Forte Pizzeria: Authentic Italian & Gourmet Pizza in Caldwell, NJ

Forte Pizzeria Introduce

Forte Pizzeria & Ristorante, located in the charming town of Caldwell, New Jersey, stands as a cherished family-owned culinary destination established in 1997. It is far more than just a pizzeria; it’s a full-service Italian restaurant that seamlessly blends the comforting familiarity of classic Italian-American cuisine with an upscale touch in its extensive menu offerings. For New Jersey residents, Forte provides a one-stop location for everything from a quick, gourmet pizza slice to a celebratory, multi-course dinner.

The restaurant’s philosophy is built on a commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which shines through in its vast selection of dishes. The menu is impressive in its depth and variety, showcasing traditional and creative Italian specialties. While it proudly serves exceptional pizza, including the renowned "Grandma's" square pizza and unique options like the Rigatoni Vodka Pizza, its identity as a full Italian eatery is clear. Diners can explore a huge range of Chicken, Veal, and Seafood entrées, alongside an array of specialty pastas.

Forte Pizzeria cultivates a friendly, versatile atmosphere that is both casual and cozy, making it suitable for college students, large groups, and family outings. It's a place that acknowledges and adapts to customer needs, including handling requests for gluten allergies, as mentioned in customer feedback. With both dining room and semi-formal private spaces available, Forte caters to both an everyday meal and a special occasion.

Location and Accessibility

Forte Pizzeria is centrally situated at 182 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA. Bloomfield Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare in the Caldwell area, ensuring convenient access for locals throughout Essex County and beyond. Its location is ideal for residents looking for a reliable, high-quality Italian meal without having to venture into New York City or other distant areas.

Accessibility is a key priority for the restaurant, ensuring a smooth experience for all patrons:

Wheelchair accessible entrance and a roll-in lot sidewalk leading to the front door.
Dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, including a handicap spot closest to the building.
Wheelchair accessible restroom and comfortable seating arrangements.
Ample parking is available, including a free parking lot and free street parking, which is highly valued in the New Jersey dining scene.

The venue also caters to different dining preferences with seating options that range from cozy indoor tables to, when weather permits, dog-friendly outdoor seating, providing a comfortable spot for everyone.

Services Offered

Forte Pizzeria & Ristorante offers a full spectrum of services to accommodate the busy schedules and diverse needs of New Jersey diners:

Full-Service Dining: Open for lunch and dinner with comfortable seating in a casual, cozy, and slightly trendy atmosphere.
Reservation Acceptance: Patrons can accept reservations, which is recommended for groups or during peak weekend dining hours to secure a table promptly.
Takeout and Delivery: Both standard takeout and no-contact delivery options are provided, facilitating convenience for quick meals at home or the office.
Catering Services: The restaurant offers full-service catering, making it a viable option for local events, corporate gatherings, and private parties.
Diverse Offerings: The menu includes a wide variety of items such as cocktails, wine, small plates, quick bites, and extensive vegetarian options.
Child-Friendly: The venue is recognized as good for kids and provides high chairs, making it an ideal choice for family dining.
Modern Payment: Accepts debit cards and NFC mobile payments, providing fast and secure transaction methods.
Private Events: A semi-formal room is available for private parties and larger group gatherings.

Features and Highlights

The highlights of Forte Pizzeria extend far beyond the typical neighborhood pizzeria, emphasizing quality and menu diversity:

Extensive Italian Ristorante Menu: The selection of over 15 Chicken and 10 Veal dishes—including specialties like CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA, VEAL PICCATA, and VEAL ANTONIO—positions it as a serious Italian dining destination.
Signature Pizza Varieties: Popular specialty pizzas, such as the Grandpa Pizza, Lorenzo Special Pizza, and the notable Rigatoni Vodka Pizza, set their pizza offerings apart.
Impressive Seafood Selection: The menu boasts a strong focus on fresh seafood, with offerings like ZUPPA DI PESCE (Fish Soup), SCUNGILLI FRA DIAVOLO, and BROILED FLOUNDER.
Pasta Specialties: Patrons often rave about unique pasta dishes like Orecchiette Amalfi (shrimp, sundried tomatoes & asparagus) and the rich Paglia Fieno Alla Romana. The penne vodka, particularly when served in a bread bowl as noted by customers, is a standout specialty.
Great Dessert and Wine Selection: Known for great desserts, including classic Italian options like TIRAMISU and CANNOLI, alongside a selection of cocktails and wine to complement the meal.
Accommodates Dietary Needs: The ability to acknowledge and accommodate requests, such as those for gluten allergies, demonstrates attentiveness to customer care.
Appetizer Variety: The wide range of starters, from Spiedini Alla Romana and Clams Casino to Hot Antipasto and various gourmet salads, makes it ideal for group dining and grazing.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents in Caldwell and surrounding areas wishing to dine, place an order, or inquire about events, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 182 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA

Phone: (973) 403-9411

Mobile Phone: +1 973-403-9411

Using the provided phone numbers is the best and fastest way for customers to confirm current specials, make a reservation, or resolve any order issues directly with the management.

What is Worth Choosing

Forte Pizzeria is an excellent choice for New Jersey diners because it successfully operates as a dual-concept establishment: a high-quality pizzeria and a comprehensive Italian ristorante. You get the convenience of a neighborhood pizza place with the diverse, gourmet menu of a fine dining Italian eatery.

What is most worth choosing are the signature pasta and specialty entrees, which consistently draw high praise. The penne vodka in a bread bowl is a particularly popular item that blends innovation with comfort food. Furthermore, the extensive selection of over 30 Chicken and Veal dishes, prepared in every classic style (Francese, Marsala, Parmigiana, Piccata, etc.), ensures that every member of a group will find a beloved Italian staple. The acknowledged ability to handle gluten allergies also makes it a safe and accommodating choice for diners with dietary restrictions.

While a few customer reviews mention inconsistencies in order accuracy and service management, the overwhelming volume of positive feedback about the food quality, delicious flavors, and great desserts confirms its status as a popular local gem. The sheer scale and variety of the menu, from seafood to specialty pizzas and traditional entrees, make Forte Pizzeria a highly versatile and valuable Italian dining option in the Caldwell, NJ, area.

Forte Pizzeria Menu

SEAFOOD DISHES
FRIED SHRIMP $32.99
served with french fries
BROILED FLOUNDER $41.99
white wine, garlic and lemon sauce. served with salad or pasta
SCUNGILLI FRA DIAVOLO $49.99
sauteed in garlic, olive oil & tomato sauce, served with salad or over pasta
SHRIMP FRANCESE $32.99
dipped in egg in a lemon and white wine sauce, served with a salad or pasta
SALMON $39.99
salmon, white wine, garlic, sundried tomatoes & arugula
SHRIMP PARMIGIANA $32.99
tomato sauce with melted mozzarella
ZUPPA DI PESCE $44.99
lobster tails, clams, shrimp, calamari, scungilli, scallops and mussels over linguine in a red or white sauce
ZUPPA DI CLAMS $32.49
a dozen little necks simmered with a white or red sauce served over linguine
SHRIMP SCAMPI $32.99
sauteed in a lemon and garlic sauce over cappellini
CALAMARI FRA DIAVOLO $31.49
sauteed in garlic, olive oil & tomato sauce, served with salad or over pasta
SHRIMP FRA DIAVOLO $32.99
sauteed in garlic, olive oil & tomato sauce, served with salad or over pasta
SHRIMP MARINARA $32.99
sauteed in garlic, olive oil & tomato sauce, served with salad or over pasta
CALAMARI MARINARA $31.49
sauteed in garlic, olive oil & tomato sauce, served with salad or over pasta
SHRIMP ALLA GRIGLIA $32.99
grilled shrimp over rice, shitake mushrooms and peas in a white wine sauce
BROILED SCALLOPS $45.99
white wine, garlic and lemon sauce, served with salad or pasta
SCUNGILLI MARINARA $49.99
sauteed in garlic, olive oil & tomato sauce, served with salad or over pasta

HOT APPS
Hot Antipst For 1 $24.49
Shrimp, mushrooms, calamari, clams, eggplant rollatini & artichokes
Stuffed Mushrooms $14.99
Breadcrumbs, mozzarella & a touch of marinara
Trippa $18.99
Onion, fresh basil and tomato
Hot Antipst For 2 $31.49
Shrimp, mushrooms, calamari, clams, eggplant rollatini & artichokes
Spiedini Alla Romana $16.49
Fried mozzarella with a caper anchovy sauce
Scungilli Marinara $25.00
Hot or sweet
Sauteed Escarloe $14.99
With capers & Gaeta olives
Fried Calamari $20.99
Marinara & mozzarella.
Clams Casino $18.99
Dozen chopped onions, peppers, breadcrumbs & bacon.
Mozz En Carozza $16.49
Fried bread & mozzarella in a francese sauce
Mussels App $20.49
White or red, hot or sweet
Clams Posillipo $20.49
White or red, hot or sweet

PASTAS
Orecchiette Amalfi $30.99
Shrimp, sundried tomatoes & asparagus in a garlic white wine sauce.
Linguini Carbonara $23.49
Cream sauce, italian bacon & onions.
Orecchiette Pesto $26.99
Basil, pignoli nuts, garlic & oil.
Pappardelle Quattro $23.49
Fresh, flat pasta in a four cheese & pink cream sauce.
Angel Hair Primavera $19.99
Sautéed vegetables in a pink cream sauce.
Rigatoni Alla Charlie $30.99
Pasta with shallots, fresh tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, shrimp, endive & arugula in a brandy sauce.
Tortellini Alfredo $24.49
Cheese-filled dumplings in a cream sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo $24.49
In a cream sauce.
Capellini Amatriciana $19.99
Pancetta, onions & a fresh tomato sauce.
Penne Escarole $23.49
Topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
Cavatelli Broccoli $23.99
Fresh herbs, garlic & olive oil.
Paglia Fieno Alla Romana $30.99
Green & white pasta with peas, pancetta & shrimp in a cream sauce.
Penne Napoli $23.49
Sundried tomatoes, roasted peppers & melted mozzarella in a red cream sauce.
Agnolotti $28.99
Fresh lobster ravioli with shrimp in a vodka sauce
Fusilli Alla Joe $24.99
Fresh fusilli, eggplant, zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, black olives & garlic.
Fusilli Puttanesca $23.49
Spiral pasta with olives, garlic, anchovies & capers in a tomato basil sauce.
Gnocchi Bolognese $24.49
Potato pasta in meat sauce with a touch of cream.
Mac And Cheese $22.50
Can be made Gluten Free or Whole Wheat

COLD PIZZA
NUTELLA PIZZA $24.49
With fresh bananas & strawberries or cannoli toppings.

COLD SANDWICHES
#15 Mortadella Sandwich $16.49
Freshh Mozz, Sautee Peppers and Pesto
#6 Proscuitto Sand $16.99
With Fresh Mozz, Roasted Peppers and Arugula
#14 Chicken Cutlet Sand $18.50
Proscuitto, Fontina Cheese with Pesto, Pressed
#10 Spicy Capicola Sandwich $16.49
Spicy Capicola with fresh mozz and roasted peppers
#8 Grilled Chicken $16.99
Grilled Chicken, Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozz and Arugula
#11 Sopressata Sand $16.49
With Sharp Provolone and Roasted Peppers
#16 Salmon B L T Sand $23.49
Pan seared with smoked bacon, tomatoes, arugula with siracha mayo on ciabatta
#13 Sopp Lng Hot Sand $16.49
Comes with Sharp Provolone
#7 Grilled Eggplant Sand $15.99
With Fresh Mozz, Roasted Peppers and Arugula
#9 Gr Chkn Snd Lett Tom $15.49
Lettuce and Tomato
#12 Breaded Eggplt Sand $15.99
With Fresh Mozz, Roasted Peppers and Arugula

VEAL DISHES
VEAL FRANCESE $40.99
veal dipped in egg, sauteed in lemon, butter and white wine
SAUSAGE PEPP ONIONS $30.99
in a tomato & basil sauce
VEAL PICCATA $40.99
sauteed in lemon, butter and capers in a white wine sauce
VEAL REGGINA $40.99
topped with prosciutto, eggplant, slided tomato, melted mozzarella in a shitake mushroom and brandy wine sauce
VEAL ANTONIO $40.99
artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, shitake mushrooms, shallots, white wine and a tomato demi-glaze
VEAL PIZZAIOLA $40.99
mushrooms and black olives in a marinara sauce
VEAL & PEPPERS $40.99
in a tomato & basil sauce
VEAL SALTIMBOCA $40.99
layers with spinach & prosciutto, topped with mozzarella in a brown sauce
VEAL PARMIGIANA $40.99
tomato sauce with melted mozzarella
VEAL MARSALA $40.99
marsala wine and mushrooms

HOT SANDWICHES
Hamburger $16.99
8oz NY Prime burger with Lettuce, Tomato and Fries
Grilled Chkn Sand Broc R $17.99
Our Grilled Chicken with Broccoli Rabe
Chicken Napoli Sand $16.99
Sauteed Chicken in Vodka Sauce with Mozzarella and Roasted Peppers
Cheese Steak $18.99
Potatoes, onions, peppers & mozzarella.
Cheeseburger $18.49
8oz NY Prime burger with Lettuce, Tomato and Fries
Sausage Pep Onion Sand $16.99
With marinara
Ital Sausge Sandwich $16.99
With Peppers, Onions and Potatoes
Egg Sandwich $16.49
With your choice of sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, potatoes, hot or sweet peppers.
Chicken Franc Sand $16.99
With mozzarella

PANINIS
Turkey Panini $16.00
With american cheese, tomatoes & pesto dressing
RB Prov Panini $16.00
With arugula, onions & pesto

OO2 WRAPS
Turkey Club Wrap $16.00
Lettuce, tomato, bacon, provolone and mayonnaise
Tuna Wrap $17.50
Lettuce, tomatoes & onions

COLD APPS AND SALADS
Calamari Salad $19.99
Garlic, olive oil & lemon
Seafood Salad $26.00
Calamari, shrimp, scungilli & scallops with garlic oil, lemon & fresh herbs
Little Neck Clams $19.99
9 Clams on half shell with cocktail sauce
Chick Pea Salad $15.99
Chickpeas, red onions, red bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oil & red vinegar.
Greek Salad $18.49
Bell peppers, onions, romaine, tomatoes & feta.
Italian Salad $16.99
For two with ham salami & provolone
Blk Chkn Over Pineapp Sal $21.49
With pineapple salsa
Italian Salad For 2 $18.99
With ham, salami and provolone for 2 people
Spinach Salad $14.49
Mushrooms & tomatoes in a light vinaigrette
Scungilli Salad $24.50
Garlic, olive oil & lemon
Shrimp Cocktail $20.00
1 lb,.
Antipasto Forte $19.99
Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, sharp provolone, roasted peppers, grilled eggplant, sundried tomatoes and shaved sharp pecorino romano
Cobb Salad $19.99
Bacon, hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bleu cheese, romaine, avocado & tomatoes
Tri Color Salad $14.49
Arugula, radicchio & endive
Combo Salad $13.00
With assorted vegetables
Grilled Calamari Salad $20.49
Over combo salad

BAKED PASTAS
Eggplant Rollatini $27.99
Stuffed with ricotta and served with pasta or salad

CHICKEN DISHES
CHICKEN ROLLATINI $29.99
stuffed with spinach, mozzarella & prosciutto in a brandy & mushroom sauce
CHICKEN PICCATA $29.99
sauteed in lemon, butter, capers and white wine
CHICKEN FRANCESE $29.99
dipped in egg, sauteed in lemon, butter and wine
CHICKEN REGGINA $29.99
topped with prosciutto, eggplant, sliced tomatoed, melted mozzarella & shitake mushrooms in a tomato demi-glaze
CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA $29.99
layered with spinach & prosciutto, topped with mozzarella in a brown sauce
CHICKEN GIAMBOTTA $29.99
sauteed in garlic with potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and sausage in a tomato demi glaze
CHICKEN CARCIOFI $29.99
artichoke hearts, shallots and mozzarella in a white wine sauce
CHICKEN PARMIGIANA $29.99
tomato sauce with melted mozzarella
CHICKEN CACCIATORE $29.99
mushrooms, onions, peppers and potatoes in a marinara sauce
CHICKEN OREGANATA $29.99
mushrooms and breadcrumbs in a white wine and garlic sauce
CHICKEN MARGHERITA $29.99
ricotta, sliced tomatoes, eggplant and margherita sauce
CHICKEN ALLA FORTE $29.99
prosciutto, fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella in a brandy sauce
CHICKEN SAVOY $29.99
sauteed in garlic, balsamic and available on the bone
BROILED CHICKEN $29.99
half of a chicken with lemon and garlic sauce This Dish takes 35 minutes to be prepaired.
CHICKEN ON THE BONE $29.99
Any style
CHICKEN & POTATOES $29.99
thinly sliced potatoes in a garlic demi-glaze
CHICKEN MURPHY $29.99
hot or sweet peppers, mushrooms, onion and potatoes in a white wine sauce
CHICKEN MARSALA $29.99
marsala wine and mushrooms

OO DESSERTS
CARROT CAKE $9.49
this cake is chock full of walnuts and covered i a true rum cream cheese coating with a secret spice that makes it extra nice.
LAVA CAKE W/VAN ICEC $11.49
an irresistible warm chocolate caje with a cascading molten chocolate center, served with vanilla ice cream
CANNOLI $8.99
sweetened whipped ricotta enhanced with rich chocolate morsels in a crispy cannoli shell
CHOCOLATE CAKE $10.99
a chocolate genoise layer bottom, a generous endowment of swiss chocolate mousse center, topped with a rich chocolate fudge frosting wiht a ruby red cherry garnish
TORTONI $6.99
an amaretto ice cream blend, this specialty is topped with toasted macaroon crunch and a ruby red cherry
TARTUFO $8.99
a superb vanilla and chocolate ice cream ball filled with liquor soaked nuts and a cherry center, then enrobed in smooth bittersweet chocolate
TIRAMISU $8.99
a generous portion of marscapone tops espresso soaked ladyfingers, with a heavy covering of fine cocoa blankets on top
CHEESECAKE $10.99
a combination of sour cream and cream cheese sitting on top of a light sponge cake layer makes this true homemade sensation hit with only the finest ingredients usee to m+ake up this creamy creation

PIZZA +
Nutella Pizza $32.99
With fresh bananas & strawberries or cannoli toppings.

PIZZA
Grandpa Pizza $27.99
Super thin square pizza with plum tomato sauce, garlic melted mozzarella.
Lorenzo Special Pizza $34.49
Generously topped with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato slices, with a crispy crust and a rich tomato sauce base. This dish is prepared in 45 minutes.

Forte Pizzeria Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great dessert
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Cocktails
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Forte Pizzeria Photos

Forte Pizzeria Location

Forte Pizzeria

New Jersey Essex County Caldwell Bloomfield Avenue

182 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA

Forte Pizzeria Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 755 user reviews.

partysandwichareadininggrandma piepenne vodkacalamarieggplantpasta fagioliBYOB

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Came here for a party and the food was great. The penne vodka was amazing and it came in a bread bowl. Service was great and they acknowledge gluten allergies very well
October 19 · Brooke Sovern
Again they got my order wrong and the manager Keith said “ if your order is always wrong then to not order from us again “. Good to know.I’ve ordered a few times and every time they get something wrong or they missing items..This time just doesn’t make sense, I ordered a salad with the dressing on the side and they give it to me in a dipping sauce cup. I put all the sauce in and it’s dry. How can you be ok with that kind of experience for your customers? Save the disappointment and order somewhere else.
August 18 · Andrew Davila
I love ❤️ Forte’s! Absoposilutely!!!There is no left overs eating here!!!
July 29 · George Rivera
Hadn’t been there in a long time and was so happy we came. The food was delicious! I knew it would be when we sat down to the crunchy Italian bread and wonderful fresh tomato and basil sauce. So good. . The fried calamari was also delicious. All of us ordered different shrimp dishes and we loved them all. . They gave you plenty of shrimp - not the usual 4 shrimp at other restaurants. Must add Dora was a terrific waitress. Only criticism is they need some acoustic tiles on the walls to dampen the noise. We will definitely be back soon.
May 25 · Judith Leeds
We were there 9/27/23Service was amazing, everyone was attentive but not overbearing.The bread and Margherita sauce were delicious. I don’t usually eat bread but the sauce was so good you just want to sop it all up with bread. I could just eat this all day lolGrilled Octopus was tender yet grilled, not rubbery or toughChicken Giambotta was good but I enjoyed my hubby’s Pork Chop Special (forgot what it was called) and he liked mine better so we swapped lol. The pork chop was delicious, nice thick slice.We came here because they were working on opening in Hackensack and heard it would be their 3rd location. So a little google search and Caldwell was closest for us to scout. ;)
October 26 · Oi Lin “Chinagirl568”