Gioia Mia Introduce
For New Jersey residents seeking a truly elevated and intimate dining experience, **Gioia Mia** in Montclair stands out as a sophisticated choice. Categorized as an **Italian restaurant**, a **Fine dining restaurant**, and a **Fusion restaurant**, Gioia Mia expertly blends traditional Italian flavors with creative, contemporary twists, resulting in a memorable culinary journey. It’s an ideal spot for celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic date night, or simply treating yourself to meticulously prepared food.
Located in the heart of Montclair, this establishment is recognized for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The atmosphere is distinctively **Upscale** yet **Cozy** and **Romantic**, making it a perfect destination for locals and those looking for a trendy, culinary hotspot in Essex County. The menu, spanning from unique small plates to exquisite large plates, showcases a deep appreciation for Italian tradition while embracing innovative fusion elements that appeal to a modern palate.
Whether you're exploring the impressive **Antipasti**, indulging in a perfectly cooked **Pasta** dish, or enjoying a full **Secondi** entree, Gioia Mia promises a refined experience that elevates the standard of neighborhood Italian dining. This is a place where every dish tells a story, and the overall ambiance is carefully cultivated for an enjoyable and exclusive evening.
Gioia Mia is conveniently nestled at **331 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA**. Bloomfield Avenue is a vibrant, central artery of Montclair, making the restaurant easily reachable for those living in or visiting the area. Montclair's reputation as a cultural hub means the location is surrounded by other attractions, making it perfect for a dinner and a night out.
Accessibility for patrons is handled with consideration, providing **wheelchair accessible seating** to ensure comfort for all guests dining in. In terms of parking—a common concern in many North Jersey towns—Gioia Mia offers practical solutions. Customers can benefit from both **Free street parking** and access to a nearby **Paid parking lot**, providing flexibility depending on the time of day and local street availability.
Gioia Mia focuses on providing a full-service, refined dining experience while also adapting to the modern needs of its New Jersey clientele. Their services are designed to accommodate a range of occasions, from an elegant evening out to an important catered event:
- **Dining Experiences:** The restaurant offers multiple dining options, including **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and its highly popular **Dinner** service. They also provide **Counter service** for a more casual experience.
- **Takeaway Convenience:** For those who prefer to enjoy their exceptional cuisine at home, **Takeout** and **Curbside pickup** services are available.
- **Event Services:** **Catering** options are provided, allowing you to bring the high-quality, flavorful Italian and fusion dishes of Gioia Mia to your own event.
- **Reservation System:** To maintain its intimate and exclusive atmosphere, the restaurant strongly recommends and **Accepts reservations**, with **Brunch reservations recommended** and **Dinner reservations required** for optimal planning.
- **Menu Inclusivity:** The menu features specific offerings like **Halal food**, demonstrating an effort to cater to diverse dietary requirements within the community. **Healthy options** are also available.
- **Payment Flexibility:** Transactions are easy, as the restaurant accepts both **Debit cards** and modern **NFC mobile payments**.
- **Family Friendly:** While upscale, they welcome families by offering a dedicated **Kids' menu**.
What sets Gioia Mia apart in the competitive North Jersey dining scene is a combination of its gastronomic excellence and its carefully curated atmosphere. These highlights are what draw discerning diners back repeatedly:
- **Exceptional Wine Program:** The restaurant boasts a **Great wine list**, which is essential for pairing with fine Italian and fusion cuisine, ensuring a perfect complement to every meal. They also offer **Hard liquor**.
- **Superior Desserts:** Patrons rave about the **Great dessert** selection, featuring unique and homemade items such as Cynthia's Homemade Assorted Biscotti, the indulgent Whipped Cannoli Cheesecake Mousse, and the unexpected EVOO Cake.
- **Distinctive Atmosphere:** The dining room is described as **Cozy**, **Romantic**, and **Trendy**, creating an intimate and exclusive setting that’s highly sought after for **date night**—a sentiment confirmed by customer reviews.
- **Innovative Culinary Style:** The food is consistently described as "spectacular," with a creative approach to classic dishes. The Polenta Fried Calamari is noted for being "super crispy and light," while the Green Garlic Rigatoni offers "a creative and flavorful pasta dish."
- **Focus on Exclusivity:** The practice of requiring reservations and intentionally maintaining a quiet, intimate setting appeals to **Locals** and groups seeking a quieter, higher-end experience away from the hustle and bustle.
- **Menu for All Appetites:** From **Small plates** like Charred Octopus and Beef Tartare to full-sized **Large Plates** and Entrees, there is a path for every dining style, although guests should be aware that the high quality of the ingredients and preparation is reflected in the pricing and portioning.
Choosing a dish at Gioia Mia means embracing the intersection of Italian tradition and modern flavor innovation. While the entire menu is lauded for its quality, certain items stand out as exemplary of the restaurant's unique style, making them must-try selections for New Jersey food lovers.
Start your meal with the renowned **Cornmeal Crusted Calamari**. This appetizer is consistently praised for being light, crispy, and served with a zesty, flavorful rose marina sauce—a perfect introduction to the chef's elevated approach to familiar dishes. For an adventurous small plate, the **Charred Octopus** or the elegant **Hamachi Crudo** are excellent ways to sample the **Fusion restaurant** aspect of their menu.
When it comes to pasta, the **Duck & Taleggio Triangoli** is an absolute highlight, described by diners as "absolutely delicious" and "one of those dishes you dream about later," featuring a rich foie butter sauce. Alternatively, the **Lasagna Rotolo** offers a refined take on a classic. The **Green Garlic Rigatoni** with fennel sausage is another excellent example of the restaurant's creative flavor combinations.
For your main course, you can't go wrong with the **8oz Prime Skirt Steak** or the **Branzino Livornese**. The inclusion of **Halal food** options also means that dishes are available to accommodate a wider community, further demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to its local patrons.
No fine dining experience is complete without dessert. Be sure to order one of their unique house-made options, particularly the **Whipped Cannoli Cheesecake Mousse** or the intriguing **EVOO Cake**, paired perhaps with a selection from the **Great wine list**, to provide a luxurious and satisfying conclusion to your meal. Although some diners note the portions are smaller, the intense flavor and the overall high quality of the food justify the premium price, ensuring that every bite is an experience worth savoring.
Plan your next romantic dinner or upscale outing by reaching out to Gioia Mia directly:
Address: **331 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA**
Phone: **(973) 233-0350**
Gioia Mia Menu
Antipasti
- Thyme-Rosemary Focaccia Bread $10.00
olive oil, whipped garlic butter
- Wagyu Beef Meatballs $19.00
whipped ricotta, garlic bread
- Taleggio Stuffed Arancini $13.00
calabrian chili aioli
- Cornmeal Crusted Calamari $21.00
tomato-fennel compote
- Tri Colore Italiano $16.00
fennel, radicchio, arugula, pepperoncini, red wine-honey dressing, gorgonzola dolce
- Grilled Romaine Wedge Caesar Salad $18.00
prosciutto di parma, ricotta salata
- Hand Stretched Fresh Mozzarella $19.00
imported mortadella, candied pistachios
- Beef Carpaccio $18.00
baby arugula, truffle aioli, parmigiano
- Insalata di Mare $19.00
seafood salad tossed with celery, mint & fennel
Primi
- Lasagna Rotolo (Entree Only) $29.00
whipped ricotta, genovese basil pesto; please allow 20 minutes
Secondi
- Whole Roasted Eggplant Parmigiano $24.00
basil oil
- Branzino Livornese $29.00
wilted escarole, tuscan bean & artichoke stew
- Shrimp Piccata $29.00
lemon-mascarpone risotto, shaved celery
- PEI Mussels Fra Diavolo $25.00
calabrian chili-tomato broth, crunchy focaccia
- 1/2 Chicken $28.00
brick roasted, creamy polenta, pepper-onion agrodolce
- 8oz Prime Skirt Steak $30.00
potato fritti, florentino, wild mushrooms, caper gremolata
Dolce
- Cynthia's Homemade Assorted Biscotti $13.00
contains nuts
- Whipped Cannoli Cheesecake Mousse $13.00
cinnamon pizelle
- Zeppole $13.00
nutella dipping sauce, seasonal compote
- EVOO Cake $13.00
morello cherry compote, limoncello gelato
Small Plates
- Sesame-Caraway Focaccia $10.00
chive fromage blanc
- Dressed Oysters $24.00
1/2 dozen east coast oysters, yuzu granita, shisho
- Roasted Oysters $24.00
1/2 dozen east coast oysters, calabrian-miso butter, breadcrumb
- Garden Salad $17.00
baby gem lettuce, spring garden vegetables, "green goddess" vinaigrette
- Endive Salad $19.00
cara cara orange, walnut granola, ubriaco rosso, garnacha-honey vinaigrette
- Artisinal Cheese Plate
chef's selection of locally sourced cheeses, seasonal accoutrements
- Iberico Ham $18.00
melon, asparagus, fennel, lemon balm, green almonds
- Hamachi Crudo $19.00
leche de tigre, citrus, serrano, cilantro
- Beef Tartare $21.00
charred scallion, serrano, pickled honshimeji, cured egg yolk
- Chicken Liver Mousse $19.00
rhubarb gelee, housemade pickled vegetables, toasted brioche
- Charred Octopus $22.00
japanese eggplant, snow pea slaw, black garlic, ramp aioli
Pasta
- Lasagna Rotolo $29.00
tuscan braised kale, salsa rosa
Large Plates
- Peas & Carrots $28.00
spring pea risotto, robiola, shaved carrot, lemon oil
- Green Circle Chicken Breast $32.00
crispy fingerlings, napa cabbage, huancaina
- Pan Seared Sea Scallops $42.00
cauliflower puree, sea beans, sugar snap peas, saffron veloute
- Market Fish
farro, mushroom fricasse, fava bean, lemongrass burro
- Berkshire Pork Chop $36.00
celeriac, crispy brussels sprouts, maple, pickled fresno
- Hanger Steak $34.00
caramelized cipollini, potato fritti, beef jus, green garlic chimichurri
- Gioia Mia Burger & Fries $24.00
applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, pimento aioli, brioche bun
Gioia Mia Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Halal food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
Gioia Mia Photos










Gioia Mia Location
Gioia Mia
331 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
Gioia Mia Reviews
BYOBpork chopricotta gnocchitasting menubread puddingpolenta frieshanger steakbaked oystersduck ravioliliquor store
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Follow me on Instagram for more reviews! @hopeless_ramen_tic📍Gioia Mia – Montclair, NJ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Food:Polenta Fried Calamari• Super crispy and light — a great twist on a classic.• The pepperoncini added the perfect pop of heat.• Loved dipping it in the rose marina sauce with a squeeze of lemon!Green Garlic Rigatoni• A creative and flavorful pasta dish!• Surprisingly generous amount of fennel sausage.• The pesto and fried garlic combo really worked.Duck & Taleggio Triangoli• Absolutely delicious — we were sad when it was gone!• Rich, velvety foie butter sauce and perfectly cooked duck.• One of those dishes you dream about later.My boyfriend and I came here for a late-night date while staying in Montclair to tour apartments for our first place together. The restaurant was quiet and cozy — perfect for an intimate evening. It seems like they intentionally keep things a bit more exclusive, which we appreciated.They served homemade focaccia with olive oil to start, and every dish that followed was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. Definitely a great date night spot. I’m already eyeing a few other entrées to try next time!Date Visited: 7/6/2024
September 15 · Michelle CurreriI’ve been here many times. Food is spectacular… every time. Servers are awesome also, as is the ambiance. Why 4 stars then? Well, the prices are a bit steep and the portions are very small. I don’t understand how normal eaters can possibly be ok here. In order to feel satisfied I think you need to order an Appetizer, pasta dish and an entree. Yes, portions are that small. I have no issues paying premium prices for good food, but I need to leave full. Keep up with the spectacular food, but pleeeeease increase the portions a bit and I’ll be a customer forever!!!
March 10 · Jeff CzerkiesFrom the warm, fresh bread to the final bite of dessert, every dish was a masterpiece. The chef’s attention to flavor, presentation, and creativity shone through in every appetizer and entrée, making for an unforgettable dining experience. We will be back again soon to try other dishes!
March 16 · Andrea TrippThe atmosphere is pleasant, but that's about where I'd stop. Bread is only brought out when you order the meal, not as a pre-meal app like most “fine dining” restaurants. Additionally, you can't order your apps, or “small plates,” as they call them before you place your main course meal. If it were a prefix menu, that would be understandable, but with an a la carte menu, you expect to be able to order an appetizer, enjoy it, and then place the main course to help decide what you'd like to eat. Two burgers came slightly undercooked; the duck ravioli was extraordinarily salty and seemed to be drowned in soy sauce. The gnocchi was overcooked and sprinkled with raw rosemary, making you feel like you had grass. Burnt mushrooms mixed in with the regular mushrooms. The ravioli with a brown butter sauce was undercooked. The squid ink pasta was cooked perfectly, and the shrimp was as well. The baked oysters were good as well. If I had a recommendation, I’d say order one dozen (double order as they only sell them in a 1/2 dozen) of the oysters being your wine; enjoy, and leave. Overall, the menu was basic and overdone. Nothing made you feel like it was worth the money and unique or memorable.Exp 14+ years in the industry.
November 29 · Ben HerreraOutstanding experience as always ! The creative spin on Italian culture and cuisine is represented in every dish!!! Gioia Mia is the Experience you are looking for ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 07 · Edward Socienski
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