Al Di La Italian Bistro

- 1 Hoboken Rd, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

For North Jersey residents seeking a perfect blend of a casual, welcoming bar atmosphere and an authentic, high-quality Italian dining experience, Al Di La Italian Bistro in East Rutherford stands out as a local gem. Located on Hoboken Road, this establishment successfully bridges the gap between a traditional neighborhood bar and a full-service Italian restaurant, making it an ideal destination for everything from a quick lunch to a sophisticated dinner or a relaxed evening out. It’s categorized primarily as a bar, but its comprehensive menu of appetizers, pastas, and entrees elevates it to a full culinary experience cherished by locals.

This venue caters to the discerning New Jersey diner who appreciates both an extensive beverage selection—including beer, cocktails, and a highly-praised wine list—and genuine Italian comfort food. The atmosphere is designed to be both casual and cozy, appealing equally to groups gathering for a night out and individuals looking for a comfortable place for solo dining. The commitment to authentic Italian recipes, paired with the relaxed setting of a neighborhood bar, positions Al Di La Italian Bistro as a fixture in the local East Rutherford and greater Bergen County dining scene. The convenience of having a spot that provides both a full-service bar and table dining is a major draw for local users.

Location and Accessibility

Al Di La Italian Bistro is strategically located at 1 Hoboken Rd, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA. This address places it near major transportation routes, making it easily accessible for customers driving from surrounding towns like Rutherford, Carlstadt, and even from further reaches of Bergen and Hudson Counties. The location is an excellent hub for locals planning a dinner or meeting friends for drinks after work.

Accessibility is a key consideration for the bistro. For guests requiring specific accommodation, the venue provides a wheelchair accessible parking lot, helping to ensure that a broader range of patrons can enjoy the dining experience without undue difficulty. The presence of amenities like a dedicated restroom further contributes to the comfort of the dining experience. Its location near major North Jersey landmarks ensures that whether you're a local or just passing through the East Rutherford area, finding and reaching Al Di La Italian Bistro is straightforward.

Services Offered

As a multifaceted establishment, Al Di La Italian Bistro offers a variety of services to accommodate different dining needs, from formal reservations to quick, convenient takeout.

Primary Service Options:

• Dine-in: Offering a full menu and bar service within a casual, cozy atmosphere.
• Takeout: Meals can be ordered for pickup, providing convenience for local residents.
• Delivery: Offering food delivered to homes or businesses in the surrounding area.
• Accepts Reservations: Patrons can plan ahead and book a table, which is highly recommended, especially for groups or during peak dining times.

Key Offerings and Amenities:

• Full Bar Service: Including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine.
• Food at Bar: Customers can enjoy the full menu, including appetizers and main courses, while seated at the bar.
• Table Service: Providing a traditional dining experience in the main seating areas.

Features / Highlights

The true highlight of Al Di La Italian Bistro is its remarkably comprehensive and authentic Italian menu, perfectly complemented by a serious beverage program. The experience is defined by the depth of both its culinary and drink selections, distinguishing it from simpler local bars. The venue is popular with a crowd of Groups and Locals, suggesting a high degree of community trust and repeat business.

The features that make this venue worth exploring include:

• Exceptional Wine Program: A standout feature is the Great wine list, which offers a deep selection of reds, whites, and sparkling options. Patrons can choose high-end choices like the Stags' Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis ($90.00), Banfi Brunello di Montalcino ($110.00), or a celebratory bottle of Perrier Joulet Grand Brut ($50.00). More accessible, quality options include Justin Chardonnay ($32.00) and Don David Malbec ($30.00).
• Signature Italian Bar Food (Tapa Tizers): The appetizer selection is designed to be shared and enjoyed with drinks at the bar. Unique local favorites include Sicilian Rice Balls ($6.00), the delightful Italian Kisses ($7.00), and the creative Chef Fong Ool's Italian Egg Rolls ($8.00). For a simpler bite, the "Traditional" Bar Pie ($8.00) is a quick, satisfying choice.
• Lunch and Gourmet Sandwiches: Catering to the local daytime crowd, the lunch menu features incredible value, with items like Rigatoni Vodka Sauce ($9.95) and Grilled Salmon ($13.95), which include a choice of soup or salad. The Gourmet Sandwiches are served on fresh Italian bread with French Fries and feature classics like the Bistro Burger and the New Jersey favorite, Hotsy Totsy.
• Extensive Dinner Entrees: The dinner menu showcases traditional Italian specialties. Pasta choices range from the classic Rigatoni Vodka Sauce ($15.00) and Grandma's Homemade Lasagna ($15.00) to seafood specialties like Seafood "Marechiare a Lizza" ($24.00). Meat and poultry dishes are robust, featuring favorites like Pork Chop "Nicky Newark" ($22.00), Guinness Stout Beef Short Ribs ($24.00), and Veal "Paparazzi" ($20.00).
• Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The general atmosphere is rated as Casual and Cozy, making it a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the meal without feeling overly formal. The fact that it is a popular spot for Locals attests to its neighborhood appeal and consistent drawing power.

The restaurant's dual identity as a high-quality bar and a serious Italian bistro provides a versatile dining and social option for the entire community.

Contact Information

For making reservations, placing a takeout order, or general inquiries regarding the extensive dining and bar options at the East Rutherford location, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1 Hoboken Rd, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA
• Phone: (201) 939-1128

What is Worth Choosing

Al Di La Italian Bistro is a compelling choice for New Jersey diners primarily because of its fusion of a high-quality Italian culinary experience with the accessibility of a neighborhood bar. What is truly worth choosing here is the sheer breadth and authenticity of the menu. Where else in a bar setting can you find appetizers like Ahi Tuna Tartare, followed by a main course of Angus Rib-eye Steak Giambotta, and pair it with a prestigious wine like the Banfi Exelsus? The menu depth, from the casual Bistro Burger to the traditional Traditional "Sunday Gravy" pasta, ensures there is a satisfying option for every taste and budget.

The designation of having a "Great wine list" and serving full Food at bar elevates the venue beyond the standard local watering hole, making it ideal for a spontaneous gourmet experience. Local residents appreciate the ability to enjoy complex dishes like Dry Dock Scallops or Pork "Osso Bucco" in a relaxed, casual environment. Furthermore, the option to book a table via their reservation service is a significant convenience, allowing customers to guarantee their spot.

However, local patrons seeking out this bistro should be aware of publicly available customer feedback, which points to significant issues with service, particularly during exceptionally busy times. Reported problems include reservation mix-ups, severely understaffed service leading to long waits (up to 90 minutes between courses), incorrect orders, and staff inattention, including a lack of necessary allergy awareness. While the food is frequently described as "normally excellent," these operational inconsistencies—especially concerning the flow of service and front-of-house organization—suggest that patrons should manage their expectations regarding service speed and attentiveness, especially on holidays or during peak hours. Patrons seeking the best experience might consider visiting during off-peak times to fully appreciate the kitchen's potential and the bistro’s cozy atmosphere without the stress of service issues. Ultimately, you choose Al Di La Italian Bistro for the food and the wine—a fantastic, diverse Italian menu in a local bar setting.

Al Di La Italian Bistro

1 Hoboken Rd, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA