oyster bay, osteria giotto, cafe d'amici

[tkrongold]

There may be another thread on these already, but has anyone tried these & if so, what's the consensus?

Oyster Bay in Fairfield

Osteria Giotto in Montclair

Cafe D'Amici in Clifton

Thanks.

[Rosie]

Was very disappointed in Oyster Bay. I think I posted on this restaurant. Do a search.

Osteria Giotto--I liked this restaurant--and am sure I posted about it also.

[tkrongold]

thanks, Rosie. i'll ck the other posts.

i found out that Cafe D'Amici is the old Bella Napoli on Bloomfield Ave in Clifton. I called & they told me that the woman who had been the owner for the last 2 yrs left & new owners took over. since the quality had gone down recently, they felt it was better to change the name. they told me that all the original cooks have come back. might be worth a try again.

[Lreda]

Haven't been to Bella Napoli in over 10 years but It used to be good if not great Italian food.

Mussels fraDiavlo, great veal, moderate wine list ( In those days I'd drink gasoline) Son who took over was a bit of a jerk, Got into it with him once, alcohol and drugs were after all pervelent in the 80's.

Small spot but had heard they expanded later on.

[Lreda]

Rosie, Isn't there a Casa D'Amici in Denville?

[Rosie]

Rosie, Isn't there a Casa D'Amici in Denville?

Yes.there is a Casa di Amici in Denville. Philip Privitera is the new chef at Casa di Amici, 17 E Main St, Denville (973-586-4209); BYO.

This info is on"Chefs on the Move" on Table Hopping With Rosie. Anthony Lo Pinto--a great chef used to be there. Haven't been back since he left.

[Wiener]

The Bella Napoli spinoff is still on Broad St , right off of rte 3 near the Brookdale section of Bloomfield. Some of the original waitstaff is there and the food is about the same. I go about once every 2 months and enjoy it. Fresh hot bread is abundant and served piping hot. Problem is they often take too long to bring it to the table. I love the mussels and also the eggplant parm . Their fish dishes are minimal in size but very very tasty. Service is average and inconsistant . Prices are reasonable. I keep returning because of the location and quick service....most of the time. Still is very odd with the original place closing, then reopening, then closing , and now opening with a new name. I am talking about the original location near Styertown in Clifton.

[tkrongold]

Bella Napoli (the original on Bloomfield Ave) used to be great. I remember going there 20 years ago & having wonderful clams oreganto, veal valentino, & great canoli for $15/pp. I felt when they opened the second place on Broad St, both went downhill. It is kind of weird that the original place keeps opening & closing.