Il Vecchio Cafe: Authentic Italian Dining, Brunch, and Live Music in Caldwell, NJ

Il Vecchio Cafe Introduce

For New Jersey residents seeking a truly authentic, full-service Italian dining experience, Il Vecchio Cafe in Caldwell, NJ, offers a captivating blend of Northern and Southern Italian traditions, elevated American classics, and a lively, engaging atmosphere. Situated within the renowned Calandra's Italian Village, this establishment is a celebrated local fixture, known for its commitment to quality ingredients—such as olive oil from their own grove in Italy and free-range chicken—and its extensive menu of freshly made pastas, entrees, and wood-burning oven pizzas. It functions not just as an Italian restaurant but also as a bar, lounge, and delivery hub, catering to every dining need from a quick lunch to a lavish, multi-course dinner.

The cafe strikes a perfect balance between a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. The inviting space includes an open-concept dining room ideal for large groups and families, and a highly-praised outdoor patio that transports guests to a Tuscan ambiance with its rustic brick and stone columns. Il Vecchio Cafe is clearly designed to be a local destination where the warmth of Italian hospitality meets the sophistication of North Jersey dining, making it a popular choice for all occasions, from solo dining to family gatherings and professional events.

With an emphasis on homemade dishes—including sauces made on-premises and pasta/pizza dough made daily from whole grain ingredients—Il Vecchio Cafe honors the culinary heritage of Italy while offering a diverse menu that includes hearty "Land & Sea" options, gourmet salads, and a celebrated Sunday Brunch. They are highly regarded for their desserts, owing to their association with the award-winning Calandra's Bakery, ensuring a sweet finish to any meal.

Location and Accessibility

Il Vecchio Cafe is conveniently located at 234 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA. This prime location in the heart of Caldwell makes it easily accessible for customers throughout Essex County and surrounding areas. The restaurant is part of a larger Italian Village complex, which provides several convenient amenities for patrons.

The establishment is designed with full accessibility in mind, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Complimentary parking is available in the free parking lot)
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Additional parking includes free street parking, adding to the ease of arrival.

For those who wish to enjoy the vibrant outdoor space, which often includes the Tuscan Patio, it is worth noting that Dogs are allowed outside, making it a fantastic destination for pet owners, especially during special "Tails & Treats" events often held on the patio.

Services Offered

Il Vecchio Cafe provides a comprehensive range of services to accommodate all dining preferences and events throughout the week. Their offerings extend beyond traditional table service, ensuring maximum convenience for the local New Jersey community:

Dine-in (Including full Table Service for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner)
Outdoor Seating (Featuring the beautiful, rustic Tuscan Patio and an outdoor bar area)
Takeout and Delivery (A practical option for enjoying their menu at home)
Brunch (A popular, smooth Sunday Brunch menu is available weekly)
Catering (Offering trays and specialized menus for parties and events)
Bar Onsite and Lounge Access (La Taverna Bar and Lounge provides a vibrant spot for happy hour and late-night drinks)
Accepts Reservations (Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and for special events)
Private Dining Room (Available for intimate gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and social functions)
Family-Friendly Amenities (Good for kids, with High chairs and Has changing table(s))

Features / Highlights

The distinctive features of Il Vecchio Cafe are what set it apart in the competitive North Jersey dining scene. They focus on delivering a memorable experience through atmosphere, service, and a diverse, high-quality menu. The highlights are numerous and cater to a sophisticated and varied clientele:

Live Music and Events: A major draw, featuring regular events like "Retro Saturdays" with a live DJ, "Italian Night" with live performers, and special seasonal parties. The live music contributes to the lively and great atmosphere.
Exceptional Beverage Program: They boast a Great cocktails menu and a Great wine list, which prominently features Calandra Family wines imported from various regions of Italy. The bar onsite ensures a full selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard Liquor, and Happy Hour Drinks/Food.
Award-Winning Desserts: Their desserts are a particular highlight, featuring house-made items like Tiramisu, Cannoli, and unique items like 'Violet Crème Brûlée' and 'Donut Bread Pudding,' drawing heavily from the Calandra's Bakery reputation.
Diverse Cuisine: The menu skillfully blends Northern and Southern Italian dishes (such as Linguini With Clam Sauce and Orecchiette Siciliana) with American staples (Steak Salad, Bison Burger) and wood-fired Pizza.
Unique Dining Options: They serve a local specialty which, based on the context of the Calandra's Italian Village, points to their fresh, house-made pastas, bread (Calandra's Bread is a menu item), and bakery items. They also offer a Kids' menu and specialized diets like Vegetarian options and Healthy options.
Atmosphere and Amenities: The presence of a Fireplace adds a cozy element, while Fast service and Wi-Fi enhance the overall dining convenience.

Contact Information

To arrange a booking, inquire about catering, or place a takeout order, please use the following contact details:

Address: 234 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA
Phone: (973) 226-8889 (Mobile Phone: +1 973-226-8889)

What is Worth Choosing Il Vecchio Cafe

For New Jersey diners, Il Vecchio Cafe represents a complete, high-quality, and highly versatile Italian dining experience that few other local restaurants can match. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

First, the sheer scope of the offerings, from the rustic Southern Italian flavors to the more refined Northern dishes and the wood-fired pizza, ensures that every guest will find something to love. This is coupled with the confidence of dining within an establishment that is part of the esteemed Calandra family tradition, known for utilizing high-quality, sometimes imported, ingredients.

Second, the atmosphere and entertainment options transform a simple meal into an event. The lively Live Music and the option to dine in the charming, dog-friendly Outdoor seating area (the Tuscan Patio) make it an ideal spot for a fun night out or a relaxed weekend brunch. The availability of Happy Hour food and drinks in La Taverna Lounge further enhances its appeal as a social hub.

Finally, the operational excellence, including the commitment to Fast service, full Accessibility, and a dedicated Private dining room for events, ensures a seamless experience. When you choose Il Vecchio Cafe, you are choosing a local institution that consistently delivers on the promise of traditional Italian food, lively ambiance, and top-tier hospitality in the heart of Caldwell, NJ.

Il Vecchio Cafe Menu

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Salad
Avocado Salad $19.00
Gluten free. Romaine, tomato, cucumber, red onion in house vinaigrette.
Panzanella $17.00
Thick cut tomatoes, red onions, panella bread, in a basil EVOO cabernet wine vinegar.
Harvest Salad $18.00
Gluten free. Romaine, green apples, goat cheese, and sliced toasted almonds in house vinaigrette.
Caesar Salad $17.00
Romaine, croutons, fresh Parmesan. No anchovies.
House Salad $16.00
Gluten free.
Steak Salad $29.00
Gluten free. Diced grilled hanger steak, romaine, black olives, smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, and roasted peppers, in Italian balsamic dressing. No substitutions.
Beet Salad $19.00
Roasted beets, stracciatella cheese, pistachios, and fregola.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Land & Sea
Mahi Mahi $44.00
Sautéed mahi mahi and shrimp in a light cajun brandy cream sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and Chef's vegetables
Bronzino $46.00
Broiled and topped with crab meat served over grilled vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and whole grain mustard sauce
Lamb Chops $53.00
three New Zealand lamb chops in a blueberry red wine reduction, with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus Gluten free.
Pork Chop Villagio $46.00
grilled pork chop with potatoes, mushrooms, vinegar peppers, and onions, finished with a Madeira demi-glace Gluten free.
Sole Oreganata $44.00
Lemon white wine sauce. Includes chef's starch and vegetables.
Salmon $44.00
Grilled organic Scottish filet served in an orange citrus sauce with couscous, broccoli, and roasted potatoes
Filetto Di Manzo $53.00
Grilled filet mignon with portobello cognac cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus
Pollo Al Forno $35.00
Breaded chicken cutlet Parmigiana style with marinara sauce, basil, mozzarella, and Parmigiano accompanied with pasta marinara.
Pollo Ortolano $36.00
Breaded chicken cutlet over tomato bruschetta, red onions topped with baby arugula and balsamic glaze.
Short Rib $46.00
with garlic mashed potatoes and spinach
Chicken Saltimbocca $39.00
Pan-seared, floured chicken breast topped with prosciutto and melted Fontina cheese, served over sautéed spinach in a sherry wine demi-glace, with garlic mashed potatoes

Dessert & Ice Cream - House-made Desserts
Cannoli $9.00
Chocolate or vanilla shell filled with sweet cream.
Gelato $8.00
Three scoops of daily gelato selection with whipped cream and a cherry.
"Presley" Panna Cotta $9.00
Cooked cream with Nutella over bananas with a peanut caramel sauce.
Violet Crème Brûlée $9.00
Baked vanilla custard flavored with violet liqueur and burnt sugar crust.
Tiramisu $11.00
Ladyfingers dipped in espresso and layered with a whipped mascarpone and flavored with cocoa.
Affogato Al Caffe $9.00
Vanilla gelato with a shot of espresso.
Donut Bread Pudding $11.00
Warm chocolate biscotti donut pudding topped with vanilla gelato and caramel sauce.
Sliced Bakery "Chef" Cakes $9.00
Chocolate chocolate, NY cheesecake, Italian ricotta cake, lemon meringue. Each.
Berry Parfait $9.00
Fresh berries and housemade whipped cream layered.
Chocolate Brownie $9.00
Calandra's homemade nut-free brownie with French whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Sicilian Strawberry Shortcake $11.00
Sliced pound cake layered with meringue, strawberries, and dark chocolate shavings.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Pasta
Fettuccine Pesto $32.00
ribbon-like pasta, sundried tomatoes, and pignoli nuts in a creamy pesto sauce
Linguini With Clam Sauce $39.00
With red or white clam sauce.
Cheese Ravioli $32.00
Butter sauce or marinara.
Orecchiette Siciliana $34.00
Little ears pasta, sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, and olive oil.
Spicy Rigatoni $34.00
large rigatoni, Calabrian chili pepper purée, and onion soubise, in a spicy vodka sauce
Gnocchi Bolognese $35.00
Fresh made potato dumplings in a beef ragù.
Bucatini $33.00
Thick tubed pasta, porcini mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes, in a mushroom cream sauce.
Lasagna $38.00
Beef, marinara sauce, fresh ricotta, and mozzarella.
Paccheri Salsiccia $35.00
Large rigatoni and crumbled sausage in a pink cream sauce.
Fusilli All'Amatriciana $34.00
spiral pasta, pancetta, and onions in a fresh plum tomato sauce

Charcuterie - Cheese & Meat Board
The Grande $75.00
7 meats, 7 cheeses. Serves 10 people.
Piccolo (Pick 3) $23.00
Mix & match.
Media (Pick 5) $38.00
Mix & match.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Soup
Pasta Fagioli Bowl $12.00
Cannellini beans, ditalini pasta in tomato broth.
Chicken Noodle $12.00
White meat shredded chicken, celery, carrots, ditalini pasta.

Sunday Brunch - Brunch
Vodka Fusilli $25.00
With sun-dried tomatoes and topped with crispy prosciutto.
Vegetable Frittata $18.00
With home fries and choice of bacon or sausage links.
Red Velvet Pancakes $15.00
Strawberries, cannoli cream, lemon icing drizzle, house-made whipped cream, maple syrup.
Steak & Eggs $29.00
Two eggs over easy with grilled sliced sirloin topped with salsa verde and a side of home fries and choice of bacon or sausage links.
Eggs In Pizza Basket $21.00
With a choice of breakfast sausage or sliced bacon.
Italian Breakfast Sandwich $14.00
Eggs, peppers and potatoes on a brioche roll with bacon or sausage links.
Purgatory Polenta $21.00
Poached eggs, mushrooms and pancetta.
KC Omelet $18.00
Egg whites, chicken and spinach with home fries and choice of bacon or sausage links.
Bison Burger $21.00
Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, crispy onions on an everything egg bagel with a pickled peach bourbon marmalade.
Capellini $26.00
Garbanzo beans, peas, pancetta, shaved Grana Padano cheese, finished in olive oil & garlic.
French Toast $19.00
Homemade brioche filled with mascarpone, fresh berries topped with powdered sugar and syrup, with a side of home fries and choice of bacon or sausage links.
Grilled Salmon $32.00
Mustard dill sauce, accompanied with a mixed green salad, lemon oil vinaigrette.
Eggs In Purgatory $21.00
Poached eggs in a beef tomato sauce.
Eggs Benedict $21.00
Thick cut mortadella, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on our house-made croissant with home fries and choice of bacon or sausage links.
Black Angus Burger $19.00
With lettuce, tomato, onion on our homemade brioche roll and fries with roasted garlic aioli. Add bacon and/or fried egg for an additional charge.
Belgian Waffle $15.00
Sugared mixed fruit, powdered sugar, house-made whipped cream, maple syrup.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Sandwiches & Wraps
Grilled Chicken Sandwich $22.00
Grilled chicken, provolone, bacon with chipotle sauce on a Calandra's Italian sub
Venezia Panini $23.00
Chicken, basil, mozzarella, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomato, and balsamic glaze.
Classic Taverna Burger $23.00
Black angus beef, lettuce, tomato, and onion on Calandra’s brioche with Italian fries - Add Cheddar Cheese for an additional charge.
Melanzana Panini $23.00
Breaded eggplant, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato pesto.
Chicken Parmesan $23.00
Mozzarella & marinara sauce on a long roll.
Mediterranean Wrap $22.00
Chicken, spinach, feta, red onion.
Shrimp Wrap $23.00
Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and ranch dressing.

Sunday Brunch - Kids'
Cheese Ravioli $15.00
Butter sauce or marinara.
Chicken Fingers $15.00
With fries.

Calandra's Bread
Assorted Dinner Rolls $12.00
A dozen assorted dinner rolls.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Sandwiches & Wraps
Venezia Panini $19.00
Chicken, basil, mozzarella, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomato, and balsamic glaze.
Chicken Parmesan $19.00
Mozzarella & marinara sauce on a long roll.
Melanzana Panini $19.00
Breaded eggplant, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato pesto.
Mediterranean Wrap $18.00
Chicken, spinach, feta, red onion.
Shrimp Wrap $19.00
Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and ranch dressing.
Black Angus Burger $19.00
Lettuce, tomato, and onion on a brioche roll - add Cheddar cheese for an additional charge.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Sides
Brussels Sprouts & Pancetta $10.00
Gluten free.
Sautéed Wild Mushrooms $10.00
Gluten free.
Creamed Spinach $10.00
Gluten free.
Sautéed Zucchini $10.00
Gluten free.
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe $10.00
Gluten free.
Fried Long Hot Peppers & Italian Potatoes $10.00
Gluten free.

Calandra's Desserts
5" Cake $18.85
5-Inch cake available in Cannoli, Strawberry Shortcake, or Chocolate Fudge
7" Cake $27.25
7-Inch cake available in Cannoli, Strawberry Shortcake, or Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate Brownie $5.15
Calandra's homemade nut-free brownie with french whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Cupcake Large $5.90
Red Velvet, Carrot, Cannoli, or Oreo
Tiramisu $6.55
Ladyfingers dipped in espresso and layered with a whipped mascarpone and flavored with cocoa.
Large Cookie $5.90
Chocolate Chip, M&M, or Black & White
Portuguese Custard Cups $17.50
Half a dozen (6) Portuguese Custard Cups

Sunday Brunch - Appetizers
Avocado Bruschetta $18.00
Toasted panella topped with creamy seasoned avocado, mixed greens, burrata, cherry tomato. Add egg for an additional charge.
Winter Salad $19.00
Butternut squash, kale, pumpkin seeds in a creamy Italian dressing.
Seasonal Parfait Bowl $12.00
Vanilla yogurt, seasonal fruit, and scented cinnamon granola.
Calandra's Famous Pastry Basket $12.00
Filled with mini muffins, mini croissants and mini pastries for the table.
Focaccia $6.00
Calandra's focaccia bread with olive oil.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Pasta & Risotto
Orecchiette $28.00
Small eared pasta with broccoli rabe and sausage.
Filija Bolognese $28.00
Wire twist pasta in a beef ragù.
Risotto Verdura $27.00
Gluten free. Slow cooked arborio rice in wine with mixed vegetables.
Rigatoni Ripieni $27.00
Thick tubed rigatoni filled with seasoned ricotta in a vodka sauce.
Paccheri Salsiccia $28.00
Large rigatoni and crumbled sausage in a pink cream sauce.
Capellini $27.00
Garbanzo beans, peas, pancetta, and Grana Padano.
Rigatoni Norma $27.00
Eggplant & ricotta salata in marinara.
Pappardelle $27.00
In shredded duck leg ragù.
Linguini $29.00
With red or white clam sauce.
Bucatini $27.00
Thick tubed pasta, porcini mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes, in a mushroom cream sauce.
Garganelli $28.00
Quill shaped pasta, braised oxtail, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli rabe, in garlic EVOO.

Bambini - Children
Junior Burger With Fries $13.00
Additional charge for cheese.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Sides
Sautéed Zucchini $12.00
Gluten free.
Brussels Sprouts & Pancetta $12.00
Gluten free.
Fried Long Hot Peppers & Italian Potatoes $12.00
Gluten free.
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe $12.00
Gluten free.
Sautéed Wild Mushrooms $12.00
Gluten free.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Soup
Chicken Noodle $15.00
White meat shredded chicken, celery, carrots, ditalini pasta.
Pasta Fagioli $15.00
Cannellini beans, ditalini pasta in tomato broth.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Flatbread & Pizza
Pizza Penne Vodka $19.00
Topped with penne pasta, creamy vodka sauce, and mozzarella.
Pizza And Pork $19.00
Mozzarella, crumbled sausage, soppressata and bacon, no sauce.
Flatbread Cucina $19.00
Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, fig jam, balsamic glaze.
Pizza Margherita $19.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil.
Flatbread Luciano $19.00
Spinach, grapes, ricotta.
Pizza Napolitano $19.00
Tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Land & Sea
Salmon $35.00
Gluten free. Grilled organic Scottish filet served with spinach crema, broccoli, and saffron potatoes.
Pollo Con Limone $29.00
Battered chicken served in a lemon butter française white wine sauce. Includes chef's starch and vegetables.
Filetto Di Manzo $43.00
Grilled filet mignon with portobello cognac cream sauce and bourbon sweet potato purée.
Pollo Ortolano $29.00
Breaded chicken cutlet over tomato bruschetta topped with baby arugula.
Pork Chop $38.00
Gluten free. Oven-roasted Berkshire black porterhouse with cannellini BBQ beans, apple bacon, and sautéed kale.
Pollo Al Forno $29.00
Breaded chicken cutlet Parmigiana style with marinara sauce, basil, mozzarella, and Parmigiano accompanied with pasta marinara.
Branzino $34.00
Gluten free. Filet served with marcona almond gremolata, mixed carrots, and escarole.
Pollo E Funghi $29.00
Sautéed chicken and mushrooms in a light marsala wine sauce. Includes chef's starch and vegetables.
Sole Oreganata $36.00
Lemon white wine sauce. Includes chef's starch and vegetables.
Duck Breast $39.00
Gluten free. Long island crescent served with amaretto sweet potatoes, spinach, and duck gravy. Includes chef's starch and vegetables.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Flatbread & Pizza
Vegetarian Flatbread $23.00
Mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, roasted red onion, plum tomato with artichoke spread
Pizza Margherita $23.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil.
Pizza Penne Vodka $23.00
Topped with penne pasta, creamy vodka sauce, and mozzarella.
Flatbread Luciano $23.00
Fresh spinach, kalamata olives, ricotta
Flatbread Cucina $23.00
Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, fig jam, balsamic glaze.
Pizza Salsiccia & Rabe $27.00
Tomato, mozzarella, sweet sausage, and broccoli rabe
Pizza Napolitano $23.00
Tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Appetizers
Buffalo $23.00
Buffalo milk mozzarella, prosciutto, balsamic glaze, and basil.
Calamari Fritti $27.00
Golden crispy tender rings with marinara.
Pulpo Della Casa $29.00
Grilled octopus in a balsamic reduction over arugula
Mozzarella En Carrozza $21.00
Crispy toast & mozzarella served with tomato sauce.
Caprese $22.00
Tomato, basil and house-made fresh mozzarella.
Shrimp Crostini $27.00
blackened baby shrimp, and avocado spread served on toasted crostini, finished with EVOO
Carciofi Dorati E Gamberi $29.00
breaded artichoke hearts (2) served with shrimp (3) in a lemon butter white wine scampi sauce
Mama E's Meatballs $22.00
Three homemade all beef meatballs from the family's traditional recipe.
Arancini $21.00
Crispy fried risotto balls filled with beef & cheese.
Eggplant Rollatini Skillet $23.00
Filled with seasoned ricotta and baked with sauce & mozzarella.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Salad
Avocado Salad $23.00
Romaine, tomato, cucumber, red onion in house vinaigrette.
Beet Salad $23.00
Roasted beets, goat cheese, arugula, and pistachios.
Watermelon Salad $24.00
arugula, goat cheese, watermelon, in lemon EVOO Gluten free.
House Salad $20.00
Mixed greens, onion, tomato, cucumber, pepperoncini, and olives. Gluten free.
Caesar Salad $22.00
Romaine, croutons, fresh parmesan. No anchovies.
Harvest Salad $22.00
Romaine, green apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and sliced toasted almonds in house vinaigrette.
Strawberry Salad $24.00
endives, radicchio, blueberries, strawberries, walnuts, and feta cheese, in walnut dressing Gluten free.

Lunch & Dinner Menu - Appetizers
Gamberi Piccante $18.00
Spicy shrimp served over buckwheat polenta.
Caprese $17.00
Gluten free. Tomato, basil and house-made fresh mozzarella.
Polenta $18.00
Gluten free. Creamy Italian cornmeal topped with beef bolognese and Grana Padano.
Garlic Hot Wings $17.00
Tossed in Calabrian chili oil, honey, & roasted garlic.
Buffalo $19.00
Gluten free. Buffalo milk mozzarella, prosciutto, balsamic glaze, and basil.
Pulpo Della Casa $24.00
Gluten free. Chilled octopus with crispy pancetta, fingerling potatoes, and golden tomatoes in a citrus vinaigrette.
Pork Belly $18.00
Gluten free. Slowly braised and glazed in honey roasted garlic, peas Romano, in a parsley herb sauce.
Mama E's Meatballs $17.00
Three homemade all beef meatballs from the family's traditional recipe.
Mozzarella En Carrozza $17.00
Crispy toast & mozzarella served with tomato sauce.
Calamari Fritti $18.00
Golden crispy tender rings with marinara.
Bisonte $18.00
Gluten free. Bison ragù in baked zucchini cups.
Arancini $17.00
Crispy fried risotto balls filled with beef & cheese.
Cacio Pepe Uovo $14.00
Gluten free. Deviled eggs with black pepper & pecorino.
Eggplant Rollatini Skillet $18.00
Filled with seasoned ricotta and baked with sauce & mozzarella.

Il Vecchio Cafe Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Fireplace
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great wine list
Live music
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
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Private dining room
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Il Vecchio Cafe Photos

Il Vecchio Cafe Location

Il Vecchio Cafe

New Jersey Essex County Caldwell Bloomfield Avenue

234 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA

Il Vecchio Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 126 user reviews.

pricepastabakerywinebrunchbuffetcalamariflightvalentine’s dayeaster

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Absolutely amazing experience with delicious food! We visited on National Dog Day, and it was such a treat. They even had a pup menu, which my little boy loved—he enjoyed every single item!The atmosphere was lively with great music, and the food truly stood out. We tried the octopus salad and fried calamari—both cooked to perfection. The lamb chops were next level, especially paired with the cranberry sauce.Overall, it was a fantastic time with wonderful vibes and mouthwatering food. Highly recommend!
August 27 · Trish S
Went here for dinner last night for the first time. I had the pasta fagoli which was very tasty and bursting with flavor. However, the flat bread pizza was substandard. It lacked flavor of any kind. The vegetables were not cooked well on the pizza and cold. But, the bread with Olive Oil was amazing. Atmosphere is great but, better restaurants in the area.👍👍👍
October 19 · Chris Piccigallo
We had a bridal shower here 7/19/25. I can not say enough how wonderful the event was. The location is beautiful! The food was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable! Jeff was attentive and accommodating to any concerns. We were in the wine cellar room. It was the perfect size room and exactly what we were hoping for. There is a phenomenal bakery and Italian eatery attached. We honestly felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, yet there were 4 parties happening simultaneously. Thee is also a place for walk in dining. GO GO GO!!!! You won’t be disappointed ❣️
July 19 · Jenn aber
The food and drinks here are amazing! The restaurant is also conveniently attached to the bakery so you can take home some treats for later. Will 100% be returning.
June 22 · Zoe S.
Besides the food, the service is outstanding. I asked the waiter if they have any hot drink like hot chocolate coz we were sitting outdoor and it was kinds cold when it’s getting late, the waiter told me they don’t have it. But after while he came back and let us know he just went to the kitchen and talked to them and found out they have chocolate milk and they can steam it. And ended up they didn’t charge us too. When our table server/waiter went to the kitchen (before we knew he went to the kitchen to find out the hot chocolate for us), another waitress passed by and checked out each table and when she asked if we needed anything and we said we ordered already, he immediately observed that our glass was still empty that she thought no one brought us water yet, so she immediately went to grab us water. The front desk who took us to our dining table also observed that our seats were without cushions and told us it’s better to sit on cushions and brought us the cushions for our seats right away. All of these thorough details impressed us a lot! The foods are good as well. We especially like the duck breast, even the side dish like potatoes well cooked and filled with garlic aroma. I also love the veggies risotto that the veggies taste so fresh. Other dishes are average as well. Definitely wanna come back to try more of other dishes.
October 05 · Isabella Lui