If you are thinking about having your party here, DO IT! I threw my parents a surprise 30th anniversary party on 6/3/17, and Bobby from The Appian Way outdid himself. Everyone at the party was raving about the food, the service, and the gorgeous ballroom! The most asked question was, "Wow, how did you find this place?!" Bobby is a true professional and he will do everything he can to make your day perfect. They take care of pretty much everything, and make sure all the guests are enjoying themselves. Next time I need to throw a party, I know where I'm going! I can't thank Bobby enough! read more

I'm a stickler for details. When Bobby told me he didnt need the details until a week before the reception, I'm not going to lie I panicked a bit. When we sat down, he helped me pick the cake, the entrees, etc. All he asked for was the head count and the color scheme. Our wedding took place 12/21/19. And we were blown away. The food was absolutely incredible. The cocktail hour was delicious with raviolis, stuffed mushroom caps, and my husband's request of bacon wrapped scallops. For the entrees we had roast beef, eggplant rollatini, penne vodka, just to name a few items. And for dessert Bobby made sure we had a plate of mini desserts to accompany our delicious cake. I'm used to wedding cake tasting like cardboard, but Bobby recommended a white and black layer cake with raspberry filling. My goodness was it good! Bobby and his staff flitted around between the tables, made sure our guests were comfortable, and accommodated all of them. He also acted as a master of ceremonies, of sorts. To the thanks of our photographer and videographer, he directed our positioning for optimal photographs during the cake cutting. He offered advice for the bouquet toss so as not to hit the chandeliers. And the garter toss.... well that was a hilarious surprise to the guy who caught it. Our family and friends have not stopped raving about how good the food was, how beautiful everything looked, and how much fun they had at our reception. read more

This place is awesome ! The service is great ! Everyone goes out of their way to make you happy and the food is to die for ! Plus very very clean I would definitely Recommend it to everyone read more

I called today to try to arrange a staff holiday party at Appian Way after viewing their banquet packages and pricing via their website (my call came after sending an interest email over 24 hours earlier and not receiving a response from the venue at all...). OWNER Bobby answered the phone, and I gave him information about my party and budget -- we were looking to keep our price to approximately $35 a person, which seemed reasonable considering we are a school who planned to hold a party here annually, and their website listed a $24 pp buffet. Even with $8 added on for wine/beer (as per the site) and factoring in tax/tip, this would have left us around $40 total pp. Bobby quoted us $55 pp, became quite curt, and refused to explain where the additional $15 pp would come from (after I asked a few times). All he would say was that I could come in person to sit down and meet with him. He "does not do business over the phone." I was utterly shocked by this response, the lack of tact displayed by Bobby during our call, and his failure to explain (as well as the website's failure to list) these "hidden" fees which amounted to more than half of the cost of the buffet per person. Had be been upfront and itemized them in our call, there would be no problem here. Appian Way certainly lost what could have been a long-term account here. I would have loved to write a Yelp review of the venue after having experienced it, but clearly customer service isn't a top priority for this owner. Thanks, Bobby! read more

Attended a 80th birthday party here....first time here. Food was really good and service was great. Beautiful private room!

I've hosted multiple gatherings here over the course of almost 15 years - corporate, community non-profit and even small group and family dinners. Large or small events, its proprietor - Bobby LaBanca aims to please you, as well as, your guests. If you are seeking a warm atmosphere with personalized service by a friendly staff and outstanding food prepared by an outstanding Chef - look no further. Like most people, I like to take my business where it is appreciated and quality is maintained as the standard. I'm happy to say that The Appian Way is most often my choice and if you are seeking a great experience without unnecessary stress or worry, it should be yours too. read more

I finally made it to Appian Way and I could not be more pleased. The food is incredible and the staff very friendly and attentive. We can't wait to go back and try more on the menu. Thank you Bobby for a great dining experience!! See you soon. read more

I went here for a bridal shower and was very disappointed with the food. The garlic bread and salad were ok. A little too much onion in the salad for my taste. The penne in red sauce was also average and lacking in salt. The chicken was very good but the fish tasted like potting soil. The venue was pretty and had ample parking and the staff were amazing and friendly. read more

The food was exceptional, service was excellant, the decor is lovely (The ceilings glitter and sparkle!!) and the owner is very accomodating and friendly! He suggested the "Nicholas" orrichette and I was extremely pleased! What a great portion and everything was cooked to perfection. I barely had room for dessert but i couldnt pass up the chance to have, my favorite, the canoli and I was glad I did! read more

Went here to view place for sisters wedding. Decided absolutely not. The place is in a very residential area and is very small. Bobby the guy we dealt with was very nice and was open to discussing options with us in the supply closet/ office he works out of. The place looks dated minus the snowy sparkling ceiling. We were not fond of the painted walls, the lack of a bridal suite, and the overall place. I trust this will be a great fit for someone's something but not for what we were looking for. I was a bit disappointed because in searching for venues we found way more accommodations and luxury for equal or lower price than the Appian way. Really after seeing this venue I was shocked that his price was equal to bigger places, I thought for sure it was going to be significantly lower once I saw it in person. Lastly the menu was a bit misleading. the prices look very inexpensive but once you sit down to create the event its apparent that what's listed in not actually included as it seems but are all add ons that add to the cost in a major way. So this was a no go but we wish them all the best ! read more

I absolutely love The Appian Way. The food, beverages and customer service are consistently excellent quality. Patrons are treated like family. Whether it's a catered event, an intimate dining room dinner, or a quick drink and appetizers at the bar, you will be pleased. read more

it's my birthday,so my family decided to take me to the appian way. Great time I had the gnoccis, very good sauce . I have not been here in a long time since I moved away from the area, and I say it seem as if I went into a time machine . nothing changed still a classy place very old fashioned. love it . places like this are nearly extinct. read more

I attended a funeral in NJ and the reception was held at The Appian Way. The coat check woman was very sweet. It was a brief encounter, but she just so nice warm, she reminded me of my Grandmother. We arrived early. so we were polite and did not enter the dining room and sat at the bar. My mother and I politely asked for coffee. It was weak. My coffee was pretty light, mothers' coffee was nearly colorless. The other mourners arrived and we all entered the dining room. It was beautiful. Now before I review, I must admit there was a problem. Whoever planned the reception contracted for 100 guests, about 175 showed up. Yes it was more guests than anticipated but the staff quickly brought out more tables and chairs. Great Now Service and Food I went to the restroom with my cousin and stopped to speak to some people before I reentered the dining room. Upon reentering the dining room, every body was eating bread and soup. There was no soup at my cousins or my chair. I asked the waitress if it was too late to get soup, she said she would check. I never go soup, I mean I wasnt gone THAT long. I do applaud how fast they handed out the food, but why skip spots at tables when they know there had to be guests sitting there. The salad was served family style. It was very very good and I must admit I had 3 servings. My mother wanted me to take a picture, it took about 5 minutes. I came back to the table, dinner was served and I got no dinner. Again why not put a plate there? My cousin and I informed the wait-lady that we didn't have dinner, she seemed annoyed and told us she was getting it. The food arrived. It was chicken breast, yellow rice and mixed vegetables. The chicken breast was still pink in the center, the rice and veggies seemed like cheap food and the food wasn't even warm. Under the circumstances of having more guests arriving, I think they did a great job of adding more tables and chairs. The food wasnt good though, bedsides the salad, and it was very very rushed. My cousin took his children to the bathroom. A different waitress came and scooped up the almost full unfinished plates without asking if anyone was sitting there or if done eating. The waitstaff just was not pleasant, besides the coat check lady and one waiter who had a very nice sympathetic smile and good demeanor about him.. Yes there were more guests than anticipated but it wasn't hectic , or loud for the staff to seem so annoyed, so cold. It was only 2 pm , so not like it was a long day for them. No dessert either. The food was bad, the service was bad. read more

Thank you Bobby La Blanca for ensuring our wedding reception was perfect! I wish we got our wedding cake from you too. You told us our day would be classy and fun and you kept your word. Bobby went above and beyond in service. First he allowed me to negotiate a price that was a win/win situation. Next, he was always available via phone. In addition, he even loaned us two tall chair covers for the church. Just when I thought my wedding cake was ruined, he strategized a practical quick fix. Saved the cake and ensured both my groom and myself were smiling. He even phoned his personal photographer Gerry as we only had a week to find a new photographer. Gerry was also fantastic! Last but not least, Bobby drew everyone's attention to the groom, when he threw the garter. His cousin caught it. My best friend received my bridal bouquet and Bobby blind folded the cousin and made the best friend and my groom swap! It was hilarious and unforgettable! Bobby, may your business be continually prosperous. We highly recommend you and "The Appian Way." read more

The Appian Way - Our cake cutting at The Appian Way. Thank you Bobby La Blanca for ensuring our day was perfect! - Italian Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

The place is very nice. But the food is awful. It's really hard to mess up pasta and they definitely did. Would not recommend.

Went tonight for dinner to celebrate our son's birthday, and had a simply lovely dinner. There were 6 of us, 4 adults and 2 small children. The food was great, with more than ample portions. OMG, the hot antipasto! We all had something different and loved everything. Service was fantastic, both from the wait staff and the owner, Bobby. At the end of the meal, Bobby brought out complimentary bowls of ice cream for the kids, to top it off. We had a great time, and it will definitely be a wonderful memory for us. Go; you won't be disappointed. read more

Great place!!!!great food!!!Great Drinks and awesome service. Also great place to keep your wedding or any party. Very fancy roomy place. read more

The Appian Way - Italian Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

It got my purple I love purple best purple restaurant ever! In Yelp just look on The Yelp App and Look up the Pictures (Pics) -JacaihD

I am in awe at how amazing this restaurant was. I asked on social media for a restaurant that could possibly do private dining for a family dinner and this place was recommenddd by several people. I called and spoke with the owner who literally was the most friendly man I've ever spoken to. He gave me a reservation very last minute and when we arrived we were given such a warm welcome by both him and our waitress Barb. From beginning to end the two of them took care of us like I've never experienced before. The food was AMAZING and portions were huge. It was my sons birthday and they even surprised him w cake and ice cream and a crown. The desserts and cocktails were incredible as well. After our dinner Bobby took us to an area of a different ballroom and told us he wanted to take a family photo for us. We were floored by such the kind gesture. My out of town family felt so taken care of and we felt so safe with all of their Covid precautions. I can truly say it was one of the best dining experiences of my life. Bobby (and Barb!) are absolute GEMS. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. Went to a wedding there. Wedding started 2 hours late, I realize that is out of the control of the venue, but they could have offered the guests some water. Nothing, not even water was served in that 2 hours, possibly because they were still setting up. The food was served family style and there was not enough of it. I'm ok with that because what I did taste was very spicy. When someone at our table asked for more of something that ran out, before they got any, the response was 'no'. I would think there would be a milder item along with the spicier foods. For the appetizers, no dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks or buffalo chicken. We had two servers, one who spoke no English (she smiled, said ok and walked away several times before we figured out that she didn't speak English), the other server just snarled when asked for something. Very disappointing. read more

The Appian Way - Cigarette hole in one of the napkins - Italian Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

Appian Way. I have lived in South Orange for 23 years but only went to Appian Way today for the first time. What a delightful surprise!! The shrimp with garlic sauce was probably the best I have ever had. The shrimp and crab meat bisque was delightful as was the linguini with clam sauce filled with clams in the shell. The palate cleanser put it over the top. Don't be like me and wait 23 years. read more

As a life long New Yorker, I know good food, and am happy to report that The Appian Way is nothing short of an excellent restaurant. I stopped by here for dinner while on some business in NJ a few weeks ago. Amazing food, kind and attentive staff, beautiful venue, lovely ambiance. Can't recommend this place enough. Had the pleasure of meeting Bobby who is most definitely as welcoming and pleasant in person as all these other reviews state. read more

I have been going to this place for many years, and the food is delicious! The servings are generous in size. The staff will also make you feel like family - they are friendly and welcoming. It is tucked away, but worth finding. read more

Classic Italian food that was perfectly prepared and delicious, a friendly, warm atmosphere, portions so big we had them for lunch the next day and a huge parking lot. What's not to like? We will definitely be back. read more

So this place hasn't improved since I had my retirement party there a few years ago. Unfortunately I had nothing to do with the planning. The food was very bland...chicken Marsala. Guests couldn't figure out whether it was chicken or fish. The worst part of the evening was the loud booming music from the next room. It was virtually impossible to hear my guests and other speakers. We complained to the staff to no avail. I was extremely embarrassed by the entire event. I couldn't even face my coworkers the next day. I later followed up with a letter to which I got no response. I am truly appreciative of this yelp media through which I can now publicly express my experience. Thanks, Yelp. read more

The Appian Way has been a family favorite for many years. We ALWAYS get top notch service and food from Bobby and his staff. Other people I have spoken to have always had excellent meal and service. We love this restaurant so much that it was a no brainer to have my parents 50th anniversary party at the Appian Way. Everything is fresh and delicious! Highly recommend. Will be back. read more

My family had a birthday party for my grandmother at The Appian Way. All was fine during the planning process until 3 days before the event, when all of a sudden they wanted to charge us for all of these services - per person soft drink charge, maitre d fee, cake cutting fee - that were not mentioned in the contract, although we had already explained several times exactly what we needed for the event. By that time, right before the party, we couldn't switch venues. When we questioned the charges, the manager became extremely belligerent and rude with us. The service during the dinner was pretty good, but the food was mediocre. It was served family style, which was not mentioned at any point during the process, and was not ideal for our elderly guests. If you must have an event here, make sure to get an itemized contract. But really, you should find somewhere else. read more

I ate dinner here while visiting family in NJ. The food is amazing! Everything is really fresh and delicious, from the salads to the desserts, you can't go wrong no matter what you order. Oh, and the portions are huge! By the time I left, I was stuffed but had enough leftovers to take home for another full meal. I wish there was an Appian Way in Texas, where I live, I'd definitely be a frequent customer. The staff is also great, super nice and attentive. Peggy especially! read more

I have had about 10 events here in the past 12 years and every one of them was great. Bobby makes sure every little detail is taken care of. The first event was my rehearsal dinner. Next was my wedding, then a surprise birthday party. By the 4th event, I had so much confidence in Bobby and his staff, I would just tell him what we want, what the event was and I didn't worry about the details at all. Everything was great! From setting the tables to making sure our food choices were perfect. I love everything about this place. Just perfect! My family and I have dinner here at least 8 times a year and I have guys night out here at least 4 times a year. The Veal Saltimboca is the best anywhere around. The wait staff is excellent. Peggy, especially, is great. She knows every plate my family is going to choose, even remembering I like extra salad dressing on the side. I can't say enough and would definitely recommend it to everyone. read more

Food is top notch- service even better!! A hidden gem!! Italian food at its finest!!!

Water down liquor, food was awful no taste and the manager he was very rude to the guests, bad place to have an event unless if you like water down drinks and awful foods and their long island iced tea stay away from it read more

I've gone deep into the menu and every dish is awesome. Bobby is a tremendous host and his wait staff is second to none. It's well worth the visit. read more

Saturday, 12/13/14 went to the Appian Way for a Work Christmas Party, 36-Hours later both my wife and I got sick. The next morning I called into work and found out 15 other employees got sick. I'm still checking to see about the other 25 employees. {FOOD POISONING} read more

For a 1st generation Italian-American, it is very hard for me to find a truly good Italian restaurant. Well, I found it here the food is excellent, the staff is entertaining and pleasant; and Bobby, the owner, is warm and inviting. Bravo. read more