My wife and I really enjoyed our experience at Labaratorio Kitchen. Great service, unusual and fun menu. Love the neighborhood too

We are weekly regulars and have been dining here since it's inception. James and his staff go above and beyond in every aspect! You will NOT find another restaurant with this quality of food and value anywhere! Anyone we bring here soon becomes a regular. Highly recommend! Please disregard any less than stellar reviews, I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

Every dish I had here was at least 4/5 stars. 1. This place is BYOB. Forgot your bottle of wine?! Do not fret. Laboratorio Kitchen basically has ubereats for liquor. We had our wined delivered right to our table which was lovely. 2. Hands down, best raviolis I have ever tasted. Sauce, filling and noodle were so velvety smooth. I wish it never ended. 3. Shrimp app was very good. 4. Salmon and scallops were seared to perfection. 5. For dessert we had the lava cake and pear tart. Not really impressed by either. Both were very sweet, a little too sweet for my taste but very good. If you're looking to choose one or the other, definitely go for the pear tart. read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Pear tart with gelato - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I randomly found this place walking along Bloomfield Ave and after seeing the good reviews decided to check it out for a date night. There were quite a few groups in there on a weeknight celebrating special occasions. They do not have alcohol so it is BYOB. However, they have a partnership with the nearby liquor store so you can always order a bottle and have it delivered! I was impressed with the food. The menu has a lot of great options! They even have a seasonal menu of small plates that you can choose from to share or get 3 for $20 as your meal. I decided on the risotto with mushrooms and crabmeat. It was delicious! The free bread they give you on the table was also very warm and toasty. I tasted some of the chicken and potatoes and it was also really well prepared. I look forward to trying this place again! read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Risotto with some spinach and crab meat and ham I believe. - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

We came here for a pre-Passover meal. At first, we were nervous because we had the entire restaurant to ourselves for a 7:00 pm reservation (and wondered why a reservation was needed at all). It gradually became busier after 7::30 and we saw why. Both appetizers were delicious. I had a black garlic shrimp special that was yummy; he had a buffalo mozzarella that was good. The entrees were delicious as well. I had scallops that were nicely seared; he had the filet which was tender and served with really good potatoes. The waiter was charming and communicated my various food allergies to the kitchen. Like most places we have visited in Montclair, it is BYOB and there is minimal parking but the ambience is nice. We will probably return. read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Shrimp with black garlic sauce - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Always wonderful, fresh tasting good!! Very attentive and friendly service!! Pasta is homemade and the fish and scallops are always very tasty!! read more

Nice, smaller place with a cozy vibe. The food and service were great. Alex served us and he was attentive and friendly. Byob which is great. My friend and I ordered the burrata for starters and I had the risotto which was so good. My friend's dish was the star of the show though. It was a seasonal special off the menu. I can't quite remember the name of the pasta but it was a pasta dish with shrimp spinach and tomatoes in a truffle sauce. Oh em gee. Very good. I would come back here again read more

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We came here with another couple after their reservations with family fell through and they asked us to join them. This turned out to be a fortuitous circumstance otherwise we never would have discovered this fine restaurant which I must have driven past 50 times in the past 6 months. The décor and ambiance are very warm and welcoming. The furniture is well appointed and the lighting is subdued without being too dim. The walls are a bit minimalist with the occasional Marilyn Monroe painting hung on the walls. Since it was BYOB the waiter immediately greeted us with menus and opened our wine and beer. The stemware is all high end and he was considerate enough to switch the guy's wine glasses for beer glasses (and even changed them when we switched beers-nice move). He then brought out some freshly warmed bread and a hunk of sea-salted butter which was very delicious. The menu is small but filled with many solid options. There were a couple of appetizer and entrée specials and both sounded amazing to me. As an appetizer I opted for the torchon of foie gras with crisped morrels, micro greens and a reduction. The terrine was outstanding and very rich, the unctuousness however was cut with the sweetness and acidity of the reduction and it was a very harmonious first course. The wife had the chorizo appetizer which I stole a few bites of and which was served in a mildly spicy tomato and white wine sauce that tasted amazing. It was good fodder for the warm bread to soak up the remaining sauce. For my entrée I went with the half roasted duck, pommes frites and haricot verts. The duck was perfectly cooked and served over an herb jous. The skin was crispy and the duck tender and moist on the inside. The pommes were tender and well seasoned and the vegetables, which often get over looked, were crispy and a fresh green color which showed they were done with exactitude. For dessert the table split a chocolate lava cake and a slice of apple pie. Both were quite delicious with the lava cake being baked to my liking; toothsome but with a still liquid center. As a former chef I think the highest compliment I can pay is to say a meal was cooked with flawless execution and technique, this would be one of them. I am sure we will be back to sample more of the wonderful cuisine. read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Bday dinner for Abby. - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

I dined here on Saturday evening. The restaurant was very clean. The ambiance and dim lighting were nice. The wait staff were on point. We ordered a fennel salad with arugula, white asparagus and green beans, the burrata appetizer, a pork chop with potatoes and broccoli rabe, steak frites and the apple dessert with ice cream. I was excited for the fennel salad but it was too watery. It seemed like the vegetables or arugula weren't properly drained when cleaned or cooked. The burrata appetizer had olives and the briny taste overpowered the whole dish. The pork chop was cooked perfectly but the sauce was simply ok not amazing. The broccoli rabe was just steamed, no olive oil or even the basics s/p. I don't think I would give the place another chance. The highlight of the night was the bread, which was from Nicolo's! read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - This was the pork chop. It was the special of the night. - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Came 10 minutes early for a reservation. Refused to seat us while I could see 3 empty tables. Rude AF. Ruined the meal before it even started... people came after us and were seated before us... Overpriced snotty garbage. read more

My fiancé and I are not big Italian fans, but enjoyed the fresh and seasonal dishes! Peaches and ricotta and my fiancé's halibut were the highlights of the meal. I had a pasta dish loaded with seafood and rolled home read more

What an amazing meal! All vegan and all exceptional. I cannot wait to come back & try something different.

Wait staff was plentiful Ordered Steak Med Well had to return the steak 2x after receiving- chef couldn't get the Med well correct kept coming back Med- Med rare Sat at a 2 person table - waiter had rear end over our table as he was taking order and delivering food to the table next to us Waiter or manager or chef even didn't address our poor meal experience. Would not recommend or go back. too bad read more

It was our first time at this restaurant. We arrived earlier than our scheduled reservation and felt that we were being rushed. The setting was very nice and romantic! I didn't take any pictures of the food but had the shrimp arrabiatta which was delicious. The mussels lacked flavor. My NY strip steak was delicious and the salmon was just okay. read more

Loveddd the food at laboratorio!!! The backyard seating area is super cute and reminds us of NYC!!! The food was My fiancé and I don't eat meat, but they told us they'd leave meat out of anything we ordered which is so nice! Not many places do that. Will 100% be back!!!! read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Fresh Rigatoni Pasta in a cream sauce, they left out the meat for me!!! - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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Amazing place and food! Best pasta and steak in awhile...and the price was not too high at all. A true gem in Montclair read more

I had 2 DELICIOUS takeout dinners this week from Laboratorio in Montclair! All the pastas and desserts are all homemade. He is offering his whole menu 30% for delivery or takeout during the coronavirus epidemic which is very kind! It's the best restaurant deal anywhere right now! He doesn't skimp on quality or portions either! I had the Brie and Gorgonzola crostini and his famous veal and beef meatball as appetizers both were very good! The plum tomato sauce that it came with the veal and beef meatball was AMAZING! It had so much flavor! For dinners I had the homemade linguini with shrimp, scallops, and jumbo lump crab in a seafood tomato sauce. It was packed with seafood for such a reasonable price! Tonight I had the veal and beef meatball over pappardelle in a tomato cream sauce both were DELICIOUS! The pasta was so fresh that it just melted in my mouth! For desserts I had the chocolate soufflé which was excellent, and the best tres Leche with salted caramel I ever had! You have to try the tres leche with salted caramel! It's a must order! I can't wait to try the whole dessert menu! Ask what desserts are available that day if your ordering go. He also lists his specials of the day daily on instagram. Thank you for the wonderful dinners, and the generous 30% offer off your regular menu during the coronavirus epidemic! I can't wait to be able to dine in here as it has a beautiful modern decor inside with delicious food! I highly recommend dining at Laboratorio in Montclair or for now ordering takeout! read more

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After I posted my last review the manager reached out and was incredible. So we went back and kept going back. We absolutely love the food here! I debated whether to keep the rate at a 4 or bump it back up to a 5. In the end, 5 it is because the only hiccup was our most favorite server is no longer with the restaurant and we haven't met another server who is as great. read more

Downtown Monclair BYOB, great vibe and surprisingly affordable. Easy to get an online reservation which I would suggest. Right at the front door your welcomed by a friendly hostesses and seated with a smile.Not a large place inside and a fair amount of chatter and laughter. Not recommended for the guests that are looking for a quiet night but prefer a good vibe. Enjoyed a shared appetizer of fig and gorgonzola drizzled with honey, and walnuts, a wonderful blending of flavors. Moved on to two pasta plates that were done quite well. Not over size, not skimpy portions but just right. For the hardy eater, best not to share appetizer . However the plates were delivered as ordered and bursting with flavor. If you enjoy warm bread on the table, this place dose it right. The dinner rolls were fresh out of the oven, extremely hot to the touch, a welcomed treat. What elevated this place from 4 stars to 5 was our server Mario. Exceptionally attentive, professional and accommodating. The type of waiter that makes the experience. read more

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Unique menu and excellent service (Alex was our waiter) The Caesar salad was perfect size to spilt as were the mussels. read more

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Our Dinner club had a great time last evening. Food was delicious as expected, everyone enjoyed their dish. We received great service as well. The place had a modern vibe and lively ambience, perfect for a Friday night out. Thanks to James to work out a selective menu for us and ensure smooth service! read more

Always seems to be good. D try the meatball appetizer, but be prepared to be full, as it's huge.

In retrospect, I wish I had dined here sooner, but better late than never. I've had numerous reservations over the last year or so and never managed to keep a single one. Last evening, we went with two other couples. We arrived about 8 minutes after our reservation time of 7:45 and the sweetest hostess greeted me and apologized the moment I walked in, as our table was not ready. They even called, left a voicemail and sent me a text to alert of us of a slight delay that evening and I hadn't looked at my phone until well after we arrived. The smallish restaurant which is nicely appointed with contemporary artwork and furnishings was bustling on this Saturday night. We had the most attentive diligent young gentleman named Jeremy as our server. Our wine bottles were opened, water glasses filled and he continued to ensure our glasses remained filled throughout the night. I shared a raw salmon poke crostini appetizer. The clear appetizer winner was the fig and gorgonzola crostini. It sounds a bit pedestrian these days but it was spectacular both in taste and presentation. I enjoyed the Chilean sea bass special served on a bed of luscious cauliflower purée, crispy spinach and fried leaks. Cooked to perfection and a perfect portion size. My friends had the salmon prepared in the same way. Others had the mushroom risotto, the fresh fusilli, the tagliatelle and giant meatball. My husband had the diver scallops. Everything was on point, not a single miss. We were too stuffed for dessert. But definitely coming back soon. This place is BYO which is the Montclair MO, just fine by us....grab a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy this Montclair gem. read more

I am so thankful to have found Laboratorio Kitchen to celebrate my 21st Birthday. I had to spend the day in Quarantine and it's hard to find a restaurant with celebration worthy food, especially Vegan! I messaged the chef on Yelp and he took care of everything for me. He made a full Vegan/GF meal and it was DELICIOUS. It was a vegan truffle pasta with spinach and a greens salad. They even wrote happy birthday on the to-go box. They couldn't have made it easier and brought it to our car and everything. Everything was very well-priced and it felt extra special being surprised with what the Vegan meal would be. I can't wait to go back and see what vegan options they have next time, I'm sure it'll be amazing! read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Vegan Truffle Pasta, Organic Greens, arugula Salad, Local Mushroom Risotto - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Service is great, however food is simple and nothing special. Portions are a bit small based on their prices.

Food and service were delicious! Great date night spot with good ambiance. Will def return.

Food is very good and good portions but not piping hot. Service is rushed and restaurant is very loud. Might just do takeout next time.

Imaginative food perfectly prepared with seasonal ingredient. Service is very attentive. Been dining here for a few years and always a reliable and enjoyable experience. Nice atmosphere, can get a bit loud at times. read more

Fantastic. With two young kids we don't get to go out much, so this was a night we were really looking forward to and Laboratorio more than delivered. Didn't expect the crostini with gorgonzola and fig to be deconstructed but we ended up loving it since we like different proportions. My wife had the scallops which literally could not have been more perfectly cooked and I had the papardelle with giant meatball which absolutely has to be had. My wife doesn't like meatballs and she loved it. Service was quick and attentive, and with byob the meal came under $100. I'm dreaming of eating the leftovers and can't wait to return and try more things on the menu. Really special. read more

Elegant atmosphere, professional staff and nice portions. My first impression of Laboratorio Kitchen was that it had an lovely elegant aura about it. Random, but I really liked the wine glasses. BYOB. The staff was professional and friendly. My friend and I ordered a few things to share. They have a weekday special where you order 3 small plates for $20. We have the organic chicken, shrimp creole and mussels. Portions were great! I enjoyed all three items but the mussel sauce and shrimp creole were the best. We also shared the meatball, which is a must order! Pro tip: toss a slice of meatball in a roll! They house rolls are delish. We ordered the seafood linguine as our shareable pasta dish. Delicious, really liked the scallops and chunks of crab. I'd come back! read more

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Wow this place has been on our radar for a while and upset we haven't been here sooner came for a birthday dinner it's amazing food was so fresh and delicious my Ny strip was cooked to perfection the Huge meatball was amazing the deserts wow service top notch deff became one of my go to spots read more

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The food is good here and the service is good but the place is painfully noisy. Impossible to have a conversation at all.

The food is amazing/ service is great. They are really accommodating to dietary needs and loved everything about it.

Came here last night for dinner. When I walked in I was greeted by the delicious smell of Truffle! I was immediately excited as truffle is by far one of my favorites. With that being said, I ordered their special of the night. The cacio de pepe tortellini with truffle butter. It was delicious with a minor hint of disappointment. I know that truffle is one of those ingredients that a little goes a long way. However, I felt that it was missing that truffle bang! The X factor I was looking for in the truffle. It was super creamy and delicious and I of course ate the whole meal. Just wish it had more of a truffle bang. The place is beautiful and very welcoming. My date had the risotto, which was another meal I was looking at ordering. I did take a bite or two and I wasn't disappointed. It was a big plate and I know I would have been overstuffed, in a good way. I will most definitely return to give their other food items a try that I saw I wanted to order. Thank you for a wonderful evening! read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Chocolate cake with Vanilla Ice Cream - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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First time at this place and Ill definitely be back.. They have a tapas menu that is outrageous.. Pesto pasta, sausage, fried chicken, and french fries were just a few we tried. We also ordered a giant meatball that I will order every visit. Ther service was also A-plus.. I cant wait to try there regular menu.. Its a little more upscale then I expected and I felt a tad underdressed with jeans and a sweathsirt .. read more

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Have been there a few times for dinner. The place is really good. The food is wonderful. The service is phenomenal. The only thing is it gets very very loud. Not good. If you want to have an intimate conversation the decorations are cool. I love the chairs they're very comfortable and the food is very good. I suggest getting there early before it gets crowded because you'll have to scream to talk to the person across from you. I wish they would put some sound barriers on the ceiling and walls. Other than that give it a try you won't be disappointed possibly good for a takeout as well. read more

The giant meatball, bro. It's a meatball and it's hot and its giant. Did i mention it was a single meatball the size of a grapefruit? Branzino and steaks were decent too and the service was friendly. read more

By far one of the best places I have eaten. I spent my 35th birthday here and was not disappointed. It was a central location and BYOB!!!!! The food was absolute perfection. Our group pretty much had every appetizer/small plate on the menu The purée cauliflower was everything Fra diavolo mussels!!! Such a good kick. The black truffle pasta small plate was so damn good I had them do it as a dinner with seafood. House made ravioli was great! Fig and Gorgonzola was so great with our wine I could go on and on about the greatness. For dinner we had the trout, scallops, pappardelle, tagliatelle and mussels again!!!! The ambiance is great! Very modern and clean! Big windows in the front for some people watching. If this location had outside seating it would be beyond everything! Servers are pleasant and attentive! Oh and how could I forget about dessert. The tres leche!!!!!!! I've been looking for a good tres leche for years to compare to Miami!!! This was amazing. It's almost like they soak biscuits in the milk! LOL We also had the apple tart and chocolate lava cake. No one wanted to share!!! You have to go here! It's worth it. read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Had the Meatball app, very tasty. We both had the steak. Absolutely one of the best I've had and that includes Morton's And Bobby Vans. Pear tart was insane. Place was a little too Montclair for me, lots of white wine and I'm sure my girl and I were the only Trump supporters in the place, but, we will be back!!! read more

Laboratorio Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I've been here twice: once during the summer and another last week and I love it! I love that it's BYOB. It's so smart bc a lot of times restaurants don't have wines that I actually like. read more