The service and atmosphere are 5+ stars. The restaurant is stunning both inside and out. The bar is a totally separate experience. We opted for the quieter dinning room with natural light. Our server was great along with the helpers who were very quick to respond to any questions we had or clear something from our table. First let me say we completely enjoyed our dinner. We loved our salad and appetizer and one of the 2 desserts (cheesecake). We both enjoyed our mains and took home leftovers so we had room for dessert. Our only comments and reason for just 4 stars is that our mains weren't seasoned enough. I saw garlic in the pasta with scallops but didn't taste any of it when eating. The red sauce on the chicken parmigiana was great but the chicken and breading was just ok, missing seasoning. Would definitely try again for a special occasion dinner or maybe try the Trattoria which is attached and upstairs. However if spending $100+ per person everything should be wonderful. read more

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Ristorante MV offers a cozy atmosphere with classic Italian dishes. It's a cute little restaurant that's charming from outside of the restaurant, which offers a couple of outdoor dining, to inside which was well decorated. I ordered their Sogliola Alla Oreganata, which was a fillet Of Sole with Lemon, Garlic & Herbs, Lightly Crusted & Grilled.The fish was fresh, moist, and tender, allowing its delicate flavor to shine. However, I do wish it came with a sauce instead of just a lemon wedge to add a bit more depth. We tired their tiramisu for dessert, which was served in a cup which I was very skeptical about because I'm all about finding authentic ones. It delivered a wonderfully bold espresso flavor without being overly sweet, which I really appreciated. However, I did not like the construction of the dessert as it had only 1 layer of lady finger and another layer was replaced by a sponge cake. I would have preferred both layers to be ladyfingers for a better texture and flavor. I would also like more mascarpone layers instead of a layer of cream on the top. This just tells me they are trying to save on the cost by cutting the corners with the ingredient replacements. Our server was friendly and the service was super quick. There is also a valet parking available which was very convenient it may not be easy to find street parking especially on weekends. Overall, Ristorante MV is a cute little restaurant that's a good option for date nights serving Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and balanced flavor. I do find it to be quite pricy for what you get and also the location. I initially was looking at their special menu and was shocked to see 1 meat dish for $70-80. The tiramisu was also very small (one small tea cup size) for $15. There are definitely other options in the area so this may be a one time visit for me. read more

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Quaint restaurant in a charming Northern Nj town. They offer valet service. Our reservations were honored an we were seated immediately. Seating is tight because the restaurant is small inside. We were a table for 2 celebrating my husband's birthday. I thought it was very nice that my server asked if we were celebrating anything special so when we ordered dessert, he came out with a candle for my husband. I ordered the risotto with steak tips, which was delicious. It is a bit of a ride from Staten Island as it was about an hour away overall, it was a good night. I got the idea to go to this restaurant from watching real housewives of New Jersey lol read more

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I was expecting the food to be a bit better here considering the price of the dishes (approx $30-$50 for mains). Overall I'd say it's good, but not sure I'd go back. The service was great and atmosphere was nice too. It's just the food wasn't anything to rave about. I will say the caprese appetizer was delicious as well as the orange almond cake, but everything else was just good. It could've just been the meals we ordered though. I've heard good things about the cocktails if you can grab a spot at the bar, but we came here for our anniversary dinner. I just think it's a bit expensive for what you get. read more

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Disclaimer: Not sure what happened to my original review but hopefully this one doesn't get erased for no reason again! Ristorante MV is a wonderful family owned Italian restaurant located in Bernardsville, New Jersey. My family has made the trek from Brooklyn 3 times now (for reasoning, please see personal background story below if interested) and the hour plus drive time is worth it every time! It goes without saying that I think the food here is exceptional. The marinara sauce is the best I've ever had in the States and only compares to the best I've had in Italy when I visited. Here is everything I highly recommend from their every day menu: -Baked clams oreganata -Insalata Mixta -Fried zucchini -Shrimp fra Diavolo -Capellini Marinara (honestly any macaroni will do but make sure to get the marinara sauce!) -Chicken Parm -Eggplant Parm -Chicken Scarpariello with sausage (Desserts) -Tiramisu -Tortino di Cioccolato -Chocolate ravioli -Cannoli -Zabaglione They also have daily specials every day on a separate menu, which I highly encourage you to take a look at. I always like to see what their daily mozzarella fatta en Casa (homemade) is being paired with. I'm also a huge fan of the Italian sardines, and always jump at the opportunity to order those. I also highly recommend their stuffed artichokes if it's being offered in the specials that day. Overall, the food and wine menus are extensive, and you should be able to find something that appeals to you. I will rave about their marinara sauce until the day I die. Hopefully you can find something you love as much as I do! The ambience here is so lovely and it is perfect for a date night or a nice meal with your family. One of these days I would love to have this restaurant booked out for a birthday party or better yet, an engagement party haha. Fingers crossed! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Long personal background story: Ristorante MV, formerly the original Brooklyn restaurant (known as Queen Marie Italian Ristorante) had been important to me and my family my whole life and then Covid happened. When my aunt and I finally found this new location 5 years later and came in for dinner one night, Mike the maître d' recognized us immediately and said to me "oh, of course I remember you! You would always get the cappellini with marinara with extra cheese!" And he made sure I had my extra cheese as usual. The waiters from the original Brooklyn location remembered me as well and all came over to say hi. After dinner; I went into the kitchen to say hello to Michael (who's now a chef along with his father Patrick!) who gave me a warm hug and told us how great it was to see us. The last time I saw any of these people, my grandmother was alive and the world didn't seem as hopeless. This is more than just about food. This is about love and family. Thank you again Michael and Patrick and all of the OGs from Queen! So happy and excited I found you again, even if it's far away in New Jersey :) read more

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My family came here for a very special celebration. There were about 10 or so of us and although no one had been before, it seemed like the perfect spot for a big day. *Spoiler: We were right, it was the perfect spot for a big day* The downstairs bar was a great place to kick off the evening! Start here for a cocktail in a cozy, intimate ~vibe~ before your reservation if possible. They have a main room downstairs as well as a smaller, loft style room upstairs, where we were. Our group of 10 split nearly every appetizer they had, my favorites being the baked clams. For my entree, I got the cuttlefish ink seafood pasta. Delicious and filled with seafood. This was about a month ago and I am not seeing it on the website menu at the moment, which makes me think they either change their menu up often or it was a special. Either way, if you see it and you are a seafood fanatic like myself, it was a good choice. We heard they do veal incredibly well (and they have an entire menu section dedicated to it) so that was a popular choice around the table and I heard no complaints at all. With an espresso martini night cap, it was a great meal and a great way to celebrate. Go for the Italian vibes, go for great cocktails, use their complimentary valet, and order good food. Yes, it is very pricy, so save it for a special occasion and enjoy! read more

Always a good time and great food and service! I travel over an hour to get there and I find myself there at least 2x per month...

This place is outstanding. Was always a staple in Brooklyn and has since moved to NJ 5 or more years ago. The service is solid. The dining room is a pretty room. The food is terrific. Two times we went and both times we were very pleased. First time my wife had shrimp francese which was amazing. Normally the Francese is doughy, oily or not cooked through. Not the case. Which means all their francese is great. The second time my wife had the chicken parmagiana which is outstanding. I started off with the pasta fagioli and had the eggplant pasta. Perfect comfort food and as a 1st generation Italian, was like home. In addition the desserts are terrific. I highly recommend this venue. Only thing I would change is the side of vegetable that accompanies the entree. It reminds you of the vegetable medley you get at a wedding. Spruce up that side and we are golden. Michael the maitre de is very accommodating and friendly. A must go and you had better make reservations or you might not make it in. read more

Ristorante MV is a gem. My only complaint is, why haven't I been here sooner! Beautiful dining room, and each course is unique and invokes a true taste of Italy. I would say the food is very much on par with the restaurants I visited in Naples and Sicily. Can't pick a favorite, but the fennel and orange salad, grilled oysters, and eggplant were all awesome. Will definitely go again! read more

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Delicious food! Came with a group of 4 people and we all had a great time. Everything we tried was fantastic. The service was great. Our server was Hannah was very attentive and helpful. The chocolate raviolis were the perfect ending to a great meal. I can't wait to come back to try more! read more

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Had a great experience attending this restaurant for a friend's birthday! Food was amazing. The bread was beautifully displayed with three varieties. Started off with salad and fried zucchini, ordered veal as the main entree and ended the night with creme brûlée. All was delicious! Interior is stunning. Place is very cozy and welcoming. The decor is beautifully put together and the staff was very kind and attentive to us at the table. One star deduction due to the wait. Reservation was for 830, was seated closer to 9. Great spot. Would come back in the future!! read more

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My boyfriend took me here for a date night and it was amazing! The inside is absolutely gorgeous -- such a nice, upscale vibe that makes it feel really special. The food and service were both great, and overall it was just such a good experience. It's definitely a little more on the upscale side, but so worth it for a nice night out. read more

The Vitiello Family are three generations of successful restaurateurs. They have created a beautiful dining venue in Bernardsville with Ristorante MV, named after Michael Vitiello, your Host and Maitre'd. For a fairly large venue, the food quality was better than expected. Generous portions and high taste quality, come with moderately expensive price tags. Beyond the cost of the food, the alcohol markup is 300% or more. A $90 per bottle "corking fee" is available but quite high as well. The service is top notch, friendly and informative. There is valet parking, in the driveway to the right of the corner entry door. Overall this is a special occasion place, with most of the better and higher priced dishes available on the more elaborate specials menu. The owners are Pro's at the restaurant business, so they know how to exploit the liquor pricing and offer the abbreviated regular menu to entice you with the higher priced specials once you arrive. Cost for a special appetizer and main course with a $15 dessert will average about $100 per person with tax and tip. Add a couple of glasses of wine and a coffee, and it will add another $50 with tax and tip, so figure about $150 or more per person depending on your choice of alcohol. Welcome to haute cusine pricing. Some culinary standouts were the grilled oysters with fontina cheese, the endive/Rosso di Treviso Tardivo Radicchio salad, the Veal in a truffle cream sauce, and the fresh (squid ink) Pasta Nero w/seared scallops.The desserts are beautifully presented but are no bargain. So overall, I'd only recommend this place for a special occasion, knowing the costs. We'd dine here more often if it was a BYOB. read more

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Exceptional dining experience with well chosen wines, fresh everything. From scratch where possible. Concentrated flavors. Simple recipes made with love. read more

We went to RistoranteMV for my birthday on a Thursday evening. We cook every night at home and we are sticklers for quality. The food at MV was INCREDIBLE ! In addition the staff was professional and attentive but not overbearing. The restaurant itself was very comfortable. It was slightly noisy when it was full of patrons. read more

Came here the day before Valentine's Day for the first time and unfortunately it was a disappointing experience. The food was decent at best, but the service was absolutely terrible. The table next to us waited two hours for their appetizers and still hadn't received them, which was shocking to watch unfold. It seemed like the restaurant was completely disorganized. The mozzarella and orange appetizer was the only thing that was truly delicious. The pasta Fra Diavolo and chicken Francese were both very mid and nothing memorable. What stood out the most was that one busboy seemed to be doing all the work, while the servers were barely present. For a restaurant that presents itself as upscale, the level of service was EXTREMELY disappointing. read more

MV has one of the most beautiful dining rooms in all of NJ. The service is friendly, but not obtrusive. The food however is a mixed bag. Sometimes, it's knock your socks off amazing And other times (or other individual dishes) are just average. My special risotto last night with pulled chicken and a farm fresh egg was virtually flavorless. The farm fresh egg was no where to be found. Others at our table loved their meal, though I thought my wife's carbonara looked separated. My affogato dessert was quite good, but I could have done without the berries. Espresso and berries don't mix to me. MV is capable of better. read more

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Well I finally ate at MVs and it's all the hype. The bar scene was chaotic but so much fun. Their Paloma cocktails was delicious. When they finally seated us, it was so busy yet, they brought out complimentary bread and some crudities. The fresh mozzarella caprese was to die for, followed by a penne with meat sauce and my eggplant parmigiana was delicious and so fresh. I ended my meal with a port wine. Everything and everyone enjoyed their meal and ambiance and service was superb. Can't wait to go back!! read more

Another reminder to not eat at this establishment on a holiday, especially when there is a pre-fix menu. The items are entirely too expensive for one. This goes without mentioning the fact that regular menu items are featured on the pre-fix menus as if they are unique/special, and marked up by at least 100% Save your wallet and your time by not going here. The owners have not responded to reviews and criticism and clearly don't care about such feedback. My seemingly rude 3rd 1-star review stems from my lack of patience and sympathy for restaurant owners who want to engage in what is essentially open daylight robbery. For those who came here on Valentine's Day, you have my sincerest blessings on your financial health. read more

Went here a while back for an anniversary. Food - There was too much to choose from. Very overwhelming. The specials menu was larger than the normal menu. Most of it was difficult to understand what it even was. The food was good but portions were small. Service - expected very good service here. Our waiter we could barely understand and he wasn't too helpful in reviewing the menu when we asked for recommendations. During the meal the AC vent dripped condensation on my food. I brought it up to the manager and he kind was like idk, that's just what happens. This was insane to me. Then it kept happening and dropped on my shirt so he pushed our table over a little and made me sit next to my wife instead of across for the rest of the meal. To make up for the above, rather than comping my dish that had the condensation drippings, he offered us a round of drinks we didn't want at the bar. Ambience - really nice restaurant. Wish they got the AC duct fixed. read more

After finishing an appointment at California Closer, my husband and I asked for a nearby dining recommendation. Without hesitation, she suggested Ristorante MV--and what a fantastic suggestion it was. Just a short walk around the block, the restaurant immediately greets you with an Italian Old World ambiance wrapped in an upscale, inviting vibe. I have to admit, I became completely obsessed with one of their signature appetizers: the Fritto di Zucchini. As a self-proclaimed French fry snob, I usually don't go for anything that tries to "imitate" fries. But this dish is in a category of its own. Lightly floured, perfectly fried, and full of delicate flavor, it completely won me over. In fact, I don't think I ever truly liked zucchini until I tried it here--and let's just say the plate didn't last long! We loved it so much we asked if the chef might share how it's made, and to our delight, he personally came out and explained the (surprisingly simple) process. That personal touch made the experience even more memorable. This appetizer is an absolute must-try. For entrées, my favorite is the La Fra Diavolo. And while my husband may give me the side-eye for mentioning it, pairing it with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne makes the evening feel all the more special. Bernardsville itself is a charming town, and Ristorante MV is truly a gem within it. ------------------------------------------- "Because dining is more than food - it's flavor, style and elegance that should be savored one bite at a time." - AMC read more

Been going a few times a year since it opened, food is always on point, drinks are well crafted but the kicker is if you have an 8pm reservation on the weekend, be prepared to not sit until 9-9:30. read more

Absolutely fantastic restaurant. Beautifully decorated. The food was outstanding and service top notch.

Their specials menu was refreshing, everything sounded creative and delicious. We also had the anchovy special (not pictured) but it was my favorite app. The Casino oysters were ok, and our dinners as expected. They never disappoint on service and ambiance is always an additional plus. read more

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This is a great fine dining Italian restaurant. It has great ambience. The food is incredible. The pastas are great-- I had cavatelle casalinga and vitello asparagus. There are lots of desserts. I had the semifreddo di amaretto. Service was stupendous. read more

We have been trying to dine here since we have passed by it numerous times. The Fiat near the front door and the stone outside décor definitely add to the allure. We decided to celebrate a birthday here. Was able to score reservations (they are known to book quick). We were greeted upon arrival and upon hearing about our special occasion, they set us up in a nice roomy table. The place is two floors and could be a little tight. The food was very good however the service was below our expectations. We were not checked in on (we needed refills and empty plates sat at our table). Plus I don't think he even smiled. The owner more than made up for it! His friendliness and humor helped. We started with: Vongole Oreganata -Little Neck Clams Baked With Seasoned Crumbs (I wish there was a lot more because it was excellent!) and Insalate Mista - Tossed Salad Of Seasonal Mixed Greens, Tomato, Peppers & Cucumbers, Olive Oil & Red Wine Vinegar Dressing (very good and fresh). For Entrees: Sogliola Alla Oreganata - Fresh Filet Of Sole, Lemon, Garlic & Herbs, Lightly Crusted & Grilled (I don't generally enjoy fish but this was really delicious - light and fresh) and Vitello La Marsala - Scaloppine Of Veal, Sauce Of Sicilian Marsala, Mushrooms & Prosciutto (So darn good - nothing like a thin piece of veal). For Dessert: we had this amazing amaretto-ish (see pic) cake-ish that I dont recall the name of. We also had their tiramisu (see pic). These ended a spectacular meal. Drinks: A couple of Old Fashioned (average) and prosecco's. Prices: very expensive but worth it. Overall: 4.5 stars - which the server was better. ENJOY! read more

Really enjoyed our experience here! Food was great, interesting things to choose from, top-notch seasonal ingredients and special dishes. The vibe was fun and not too stuffy but the waiters were professional and hospitality was great. We will definitely be back. There are even more dishes on the "specials" menu than the regular menu so make sure to read all the options! Some really great offerings. read more

At MV you are treated like Family. Delicious fresh food and friendly staff brings me in time and time again!

One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! Ristorante MV, is fine dining at it's, well finest. I could probably write a novel about this place, but I will give you the cliff notes. That pizza bread the comes out as a starter is all you need. Don't go for more, because you have a long road ahead. Literally everything is made to order so make sure you plan out your menu in advance. Whether it was with burrata, fennel and onions or prosciutto, blood orange was the star of the night. It complimented every app dish we had. Something else to note is that they used truffle honey and as someone who isn't a fan of truffle oil or any kind of truffle concentrate, this was phenomenal! Our 2nd course were two pasta dishes. The rigatoni carbonara was delish, the the bucatini was outstanding. As for the main dishes, we wanted to stay non the lighter side so we fish and both were amazing. Desserts! The highlight of the show was the chocolate raviolis with cannoli cream!!! Need I say more! The staff is exceptional here. Attentive, friendly and all around very knowledgeable. Perfect for a date night or special occasion. read more

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Although the menu is enormous and completely overwhelming - seriously, how can the chef prepare all these different foods??, the food itself (once we spent a long time choosing) was amazing. Kale salad was fantastic as was the seafood trio. This was our first time here and didn't realize that it would be so loud inside. The walls are stone, the ceilings are high, the tables are tight together like a NYC restaurant and there were a number of boisterous celebrations happening on the upper floor. This is NOT a place for a romantic date night!! I could barely hear the waiter and it was sometimes a challenge to hear my husband across the table. Also, even though it was a weeknight and clearly no people waiting for tables, the meal was totally rushed. The wait staff won't take your order for appetizers without also ordering your second/entree at the same time. Seemed odd until I realized that the moment the starter plates were cleared from our table by one server, our entrees were immediately put down by a server behind the first one. No chance to catch your breath or enjoy a moment with a sip of wine. The meal felt so rushed! Plenty of open tables and it wasn't near closing time so I'm not sure why that needed to happen. On a busy weekend, maybe. Again, not the best choice for a date, but I'm sure it would be fun with a group of friends. Wine list fairly extensive, but the vintage years aren't listed in case that matters to you! read more

-This review is for the Ristorante section only and not the Trattoria I was skeptical going into Ristorante MV based off the Yelp reviews, but the food here definitely blew me away! I came here to celebrate my anniversary and did a quick reservation online as a just in case. Boy am I glad I did because this place was POPPIN' for a Wednesday. It looked like if you came in without a reservation, you would have to wait and grab a drink in the bar/Trattoria section. They present you a bread platter to start and I have to agree with another review- only eat the bread with the marinara sauce. I repeat, only eat the bread with the marinara sauce! It was sooo dang good. The dipping oil that comes with the other bread is very good, but don't fill up on the bread! We ordered the Parma Antipasti and it was surprisingly tasty! The blend of prosciutto, orange, and Parmesan cheese balanced each other perfectly. The prosciutto was actually less salty than I expected but I liked that. Now on to the entrees. Remember when I said don't fill up on the bread? It's because the portions are huge!! We ordered off the special menu and I can't remember the exact names, but got the tortellini and nero. The tortellini was bathed in a beautiful, rich creamy sauce. It also had peas and some type of meat (maybe pancetta?). The amount of tortellini they gave was plenty! I got the nero which had huge scallops and large shrimp with squid ink pasta in a tomato sauce. I will admit I thought this dish wasn't flavorful at first, but you have to mix the pasta and shrimp around in the sauce. I legit can't get over how large the scallops were. We didn't order dessert because we were stuffed but the dessert menu is extensive. As of this review date, all desserts are $15 per each item. Even though this restaurant is on the pricey end, the quality of the food and the portion sizes definitely justify the cost. I would say this is for sure a place you go to celebrate a special occasion. Two negatives though: -This place is sooo loud. My boyfriend and I had to raise our voices a lot so we could hear each other. -If you are seated new the door entrance, there is definitely a draft that comes in through the wall. It gets slightly chilly especially if another party isn't seated next to you. read more

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Extremely expensive priced food that is not extremely gourmet fare! Just because it's in Bernardsville, you do not have to gauge the locals. The ambience is beautiful, but not worth the price and very small portions of the food! read more

The atmosphere & food is one of the best Italian restaurants in the tristate area bar none. The food is so fresh & flavorful from the appetizers to the deserts. read more

Atmosphere was romantic and intimate. The prices were steep for what you get but the food was delicious. The service was a little slow but we went at the busiest time on the weekend. There's street parking and a public lot across the street. If you can't find a spot then they also have valet. read more

Ristorante MV - Italian Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

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Had a great time Saturday night. Food, wine, ambience, and service were all on point. Our server was very friendly and helpful. The lamb pasta and eggplant special were particularly excellent. A little overpriced, but that's on par for the neighborhood. Will be back. FYI valet parking. read more

Lot of people hyped this place up and it was pretty good. I wouldn't get the prosciutto again cuz it lacked salt which is key, but the veal chop was perfectly cooked with a nice sear. Not sure why it's served with fried broccoli. And the complimentary starter bread with marinara on top is a total miss. Very good service and ambiance. Would go again if I wasn't paying. read more

Ristorante MV - Veal chop - Italian Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

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We have been going to MV since it opened. It is hands-down consistently the best Italian food in New Jersey. We've also made it a tradition to spend New Year's Eve there with good friends of ours. Never a disappointment, always a good time. read more

It was a Monday night with a few colleagues and this place was hoppin. I made reservation in advance for 6 of us. The service was great throughout and everyone raved about their food. I had the bolognese pasta and it was very good. This menu is a bit pricy but it seems everything costs more these days. The quality of the food was great. The space was cozy and the bar area looked nice. I'll def go back with my hubby. read more

Ristorante MV - Downstairs dining room - Italian Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

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By pass the reviews on this place... it's straight 5 stars the entire experience. The restaurant is very well decorated and welcoming. The service was spot on and gave you enough time to enjoy your meal and conversations. The food was excellent and very flavorful. read more

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Never had a bad meal here! Always fresh and delicious. Last night I had a seafood special app. With lobster, shrimp and scallop - so bright clean tasting, followed by my favorite, a half order of linguini carbonara then finish with my one and only Italian Ricotta cheesecake! Buono read more

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