I'm surprised that this place is only 3 starts. I thought the food was great. So much flavor and it was HOT. You don't get hot food in a lot of restaurants anymore. We got 3 pasta dishes all amazing and the calamari was so well cooked. The staff was very nice I didn't have any issues and we had 3 different works coming and assisting us while sitting outside under the nice shaded area. Great for the family, BYOB and overall have no kind of complaints. read more

Stefano's Restaurant - Cappuccino - Italian Near Me - Pompton Plains, New Jersey

I will start by saying the only thing this place has going for them. The food is good. But there are tons of other restaurants in the area with better food, and more importantly, better service who don't treat their customers like garbage. I've been here multiple time, but the last 2 times starting with the owners being insanely rude and unprofessional. For this reason alone, I will never be back. I was in the industry for 8 years and never in my life witnessed 2 more unprofessional and rude people in regards to how they treat their customers. It was my mistake for giving them a second chance. We'll never be back. read more

First time dining at Stephano's with a group of nine foodies. All I've been in the restaurant business owned restaurants worked at restaurants and enjoy food very much. We ordered numerous appetizers from hot anti-pasta, cold antipasto, spendini and the fig salad with the goat cheese and mango vinaigrette was outstanding!!! All entrees were enjoyed... from The double cut Veal chop to the stuffed brazini with lobster and crab meat to the seafood platter with garlic and wine... service was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.. I must to go back because there are many more items on the menu I need to try and live the byo.... read more

I have always had a positive dining experience here at Stefano's. Quintessentially a New Jersey experience. Our server, Geraldo, was a professional gentleman right out of a Martin Scorsese film. It is certainly worth listen to his specials recital. The food is good, the presentation fantastic and atmosphere comfortable. read more

Not bad, not great. I had the clams oreganata and they were flavorful and hot. For dinner I had the veal parm with capellini and it was ok. Cheese was melted but no crispy bits which is a trademark of good Parmesan, veal could have been more tender and the sauce was good but not something Nona would be proud of. Overall it was a good value for the buck, service was attentive and professional, restaurant and service ware was clean and I'll probably go back. I won't run back but I won't take it off my list either. read more

The worst Italian food in the entire area.....But... they aren't even Italian...... and the cooks are from Mexico... so if u want really good Italian Go somewhere else... By the way...there prices are NYC prices.... they have the nerve to actually think they can charge like that.!!!!!! And to them the CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS WRONG. So..... stay clear!!!! read more

The best strawberry cannoli I have ever had!! Mocha is excellent as well. We had our food delivered, and it was prompt and fresh. Mussels, pasta, and chicken with salad and bread. Pizza for the kids. Everyone was very happy! We will definitely be ordering from Stefano's again soon. read more

Great place, highly recommend it, I have been there a dozen times always excellent food at a good price. I have taken my important clients as well and now they are even recommending it. Since it is BYOB the price is always a nice surprise;): read more

Stefano's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Pompton Plains, New Jersey

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I never make a post yelp but after my experience here tonight I am completely upset with the service of this place and felt I needed to let someone know. We booked a large group for Christmas Eve, which I understand is a very busy day for restaurants. After taking a $200 deposit for our reservation for 7pm we had to wait 45mins for our table. Then as sit down we mention to the manager that the wait was ridiculous and the wait was unacceptable for the money we paid. He said "we can't talk to him like that and we can leave if we want". I also want to mention that this happened last year to our group as well. I guess shame on us. If I could I would give them a zero. read more

Never a need to look at the menu, specials are always interesting and mouth watering! We are surprised to be presented with such generous portions and gorgeous plates without having to spend a small fortune. Our waitress Mary Lou was the sweetest. read more

Stefano's Restaurant - You had me at Short Ribs... - Italian Near Me - Pompton Plains, New Jersey

Nope nope nope !! We just moved into the area and are still trying different places to order in from.. well NOT ordering from this place ever again. Chicken francese is my all time favorite dish, I get it everywhere. The chicken francese at Stefano's is ORANGE. Never in my life have i seen this. It tasted OK.. it wasn't repulsive but it wasn't francese either, I could only eat a few mouthfuls. The chicken Parm was nothing great, skimpy on the cheese the sauce was basic. There is no way these people are Italian! And to TOP IT OFF they send their delivery driver out with NO CHANGE. Who does that?! That's like opening the register with $0 in it. Then the driver proceeded to look at me like I had 9 heads when I said well I don't have anything smaller I need change! Unreal. Off my list. Primo's is WAY better. read more

I would like to start by stating my parents come here frequently but this was my first time here. Okay- awful. There are apparently 2 sides; 1 more casual and the other formal. We ate in the casual section. In a nutshell: the waitress who took our orders awkwardly repeated them in her "ear" ( perhaps that's how they place orders to the kitchen but just weird) that's obviously not the reason for one star but had to mention awkwardness. Placed order: app, soup, meal (we were hungry). My dinner and salad come out first, then the waiting began for my parents' meals and apps and soups. About 20 minutes AFTER my meal came (which I hadn't eaten bc I'm waiting for my family), EVERYTHING comes out at the SAME time! Okay, these were all hot items . How do you expect us to eat apps, soup and entrees (all warm) at the same time?!? Addressed waitress about the timing or lack there of... Her reason to how we can eat everything at once was "be Italian". Wow - sarcastic and rude! My dad refused to eat the soup and sent back because there was simply no way to digest everything at the same time. Enter owner.... Who literally walked up to our table and said "what's wrong with the soup" ughhhh hi?? And you are ?? And your manners were left where? (Only know it was the owner bc my parents USED to eat there frequently). My dad explained, owner looked at us like we had ten heads and walked away- YES, WALKED always without finishing the conversation, literally turned and left! My mom's meal was the only thing that didn't come out with the whole "buffet". Enter owner again... "Are you ready for your cavatelli ??" AGAIN, still waiting for who the hell you are ! And ooo wait, an apology ??? Ha - wishful thinking. We ate... The waitress barely followed up with us after that and the owner ... Nothing from him! Got the check, the soup was off the bill (rightfully so) but nothing else for all the inconvenience. Won't be going back. I'm sure it would have all been fine if they learned the order of meals (ie: app, soup, entree) and learned how to apologize. Yeah, never again. Good luck! read more

3rd time I've been to this establishment. This place is cozy, clean, and comforting. I have always been pleased with my dish here. The waiters are well informed and some of the best I've ever encountered! read more

Stefano's Restaurant - Calamari special - Italian Near Me - Pompton Plains, New Jersey

Great appetizers, generous portions. Dinners were delicious and again a large portion. Lu, our wonderful server was a delight. Will definitely go back. read more

My family went here after my grandmothers funeral for the repast. The food was just ok, used to be way better. The service was terrible. There was not enough seating for us and the staff got upset with us when we needed more chairs. Also my mother wanted to take her plate home to go. The waiter told her she wasn't allowed to even though it was paid for. He said "if you leave it in your car and then eat it days later when it goes bad you can sue us." I never heard of something so ridiculous. My aunt went a week later to talk to the manager about how she was unhappy with the service and he got very nasty with her and kicked her out. There are much better places in the area, I would definitely avoid coming here again. read more

I can't figure out why anyone would not be pleased here?!?! I was a little put off by some of the one and two star reviews but a family friend insisted it was great so we went. Yes, it was a little slow to get the food but everyone was so sweet and attentive on the wait staff and the food was so good! We ordered the stuffed artichokes and the special seafood pasta that was to die for! The place was packed. Clearly others agree that this is a fantastic spot! Don't hesitate to come here. read more

Food was really good. Had the pork sherry sauce special. I'm not in this area often however wanted to pay tribute to a fire dish.

Very good experience and great food! We held a gathering of over 25 people and the service was great. We recieved many compliments afterwards. We had salad, penne in vodka sauce, chicken parm, flounder franchaise and mixed vegetables. Everything was cooked perfectly and it is not easy when cooking in high volumes. The portions served were just right. Everyone was full and there were no leftovers. The Stephano family has always been nice to my wife and I so I am unsure why others had negative experiences. I highly recommend the Slick Chick sandwich and the 88 Magnum for lunch. All pizza options are very good. We will continue to frequent this restaurant. read more

The worse service ever. These Albanians give italians a bad name! Walked into the place and they couldnt get anything right. Extremely slow service, portions are a complete joke, and they cant even get orders right. Had the chicken murphy today for lunch followed by a soup. They had the neve to charge $6 for a bowl of soup that was 1/3 of the dish full. Got about 3 table spoons before it was done. Questioned the waiter 3 times on how much should be in a bowl. We said it would be the entire depth of the bowl, not like someone just finished it and you just took it off their table and put it on ours to finish! Had to get up several times to get our own drinks which was a pain. The entire time wondering were this person was. 30 minutes later we were ready to eat but he waiter forgot to bring us silver wear! The entire time totally clueless. Fiinally had the murphy and instead of sweet it came out hot. Once again dealing with a clueless waiter that didnt know what hot and sweet were. Pointed to hot peper #1 #2 #3 . When we finally got the bill, they had the nerve once more to charge us for that little dish of 10 cent pasta. Paid the bill walked out never to return to this snake oil sales place again. Dont eat the Cannoli's they are stale! read more

We walked in this evening with a toddler and an infant. It said fine dining on the door, so we were timid going in. The hostess reassured us that it was a family restaurant, and kids are most definitely welcome. Everyone was nice, the food was fine, not worth the price, $19 for a run of the mill chicken dish, but fine. The server was nice enough. The issue is that it took almost an hour and a half for 3 chicken dishes to be served, definitely no conducive to 2 young kids. They apologized, and repeatedly told us the food was coming, once it came, the server said she didn't know what happened, offered an apology, and walked away. It should not take 90 minutes for 3 chicken dishes, and if it does, something more than a half hearted apology. We almost walked out, we certainly won't be going back. read more

I was set to have a nice dinner the waitress great however I ordered fish . It tasted good when I cut into it the fish was clear not opaque therefore it was not cooked .i informed the waitress she went back and told the owner .... he told her the fish would not cut if it wasn't cooked ..... and was a coward and wouldn't come out to the table he had the poor waitress tell me ... I didn't want any money back or any discount I just mentioned the fish wasn't evenly cooked ..... never never ever would I go back .... this place is the customer is always wrong they are right your stupid so shut up and eat it .... the cook checked it .... and had no balls to come to tell Me sent the poor waitress .... the attitude is shut up and eat it we are right ... that's Stefano's .... read more

My wife & I arrived for dinner & were greeted nicely by the hostess. The waitress, Mary Lou, said loudly in our presence "not another table for two"! I guess she was already counting her tip. However, our server was very competent & the food was very good. This experience with the remark made when we arrived put a damper on our dinner. read more

We ordered the stuffed artichoke for $16.95 and it was the worst stuffed artichoke we ever had. it was made with tomatoes and a water, no taste sauce. our dinner was expensive and not so good. A dinner you would expect to get at a pizzeria but with a very expensive price. as we were there, I witnessed an older gentleman who said he was the owner yelling at a lady, pointing his finger at her and in her face. it appears the owner would not take a free appetizer coupon from the lady. I never witnessed an owner making such a scene in front of patrons over not accepting a coupon. Anyway, me and my party of seven, each of us have never dined there before will never go back. Too expensive for not to good food. read more

My family and I had a decent meal here - some things stood out for good reasons and some for bad... The service was really friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was a little like a dining hall though - the lighting was much brighter than your typical restaurant, there were no tablecloths, and no music. We started with their bread (fresh, but lacking much flavor), fried calamari (delicious), and rice balls (really, really good - a highlight of the night!). Our salads were fresh and yummy too. Our entrees came shortly after, and while the portions were amazingly large, there were some shortcomings. The gnocchi parmigiana was delicious, the chicken marsala was very good, the veal francese was okay, and the salmon was a disappointment. All of the portions were fantastic, but every plate was doused in sauce to the point where it was just a little much to look at. Nothing looked very appetizing. As far as the salmon goes, I ordered it because the menu lists it as "salmon with roasted potatoes." That was literally the entire description. However, when it was served to me I found that the salmon and vegetables (not in the description) on the plate were doused in a very strong and tart lemon-butter sauce. I am not a fan of lemon at all, and would not have ordered this dish had I been informed that there was lemon all over it! Also - the salmon was cooked through, but pretty mushy. It lacked any crunch or texture. The roasted potatoes were delicious, but that's about all I could eat from my plate. We were also surprised to find that this Italian restaurant doesn't offer Fettuccine Alfredo! Bummer! Overall, this place has potential and the portions are awesome. There were just too many things that we didn't like! read more

This was my favorite restaurant. I have ordered takeout for 4 years. Something has happened. The delivery is late, very late, wrong order last 3 times, the food isnt has good. All is very salty and not good. I am so sad. read more

I generously gave this place 2 stars(for the food only). We sat for over an hour before our order was tan (seven of us). Then, we waited another hour and a half for our food. The mgr, was extremely rude and unapologetic for the long wait. I organize dinner reservations for my theater group and was assured in advance, that separate checks would be no problem. He caused me much embarrassment when it came time to pay the checks, by harassing my guests to pay cash. He said our service would have been faster, had we ordered appetizers. Definitely, avoiding this place. Food was fine, but very unpleasant experience had by all. read more

Don't come here if you don't have lots of time to waste. Lunch took 2.5 hours and the food was ok at best. Not recommended.

Very good food, excellent, attentive service, nice atmosphere. However, it really annoys me when you are asked by the waiter if you would like your drink refilled, and then you are charged for a second drink- hate that!!! May have gone 4 stars if it wasn't for that issue. read more

The food is decent but our visit this weekend was painful. We sat in the restaurant on the pizzeria side. There were 4 of us at a tiny table. We literally had to put stuff on the floor because the table was so small. We had a young waiter who was terrible and slow. We had to keep asking for the same things over and over again. We asked for grated cheese and got a shaker with a tiny amount in it. We got up ourselves to get more cheese and the next shaker only had a tiny bit of cheese in it. We felt like we had to beg for cheese. The owner stands watching over the restaurant. Maybe he could help out when he is needed. It might have made a difference in our experience. We've noticed that the portions seem a little smaller lately so we probably won't be going back anymore or at least not as much. read more

Excellent pizza and food. Always high quality and excellent service. Their red pepper and eggplant pizza is the best ever and very unique.

Will never go back. My wife ordered the ribeye special cooked medium. Came rare. Sent back and came back overcooked. Had them take away. No one came to apologize for the meal. Asked to talk to owner, Stefano, said he was to busy. Found him on way out told him about meal, his reply " What's the maker for you, your dinner was deducted from bill". No sorry for meal. read more

This is our second time eating at Stefano's,,,, We are so amazed with the quality and quantity of food ,,, The Stuffed Artichokes are amazing !! My Boyfriend selected the Veal Steak with homemade Mash potatoes and vegetables,, I selected a Chicken Dish with artichoke, mushrooms, two shrimp over Penn with a light Vodka Sauce,,,Amazing!!! Dishes are so large you can take home ,,, We have never been disappointed!! The service is excellent ,, the waiters are attentive and polite ,,,The setting is warm and romantic,, iIts BYOB !!! My Boyfriend wants to go for Valentines Day,,, I highly recommend this restaurant ,,, along with reservations to ensure your table ,, Can't wait to go back ! read more

Stefano's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Pompton Plains, New Jersey

This is a repeat of a bad experience. They overbooked AGAIN, and we have a large party standing in the hallway with no options. We are already 45 minutes past our reservation and they took a $200 deposit to trap us. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE! What a mistake. Shame on me for coming back. read more

While most of the food was delicious, there was a GIGANTIC COCKROACH in my salad. When I told the waitress, she apologized...but that's all she did. There was no apology from a manager or a cook, and they didn't even compensate me by taking my meal off the bill. Horrible, horrible people. We are NEVER going back there, and I recommend you NEVER go there either! read more

Took my grandma here for what should have been a nice dinner but a poorly made eggplant parm and a cold ravioli in Alfredo sauce was far from what I imagined. The outside would make you believe that they put a lot of money into their work but clearly it's all just for show as this "Italian" restaurant did not meet my standards, hopefully everyone else has a better food experience than I did read more

Great food but not worth it... The service is so unfriendly. I have been multiple times and they are never happy and very rude. Will not be going back no matter how good the food is. read more

We just had our daughter's engagement party here with 80 people. The food was excellent and the staff were wonderful. They did an amazing job in making this a memorable day. They not only went out of their way treating our daughter and fiancé like royalty but they did the same for the parents of both. Everyone in attendance had only great things to say. Thank you Stefano's for making the day special!!! read more

Just keep driving. Don't stop‼ I made the mistake of stopping. Veal was chewy and raw. Had to ask for bread 5 times.

Absolutely disgusted!!!!!! We are currently attending a 70 th bday for a cancer survivor. The family and all the guests have frequented this establishment and have had many parties here throughout the years. Tonight was the reason why that will never occur again!! The person who arranged this party fully paid for the food brought to the table. Due to the quantity of food some people preferred to take their portion home especially the seniors. Instead of respecting this as we did not order extra food but rather asking for the appropriated food that was FULLY paid they ( in specific Jerry aka jerardo) obnoxiously tossed napkins and utensils on the plate of vegetables being requested and the fish as to say shove it the answer is NO. In the obnoxious act a guest shirt was even splashed. Add insult our table didn't even get the salad that we know was paid for by our hosts. As a result I know the planned event we have for 2020 will now never be here! Glad your updates outside are beautiful unfortunately your wait staff and your rule of no doggie bag for food paid for is absolutely shameful. Look forward to seeing the next owner and establishments that will in time be here as you just caused over 60 people who know 60 people who know even more people that will share this deplorable arrogance and waste of food. At a minimum at least feed the homeless instead of throwing the food away. That would have been even a better answer than just NO!! I will share this on my other venues which I have over 10000 followers. U may have made a point but u lost future business of many. read more

Main dishes were fine. Although, they have increased their prices. They give you a choice of salad or a side of pasta. I had a coupon for a free appetizer. Ordered the rollatini. It was 3 teensy weeny pieces. I mean, each was about 2 inches long and the skinniest I have ever seen.It was free so what the heck, but if i paid the $15 for it ,i wouldnt have been happy. I guess that when you use their coupon, you get a mini appetizer. read more