La Focaccia has been a neighborhood fixture for 20 years. Consistently good. Same owner, same waiters, and they can always find a table for us. Food delicious, nothing fancy or "farm to table" going on here, just solid good Italian style food. Standouts are the Tuna Tartare on Avocado; Orecchiette w/ Sausage & Broccoli Rabe; Veal Milanese and the Fried Calamari. Prices are reasonable, it's a BYOB. The place is always packed and there is a reason why. The hospitality and food keeps us coming back all these years. read more

My wife an I traveled beyond our usual range into Summit to try a highly rated restaurant, La Focaccia. We did not think the restaurant had any parking and made an early reservation to increase the chance we would find a spot on the street. Despite this, when we arrived at about 6:15 pm, all of the neighborhood spots were taken. After parking in a school lot a couple of blocks away we entered a bustling restaurant scene inside. Not only was the restaurant mostly full a good many people were waiting. Lucky we had a reservation. We were seated in a small room with four or five tables off of the main dining area. This worked out well in that it was quieter and less hectic. We both ordered specials, of which there were many. My wife had the seared tuna in a spicy ginger sauce and I had the cavatelli with short rib ragu. Both very, very good. Even better maybe were the two appetizers, a Buffalo mozzarella dish with roast peppers and a meatball in marinara sauce. The marinara sauce was so good we refused to let the waiter remove the bowl after we finished so we could apply the sauce to the delicious bread and anything else destined for our mouths. Although the meals were a little on the pricey side it is a BYOB which softens the blow when the bill arrives. We will definitely be back and, if it was closer to home, would be regulars at La Focaccia for sure. read more

Simply great Italian cuisine. I have been to so many great Italian restaurants, La Focaccia is for sure in my top 5 best of all time. Service is top notch. The service was very attentive, i never had to ask for anything, my table was check a lot and at perfect times. the atmosphere is great. the food is as good as it gets. i recommend la Focaccia for any occasion. This place is as good as any type Italian restaurant in Manhattan. read more

Good food but not great. Staff was unfriendly, slow and anti-social. Brought a very expensive red wine and was offered wine glasses not much bigger than thimbles, asked for larger red wine glasses and was told that they had no more. The gnocchi had the consistency of mashed potatoes, but when I drew it to the maitre d's attention, he tasted the dish, agreed with me and offered me another dish. I have not returned. read more

I helped a friend out with a computer issue, and he took me to lunch here. Again, right across the street from work so little heavy lifting in the decision process... I'll get right to it. Overpriced, pretentious, tasty, in that order. I asked for San Pelligrino and got something similar. Fine. I got a dirty water glass and then a less dirty water glass. The butcher paper table cover is a nice touch, in 2001. The corn chowder was slightly watery, not very tasty. The grilled steak panini was very good, except for the meat, which happened to have more than a few ass and elbow cuts (gristle, fat, ugliness). The espresso could not have been real; no grounds at the bottom. It would be the most incredible filter ever. The bread was all right, salty, makes up for its weird texture. I think next time I have to scrub a drive clean, I'll ask for the Broadway Diner instead. -C read more

I almost could not review this restaurant because it was difficult to get parking in the first place. There is no parking so I recommend getting there 15 min before your reservation so you can circle the area until you find a spot. Once you are in its loud and crowded...lively! Even if you have a reservation there is always a wait. Service is great! Very attentive. Wine and water were always filled. The courses were perfectly timed. We ordered a butternut soup and an Italian traditional tomato soup. The butternut was ok, just ok. The tomato soup tasted like a good bowl of chunky marinara sauce. Not what I expected. I ordered the risotto with shrimp and my boyfriend ordered the sweet and spicy sausage over broccoli rabe. They were OK. Desert was very good. Pumpkin cheesecake and warm chocolate soufflé. I was happy with my company and he service but I expected the food to taste better. It was quite ordinary and for the price it was not justified. Needless to say I was disappointed in the quality of the food. read more

Love this place... very cozy... sometimes a bit too cozy. Don't show up early for a reservation.. they're a bit slow at the door and there isn't much room to wait and pass time! Oh, and speaking of reservations.. make sure there's 4 of u. Any less and you cant reserve! dumb, eh? But the food is very very good. Its dry so you need to bring your own wine, but there's a liquor store just down the street.... Good for groups if your group is big because they'd have to set aside that table for you! But just go for the food and ignore the wait... its worth it. read more

We have been enjoying meals at la focaccia for years. The first time back since last winter and the service and staff has changed. We arrived at 6:00 pm and ordered appetizers which arrived at 6:45 pm. After 1:30 minutes we were still not served our main course. The waiter and manager said take out orders slowed the service. The table next sat down at the same time and we're leaving while we still had no main courses. The manger used excuses rather than trying to satisfy the customer. Not the same food or service. read more

I've lived in Summit several years and the restaurants here are all so mediocre. This was my first time at La Focaccia and it fits right in with the mediocrity. A small salad and pasta were $40?! If I'm paying NY prices I expect a better meal. I ordered the black pasta spaghettini, which was so meh. Not spicy despite claiming it had some heat and the red sauce just had no flavor. So disappointed, will not be back. read more

Especially for the location, this place has the caliber of a New York city restaurant in suburbia. My family goes there maybe once a week and it is consistently amazing. The Lasagna Bolognese is the best I've ever had...every time I have it, it is an experience worth repeating. Also they allow BYOB so that cuts down on the price. The appetizers are incredible - fried zucchini fries, free chunks of parmigiano reggiano, amazing focaccia and olive oil. Their salads are also a good amount rich with ingredients but still have room for a delicious pasta plate or one of their many simple but delicious meat or fish plates. In addition, the waiters are mostly Italian making it an authentic restaurant who often come up with new and inventive specials that are always incredible. Highly suggest it if you're in town. read more

Absolutely the best! Went last evening for Valentines Day, had a reservation for 830pm and were seated on the dot. The service here is EXCELLENT. They have a great team of servers who have a smile on their faces, pull each others weight if needed, and partake in friendly conversation at the right times - even on a very busy night! The food is just as satisfying! There was a pre fixe menu, though still extensive, and touched on a lot of their regular menu items. We split the Burrata to start which was perfectly dense on the outside and creamy on the inside - comes with two thick slices of fresh tomato, asparagus, and some basil. For dinner, I ordered the Veal Milanese and my boyfriend the Rack of Lamb. Their portions are large which I consider a great thing as I am a leftover lover - he got 5 pieces of lamb which of course was gone in minutes, half of my veal came home with me and am enjoying today. Everything was SO FRESH, I cannot stress this enough. Finished it off with a Tiramisu and called it a night. Great food. Great service. Highly recommended. read more

Food and service were both quite poor. Very pricey for both the quality of the food along with the level of service. There are much better Italian restaurants in NJ. read more

Overrated. This place always seemed packed so we tried it instead of walking into something in town. We had the zucchini flowers special which was so so. It was hardly zucchini and mostly fried pimento cheese with some zucchini in it. I was a bit confused by the specials list, but ordered the veal Parmesan after confirming it came with pasta. The waiter could've warned me that it would be larger than the size of a dinner plate...it was rolled very thing and heavily sauced and cheesed. I had to peel off half the cheese to taste anything. My husband ordered the gnocchi which was charred on the bottom of many pieces. The tiramisu was very good. The shock came when we got the cheese and the veal Parmesan was $52! The waitress commented how no one could ever finish it cause it was so big. I got it packaged up so to not cause question to whether I liked it but truly I felt robbed for $52. All we could do was laugh, pay the check and not come back. We'll opt for downtown summit next time we want Italian. Our bill for 2 entrees, an app, dessert and an espresso was $130 before tip. Guess they're trying to make up for being BYOB but certainly overrated. read more

Visited tonight with another couple. Food (meatballs, Caesar salad, risotto, salmon and ravioli) was excellent. Price of specials (rack of lamb for $44) was too high for me. Cappuccino took the place of dessert. Parking was a little tough, even on Tuesday night. Service was a little slow. read more

I was very happy with the Summit restaurants week prefix lunch, I had half of everything n took the rest home, delicious. Except it feels as if big calories and lots of butter.... was delicious and little goes a long way. read more

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I heard from a few people that the food was really good. I went here a few times for dinner w/ my family. We ordered tuna tartar as a appetizer..it was good, but they didn't give us a lot for the price it cost. I recommend the risotto topped with shrimp and peas and the gnocchi. The foods are really good, but it's also pricey. It's also BYO. read more

Great experience had a 70th bday party here for 12 people and we had a small private room all to ourselves. Staff was very professional and helpful. Our guest of honor was 2hrs late I thought for sure we would have been rushed out or told we couldn't stay in the room so long but they never said one word. They were very understanding and service was terrific. Oh and the food was great not one complaint and it was a very picky group! From the apps to dinner just excellent. Thank you! read more

Can't believe this place doesn't have a 5 star average. I love food and this place is my favorite in NJ. Their lasagna bolognese is the best I've ever tasted. Everything is home made. The staff is lovely. It's also super inexpensive and BYOB. Way better than Fiorinos and much cheaper. The only complaint I could make is that it's very loud sometimes when it's very crowded. read more

Seems like this place has done a nose dive over the past year. I used to enjoy the food here, but lately the food just seems bland and tonight it was not even hot. I mean who wants room temperature pasta. The menu has been the same for the past ten years we have been eating here. I mean come on some of these dishes are very outdated. It would be nice if they could update the menu and put the effort into the food like they used too. Really hate to write this type of review since it's my in-laws favorite restaurant, but they need to step there game up. Spent $160 on 4 salads and 4 basic pasta dishes not saying that's a lot of money but I could have gotten take-out Italian that tasted better for half the price! read more

This place is amazing, aside from the loud atmosphere. The bread is mouthwatering and if possible they have the best sprite I've ever tasted. Have been there twice and have had amazing meals both times. Recommend this place for any special occasion. downside is they should bring in their own bar. read more

This restaurant is extremely "consistent." It is always great and it is reasonably priced. The service is dynamic and the food is great. They aim to please which is the reason we always return to La Focaccia. The owner is pleasant as is the rest of the team at the restaurant. And, it is always super when we can have our own wine to bring in and enjoy with the food. read more

Was here for a group dinner in a private room. We all enjoyed the appetizers and entrees. Staff was attentive and a pleasure to be served by. BYOB as they do not serve liquor. Parking is a slight problem as they have no lot and you must park on the street. Place was packed on a Tuesday night! read more

I went to this place last night with a group of nine. We had a reservation and were seated immediately; I've seen some reviews about them not honoring reservations, but we didn't have this problem at all. The food was great--I especially liked the fried artichokes and buffalo mozzarella. The service was very professional and the atmosphere is nice, too. I'm not sure about the prices, though--it's an upscale place, but it still seemed a little overpriced for what we got. I'm not the one who paid though, so I can't really complain. I'd totally go back (as long as someone else paid again). read more

Boyfriend and I went here to try a new place and first thing-- no parking. (Slightly annoying but not yet a deal breaker.) Then thank goodness we got there when we did, there was a line in the waiting area from the time I sat down to the time I left. We felt very rushed and if we are paying as much as we did for dinner..DONT RUSH ME! i.e.the waiter wouldn't let us put the appetizer order in until we put our dinner order in at the same time...hello we wanted to enjoy the night? Think we were in and out in about an hour's time. Food was decent. Nothing to write home about but nothing we sent back.. Would not go back. Try Millburn! read more

Blah and expensive Italian. I know I went during Sandy and place was mobbed, however the recipes don't change so will not be back.

Went here recently on a Friday night with another couple and we had a good time. Older crowd and the place was PACKED at 8 o'clock. We were having such a good time chatting it up that we were the last to leave. Surprisingly they didn't kick us out!. It's BYOB. We had an overall good experience. Really enjoyed the raw oysters we ordered and some other seafood dishes. On the pricey side, but definitely worth trying out. Parking as others have mentioned is not convenient, however we were told to park in a school lot (to the right if you are facing the front of the restaurant) that is a block or two away so it's not too awful. read more

Four people crammed into a corner doesn't cut it for me. We looked like corralled livestock. Small tables not meant to hold the large dinnerware. Not enjoyable at ALL. Miserable atmosphere. Food was overpriced and uneventful. read more

To rate a restaurant on parking is ridiculous. Here's what you need to know: You will have to park on the street. All of the food is cooked to order and extremely delicious. This is a bring your own restaurant, making it a great value as well. This is the best restaurant in Summit. read more

On a Saturday night...Impossible parking, tables packed too closely together, incredibly loud, way overpriced! Food is good...service is hovering, as they can't wait to get you out and turn over the table. read more

I went here with a bunch of coworkers for our "strategy meeting". On the outside it looks very nice and is currently at the end of a renovation. Inside is quiet, medium sized and comforting. A group of 16 was seated in the same area as regular clients (even though they have separate private rooms which they charge extra). The room wasn't being use yet we were crammed in the dining area which was busy for lunch. They kept bringing out sparkling water (which is expensive and once one was done they brought out another one without asking). The menu's were your less than normal Italian fare. It wasn't extensive and to be honest nothing really stood out. Their specials weren't too interesting as well. We all had calamari and fried, breaded zucchini to start out. The calamari was average at best. The zucchini was very oily and thinly sliced as if you were eating shoe string type. For a meal I ordered the brazen rib sandwich. The bread finally came out with their special dipping oil. Bread (focaccia) didn't taste fresh. Since I was hungry I ate several pieces with a few calamari/zucchini. The meals finally came out. The rib sandwich (sort of like pulled pork) was very dry (nearly little flavor), with horseradish coleslaw which wasn't very good on a decent tasting bun with cheese. it came with a scoop of salad (literally a few leaves) and corn chips which seemed to be the best part. Then finally dessert. This saved the meal from being less stars. I ordered the Tiramisu which was very good. Not the best I ever had but above average. I tried a fork full of their chocolate cake which was terrible. No one seemed to like it. The Italian Cheesecake looked good but I was too stuffed to try it. The service was decent but be careful. If you go with a big party they will bring out more than you ordered and charge you for it. It is BYO with a liquor store across the st. Parking is st but limited. There is a huge lot across the st which is strictly for the restaurant (Marco Polo) and several signs saying so. read more

Went here with the fam on XMas Eve. The place is really nice and surprisingly huge. It's BYOB as well. To start, they brought out focaccia bread, which was delicious, but very oily. They also brought out a pesto-olive oil dipping sauce, which I thought was awful. The menu was limited (special for the holiday, I guess), and very expensive. They had an item literally titled "chicken fingers and french fries" for around $25. Talk about sticking it to people. I got a shaved Brussels sprout salad to start. It was really, really delicious. However, it was small, and pricey. I got seared tuna as an entree. It was also very, very good. Yet again, tiny, and expensive. Service was solid. All in all, I did enjoy my meal very much. But it's hard to pay Meatpacking prices in Summit. read more

This place is TDF!!! I hate italian food but my husband loves it so we went. Now, we go all the time. Great atmospher. Waiters are all authentic italian. Love that. Tuna tartar is too die for!! Get it everytime. I get fish and its good everytime. BYO is cool too. You gotta go, it's romantic too and Magic Fountain is right across the street on your way home. read more

This is my favorite restaurant. Brian at the front is a super nice guy. Love the wait staff...they've been there forever. I love everything on the menu. They make an insane steak...their duck is great, my wife loves the game hen, and their venison is off the charts. I even ordered sweet breads once and liked them. Try the white bean puree when you go. Awesome! read more

I moved to Chatham with my fiancé 6 months ago and we have yet to find a better spot for a meal! The service is always great, even on a Friday/Saturday night when they are extremely busy. We have NEVER been disappointed by the food. My fiancé says that it's the best veal parm that he has ever had, and he has been around the block and through manhattan trying chicken/veal parm. I, myself am not one to go out to a restaurant for Italian cuisine, but I have not ever been disappointed by anything I have ever ordered from Forcaccia. I am especially impressed with the filet mignon special, the seafood dishes, such as the Tuscan stew, and every pasta dish that I have yet to try on the menu. Tonight, I was especially impressed with my halibut, and the beef carpaccio that we started with as an app. We didn't make it to the liquor store in time to grab a bottle of wine to have with dinner, but our waiter, Cheech (apologize if my spelling is incorrect) was able to supply us with some wine, and provided us with great service, despite another busy night. My fiancé and I have have sought out other Italian cuisine (such as Lucco- HORRIBLE service) but we always end up regretting that we didn't come to Forcaccia instead. We learned the hard way that Forcaccia is the place to go for any kind of occasion (date night, family dinner, random weeknight out), and we have realized that it is not worth seeking out other new restaurants to try because of the excellent service and satisfaction that we consistently receive from Forcaccia. If Forcaccia is wrong, then I don't want to be right. Definitely my favorite spot and number 1 recommendation in Summit and the surrounding area. read more

So, the wait staff here...sucks. The pasta is not fresh, the tuna tartare awesome! But, since we were 5 women, with an over $200 check...they asked us to leave the table an hour in. Will not return. read more

Can you say Sunday dinner?!?! La Focaccia keeps me coming back week after week! The incredible homemade pasta dishes are right on par with my Grandmother's. Each week I have the hardest time deciding on my appetizer let alone my main course! I generally find myself stuck between the tuna tartare, the burrata, and the roasted asparagus. They are all so different, yet so TASTY! For dinner, if I'm feeling extra hungry I like to go for the Chicken Arugula. The portion is massive and the flavors are amazing. When I'm in a pasta mood though, move over because I'm coming straight for the Lasagna! FINALLY they moved it from their daily specials to an everyday entree and I couldn't be happier! All in all La Focaccia is a great place to sneak out to for a low key night out. I gave it a 4 out of 5 for two reasons, it is BYOB, and mama likes to drink! Also, the atmosphere in the side room can be a tad too calm for my liking. With all that said I'm not changing my Sunday dinner routine for anything! read more

Simply awesome northern Italian cuisine. Service is top notch. Had a meal one time that was just ok, plate disappeared, replaced with a dish that I had had before, no charge. Classy move. Lot's of NY cars on weekends they know where to head for great food,...New Jersey! BYO and enjoy....they will send someone across the street to get some wine if you forgot yours. read more

Enjoyed a very pleasant meal on a Saturday night. Cordial host, pleasant service. Veal chop and rack of lamb hits at the table. Nice cuts, well prepared. read more

I absolutely LOVE La Focaccia. The food is delicious and the service/staff is amazing! And it's BYOB! Everytime I've gone, it's around Christmas, so it's very cozy. I definitely recommend making reservations. read more

This place is so good! Their fried artichokes are delicious!! I had the gnocchi as my main course and it was very good. The gnocchi were a bit mushy and almost like they weren't fully cooked. My husband had meatballs as an appetizer, which were delicious and steak as a main, which was cooked perfectly! I love that it's a BYO restaurant but the waiter did not keep the cork on the table for our wine and we didn't finish our bottle, so we had to leave it there. That would be the only negative. read more

La Focaccia - Fried artichokes - Italian Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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