Bacarosa

- 238 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110

Introduction / Overview

When New Jersey residents think of exceptional Italian dining, the charming town of Nutley often comes to mind, and Bacarosa is quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination on the culinary map. Located right on Franklin Avenue, this modern Italian restaurant offers a fresh and inventive take on classic flavors, moving beyond traditional expectations to deliver an elevated, yet approachable, dining experience. Bacarosa—part of the respected GAC Hospitality Group—is more than just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant, convivial gathering spot designed for sharing food and celebrating life.

The concept here revolves around the Italian spirit of shared plates, spanning from tempting 'Piccolo' small bites to impressive 'Grandi' large-format entrees. This focus on shareability encourages patrons to explore the diverse menu, which features everything from expertly crafted antipasti to unique wood-fired pizzas and exquisite, handmade pastas. The chefs prioritize seasonality, often sourcing produce and meats from local New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania suppliers, ensuring the freshest ingredients make it to your table. If you're looking for a friendly and professional environment to enjoy high-quality Italian cuisine with a modern flair in North Jersey, Bacarosa should be at the top of your list. The atmosphere, described by patrons as lively with energetic music and low lighting in the evening, shifts to a lighter, airier feel during the day, making it perfect for any occasion.

Nutley's vibrant dining scene has been enhanced by Bacarosa's arrival, which features a completely new concept and vibe compared to its predecessor in the same location. The interior is sleek and modern but made warm by the gracious staff, reinforcing a commitment to hospitality. Whether you're a local Nutley resident or visiting from a neighboring town in Essex County or beyond, this Italian gem promises a memorable meal built on serious food prepared with a playful spirit. It’s a true celebration of bold Italian flavors right here in New Jersey.

Location and Accessibility

Bacarosa is ideally situated at 238 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA, placing it in the heart of Nutley’s bustling commercial district. Franklin Avenue is a central artery in the town, making the restaurant easily accessible for local users across the New Jersey region. Its location on a main street is convenient for both those driving in and those who live nearby.

For New Jersey drivers, Bacarosa offers multiple parking options to ensure a hassle-free visit. Available parking includes a Free parking lot for direct convenience, Paid parking lot options, Free street parking, and Paid street parking. This variety of choices helps accommodate the high volume of visitors to Franklin Avenue.

Crucially, Bacarosa is highly committed to accessibility for all guests, offering extensive features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

These dedicated amenities ensure that the warm hospitality and exceptional dining experience at this Nutley Italian restaurant are available to everyone in the New Jersey community.

Services Offered

Bacarosa provides a comprehensive range of dining services to meet the diverse needs of New Jersey diners, from quick meals to large celebrations.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the full, lively atmosphere and professional table service for a complete dining experience.
• Takeout: Conveniently pick up your favorite Italian dishes to enjoy at home.
• Delivery: Services are available for delivery through partners like DoorDash and Grubhub, bringing your meal straight to your door.
• Table service: Full-service dining is provided for a relaxed and attentive meal.
• Dining Options: The restaurant is open for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable Seating available throughout the day.
• Catering & Private Events: With an adjacent versatile event space, The Harlow Room, Bacarosa is equipped to host large gatherings, including weddings, corporate meetings, and more.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Bacarosa apart for New Jersey Italian food enthusiasts are its unique culinary features, inventive menu, and commitment to the guest experience.

• Inventive Italian Menu with Shareable Plates: The menu is structured to encourage sharing, from 'Piccolo' items like King Salmon Crudo and a playful take on "Pigs in a Blanket" (mortadella, smoked mozzarella, Roman mustard), to 'Grandi' showstoppers like the Dry Aged Porterhouse or Pork Shank "Porchetta".
• Wood-Fired Pizza: Bacarosa features a dedicated wood-fired oven, turning out specialty pizzas that are distinct from standard New York or Neapolitan styles, including favorites like the Truffle Cacio e Pepe and the seasonal Summer Corn & Clam pizza.
• Handmade Pastas: A core focus is on in-house made pasta, with popular choices such as Ricotta Gnocchi, Cavatelli with pork sausage ragout, and the signature Rosette (braised lamb neck, fontina).
• Artisanal Antipasti Selection: The restaurant offers a custom selection of antipasti where diners can choose combinations of one, three, or five items, with options ranging from Wild Mushrooms and Marinated Artichokes to Carne E Formaggi.
• Full Bar Program with Italian Focus: The restaurant offers a full complement of Alcohol, Cocktails, and Wine. The cocktail list is Italian-based and inventive, with drinks like the 'Salad Days' gin martini infused with tomato water.
• The "Lucky Tomatoes" Dice Roll: A fun and unique promotion where customers dining between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm can roll a pair of dice. Rolling two tomatoes (snake eyes) means the meal is free (rules and restrictions apply), adding a playful element to the experience.
• Dietary Considerations: Bacarosa is accommodating, offering both Vegetarian options and Gluten-free options.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents planning their visit or needing more information, here is how to get in touch with Bacarosa:

Address: 238 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Phone: (973) 542-2005

Mobile Phone: +1 973-542-2005

The friendly staff is available to assist with reservations, inquiries about their extensive menu, and private event bookings.

What is worth choosing

For New Jersey diners seeking a superior Italian experience, Bacarosa is an excellent choice for several compelling reasons that extend beyond just the food. It’s a complete package of high-quality cuisine, thoughtful hospitality, and a dynamic atmosphere.

First and foremost, the cuisine is both elevated and approachable. While the menu features sophisticated, creative dishes and high-end ingredients like Maine lobster and black truffle, the atmosphere remains casual and inviting. This balance means you can enjoy a world-class meal—be it the Chitarra pasta with lobster fra diavoli and uni, or the exceptional Piedmontese Strip steak—without the pretense often associated with fine dining. As one happy customer noted, the food is “flavorful” and the experience is 100% recommended.

Second, the focus on shareable dining makes Bacarosa perfect for groups, families, and dates. The menu encourages tasting a variety of dishes, turning a simple dinner into a communal culinary journey. Ordering a mix of antipasti, a wood-fired pizza, and one of the handmade pastas is the ideal way to fully appreciate the depth of the kitchen's talents. The sheer variety ensures there's something for every palate, including a dedicated 'Bambino' menu for children.

Finally, the professional and engaging service truly elevates the experience. Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional service, noting that staff provide great recommendations, check in frequently, and foster an atmosphere where guests can “chat and not have to scream over music or anything loud in general.” This attention to detail, combined with the fun and interactive elements like the 'Lucky Tomatoes' dice roll, shows a commitment to not just serving a meal, but creating a memorable celebration. For those in New Jersey who value an inventive menu, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a warm, inviting environment, Bacarosa in Nutley is a destination worth choosing for your next Italian dining experience.

Bacarosa

238 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA