Great little gem inside of an unassuming strip mall. Very small restaurant, but nice on the inside. A good date-night spot if you live in town. My group of 5 did not have reservations on a Saturday night, but the hostess had an open table that was reserved 45 minutes after we arrived. She kindly asked if we could order pretty quickly and possibly not get dessert then she would gladly seat us. We weren't going to get dessert anyway so we were totally on board with the offer! I absolutely loved this offer too because I hate seeing open tables but not being able to get seated for over an hour. This worked out perfect for us. We were in and out before the other party arrived :). Everything we ordered was great. The service was quick (of course) but we never felt rushed either. I ordered the Shrimp Francese and this is hit or miss at restaurants flavor-wise. Gourmet Cafe's was pretty good! Not super memorable, but it was good. Would love to try something else next time! read more

every time I've been it's the best. service is great. the owner is awesome and the food is some of the best Italian I've ever had.

I hesitate to post a positive review, because I would like to keep this place to myself and a few of the locals here in Parsippany who consider this the best Italian food in the area. Chef Matt is almost always on site and his menu is outstanding, with nightly specials. His staff is always excellent and the food, from pasta dishes, meat, and fish is always first rate. This is a BYO, so you can bring your favorite wine. Don't let the restaurant's location in a strip mall fool you, this is the best Italian food in the area. read more

Extra YUMMMM! Chef Matthew does a great job offering delicious entrees. Friends had Chicken Francais. Hubby had Chicken Parm and I had the Lobster and crab ravioli. Ample portions let you take some home to enjoy again. Desserts were special too! read more

Great place for lunch. Quick and friendly service. Kathy's salad is the bomb! Large portion, light yet filling. Definitely recommend. read more

Gourmet Cafe - Kathy's Salad - Italian Near Me - Parsippany, New Jersey

This is like a hole in the wall little Italian restaurant. The food was amazing. The owner made sure everyone was having a good time. We went for my boyfriend's moms birthday and her father is super picky with food and he ate his entire plate. We had a really lovely evening. It is a small restaurant but I feel like that makes this even more special. read more

I've always walked past this place when going to the other stores next door like Baldwin pizzeria, Walgreens, and Baldwin bagel's. It's always been kind of dark looking so I didn't know what was in here until a friend recommended this place for pasta. I finally went in on a Wednesday night with the said friend and was delighted by the busyness of the place. The waiters were very friendly​ and there was a bit of a wait for seating. I honestly never knew how popular this place was since I've never really seen people go in and out (or maybe I've just never noticed). The crowd was also a bit on the older side and I felt somewhat out of place being there. The pasta was amazing as most people have said in other reviews and very filling as well. The dessert menu looked delicious as well but was too full to order any. read more

Gourmet Cafe - Italian Near Me - Parsippany, New Jersey

Really cute spot for a bite to eat. Reasonably priced and good sized portions. I got a salad. The waiter brought us free ice cream. Even though they closed for lunch at 2:30 nobody rushed us out while we finished up. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very cozy cafe with excellent Italian food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice night out that offers byob! The service was was also very friendly and efficient. Can't wait to go back and try more of their menu options. read more

Food is always excellent. The staff and owner are always looking to make your dinning experience very enjoyable. It's also a byob. Make sure you make reservations or you may not get in. read more

I've done take out and catering at this place, it has always been solid food. The chicken parm is really good, as is a few of the other pastas I've tried. Although I haven't dined in yet, it appears to be a popular spot, families are always gathered inside when I drop in to pick up a meal. Check them out if you're in the area. read more

Gourmet Cafe cannot be beat when it comes to fresh, delicious cuisine and attentive customer service. The chef owner is always walking about the dining room and he cooks up the meals himself. He greets us personally, every time we are there. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is small and fills up- even on a Monday night! It's BYOB which is always fantastic! We took our son for his first birthday, when they opened at 5 PM and it wasn't busy and the service was amazing and personable. They really made his first birthday special by accommodating him and making him something he could eat. They had a booster chair for him and everyone gave him so much positive attention. This restaurant is really a gem and you are missing out if you haven't been yet! You won't regret it! Make your reservation today! read more

I've seen lots of posts about this restaurant on my town's FB page, friends' FB pages, everyone raving about it, so I decided to go there for my birthday (yesterday) for what I thought would be a "special treat." To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. There was a very large party (at least 30 people) taking up more than half of the restaurant, very loud. Okay, not the fault of the restaurant, but they should have told me when I made my reservation that there would be a large party there that night. What they really should have done was close the place except for that one party. The staff barely spoke to us throughout our meal. The person clearing the table was like a bull in a china shop, I felt like we were being rushed and pushed out the door. The food was room temperature with no flavor, no seasonings. My meal was listed as being in a garlic white wine sauce, could barely taste any garlic or anything else. I asked for fresh pepper (it wasn't offered) but that didn't help. The final nail in their coffin was when I got home: the restaurant called me to tell me they gave us the wrong bill! What I should have done was tell them it was their mistake, they need to eat the difference, but my parents instilled in me to go high even when others go low. This was my first and LAST visit to this place... read more

I was in town for business and stopped here for dinner. The place is small, they prefer you make a reservation but may take you in a small party as a filler. The food was great, the portions were large but the prices were a bit high. read more

Excellent local restaurant. Matthew and his staff are extremely welcoming. We eat here as often as possible, and the food is never less than excellent! The restaurant is small but that's what gives it its charm. Never felt cramped or uncomfortable. The mixed green salad is my favorite...and take your pick from the menu all excellent. Highly recommend! read more

I'm impressed by this place based solely on one takeout experience. I got the house salad from here with grilled shrimp, which is $12. For this same price elsewhere, you definitely would not get 5-6 great quality jumbo shrimp in your salad so kudos to them for great bang for your buck. The salad itself is pretty simple but I loved the balsamic dressing and it also came two types of bread - dark with raisins and a white roll (though I kind of wish it didn't because now I'm tempted to eat the bread obviously... MUST RESIST CARBS). Everyone was super nice too, from me placing the order on the phone, to everyone inside the restaurant being so happy and smiley when I was picking up. It might seem like a small thing but it really goes a long way these days. I can't believe I've never been here after so many years of working in the area but I'll definitely be back! read more

Gourmet Cafe - House salad with grilled shrimp to go - Italian Near Me - Parsippany, New Jersey

Was excited to get back to my favorite Parsippany restaurant on the first day of outside dining in New Jersey in three months. Actually, I always enjoy eating al fresco anyway so this was outstanding. Only 8 tables to comply with social distancing rules but the set up was comfortable and attractive. I had been doing take out but to me there's nothing like sit down dining and service in a great restaurant. As expected, each dish was exceptionally delicious and the service remained quick, friendly and professional. I had the scallops and fresh crabmeat over capellini pasta. Fantastic!!! Soft shelled crabs are in season and one of my friends went nuts over them. Chef Matt Pierone is truly a Master at his craft, along with being the perfect host. O'yeah, the Gourmet Cafe is still a BYOB with plenty of off street parking in the small strip mall where it is located. Dessert was Crispy Cannoli Filled Ravioli's with a healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream. WOW!!! Never saw that before and it went perfect with my cappuccino. I have rated the Gourmet Cafe before with 5 stars. That rating is intact only because I can't give it a 6. It's not an accident that this place is so popular. read more

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Great food but the restaurant is small so make sure you go early to get a table BYOB.

I went there with my cousins for lunch. We all like our meals. I had the blackened shrimp salad. The only negative is that they don't serve bread at lunch. My cousins both enjoyed their pasta dishes. Service was attentive but no issue staying talking after we finished our meals. read more

Good food, nice people. Would definitely go back. BYOB makes it cheaper and service and food great.

Gourmet Cafe continues to be our favorite New Jersey restaurant. It's a cozy place with a great menu and good service.

I absolutely love it here. Have not had a bad meal here ever. The staff here is awesome and is always attentive to your table. It's nice and cozy for a couple or awesome and vibrant for 10. Matt is great he comes out and greets people and makes sure that everyone at your table is satisfied and received exactly what they were expecting. If you're looking for fresh everything, this is the place for you. Do not pass up a chance to try Goutmet Cafe, trust me when I tell you you will not be disappointed EVER!!! read more

We discovered Gourmet Cafe a little over a year ago and it immediately became "our spot" to celebrate all important days and events. The food is absolutely stellar we have never had a single bad bite - but, seriously get the mussels and make sure to soak up ALL of the broth with the bread, use a spoon if you have to! The hospitality is absolutely top notch right up to the owner/chef Matt who is always present and makes rounds throughout the dining room all night so everyone feels welcome and like family. I've never had a "favorite" restaurant that I couldn't imagine not celebrating my birthday at every year but, now I do. Looking forward to many many more fantastic meals in the future. Below are some pictures from our most recent New Year's Eve dinner last night. Parm crusted scallops, lobster bisque, braised beef ravioli with crab, swordfish with a lemon wine sauce, homemade bread pudding and a chocolate mousse cake that even gets this non-sweets eater to order dessert! Absolute GEM of a restaurant. Go eat!! read more

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My wife and I along with 3 other couples had dinner Saturday night at Gourmet Cafe Italian Restaurant. Matt was a wonderful host and both food and service were excellent. We had multiple people taking care of our table and they worked together like a well oiled machine. We were never wanting for anything except maybe more space in our stomachs for the all the great tasting food. The Spiedini, Meatballs and Risotto croquettes were wonderful appetizers. My favorite entree is the cavatelli and sausage. The parm crusted chicken was popular along with a mouthwatering Swordfish special and if you have room for dessert the Butterscotch Bread pudding melts in your mouth. If you want to have a great meal with great service make a reservation soon. read more

The food was very delicious. The service was very good. The place is very cozy and quaint.

Food consistently good. Servers are very attentive. Restaurant can be a bit noisy when full. B Y O B

Food and service was excellent!! I had the cavatelli, broccoli rabe and sausage. It was the best I've had in a very long time! How I missed this fabulous place several years ago is beyond me. read more

Gourmet Cafe is my favorite go-to spot in Parsippany, NJ! The food is beyond delicious, and the space is warm and cozy. Matt, the owner and amazing chef, is friendly and often around to say hello and share a story. As a gluten-free & dairy-free patron, I am always accommodated - and beyond that, whichever meal I choose is to die for!! Bring a bottle of your favorite red or white and enjoy whatever new dish Matt has crafted in his kitchen. read more

This place is incredible. My boyfriend & I live up the street, moved into the area about a year & a half ago & this is our go to place to order food on nights we don't feel like cooking. We found GC by accident on a quick google search & haven't stopped eating here since. GC quite literally never disappoints. All the menu items are incredible. Between us ordering & ordering when we have friends & family over, we've tried at least half the menu at this point. It's. All. Consistently. Delicious. It's a little pricey, but don't let that deter you. It's worth every penny. Chef Matt is always there on the nights we've ordered, he's super friendly, treating us like family every time we go in for a pick up & the staff is incredibly polite & attentive. No complaints & probably going to order from them again tonight! read more

What a great restaurant. With impeccable customer service by Matt, the owner, fantastic menu and specials was a setting for wonderful visit to Gourmet Cafe. We had not been there in a while,we really. Enjoyed dinner with friends Saturday night read more

What a great little find!!! Really good regular menu and specials menu. Appetizers are good size and good. The entries are also good size and really really good. read more

Gourmet Cafe - Honey glazed scallops with sun dried tomatoes and steam vegetables. - Italian Near Me - Parsippany, New Jersey

Very expensive pricing for such small portions of food. Bread was stale as well. Service was not too bad but for a small restaurant could be better. The food overall was average, definitely not worth the pricing. read more

Have been here a few times now for lunch. Atmosphere is a bit confusing. Its unassuming from the exterior (in a strip mall) but seems a bit more than casual upon entering. It is a popular spot for small business lunches. The food is consistently good. I've had sandwiches and salads. I like that the sandwiches are served with a pasta salad of the day. Service is pretty good. No major complaints but nothing majorly exciting either. read more

The meal was excellent and the service is top notch The chefs selection is very different than other Italian Restraunt's in the area and has the feel of a NYC little Italy place but in north jersey read more

Gourmet Cafe - Italian Near Me - Parsippany, New Jersey

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Had Christmas lunch with coworkers here, today(yes I know it's mid Jan 2021). What a great restaurant. Loved everything about this place. The staff was amazing, attentive and generous. I loved the Matt the chef/owner came out and introduced himself. Times have changed with Covid 19 but we make the best of it and I am hoping to visit this place again in the summer. When you dine at a restaurant you basically say to yourself, I will be back, or I won't ever be back. I honestly can't wait to get back to this place. I had the Capellini with Shrimp and for dessert I had the Amaretto Nut Truffle. Both are making my mouth water just thinking about them. Do yourself a favor and try this restaurant. You won't regret it! read more

I Haven't been here in many years but i was meeting a group of friends during the week for lunch. I had heard they redid the place and I know it was another one of my local friends favorite places in the past. The place was much nicer than prior and I thought the food was much better as well then in the past years I had gone. We were a pretty big group but the service and the food was very good. They offered different lunch specials, pasta, sandwiches, salads and more. Everyone seemed to enjoy whatever they ordered. ( we just had lunch) The server, staff and others kept checking in if we needed anything etc. They also were very friendly and professional. I had noticed the waiter as well trying to help some friends with suggestions on ordering when unsure depending on their tastes. I would definitely go back again and try some other items. In addition, there was plenty of parking ( in a strip mall) Enjoy! read more

Small but very personable Italian spot. Owner is extremely polite and is always thinking about the best for the customer and the occupants. VERY clean and managed VERY well. Big fan, highly recommend, the Italian food was delicious - especially the pasta. read more

Gourmet Cafe - Gourmet Cafe. BYOB - low key one of the best spots in Parsippany - Italian Near Me - Parsippany, New Jersey

Went for lunch on a Tuesday after Christmas & had the salmon scampi special over linguine. It was awesome. Too full to have dessert but will be back and try other dishes. The exec chef/owner is a gem & checked on our table, more than once...grant you, we were one of only 2-3 tables but appreciated the attention. Hope to return often when in the area. read more

Hands down our favorite place! Lunch time the salad is an amazing value! Huge homemade cutlets! Staff is so great and they great you by name! Matt the owner is a gem. We are lucky to have him as a business owner in our town. He gives back every Monday on his make a difference Monday! Plus helps local families in need with food, helps local non profits. Supporting this business is supporting the community read more

The Parmesan Crusted Chicken Caesar salad was delicious! The coating on the chicken was so tasty and the dressing was definitely homemade and delish! First time eating here. I'll definitely be back. read more