were out of a particular item. That's a major no-no. Any such items should be announced when the menus are distributed--at the very least when the specials are explained. Our dessert arrived followed by an unacceptable wait for our coffee. Those two items MUST be served together. In fact when our server finally brought our coffee, he told me he didn't like the mug mine was served in and promptly took it back away. That may have been acceptable had coffee and dessert arrived together. Unfortunately that faux pas managed to ruin my dessert experience. The cake was outstanding. It would have been much better with a cup of coffee. A few mishaps aside, the restaurant is a solid, enjoyable experience. I would definitely return. As an FYI, it's a BYO so be prepared. There was no corkage fee. Parking in the area is tough, so you may want to arrive a little early. read more

Superb! Went with six family members for a celebration. Everyone loved it. Great atmosphere, food, attentive servers...Family run establishment and it shows. The tables were a little close together and it was a little noisy, but it was manageable. It was prime time on a Saturday night after all. If it wasn't busy, I would be concerned. Make a reservation for weekends or large parties...I would definitely go again for family, date, business or casual meal. read more

I had the spaghetti carbonara. it was very delicious nice and creamy. Bacon was very good. I love their bread. kind a wish they had butter on the table also. but maybe I just need to ask for it. I know they had olive oil on the table so I assume that was all you got LOL. but anyway there's always a next time! Me and my friend split the chocolate chip cookie cake and that was amazing!!! it arrives hot so when u cut it open don't burn ur mouth! read more

We visited Cara Mia for lunch before seeing the Chasing Rainbows matinee, on a Thursday. The menu is well thought out, something for everyone. Lunch was very good, and our party enjoyed our meal. Service was slow, so had no time for coffee and dessert, otherwise 5 stars! read more

Decided to eat here because of a good Groupon special and am very glad we did. The linguine frutti de mare was amazing with a lot of seafood. The restaurant is BYOB and the waitress kindly popped our bottle and brought an ice bucket. It is a nicely decorated place, and while there is the option to eat outside I would advice against it because of the traffic and small sidewalks. Overall, I recommend this place. read more

This place is fabulous! The food is delish and the staff works like a team to provide a wonderful dining experience!

Awesome hidden gem! The food was great here and tasted very fresh. They are a BYO and they have a small dining room. Lots of big windows in the front so the restaurant gets great lighting when its still bright outside. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Eggplant rollatini was excellent here! read more

Great spot for date night or any occasion really. The food is delicious and service was excellent. All around one of my favorite Italian restaurants from this area. Highly recommend to try it. read more

Pretty good but nothing special. Well made chicken dishes. bYOB nice. Staff friendly.

Went there for guys night out, on a Friday night, group of 8. Food was out of this world. Love the BYOB. Staff was nice. Mello, head waiter, was very funny guy. Definitely try the Chicken Mello, it was out of this world (created by him). We closed the place, and we never felt rushed to leave. A top Millburn choice!! read more

This is a great restaurant. Service was wonderful. Dinner was delicious. Portions were good sized enough for a second meal tomorrow. Everyone had something different and each of us thought our meal was the best. Parking is right across the street. We really had a great time. Will definitely be back here again read more

My boyfriend and I arrived for dinner on a Tuesday night and this place was 75% full, which I think speaks to how good a restaurant is... But given we have a Groupon, we weren't too sure how we would like this place. Some restaurants give a more limited option and sparse service to Groupon holders, so I didn't have my hopes up. However, when we stepped in we immediately advised that we had a Groupon and the service to our table was still spectacular. The hostess sat us down immediately and advised that they were a BYOB and asked if we brought any wine. We said we didn't and she even advised there was a liquor store next door, but I don't drink. My bf and I got the meatball appetizer; he had the shrimp scampi and I had the linguine vongole. I liked the linguine but unfortunately for me I had a taste of my boyfriends dish and I was super jealous I didn't get the shrimp scampi. It was probably the best shrimp scampi I've had (and my boyfriend agreed!) the meatball appetizer was great as well. Overall, food was a solid 4 stars and the service is 5 stars. I think it's a little overpriced for Italian food, but definitely will revisit when I'm in the mood for the shrimp scampi! read more

We dined here and were totally disappointed!!! The chicken parm was so tough!!! since this is an Italian Restaurant; why would they play Mexican music??? We will not return!!! read more

AMAZING!!! Everything about Cara Mia was wonderful...The food, staff and atmosphere!! My friends and I really enjoyed our time (and of course our meals) at Cara Mia! Priced just right and it's a BYOB so it keeps cost down. Highly recommend the restaurant!!!! Kind of far for me but I plan on returning sooner than later!! read more

Went there without reservation, just in the mood for some antipasti. Ended up with a great dinner, with carpaccio and a goat cheese salad, then the porcini ravioli and pork chop apple special. Not to forget the tiramisu and creme brulee. Espressi were matched with traditional ingredients. We liked our maitre d' from Montenegro, he was great and supportive! We will be back! read more

Just like Nona used to make it. This is really family like cooking . Service is fantastic Great Northern Italian- highly recommend the eggplant rolatini he fontina cheese changes the taste but adds some firmness and strong flavor Lordbarky like ! spedino as a starter, mushroom ravioli, and linguine with White clam sauce. Just like Nona made it! Fresh, full of flavour and satisfying! Have been back several times . This is a keeper! Make reservations not many tables and gets busy! read more

My boyfriend and I have dined at Cara Mia three times now. The food is always fantastic, and the service is unmatched! The server makes you feel at home and is impressively knowledge of the menu and daily specials. The decor is classy, yet cozy. We have tried various appetizers, entrées, and desserts--never disappointed by any! read more

Went there for anniversary dinner the food was excellent and so was the staff will definitely be going back parking is good there is a parking lot across the street read more

Cara Mia - Italian Near Me - Millburn, New Jersey

Enjoyed a delicious lunch with my daughter today. Greeted with a very warm family welcome. This is a family owned restaurant and you can feel that the moment you walk in the door! I left feeling as if I am part of their family. The food was delicious. I have a severe dairy allergy as well as soy and my server was so attentive, and made me feel totally confident in ordering. My daughter ordered the spaghetti carbonara and I had whole wheat penne with vegetables in a light garlic tomato sauce. The food is made with quality ingredients and love. You can taste it in every bite. Outstanding! read more

Fabulous, attentive service. Good food and a BYOB. My chicken scarpariello was extremely tasty. Will definitely return. Service here was best I have ever had in Millburn. read more

Good food, good service, better than average ambiance. 4 Stars.

Nice restaurant. Very good service. Salmon and salad were good. With desert I had the apple tart and that was good.

It was lovely sitting out late and dining al fresco on a warm Spring evening. The service was very friendly and effusive. The calamari with Balsamic was spot on. For entrees we had the Skirt steak, and Sea bass specials - all good, but not great. The Ricotta cheesecake was just delicious! read more

Excellent experience. Friendly staff and very tasty food. Being in the restaurant field I would give it a great dining experience.

Came here with my parents just to have a nice Italian dinner and to also use my Groupon deal. I love the intimate vibe of this restaurant and the staff are excellent. The food is absolutely delicious and I can't wait to go back and have the cara mia signature pasta dish again. And on top of that this restaurant is a byob. read more

Had a great dinner there last night - very romantic setting. Room was perfect, service was spot on and food was to die for. Definitely going back. read more