Rhys Ord

My wife and I have been to this place four times in the last few months, and can't get enough of it. It has two sides, a pizzeria with table seating and a full service, white-tablecloth restaurant on the other. Bloomfield Avenue, plenty of parking in the rear. BYOB. The food is highly recommended. Very well-prepared Italian, with large portions. The appetizers themselves are almost hard to finish. Joe, the owner, is a super nice guy, and the wait staff is very friendly and efficient. Service is fast, and courteous. The only problem is that the restaurant side only has about 8 tables. If you go on a Saturday evening you'll probably have to wait. This is popular place. I haven't tried the pizza but judging by the crowds and the lines, it must be very good. The web site and Louis Prima music is a hoot: Forte Pizzeria & Ristorante. They had a major fire a few years back but are back in business, and business looks to be booming. Rhys

This thread from a few years back talked about this restaurant's drink situation. I only read the first page and wish I had finished the entire thread. I didn't realize they had lost their license. Just a reminder that its a BYOB place. The $15 pitcher of sweet punch with .5% alcohol is not worth ordering, a mistake we won't repeat if we go back. There is a full liquor store across the street which thankfully was open until 8. Its a shame my son-in-law had to run out in the arctic cold and wind to pick up some wine. The food was good; the service was fair, and the music was fun but way too loud. I'd go back, but in nicer weather. Rhys

After reading this thread, my wife and I tried Denville Dairy for the first time. Outstanding! I chose Black Forest chocolate in a waffle cone. Nice ride out Route 46, and the place was packed with families on a Friday evening. We also tried Rita's in Livingston a few days ago. So-so. Our favorite place in the state, however, remains Hoffman's in Point Pleasant. Rhys

Thanks for the tip! New member here, looking to learn about places like this I may have overlooked in the area. I looked for Cafe Serene yesterday and almost drove right past it. I'll hope to try it soon. If you're familiar with East Hanover, I'm sure you've been to Benvenuti's, a personal favorite of ours. Rhys Florham Park