Nicholas Anthony's Family Kitchen

- 450 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052

For New Jersey residents who cherish authentic, home-style Italian cooking served with genuine warmth, **Nicholas Anthony's Family Kitchen** in **West Orange, NJ**, is a celebrated destination. Far from a corporate chain, this restaurant has established itself as a true family-run gem, reflecting a strong tradition of sharing great food and making memories—a sentiment echoed in its name. The establishment is built on the philosophy that dining is not just about the meal, but about the time shared together, creating a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere that instantly reminds patrons of a classic "Sunday dinner at Nanna's house."

The kitchen prides itself on delivering traditional Italian fare "done right," focusing on rich, flavorful sauces, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. Its commitment to quality and service has not gone unnoticed; the restaurant was notably named one of the **Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S.** by Yelp, a rare and significant honor for a local New Jersey eatery. Located right on Main Street, Nicholas Anthony's offers both a cozy setting for daily dining and a perfect backdrop for special family gatherings, making it a standout choice for authentic Italian in Essex County.

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Nicholas Anthony's Family Kitchen is conveniently located on a major thoroughfare in West Orange, making it highly accessible to customers throughout Northern and Central New Jersey.

**450 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA**

The restaurant's location on **Main Street** ensures easy navigation and high visibility. A key benefit for patrons is the availability of excellent parking options, which significantly enhances accessibility. The amenities provided cater to all guests, ensuring a comfortable visit:

• **Free Parking:** The establishment offers both a **Free parking lot** and **Free street parking**, removing the stress of finding a spot.
• **Wheelchair Accessibility:** The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**.
• **Public Transit Proximity:** While on a main road, its location is within reasonable reach of local transit, connecting it to the broader West Orange and surrounding communities.

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Nicholas Anthony's provides a range of services designed to accommodate diverse dining preferences, from casual dinners to large celebratory events.

• **Dine-in:** Guests can enjoy a meal with full **Table service** in a **Casual** and **Cozy** atmosphere. The restaurant also **Accepts reservations**, which is highly recommended due to its popularity, and is particularly good for both **Solo dining** and **Groups**.
• **Outdoor Seating:** For a pleasant dining experience during warmer months, **Outdoor seating** options are available.
• **Takeout:** All menu items can be ordered for **Takeout**, providing a convenient option for enjoying high-quality Italian food at home.
• **Catering and Private Events:** The restaurant excels in hosting large family gatherings, such as baptisms, with reviewers highlighting the incredible experience and family-style service. They offer comprehensive **Catering** services, including specialized "Family Table" take-out options, and make **Private events available 7 days a week**.
• **BYOB Policy (Bring Your Own Bottle):** A major highlight often praised by locals, Nicholas Anthony's is a popular **BYOB** spot, allowing guests to bring their preferred wine or beer to complement their meal.
• **Family-Friendly Amenities:** The diner is explicitly **Good for kids**, offering a dedicated **Kids' menu** and **High chairs**.
• **Dining Times:** Services are offered for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, with specific dining hours for dinner typically running from 5 PM to 9 PM (or 10 PM on weekends).

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The menu and atmosphere at Nicholas Anthony's Family Kitchen showcase a dedication to quality Italian tradition and customer satisfaction.

• **Chef-Driven Italian Classics:** The kitchen is known for excelling at traditional dishes. Highlights include the highly-praised **Chicken Savoy** and **Chicken Angelina**, as well as the richly flavored **Rigatoni Bolognese** and **Tuscan Rigatoni** (with sausage and broccoli rabe).
• **Premium Entrées:** The main course selection goes beyond standard Italian fare, offering high-quality dishes like **Braised Short Ribs**, **Cast Iron Ribeye**, a **Double Cut Pork Chop**, **Seafood Risotto**, and **Veal Chop**.
• **Top-Rated Food Quality:** The food is consistently described as "absolutely amazing," "authentic, traditional Italian fare done right," and "pure, good Italian food." Dishes like the **Chicken Francese** have been hailed by patrons as "truly one of the best I’ve ever had."
• **Exceptional Hospitality:** The **family that runs the place exudes class and hospitality**, with the owners and staff noted for being "so welcoming and personable," contributing significantly to the feeling of a cozy, home-cooked meal.
• **Signature Desserts:** The dessert selection is a major highlight, with the restaurant specifically lauded for "Great dessert" and the **cannolis** being described as "the best ever." Other options include **Affogato**, **Homemade New York Style Cheesecake** ($7.95), and their signature, made-to-order **Festival Zeppole** ($7.95).
• **Diverse Offerings:** The menu ensures there are **Comfort food** staples, **Healthy options**, **Vegetarian options** (e.g., **Penne Sicilia**, **Burrata Ravioli**), and options for a **Quick bite** or **Small plates**, catering to all appetites and dietary needs.
• **National Recognition:** The establishment’s inclusion on **Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in the US”** list underscores its reputation for providing an excellent dining experience that rivals larger, more formal establishments.

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To make a reservation, inquire about catering, or place a takeout order, please contact Nicholas Anthony's Family Kitchen using the details below. Remember to ask about their BYOB policy and current dinner hours.

**Address:** 450 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA

**Phone:** (862) 520-1252

**Mobile Phone:** +1 862-520-1252

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Nicholas Anthony's Family Kitchen is unequivocally worth choosing for New Jersey residents seeking a top-tier, yet comfortably casual, Italian dining experience. Its primary value proposition is the perfect marriage of **authentic, high-quality, traditional Italian food** and **unrivaled family-style hospitality**. The consistent praise from local customers, coupled with national recognition from Yelp, speaks volumes about the quality patrons can expect.

The unique draw of this West Orange establishment is its ability to seamlessly handle both a cozy dinner for two and a large family baptism, often serving food **family-style**, creating a communal and memorable occasion. The availability of premium entrées like **Cast Iron Ribeye** and fresh seafood, alongside classic pasta dishes and specialty appetizers such as **Shrimp Beeps** and **Stuffed Avocado**, ensures that it caters to diverse palates.

For diners, the practical perks—the generous provision of **Free parking** and its popular **BYOB** status—make it an economically attractive option for a high-quality meal. While the atmosphere is **Casual and Cozy**, reviewers note a sense of "class" and "pride" in the service, delivering a superior experience. Choosing Nicholas Anthony's means choosing a place where you are treated like family, and every dish, from the crisp **Caesar Salad** to the celebrated **Cannolis**, is prepared with care and an authentic taste of Italy. For a fantastic Italian meal in Essex County, this restaurant is a local treasure that should be at the top of your list.

Nicholas Anthony's Family Kitchen

450 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA