Cafe Vincotto

This was our 1st time at Cafe Vincotto and we were truly blown away!! The second we stepped inside it was decorated to the hilt w Christmas and New years decorations, done so tastefully and uniquely!! Bona one of the owners does all the decorating herself!!! The staff was so kind and friendly, you felt among friends immediately!! Lovely ambiance, the food was just perfection!! Not over seasoned or salty like so many other restaurants. Bona herself, and the wait staff checked on us with each course and right in the beginning to make sure we were happy with everything and to see if we needed anything else!! The owner Tony from across the Resturant heard a fork drop and came right over w a fresh one!!! I was blown away!! The dessert menu is filled w cute and funny little quotes as is the rest room to!!! Adorable!! I literally love everything about this Resturant and I just know we will be regulars there now forever!!! I told Bona when she came to check on us for dessert that her Baklava was the best I ever had in my life!! And I worried she would think, your just saying that bc I am standing here, so I want it stated in this review it was the most delicious, moist, decadent Baklava I have ever had!!! Everything they make and serve is done with love and it truly shows!!!

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Berkeley Heights! Starting with the most important thing, the food — it was delicious! The menu has a large selection of unique and fresh dishes. Everything we had was incredible (stuffed artichoke, burrata salad, meatballs (to die for), Chicken Vincotto, pappardelle, risotto)! And the plethora of homemade desserts is to die for! The restaurant is clean, cozy, and a little eclectic in the most charming way. Our servers and the manager were great. It is also BYOB which is great. 10/10 recommend!

Cafe Vincotto is a true “hidden gem”. The food is spectacular and the service is phenomenal. Tonight I had the spinach salad and the pork osso bucco. My wife had the beet salad and the pappadelle bolognese. All four dishes were wonderful. Very creative and extremely tasty. Kudos to the chef and his team. The atmosphere and ambiance are equally amazing, highlighted by a wonderful fireplace. But the most distinguishing quality of this establishment is the service. The owner and his wife go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and appreciated. We dine out frequently and cannot think of another restaurant that compares to Cafe Vincotto in terms of warmth of service. We always feel incredibly welcome and appreciated. We have dined at Cafe Vincotto at least six times in the past 24 months - maybe more. The service and the food are consistently spectacular. BTW: (1) family members have also dined at Cafe Vincotto and share our accolades. (2) prices are extremely reasonable. It’s BYO but at $50 per person, before tip, we feel this is VERY reasonable given the overall quality of the dining experience.

I went with my wife last night and had a fantastic time. The restaurant looks smaller but inside it is a beautiful aesthetic and feels much bigger than it seems. Plenty of room where the tables are not on top of each other. The service is very attentive and warm, and the food came out quick while still being very hot and of course delicious. The bread is some of the best fresh bread I can remember having, the meatball starter was amazing, and my wife wants to learn how to make the sauce it was so good. The main was a great size and tasted phenomenal. We will be going back.

We had the pleasure of dining at Cafe Vincotto and it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. This Italian restaurant truly stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. The food embodies the essence of farm-to-table freshness, with flavors that are both vibrant and authentic. I ordered the garden salad, we had the tuna and for dessert, the peach torte. Each dish was a masterpiece in both taste and presentation. The garden salad was crisp and refreshing, the tuna perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, and the peach torte provided a delightful, sweet finish that was both light and satisfying. What makes Cafe Vincotto even more special is the warm and friendly staff. Their dedication to making every guest feel welcomed and valued was evident throughout my visit. I wholeheartedly give Cafe Vincotto a 5-star rating. If you're looking for an Italian dining experience that excels in both culinary excellence and heartfelt hospitality, this is the place to be.

I went here with a small group and the service is impeccable. The right amount of attention without being overbearing. The food was phenomenal, we started with octopus and the eggplant tower. Octopus can be hard to cook and this was perfectly tender and flavorful . The eggplant tower was equally well done and something I will order every time I eat here. The table got a mix of fish, pork chops and beef Wellington and all were incredible. Super fresh and well prepared. The carrot cake for dessert was the cherry on top and the perfect end to a great meal. The restaurant is BYO, but they have a will curated wine list at reasonable prices too. I’m already excited for my next visit!

Visited Café Vincotto while traveling from Switzerland, and it exceeded even my very high expectations. The moment I walked in, I felt genuinely welcomed. The service was warm, attentive, and truly exceptional. Every dish was crafted with incredible care and quality — you can taste the freshness in every bite. It’s rare to find a place that delivers both heart and perfection, but Café Vincotto does exactly that. An unforgettable experience. I’ll be recommending this gem to everyone back home!

We went last night for a ladies dinner and it was exceptional! From the moment we sat down Tony and his staff welcomed us so warmly. With four ladies drinking different kinds of wine, Tony knew what everyone was drinking as he refilled our glasses. The pasta fagioli is out of this world!! The best around for sure. We also had the eggplant tower which they split into two dishes for my sister and I. The portion was very large! It feels like family here- from the meals to the friendly service, there is nowhere around the area that even comes close.

Small family owned restaurant in Berkeley Heights with its own parking lot. After checking out Yelp reviews, we stopped by for dinner. Cute interior with Christmas decorations already making things festive. We were greeted and seated near the cozy fireplace. Started with the harvest salad, conveniently split in the kitchen. Delicious. Entrees were pappardelle ragu and their seared tuna. Both were fresh and flavorful. We finished the evening with their house made tiramisu. Yum. Will be back as service was attentive and friendly, food was great and loved the decor!

Found cafe Vincotto on Yelp n Stopped by for dinner last Saturday. Didn't know it was the restaurant below Seoulite where we've been sr real times. Friendly welcoming staff. Nice ambiance. The bread was nice n warm n really good. We ordered the rainbow beet salad. Generous portions n more than enough for 2 people. Had a nice aged balsamic dressing. Had the branzino n special red snapper for our entrees. the pan seared branzino had Pearl cous cous swiss chard n coconut red pepper coulis. . Waz delicious. The pan fried red snapper had white beans and a tomato based sauce. It was good too. Not a morsel left. We topped it off w tiramisu which wax good. Our waiter highly recommended the baklava as it was homemade by owner. We brought it home n enjoyed it the next day. Tx u 4 a lovely dinner.

A really adorable place!!! I wanted to try this restaurant for a long time and last week I finally made it. I will say this place is lovely the decor is on point a stunning place. The food was amazing the octopus and the salmon tartar were so good, the short ribs are to die for and the Bronzino was delicious!!!!! For dessert we have what I will say the best tres leches of my life it was so goooddd!!! Also, we tried the baklava with pistachio sorbet it was an excellent choice too. I almost forgot as an appetizer we were greeted with a garlic oil dip and bread but the little spoon was absolutely adorable. The service was really good and loved how charming our waitress was she really made our night extra fun! Kudos to this place I will definately coming back

Amazing, kind service. Food is great and decent portions. Owner is always there making sure it's smoothly run. BYOB.

Local stop with European flare. Tight seating but good food. Went there twice and the food was very good the second time and only average the first time.

One of my favorite spots to visit Cant get enough! Very close to my home. BYOB. Highly recommenced to anyone that loves something casual. Food is great and service is outstanding!

Had high hopes for this place. Sorry to say I was not impressed with anything except for the friendliness of the staff. The food was not anything I haven't had before and what we did order wasn't especially delicious. I had the calamari appetize and well...it was boring. The decor is confused and not appealing, chairs not comfortable. I feel bad about writing this but I left very underwhelmed and disappointed. Menu was run of the mill. I'm no longer giving 3 stars or above for something that isn't fine dining or off the charts delicious or super unique ambiance. Go to Dimaios if you want Italian food or the like. It's always delicious

Very friendly staff despite having a 3 yo in the group. She reported they had "the best dessert ever!" It was the flourless choc cake. Also wonderful was tres leches cake - melts in your mouth! Come for the food - not necessarily the unusual decor.

My wife and I had the most delightful time at Cafe Vincotto where we were warmly greeted at the door by owners Tony and Bona! Our orders were not only flavorful but beautifully presented. As for dessert, we would highly recommend 'Victoria's' freshly picked peach ​delight!! Gary & Alicia

We went here with friends for dinner. Service was pleasant. Small place. We ordered salmon, short ribs, and mahi-mahi as entrees all were good. Truffle fries were a hit. The soup special was yummy. Desserts were good we got 2 types of Baklava regular and Sundae and both were good. Coffees and espresso were solid. All in all a good meal.

We always know we'll have a wonderful dining experience when we come to Cafe V. The food is fresh, delicious, and prepared to perfection -- the calamari, mahi mahi, short rib are personal favorites -- the hospitality best-in-class, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. The owners, Tony and Bona, go out of their way to make guests feel like family -- it isn't uncommon to see regulars being greeted with a warm embrace -- it truly is a special place, perfect for a romantic date and group gathering alike.

Very tasty! We had the colossal meatballs, beet salad, cacio e Pepe with gnocchi, and a burger. I have to say that everything was delicious and cooked / prepared to perfection! All fresh, high quality meats and vegetables and you can taste the difference. 5 stars all the way!! This place is a must try...you may even become a regular like so many others! Highly recommended! Excellent service - from being greeted warmly upon entering to being checked on periodically thru the meal to ensure our satisfaction. Top notch!

The food was very good, the people lovely. I liked that they had a range of choices and prices.

Amazing food, we had calamari as an appetizer it was the best we've ever had. For the main course we had a salmon and a yellow fin tuna, both were out of this world. I would highly recommend this place. We'll be back for sure.

I don't know why people rated this so high. All the dishes we had were very bland and basic. I had a special I think of chicken francese that was so dry I needed to squeeze lemon on it. Among the near endless options of Italian restaurants, it's not a standout.

The food, service, and ambiance were amazing. The restaurant is very inviting with unique, fun decor. Would highly recommend

Cafe Vincotto is the 5 carat (one for each star) diamond of Italian American cusine in Berkeley Heights. BH has excellent Italian American restaurants, and Cafe Vincotto stands above all. The food is great, the staff is friendly, kind, and helpful. We have been going since they opened and still view this place as one of the best restaurants in our area, if not the best. In the warmer months, we enjoy outdoor dining though the street is nosiy. We hope they start outdoor dinning again this season. I recommend the pork chop special; it was the best i ever had. In fact, all food is excellent. We are going tonight and will go for our anniversary too. Hopefully, no rain this time for outdoor dining. Robert S

Cafe Vincotto is my favorite restaurant -- my husband and I go every week, and we always walk out with full stomaches and hearts. What truly makes Cafe Vincotto stand out is its owners, Tony and Bona, who are the heart and soul of the place. Their dedication to their craft is impressive -- to say every dish is made with love sounds cliche, but in this case, it is very true (Bona's homemade Sundae Baklava is a must try). Even more impressive is the way they take care of their guests -- they are kind, thoughtful, and always keep us laughing. If you're thinking of giving Cafe Vincotto a try, do it -- you won't be disappointed.

Delicious! We were visiting from Brooklyn and on a whim, decided to order take out from here. Truly one of the best meals I have ever had. The papadellle was my fave. Everything was so fresh and beautifully prepared. Also, the host must've been one of the nicest people I have ever met. Will definitely be returning next time we are in town.

The service is the TOP! It's excellent. From the moment you walk in, you are warmly greeted and taken to your table. Even if the food wasn't excellent, I'd go back because they make your entire experience wonderful! The FOOD IS GREAT TOO!

I want to start with, I was walking around looking for somewhere to eat, my kid was on a play date, and I didn't want to hoover, Every Restaurant seemed to close at 3pm, I stumbled onto Vincotto's, and I had asked if it was open the gentleman opened the door for me and said come right in! The place was so esthetic pleasing the Decor, the working Fireplace, and the bathrooms you will chuckle! now let's start with the food, I had the appetizer Risotto Bon Bons, Amazing the Risotto looked like meatballs perfectly placed on the plate made with 36-month aged Parma Prosciutto, forged mushrooms, Mozzarella, * Parmesan cheese with a basalic velouté. My Main Entre I had decided to go with crispy Salmon, and boy that didn't disappoint either a nice sign salmon on a bed of parsnip and beet puree with roasted squash and an amazing salsa Verde, I think with every bite I was amazed and intrigued, Then came time for dessert I wasn't going to order dessert but he pulled my leg when he told me it was a pistachio tiramisu, That was delicious each spoonful I had put into my mouth was like a bit of paradise into each bite, 10/10 Would Recommend not only was the food out of this world but the service was top notch so attentive and wonderful folks working there. I will be going again !

Amazing food amazing atmosphere! Party of 4 went specifically on a Sunday night so we could try the burger. It was amazing. It comes stacked with 2 shrimp (which were fabulous) and steak fries. One of the best I've had in a long time. We had two apps - coconut shrimp (which I did not try but was told by the table was great) and the fried calamari which again was also fabulous. Aside from the terrific food the staff honestly treated us like family and was nothing short of amazing. I can't wait to go back!!!

We recently had an event there for 45 people. The owners Tony and Bona are lovely people and very easy to work with. They went above and beyond for the event and offered flexibility which was invaluable. The food is great, staff is friendly and the atmosphere is lovely.

Cafe Vincotto is a top local eatery. Their Mediterranean menu is beyond delicious. They change their specials often enough to keep it interesting. The service is great! You are always pleasantly greeted by the owner. The fireplace is also a plus. I highly recommend it.

Visiting old friends who always recommend good food and a special experience. Cafe Vincotto was no exception. From the owners, who treat everyone like guests in their home, to the thoughtful and well plated dishes, we did not have one thing that was less than satisfying! We all chose to go with their restaurant month, 3 course, pre-fix menu (it needs to be unanimous in order to get it) because the choices fit everyone's tastes....and every dish turned out to be a good one! There is no question that we will be back again, but we definitely would not hesitate to recommend that everyone try Cafe Vincotto at least once! Truly a special evening with great food and just the right amount of charm!

I met a good friend out for dinner for a Girls' Night Out. Food was delicious. We split an appetizer (Burrata: arugula/ cucumber/ pear/ asparagus/ radish/ toasted panko crumbs/ basil vincotto), salad (Rainbow Beets: herb whipped ricotta/ orange/ organic baby arugula/ pistachio/ balsamic reduction), entree (halibut special,) & dessert (Flourless Chocolate Cakevanilla gelato/ caramel & chocolate fudge, not pictured). Fabulous food and service, plus BYOB. Portions were large enough to share. We will return to Cafe Vincotto in Berkeley Hts.

Cafe Vincotto is still excellent. The owner is also so nice. Great food, clean, and friendly. All the qualities of a fantastic restaurant.

A follow up review. My granddaughter held her rehearsal dinner here. It could not have been better. Tony and Bona did everything they could to make it magical. Took over the whole restaurant. Fantastic time. So much food - chicken Milanese was super. A small mix up in timing so some did not receive desert but on the whole they provided a wonderful venue. Tony even made up special personalized menus with a sweet sentiment at the bottom. Could not have asked for more.

We have wanted to try Cafe Vincotto since it opened, but we were caring for my elderly mom and couldn't get away. Sadly Mom passed away last month, so for the first time in nearly a year, were able to dine out. We knew our first excursion would be to Cafe Vincotto, based on the photos and the reviews, and we made the right decision! We were greeted at the door by Tony, charming, enthusiastic, confident and ready to show off the chef's skills. He seated us at a lovely table. We looked around as he opened our wine, and the first thing we noticed is that the place is immaculate. Lighting is pleasant, dim, but not too dark. Then we noticed that the tables are spaced well, a nice intimate feel. There are soundproofing panels in the ceiling, so the noise level was low. Nice! The menu selections were all enticing, but the specials....they were really special. I opted for the scallops and hub ordered the bone-in pork chop. WOW! Honestly, these were 2 of the best meals we've had in the past 20 years years. My scallops were fresh and perfectly cooked, they melted in my mouth. Hub says it's the best pork chop he's ever had, moist, tender and packed with flavor. Absolutely delicious! Service was excellent; attentive without hovering. Everyone was pleasant and eager to please. This was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. We can't wait to return, and to bring friends. Next time I'm going to save room for desert, the selections sounded fabulous! Thanks to all of the staff at Cafe Vincotto, you made our first night out since my mom's death a really special, uplifting event.

Excellent food,wonderful staff. My husband and I have visited a couple of times. We look forward to enjoying many more meals at Cafe Vincotto in the near future

Great food, lovely service. Fireplace is nice, try the scallops they are divine.

Great food and service. The NY Strip was cooked perfectly to a medium rare as we requested. The flavor and presentation were perfect. The pasta was delicious with just the right amount of ragu sauce. My husband loved the short ribs with polenta and spinach. Can't wait to go back!

My girlfriends and I made a reservation for a weekday evening for dinner at 7:15. We arrived early and our table was ready. It wasn't packed which was nice. The decor is very pretty and it's a quaint little spot. Tony the owner/manager was very pleasant when he initially greeted us at the door & checked in us periodically throughout dinner. It's BYOB which I love! We started with calamari & salmon tartar. The calamari was very good, served warm with hot peppers , lemon wedges and marinara sauce. My friends liked the salmon tartar but the crust rice cracker was very thin and hard to enjoy because it's easily breakable. For entrees we had 2 branzino dishes, the halibut special, and rainbow beets salad. I ordered the Halibut, it was delicious! It came with carrot pure and potatoes. The branzino was paired with andouille sausage and bacon, my friends were not as thrilled with the taste of the sauce but let Tony know the branzino itself was amazing! For dessert we shared the flourless cake & tres Leches. Both were good, in my opinion not the best I ever had but I would definitely come back to try other desserts and entrees on the menu. Overall very nice experience , clean and friendly staff!

Great local vibe! Ate here recently on a Tuesday night to celebrate our anniversary- The service is personalized and the owner is super sweet.

Where do I start? Being a Foodie - In Feb 2024, I started my vetting and research efforts on my quest to locate a new and perfect restaurant in enough time to celebrate my husband's milestone birthday in March, since my husband and I are both Foodies. At the top of my very short list, I placed a call which first led to a pleasant conversation with Bona who went the extra mile to accommodate my special plans and provided insights into the best way to ensure seating at Café Vincotto's signature one of a kind custom wood carved table which is a stunning work of art and craftsmanship at its finest for those who deeply appreciate wood carvings. For an added romantic ambiance and intimate setting, the beautiful wood carved table sits directly in front of the restaurants electric yet rustic fireplace. When I had to change the timing of my original reservation, owner Tony could not have more accommodating. On my husbands' birthday, Tony warmly greeted us, gave us a tour of his pride and joy and shared so much rich history surrounding his restaurant and all the unique elements he has artistically incorporated into the spaces (including the must see "Living Wall") which not only personalized our experience but also added a whole new dimension to the amazing culinary experience that awaited my husband and I. My husband and I also had the unique experience of having head Chef Stephen personally come to our table, introduce himself and further explained more about the entrée's we ordered. We knew from after tasting the fresh dinner rolls accompanied by olive oil infused with rich spices that we were going to be in for a culinary delight and Chef Stephen did not disappoint. The wait staff was very attentive to refreshing our Pellegrino water glasses when they went below a certain level, good beverage etiquette! The quality of ingredients, perfect blend of spices, amount of seasoning, preparation, plating and presentation of the Short Ribs of Beef, herb polenta cake, spinach & arugula, as well as the Salmon Crispy Skin with parsnip puree roasted vegetables and salsa verde were all outstanding and truly pleasing to the palate. Hats off to Chef Stephen! The Ricotta cheesecake and Sundae Baklava were also a treat as it was obvious that Tony does not sacrifice quality ingredients and there was an appreciation for the work involved to make the delicious/delicate Middle Eastern dessert Baklava using his family recipe. The entire staff along with the other dinning guest joined in to sing "Happy Birthday to my husband while being served a slice of Ricotta Cheesecake with a lit candle on top and his reaction said it all! The bathroom not only was immaculate, but also featured a faucet that could be easily mistaken for a piece of art. How well a restaurant's bathroom is kept speaks volumes about how clean and sanitary the back of the house (kitchen) is maintained and with being a germophobic, Café Vincotto met and exceeded my high sanitary expectations as well. My husband and I were so impressed by the amazing food, personalized experience, and ambiance, that I told my husband that I wanted him to bring me back to Café Vincotto again for my birthday. My husband and I returned again the following month in April for my birthday and just as our first encountered, we were blown away again with all that Café Vincotto's uniquely offers to its patrons with warmth and hospitality. This time I had the Heritage Pork Loin entrée - cooked and seasoned to perfection and one of the most flavorful and tendered Pork Chops I have ever had in my life. The calamari were very tender and seasoned superbly accompanied by an aged balsamic vinaigrette, cherry peppers lemon and arugula. My favorite birthday desert was the Tiramisu, which was off the flavor charts and packed a subtle yet unforgettable punch of premium cognac, Kahlua and espresso, I am still raving over! Since my husband and I have now dined here twice for two special occasions, we have decided that we no longer need a special occasion to dine at Café Vincotto's as this will be our new go to restaurant whenever we are in the area or "Just Because" Thank you, Tony, Bono, and Chef Stephen for sharing your passion for what you all have been uniquely blessed and gifted to do, which played such a special role in creating two memorable culinary experiences shared with my husband and I.

We just had dinner at Cafe Vincotto. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough! A great dining experience!

Executive Chef Steven Wagner outdid himself! The food was amazing and cooked perfectly with such creativity and precision. I can't wait to go back again and try another item from his menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also very cozy and beautiful! 10/10 would recommend for a one of a kind delicious dining experience.

I had dinner tonight at Cafe Vincotto, and it was the most delightful experience. When first walking in, you are greeted by the owners, both warm and kind. You feel their heart in the food and service, both of which were wonderful! The meal was delicious! Don't miss the appetizers and salad! Once you finish your main course, be sure to get dessert. As the menu says, skinny people are easy to kidnap, so always enjoy dessert! The whole experience was perfect. From the ambiance, to the food, I would want nothing more. Go! Enjoy! You won't regret it.

The food was good and well priced. The service was very good. I like that it's byob. However, it was the loudest restaurant I've ever eaten in. I will return but not on a weekend night again.

Well .. the house special appetizer watermelon peach salad was amazing. As was the tartufo for dessert. BUT, the salmon was very unappealing. The mashed potatoes and zuccini were great but the skin on the salmon .. yuck. I just didnt like the salmon prepared that way. Also no butter with bread and no replenishment of silverware. Atmosphere was good. Staff was good.