I have been to many Italian restaurants but without a doubt this one is one of the best. It's a BYOB and located in Morristown and when you come in the door you can't help but see the owner Jack greeting and visiting every table . His concern and the warmth he gives to his customers is unmatched he is truly concerned with everyone enjoying their food and enjoying their night there and sometimes you can even hear him singing to someone he just enjoys being around the people eating there. And after tasting their food you will see why it was voted BEST ITALIAN RESTURANT IN MORRIS & ESSEX . His Zucchini Flowers are excellent nicely battered an filled with some Prosciutto and a little Ricotta cheese and his Mozzarella n Carozza is the best your ever taste . We went there with a table of four and be sure you make a reservation because it looks like everybody wants to eat there ? We had an order of Ravioli's with meatballs and sausage the homemade ravioli's were large but as big as they were is as how light they were in a great sauce and delicious meatballs and sausage , the veal parmigiana was a large chop serve on the bone thinly pounded and covered with a tasty melted mozzarella over it . I had the scrod oreganota and some one had the red snapper and every dish was delicious . And save room for the dessert he's got a lot of them the cannoli is excellent so is his homemade coconut creme pie and a great Lemon cake you top it off with a good tasting expresso and you got yourself a wonderful night out the only thing your leave there wanting is to see how fast you can get back there. He also has outside dining but a limited area .And there's also is a nice little wine and liquor store two doors down so you don't even have to go far if you forgot or decided you wanted something to drink with dinner.
(5)
Tara D.
We went on Valentine's Day so it was understandably packed. We were able to sit down after an hour. The owner was extremely friendly and the food was delicious. My only complaint is that the hostess did not seem prepared for a busy night whatsoever. Seemed like she wasn't paying full attention. Will go back on less crowded night!
(4)
Patricia R.
OMG! What a place! The gravy was reminiscent of my dear aunt Jennie's aka "Inkie". It felt like home here and I'll be back for more. The garlic and oil dipping sauce was amazing - you will want to take a bottle of it home. Michael was our waiter and he is no ordinary Waiter let me tell you. His recommendations are right on and he has a lot of jokes as a side dish. This was my first night here and I feel like I'm home and I've known the staff forever. I had the red snapper with clams, mussels over polenta and I tasted everybody's dish including my sister-in-laws homemade ravioli. It was so delicious!!!! This place is a gem. I'll be back...many more times!
(5)
Jerry L.
After living in Morristown - and walking by here practically every day - I finally went in. I am now kicking myself. Guerriero's is absolutely amazing. The food...oh, gods, the food. The meatballs are thick and delicious. There was a special of spinach ravioli in vodka sauce that quite literally melted in my mouth. The owner came over and entertained my baby. Look, if you're still reading this - and the restaurant is open - you're missing out. Don't make the same mistake I did. Go right now. Bring your appetite. Eat everything they serve. Then order dessert.
(5)
Jamie F.
Best italian food ive had outside of my mothers kitchen. Very attentive wait staff inside and outside. Food came fast and was really fresh. Extremely clean and very cozy. Between Jack the owner n our waiter mike scanelli I felt right at home. Highly recommended if in the morristown area. There are many restaurants on south street but this by far is in my top 3 :)
(5)
Jeffrey A.
I went here with my dad, who is from a large, first generation Italian family. He had the homemade ravioli with Sunday gravy and accompanied meat. He raved about it and said that it was like his mother made. So the food was great but the room was very noisy and there was a strong smell of burned olive oil in the air
(4)
T K.
Good old school italian joint, friendly (and with heritage) staff. Many of the pastas are made at the restaurant, I had one and it was not perfection but very good. One thing that makes this place memorable is the feeling of family and heritage, its in the atmosphere. The olive oil that is served with the bread is also very unique, even slightly sweet, its excellent. If you live in or near Morristown you need to give this place a try.
(4)
Casey B.
My wife and I have been to this restaurant several times, and had never been dissapointed until last night. The food has always been stellar (and still is), and the owner tries to make everybody feel comfortable in his restaurant. I say, "tries", because unfortunatley our latest experience at Guerrieros was a big swing and miss. I'm being generous by giving 3 stars, entirely based on prior visits, which were much more positive. In today's day and age, it's highly annoying that you can't pay with a credit card. But OK, no problem. We'll stop for cash. It's a little strange that they only have seatings at 6 and 8 o'clock. But OK, we'll eat a late lunch and a snack so we weren't starving by 8. It's even more frustrating that you can't make reservations for parties of 2. I don't know what this is about? I guess studies have shown that couples on dates don't spend as much money as bigger groups. The point is, there are so many rules to follow with this place. I'm beginning to quesiton why we even bother. So we showed up at 7:45 like we normally do, so that we can claim a table and get our order in before 4, 6, and 8 tops leisurely stroll in. The hostess tells us that it'll be a 45-60 min wait. It was very cold and windy out, tough to find parking, and my wife is 5 months pregnant, so we didn't feel like walking back to our car to find another place. OK, you got us! We'll wait it out. Then they offer us a table next to the hostess stand, close to the door that we soon learned would be ferociously opening and closing, letting wicked ghusts of wind in over the next 20 minutes. It was better than potentially waiting until 9 to eat, so we took a chance. "I've sold so many Pasta Fagioles tonight" owner Jack tells us. Well maybe it's because you're freezing us out all night. Maybe you should sell blackets and ear muffs while you're at it. The low point of the evening came when the hostess actually propped the door open for several minutes to let some smoke out of the kitchen. I contemplated throwing down the cash when this happened, and walking out with our bowls of pasta in hand. Instead I just closed the door like this was my own house. Nobody even noticed. Unreal. While the fridget temperatures probably bothered my future child more than anything else, my wife and I were actually most upset by the waitress we had. I was a waiter for several years, so I proably pay closer attention to the quality of service more than the average person. That being said, I wouldn't consider us to be abnormally needy customers. I don't want to say that she was incompetent, because she clearly knew what she should be doing, It's that she just didn't care about us. When our food came out, she never even asked us how our meal was, or if we needed anything else. We consistantly got brushed off for her larger tables around us. Half-listening to our order, she confused me saying, "we'll both start off with the Pasta Fagiole" with, "I'll take a warm bowl of delicious soup while my shivering wife sits here like an a-hole with nothing in front of her but the baby in her tummy". We had to track the hostess down several times for parmesian cheese. The busboys were busy in the back of the resturant, so there was a drought on water all night. We basically needed to beg for things that you'd normally take for granted. I didn't even bother to ask for cracked pepper, which I normally hold in very high regard. After we found a busboy to wrap up our leftovers, 15 minutes went by before the waitress came around so we could ask for the check. Coffee or desert wasn't in our future by this time, but it wasn't even offered. Pathetic. In summary, this is still a nice place to visit with some friends and family. You'll be treated well, and have a meal to remember. (Sadly I didn't even talk about the food in this review, as I was more focused on the other crap that happened). But if you're looking for a quiet or romantic date night, this is clearly not your best bet in Moristown.
(3)
Sandy R.
Just stopped in on a whim.... They had a table inside and offered to bring it outside for us which was really nice. Calamari app was great, asked for hot sauce which was good... I had the special which was a snapper dish offered three different ways... The fish was cooked perfectly, the sauce was flavorful, pasta was homemade and filling! Oh and we tried the meatballs just to say we tried them... They were great as well... Save your bread for dipping!!! It's a byob and only takes cash or check so be ready!!! Definitely will be back, great homemade and authentic taste and the staff is very pleasant.
(4)
J S.
Owner came out to personally greet us and every other customers there like we were family. Food was very flavorful, delicious and honestly probably the best italian that I tried (so far).
(4)
Andrea Joy A.
This is hands down the best/most authentic Italian food in Morristown. There is a reason why it's always full, even on weeknights. I highly recommend ordering one of the specials, as the freshness is unbeatable. Think: ravioli that melts in your mouth. BYOB, also, which is always great. The ONLY reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I find it frustrating that they only take reservations for parties of 3 or more. Also, on Fridays and Saturdays they do "seatings" at 6:45PM and 8PM but it doesn't quite work because they don't boot the people who arrive for the earlier seating, so the 8PM arrivals end up waiting a while.
(4)
Tessa C.
I have wanted to try this place for a while due to the fact that many people have told me it is one of the best Italian restaurants in Morristown. Being Italian myself and having been to many Italian restaurants throughout my life, and in Morristown, I was excited to try Guerriero's. However, I am sorry to say that I was extremely disappointed. I went with my father on a Tuesday night. Surprisingly, the restaurant was extremely busy. The wait staff seemed very overwhelmed and the service wasn't great. The food overall was not very good. This restaurant has typical Neopolitan homestyle Italian cooking which I grew up with - chicken parmigiana, pasta with gravy, eggplant rollatini, etc. I got the pasta Bolognese. The gravy was mediocre at best and didn't have much flavor. AND THE SALT! My dish had a lot of salt, but I didn't really mind it. My father ordered the pasta fagioli soup which was uneatable. It was literally like eating a spoonful of salt which he had to send back due to the fact that he has a health issue if he eats too much salt. My father did get the octopus appetizer special which he enjoyed. Overall, it was very disappointing. I really wanted to like this place. If you are looking for very large serving portions of cheap mediocre Italian food I can see why you would like this place. However, it's not for me.
(1)
Christy M.
Very good food overall! Some things are excellent and some are just ok. I am a big fan of the meatballs, sausage and ravioli's! Although the last time I was there the ravioli's were very mushy (over cooked) and I was so disappointed. The cannoli's are to die for! The best I have had around here! The calamari app was delicious but also slightly over cooked. I personally have never had a problem with the wait staff or the owner but I have seen the owner be obnoxious and very sarcastic to other people. He was even sarcastic to my sister once but I thought it was funny! It is very loud and the tables are very close together but what do you expect from a place with very good food! Reservations a must, especially on the weekends. It gets very busy! I would definitely recommend!! Make sure to bring cash.
(4)
Andrew W.
Excellent meal. Caprese salad was perfect: tomatoes, roasted red peppers, homemade mozzarella. Large portion. Followed with the Rogatoni alla Guierrero: thick homemade pasta, fresh tomato sauce, plenty of basil, two of the best meatballs I've ever tasted and a sausage link that was great too. Arrived at 5:15 on a Thursday night: was full by 6 so go early or get reservations. Only thing keeping me from rating it as 5 stars is that it's cash only--though there's an ATM at the bank across the street.
(4)
Meghan B.
Good no-fuss Italian!
(4)
John M.
Went the other night with people from work ... its a BYOB with a great wine place next door ... the Food was amazing ! ... best italian food I've had in morristown BY FAR ...
BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!! The food is amazing and excellent, try coming on Sunday Dinner at Grandma's just to eat some of those meatballs!!!!!!!! Oh, did I mention the pasta is EPIC!!!!!!!
(5)
Jeff S.
The sausage, cavatelli, and brocolli is fantastic. Also you can't not get the stuffed mushrooms or the fried zucchini if they have them on their specials list. They have two seatings on the weekends so if you BYO they may try to rush you if you reserve the earlier seating for dinner. Cash only, which in 2014 is laughable, but the food is worth the annoyance of a restaurant being cheap.
(5)
Lisa M.
Delicious food! Gets a bit loud, but that was fine. We took my parents and grandparents here, who also loved it. Everything we had was fabulous! I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Chris L.
Excellent food, sometimes quirky service, severely loud noise level and you better bring a lot of cash. Don't forget to bring wine. The place was packed on the Friday when our group of 4 had dinner. Started with an amuse bouche of garlicky white beans on bread. For appetizers we tried the fried calamari (ask for the hot sauce) and the shitake risotto which were both great, also the fried zucchini (decent). Entrees were red snapper prepared oreganata (breaded with oregano) that was tasty. Black linguini with seafood was very good. We had no room left for dessert! Our waiter was great, but the busboys were a too aggressive in clearing plates and too slow to refill water. The owner (Jack) stopped by several times to check on us (once is fine, after that weird) and once to complain about another customer (awkward, we didn't need that). Unfortunately the noise level is excruciating, the place is all tile & bare drywall, so we often simply couldn't understand the person right across the table. Not just noisy, but also expensive. Prices are $10-20 for appetizers, $15-20 for pasta dishes, $18-25+ for meat dishes. Cash only, really. So I'd love to go back for the food (4 stars), but not for the ambiance (2 stars).
(3)
Bjorn S.
I would give this place a 4.5 if I could. The entrees were very good and the appetizers were pretty good. As apps we had the special of stuffed mushrooms and the mozzarella and cheese. I would get the former again, but not the latter. I had the ravioli as an entree and it was very good and a little unique. The sauce is good, the meatballs and sausage are very good, and the dough and construction of the ravioli was good. My father had the spaghetti which I was not very impressed with and would not recommend. Not the cheapest place, but I would say worth it (not an incredible value, but a good one) and I'm pretty sure I will return.
(4)
Ally B.
DO NOT eat here! Be kind to yourself and go somewhere else. The owner is so unbelievably rude and terrible to his customers. When I ate dinner there I found a hair in my food and they were not apologetic and didn't offer me a replacement meal. Don't give this place your money!
(1)
Pasquale R.
I guess I have been spoiled by really good Italian food throughout my life. I tend to avoid Italian Restaurants for this reason. They can rarely match up to what I am used to. This place is no different. It had been suggested by a couple of friends as "the best spot in the area". I am not so sold on it. My gf and I were on our way back from a visit in the area so we decided, because of a recommendation, to try this place. It wasn't too busy (which based on reviews is surprising). You are greeted by an old school Italian guy and are seated by the hostess. The place isn't very big and the decor is simple. The usual bread, butter and oil is brought to the table. The oil is garlic infused. For apps (which isn't a lot) we started with zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta then battered and fried. We also wanted to try the meatballs (a buddy swears by them). So the zucchini flowers were good but you can barely taste the flower as they were deep fried. One bite and they could be gone (they only give you 3). The meatballs were a bit larger but again they give you 3. Suffice to say rather than fill us up, it was enough to hold us over for the main course. She went with the Fusilli con Broccoli Rabe en Saciccia and I opted for the Fusille con Presutto e Pesielli. The interesting aspect is her's were homemade and didn't look like them and mine were Barilla and tasted better. She enjoyed hers and mine was little salty (from the prosciutto I guess). So rather than overstuff ourselves and not have dessert we decided to wrap up the left overs and gorge ourselves on a lemoncello cake and an almond one...both were good but didn't seem to be homemade. Overall the food was average. Service was good. Their prices are high. 2 pasta entrees were $20 avg each. A bonus is we saw Jeremy Roenick and his family dine here...or at least his twin but I am 99% sure it was him. **This place does not accept credit cards! Isn't it 2012? Thank god I hit the ATM prior to going. We both didn't see anything that said no CC's accepted until the waiter told us at time of payment. **BYOB as well.
(3)
danni c.
The best Italian food in the area. Great service and excellent old fashion Italian food. A must go too
(5)
Sandra B.
Had dinner here tonight and was very disappointed. We were not aware of the fixed menu for Sunday which would not have been bad if it was worth it. I'll give you this the food was good it was tasty but not much of it. The service was awful and the place was very dusty I'm not going to say dirty but very dusty.. It got warm and we were like why don't they put the fans on, omg I looked up and the dust on the fans and all over was disgusting, I then said I hope they don't put the fans on cause all that dust will be in our food, well they did turn the fans on :(. Sorry to say I was so disappointed. Good food is great but if you don't have a clean place and good service you don't have much. Don't think I'll be returning or recommending this place unless they do a major spring cleaning and get a friendlier staff..
(1)
Greg R.
Seen this place daily, was told how great it was, never tried it. Until this past Friday. Had just got back from Short Hills when I was told we would be meeting some people there for dinner. So we stopped and got a couple bottles of white and a bottle of red and headed over. We met our little group, one of whom had reserved us a table. Waiter was very nice, but not in an 'in your face' way. The couple we were with had ordered two orders of meatballs for an app, they were good, sauce was fine. Then the waiter had told us what the specials were, one (my order) was a braised, bone-in pork chop over ziti w/ 'sunday gravy.' I take this very seriously and don't throw phrases like this around; it may have been the BEST PORK CHOP I'VE EVER HAD. I went to stick the knife and fork in it and it just fell apart. It was absolutely delicious. My girlfriend and her friend who were sitting on either side of me, couldn't keep their forks out of my plate. We wrapped it up with an espresso and went out for a nightcap. All in all, it was an excellent dining experience and I will definitely be going back. After all, they had a wild boar ragu on special that I'm going to need to try eventually.
Just got home from having dinner at Guerriero's tonight. I've never posted a review the night of the dinner before so this place must be special. And it is! We called ahead as we had read a few Yelp reviews saying that you absolutely HAVE to make reservations or you won't get in. Not true if you're a party of two. The server told us to just come on in and they will seat us as soon as they can. When we arrived, it was only a ten minute wait and we used that time to walk next door and buy a bottle of cabernet sauvignon from The Grapeful Palate. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and very cordial. The specials he recited from memory all sounded fantastic and, in fact, we ordered the stuffed mushroom appetizers from his list. While we waited for the mushrooms, he opened our bottle of wine and brought us some bean and bread palate warm-up. It was a perfect appetizer's appetizer. Then he brought some Italian bread and olive oil with three garlic cloves in it. Admittedly, we are a little spoiled when it comes to olive oil as we have a friend of the family who makes her own olive oil and we buy it from her and secretly we call it "liquid crack" so we compare all restaurant oils to this and none ever stand up. This was no exception. Liquid crack won out again. But these are impossible standards and no restaurant should be judged by this ambrosia we have been lucky enough to stumble upon. The stuffed mushrooms came. There were four of them. Stuffed with very finely chopped sausage and topped with "Sunday gravy" and parmesan. They were mouth watering bites of goodness. As I was halfway through my first mushroom, the owner stopped by our table and asked how it was. I hadn't gotten the full flavor in my mouth just yet so I said "pretty good." The owner (jokingly) said, "Bullshit! Pretty good, they are great!" I finished the other half of the mushroom and had to agree. The man had a point. They WERE great. For my meal, I had the lasagna (special) with one "Guerriero's famous meatball." There is nothing negative I can say (or would want to say) about this meal. I took my time and savored every bite of it. I love to make my own meat lasagna about once every couple of months but I can never get the meat chopped finely enough. I realize now that it CAN be done and it CAN be done well. The lasagna noodles layered and smushed the other ingredients in a such an exact way that, biting into it was like gently ingesting a warm cloud of saucy Sicilian spongy surprise. (Note: I do not presuppose that the restauranteur's origins are from Sicily. It only worked for my dumb alliteration.) The GF had the rigatoni with Sunday gravy and meatballs and loved that as well. I tried it and agreed. Manifique. We got dessert to go. NY cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake. Both were creamy and delicious. I still have the memory of their sweetness on my tongue as I type these words. A few people have commented on the noise volume in the restaurant. Yes, it is a little loud but it was hardly an issue. Highly recommend. Was a brilliant meal. Definitely going back.
(5)
Michael F.
By far the best Italian food around.
(5)
Vera K.
The only reason I gave it 3 starts instead of 2 is that they do make pasta al dente like in Italy. Otherwise the food is mediocre (tasteless American-Italian pizza joint type of food) and service is blah. Beware that they only accept cash. Agree that the owner has poor social skills, and subsequently his staff is not properly trained.
(3)
Sharon G.
The number of really good Italian restaurants in Morristown is impressive, and this is one of them! I love the garlicky white-bean dip they bring out with the bread. Their food is homestyle-hearty (they have Sunday Gravy) and good and they have a few seats outdoors in the summer, which look nice on the warm nights in the fading light. I passed by here daily, coming home from two different jobs, and have always looked longingly at it as I was going by. You'll need cash here!
(4)
Trisha H.
Another one of my favorite Italian restaurants in North Jersey! We went Saturday night, four of us, my second time there. I was excited to come back here, this place comes recommended from a friend who grew up in Morristown. We started with the cold antipasto, which was very tasty. I had the spaghetti with meatballs, yumm. The last time I came, I had the chicken parmigiana, which was also delish. The meatballs here taste soooo good! I'm not a fan of having spaghetti and meatballs when I go to an Italian restaurant, but I tried a bite last time and had to have it for dinner this time. The sauce, aka gravy, is sooo good, even my boyfriend says it reminds him of his Grandma's sauce. It's BYOB and they only take cash. The Grapeful Palate is a few doors down, in case you need to buy a bottle. The two times I've been here, the service has been friendly. They do seatings on the weekend. I def recommend this place. This and Giotto in Montclair are my top two favorite Italian restaurants in North Jersey. Bring your appetite and a bottle of vino!
(5)
Karen P.
I have eaten here s a few times and found the food to be okay...the pasta doesn't appear to be homemade...the flavors of the sauces are okay but nothing extraordinary. Still would be a reasonably good place to eat, IMO, were it not for the attitude of the owner/proprietor who is arrogant and rude. The most recent time I was there, I showed up with a reservation about 10 minutes before they actually opened--the door was unlocked, so I walked in. Big mistake as they weren't actually opened for business yet and the owner let me know it. Throughout the rest of my interaction with him he was rude and impatient. cutting me off mid-sentence and talking over me. Not just once or twice,but over and over again. I finally just walked out. A few minutes later as I waited outside to intercept my party and discuss going somewhere else, he came outside, smoked a cigarette and threw the butt in the street. Just really unappealing overall.
(1)
s l.
Walked in, and forced to walk out. The story: We had our charming 3 year old with us. We waited patiently at entrance to be welcomed and seated. Another couple came in after us. Unbeleivably, when a staff member was available, he so obviously walked around us and immediately seated the couple behind us. We even had to move over to let them by. Was it because we had a child? Not 1 word was even spoke. Most strange restaurant experience of my life.
(1)
A B.
Last night I ate at this restaurant and I asked a particular Italian waiter for advice, seeing as how I know nothing about Italian food. He graciously gave me a special off-menu recommendation with the caveat that I finish the plate. Pork osso buco. The food was unreal. The best ravioli, the best meat, the best sauce. Each bite was amazing. The service was impeccable. I felt like family. I felt so much like family, in fact, that I am ashamed to say I didnt finish the plate. Because the portions are also totally huge and for a small, pathetic boy... I just couldnt handle it. Someone at the restaurant will hopefully read this and let him know that Im sorry. Im so sorry. One of the best dining experiences Ive ever had and hands down the best Italian food Ive ever had in my life.
(5)
Bridget M.
We have been here several times and always had a delicious meal. The interior could use a bit of a makeover - but who really cares when the food is as good as it is here. Unlike other reviewers, I find the owner to be always welcoming and friendly. Cash only is a bit of bummer but the byob tips the scales on this issue.
(4)
Jungmin L.
As much as I would like to love Guerriero's for their friendly-chatty waiters, I just can't. The food just isn't that good and before the arrival of the mentioned waiters service ignores you for a looooong time, even when only 4-5 tables are occupied. They say the mozzarella is made in-house. It's gummy, underseasoned, not creamy, and lacks the milky flavor of fresh mozzarella. The dishes tend to be too heavily sauced. Meatballs were not well-seasoned enough; I found it bland. Pastas themselves are worse than mediocre - clearly overcooked (my fork just cut through it...) and either it is not homemade or it is not kneaded enough to develop wheat-gluten for toothiness/chewiness. They give you powdered "parmesan" and not the real, salty/savory/nutty parmigiano. I use the fake stuff at home, and I actually like the homelyness of it, but for the price that Guerriero's run? And cash-only? Come on. The only upside are the desserts. Somebody in the kitchen must be a baking aficionado, because all their cakes are delicious and beautifully plated, and the daily special dessert is always something that takes creativity and skill.
(2)
Frank C.
The best southern Italian in North Jersey. Consistently good. Had the fried broccoli flowers and sausage and peppers appy's tonite and they were fantastic. Jack the owner is a great host.
(5)
Richard M.
I've been hearing about this place for years and never tried it. It is a BYOB, which can save some money, but for this area, the menu prices are a tad high. I ordered a Shrimp and Calamari, over black linguini. It was fresh, had almost enough fish, but lacked any flavor. It was $23. You are served fresh bread and olive oil with roasted garlic flavor, which was very tasty. They only take reservations for 3 or more and accept no credit cards. I probably wouldn't return, but others certainly liked it, as the place was packed.
(3)
Faina D.
This place definitely has culture! Living in Morristown I've walked by this place many times and it always looked packed! Friday night didn't make a reservation and got a table for 2 with no wait! The ambiance was classic/traditional Italian, not fancy at all, very noisy, and so warm feeling. Looking around I saw a lot of spaghetti with meatballs but ended up with going with a special pasta dish with tomatoes, cucumbers, and other very fresh ingredients. We also had calamari as an appetizer and chicken parmigiana, everything was pretty good. Particularly bland for my taste buds, lacking some salt and flavor but still very tasty. Overall I would go back for the convenience and warm family ambiance - even the owner came over and asked how everything was!
(4)
Heather Lee H.
Went here a couple nights ago with my roommate and her cousin. Hands down best Italian meal I've had in a while. We had the stuffed zucchini flowers which were amazing, so delicately fried, yet light, airy and full of flavor inside. Homemade pastas make this place my new favorite.
(5)
Joey K.
Had a really nice time here. The decor has a very authentic feel, and the host/owner is up and about giving people warm welcomes. You can tell there's a lot of regulars in around the room - a lot of kissing of hands and other Italian gestures that I would make look very offensive. I told our server I was relatively new in town and he gave us meatballs on the house, and then he made an awkward joke about how his balls were the best in town. I enjoyed his balls, very much. The sauce had nice chunks of tomatoes, good wine+herb flavors.. really what you look for. House salad was nice, had some great marinated white beans. Bread and olive oil that had a lot of roasted garlic cloves sitting in it - why don't you see this more often? The ravioli was great. They were shockingly big, about the size of a good portabello mushroom. The cheese inside was smooth, soft, a little melty, but had delicate milky flavor. It came with more meatballs and sausage (way greasier than the typical Italian sausage, but in a good way, I don't like how 'greasy' has a negative connotation). Veal parm was delicious as well, the meat was a little tough but the sauce and cheese on top had good spice and really made the whole thing heavy duty and fantastic. I ate about half, then picked at the sauce and cheese on top until they were gone, because they were that good. Our waiter acted as if it was sacrilege to do this, and that it figured because I looked Irish. The cannoli were really fantastic, the cream was so rich and lush. I want to make a cake frosted with that cream. Seriously go here, it's one of the best dining experiences I've had in NJ.
(5)
Warren B.
dinner the other night was a study in calm under fire. the restaurant was packed.. meals were savored, wine was enjoyed and Jack smiled at every customer who came in the door. It was jammed with a multi hour wait, but everyone was smiling. all was good in the universe, our stomachs filled, our hearts warmed and the wine tasting uniquely of the place. we sat in the historic former grocery store and drank in the atmosphere of good food, good friends and good memories. njmonthly.com/blogs/njmy…
(5)
Sarah G.
I have seen this little restaurant grow up before my very eyes!! 1 day old: Yay! New Italian restaurant in town... uh ohhh, the kitchen was smoking, the service was awful, my mom was served uncooked shrimp, oh and did i mention 2 of the 4 entrees ordered came out a good 30 minutes before the other 2? But hey, this is their first night and you could see glimmers of hope... I shall return! A few months old: There is no a constant crowd and the food is better, but the service has yet to catch up! Going on 4 years old: Outstanding! Their specials are always great, but the items off the regular menu are just as delectable! The service is now very good! I also really love their bean/onion bruschetta! I always make it to this place when I came into town for a boisterous dining experience! Tip: Check and cash only, BYOB with a wine store next door (Gabriel's)
(4)
Victoria T.
I'll never go back. No doubt the best Italian food in the area and we have gone back several times hoping that it's been an "off night". There is simply no food good enough to overcome the lousy service of the waitstaff and the attitude of the owner. If you like sarcastic staff, eating in a noisy (really really noisy) restaurant, waiting a couple of hours for food, bringing your own liquor and paying cash, you'll love this place.
(1)
Bob G.
Guerriero's is by far the most authentic Italian Ristorante in North Jersey. I usually stick to the spicier side of things and go with the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with their imported homemade pasta from the homeland. I tend to jump around the menu at times and have never been disappointed... The atmosphere is welcoming, owner is hilarious, and the food is phenomenal.... this is why I don't just recommend this place but making reservations are suggested.
(5)
Lawrence S.
Bring cash and bring your own wine...get ready for real family style Italian, but make sure to save some room for the dessert (wrap up the left overs) and try their lemoncello cake. You will probably see the owner making his way to your table, so tell Jack I said hello...
(5)
Scott R.
Easily my favorite Italian restaurant in town. My wife swears by the Ravioli "Aumme Aumme" and I love the Rigatoni alla Guerriero. Try the Vongole Posillipo, you won't be disappointed. Guerriero's is BYO but there is a great wine shop next door if you forget (The Grapeful Palate). I've always felt that a good restaurant has a owner who is never absent. Mr. Guerriero is NEVER absent!! Don't be surprised if he stops by and strikes up a conversation. He's passionate about his restaurant and we are all the beneficiaries! Go now but make sure you go back and grab a table outdoors in May!
(4)
Sheryl B.
Very noisy. Atmosphere like a pizzeria. Came in Sunday and didn't know it wa a fixed menu. Antipasti wa ok, no cheese. Pasta course was bland. Chicken was ok. Service was very slow. Overprice. Not worth the trip.
(3)
adele B.
Visited last night with 7 other friends. Our waiter, Michael, was wonderful- great sense of humor. We were seated in the back which wasn't a great table as the curtains to the kitchen kept flying open with each wait person going in to pick up their orders, as well as the door swinging open. It was noisy, accoustics are terrible, so it was difficult to hear what someone was saying at the opposite end of the table. I had asked for my sauteed broccoli rabe to have just a touch of olive oil; it was literally swimming in oil- so much, in fact that i took the bowl and drained the oil onto the bread plate (it filled it to the brim) and then had to transfer the rest of the oil to yet an other bread plate! I didnt want to complain and ate my soggy broccoli rabe, trying to drain each forkful on my salad plate. I had the pear and walnut salad ($9.95) which was overpriced for the size/quantity of toppings. The other dishes looked good and my friends seemed to like their food. Overall, it was very pricey- two friends shared a salad and an entree, so effectively we had one less person eating, but split the bill 8 ways and it was $30 a person! (one of my friends had exactly what I had- a side order of broccoli rabe and the pear salad- so we're not talking big steak/seafood dinners here) I think what got me was when the hostess said at 8:15 ish that we had to vacate the table- no one said there was going to be a time limit to our dining. Oh well, the owner(? jovial man who walked around all night) seemed pleasant and the waiter certainly made the dining friendly. BYOB always works for me.
(3)
Dom M.
We just celebrated a birthday here and this time, I had their take on chicken Marsala although it's named after their restaurant. I sent word to the chef that it was the best chicken dish I've had in years And I can't wait until I come back and enjoy it again Also, I had their coconut cream pie for dessert and I wanted to hug the chef. Yeah, it was THAT good. Much to love here. Give it a try!
(5)
J V.
This place has that "homey" kind of feel to it. It's not very big and I can see why reservations might be hard to get. My husband and I came for dinner for the first time last week after recommendations from friends. We specifically came for the squash blossom special which we called about before arriving. Upon our arrival, they sold out of the blossoms. Not a big deal, first come first served, but it was disappointing considering we came specifically for that app. The waiter service could have been better. It wasn't horrible, but quite a few times we were waiting for drink refills or bread. The bean amuse bouche they serve was nice, but nothing special. I was in the mood for some calamari, and it was good. Nothing new or creative but not bad either. My husband had the grilled octopus and he said it was delicious. We also split some meatballs as an app, and those were pretty basic. For entrees, he had the osso bucco special which was delicious, but it was served over pasta with red sauce. I think that the sauce overwhelmed the dish and the osso bucco should have been served with a nice risotto to capture the flavor of the meat. I had the snapper pasta special. This was where I was incredibly disappointed. While my fish was a nice portion and was tender, the mussels and clams were so tiny you could hardly taste them. The pasta portion was so small that I didn't see the point of even putting it on the plate. For $30, I expected a lot more. Overall, pretty much every dish on the menu was served in a red sauce. I'll admit the sauce was good, but some variation would be nice. We get it...you make a decent red sauce. The owner is seen walking through the restaurant at all times and was pleasant to us. For the price tag, I'd consider elsewhere. The food was good, but nothing I would come back for. The cash only part is annoying too.
(2)
Weiying W.
I need to confess that I have a weak spot for homemade pasta. This place has the best pappardelle and tagliatelle in town. I can't remember if they were on the regular menu or specials. But before you order, make sure to ask if they were made in house. It makes a great deal of difference. They'll serve you with white bean salad on baguette as a mini starter, which was delicious. The only downside: it's cash only. I'd understand it if they were a small shop. But this place isn't cheap. So remember to bring your $$$
(4)
Lyndsay H.
BYOB! Outside seating! I've only been here once but enjoyed my experience. The owner was very friendly, so much so he actually sat down with us and helped us decide what to get. I highly suggest the homemade ravioli which he recommended. They came as 3 massive pieces and were absolutely delicious! Never had anything like it! our waiter said the homemade Fusilli con Broccoli Rabe, Salsicce was the most popular and everyone loves it, so we ordered it. Good texture, however we were disappointed with the lack of flavor. Wouldn't recommend it. Definitely will be back to try the other dishes.
(4)
Sara Z.
Really good overall experience, from hostess, meals to great service. The fried mozzarella appetizer was nothing like we have had before, or expected, but it was delicious. I equated it to a mozzarella piccata with capers and all. The sauce was so good. Our meals were huge and I barely made a dent in mine. I had the nightly special of pappaderella (sp.) with sausage. I didn't care if sausage was sweet or hot and server kindly offered a bit of both which was a nice touch. My husband said it was a great lunch too the next day,, My husband had the fra diavlo. It was spicy, in a good way. Be aware, that it is a tad more spicy than typical, but that was not a bad thing for him. There was a lot of shrimp and he managed to clean his plate. We will definitely be back and very happy to have found a new local restaurant.
(4)
Silvia S.
One of my absolute favorite Italian restaurants. My boyfriend and I go every Friday night and look forward to it all week! Place is BYOB and we enjoy sitting outside while its summer time. I've tried a lot of new things on the menu (along with their specials) and all have been amazing! Jack, the owner is always friendly and takes an interest in talking to us every time we go (some might not like that and find it rude and overbearing, but just know he means well and you have to know him to love him) Staff is also very friendly and accommodating to anything we need. They do only take cash, but don't let that stop you from checking this place out. Worth every penny! This will forever be our Friday night tradition. I look forward to bringing my family here on special occasions!
(5)
Novella B.
This was my first time coming here for dinner. The waiter took forever to take our orders...he was too busy talking to a staff member. When he finally came to our table, I ordered the seafood risotto...it was good. It's BYO...next door there's a good wine store. I'm rating them a 1 out of 5 because the staff didn't seem friendly and our waiter kept on disappearing a lot. He didn't ask us once "how is the food" or "do you guys need anything else".
(1)
Cachonda G.
My husband and I went with friends the first time and then dined there last week. The food is all home made and the owner greets all of his guests. The foods amazing. the best appetizer is the stuffed zucchini flowers. They are my favorite. If you are a party of 2 call ahead since the place is small. If you are a larger party they have a 6pm or an 8pm seating. The foods amazing though but the place is very loud. We personally love it! BYOB too! Oh and CASH ONLY!!!
(5)
shannon g.
This is by far the best most authentic Italian food in the area. Everything I've ever tried has been fantastic and I try something different each time I go. Not sure what others are talking about when they say the food isn't good. Maybe they are more suited to the food at Olive Garden. Guerriero's is not a place for an elegant atmosphere, but its a nice family style setting. Always crowded even on Tuesdays. Love it!
(4)
E e.
. Only been there once. Meatballs were USELESS. No bark on them at all and literally NO flavor at all. Rest of food was ok. Pricey and didn't live up to its rep. Try Virginia's in Union. AUTHENTIC AFFORDALBE and soooo good.
(3)
Michelle K.
For the price, this place was just ok. I had the spaghetti & meatballs since it was recommended to me by one of the people who worked there and it was fine, but not really spectacular. I also didn't feel like the service was all that great. I was able to order relatively quickly, but I didn't really get much attention afterwards and practically had to feign dine-and-dashing in order to get my check so that I could leave (my son was getting a bit cranky and I was in a rush to get out of there). The staff seemed nice, just not particularly attentive to me. Overall not a bad place, but I don't think I'd go there again. Too expensive for food that's just okay. $20 for 3 meatballs!!!
(3)
Joe P.
Some of the most wonderful food i have ever had! When we walk in, we were immediately greeted by the owner and after a short wait we were seated. The owner would walk around the tables and talk to EVERYONE! It was so nice. The food came out fairly quickly and we enjoyed all of it. Overall, one of my favorite meals and restaurants of all time. The restaurant only takes cash and check so be warned, no credit or debit cards! I strongly suggest this restaurant for your next meal!
(5)
Chris L.
I've had mixed experiences here...once my Osso Bucco was fantastic...seating is a little tight (narrow room) and another trip I had linguine with white clam sauce, and the clams were cooked at such a high heat that all i smelled was burnt shell in every bite of my dish (quite a turn off!) Meatballs were awesome...the guy in the picture is always there, and quite a character (his personality is not for everyone) not somewhere i'm rushing back, but push come to shove it wouldn't be a bad choice for someone not trying to break the bank, but in search of homestyle italian
(3)
Mom V.
I was very disappointed with the tastof their "Sunday" sauce. It was too sweet and bright red. An Italian ragu, a.k.a., Sunday sauce, is deep red and cooked with a variety of meats, wine, and cheese. All of the dishes looked very appealing, but the taste was flat, at best.
(2)
LuAnn C.
The food was fabulous. Unfortunately our server Janice was awful. Fruit flies were everywhere. Gross!
(2)
Chris M.
Stopped in with a college friend. Cash or check only, no credit cards accepted. BYOB. Prices felt high for the atmosphere of the place, but the meals are amazing. Went with chicken and spinach then side sausage & meatballs which were incredible. Sweet place for an quiet night out to chat or an intimate dinner.
(4)
Mark K.
For me, most Italian restaurants all taste pretty similar, and then once in a while you find one that's actually really good. This is one of those really good ones. Also one of the few Italian places that home makes their own pasta. Highly recommend the wild boar pasta, sometimes it's not on the menu, in which case ask for it and they usually are able to make it.
(5)
Hamid R.
Heard a lot of good things about this place originally. Walked in, no hostess at door, stepped to the back for 5 minutes. Excuseable. Decor is inexpensive, but that's ok. Our Waiter was a gentlemen in his late 20s early 30s, Italian descent, super rude and just attitudey, it was 3 of us and we ordered 170.00 worth of food. Food is average, price is above average, service is below average, decor is below average. Not worth a return with so many amazing places that food, decor, service is above par. This is Morristown, not bumblefck, we know what's good and bad.
(2)
Michael H.
Jack and his wild boar pasta special rule the Italian restaurant scene in Morristown .. A must!
(5)
John K.
Consistently GREAT food, served with a passion you don't find very often. They know your name, and which wine glass to put out before you open your wine bag (BYOB). The menu is very diverse, with plenty of the standard Sicilian standards, and some very nice "surprises" as well. Seafood and shellfish are always fresh, and the veal and pork dishes nicely prepared and plated. Save room for dessert... The almond cake and ricotta cheesecake are SPECIAL! Stop walking by, and take the time to go in. You'll be back often !
(5)
Caitlin Z.
Best Italian in Morristown! Such great real-world and family Italian! I moved out to the mid-west and I will absolutely miss eating at this spot. It is one of my favorites in town. Bottom line they know what they are doing
(5)
Erin K.
One of the best meals lately, possibly the best pasta ever, it melts in your mouth. The owner came to personally greet us and welcome us to his restaurant. This was a nice touch and not seen as much nowadays. We went in a snowstorm and every table was taken. This place is cash only and completely full in a snowstorm, that should speak to the quality of the food and service.
(5)
Dan P.
Had osso bucco special - one of best things i've ever eaten.
(5)
Sherri S.
If you want to be treated rudely by the owner and receive inattentive service, by all means go here! But there are too many other Italian restaurants in the area with equally good food that know how to treat a customer with respect to give this place your money (and they only take cash). I had tried to eat here several times in the past, as I heard good things about the food, but they don't accept reservations for only 2 people and there really is no place to sit and wait for a table. So I was thrilled to walk in early on a saturday night and snag a nice table for 2. I noticed right away that the place smelled smoky, as if they didn't have proper ventilation in the kitchen, and when we left, our clothes smelled. But ok, I can deal with that and if all else was great, would barely be worth noting. We shared 2 appetizers: the house salad and the steamed clams. Both were very tasty. But that's about the only positive thing about our experience. Our waiter was extremely inattentive. We had been perusing the menus for a while and had to flag another waiter down to ask if someone could take our order. Our waiter came over and asked if we wanted to hear the specials (perhaps that should have happened 15 minutes earlier when we were looking at the menus?). They also cleared our bread when our appetizers arrived and we were almost done with the clams by the time we could wave someone down to bring us some bread to dip in the sauce. The owner came over to our table several times early in the meal and was intrusive and overbearing, flirting with my friend and making obnoxious comments. He asked why we didn't order the special zucchini flowers - I didn't want to tell him that his waiter neglected to tell us about the specials, so I asked what they were stuffed with. When he mentioned prosciutto, I said that I don't eat pork, and then he proceeded to grill me on why, and sent one over to the table when our entrees were served. My friend also doesn't eat prosciutto but we were intimidated by him so she cut it up and put in with the food on her main plate so it looked like we tried it. I ordered shrimp fra diavolo for dinner and took one bite of a shrimp and it tasted "off." It was mealy in texture and just didn't taste good. I feared the owner's reaction, so I just played around with my food, but sure enough, he came over and asked why I wasn't eating. I just smiled and said "it's a lot of food." My friend urged me to send it back, so when the waiter eventually came over (my friend was done with her entree, as once again, the waiter disappeared), I quietly told him "the shrimp just tastes off, but I really don't want to insult the owner so could you please just not tell him." My friend's chicken guerriero was decent, so when he asked if he could bring me something else, i said I'd have the chicken. Here's where the experience crossed the line to being offensive. A few minutes after I sent the shrimp back, the owner came over to our table holding one of the shrimp in his hand, took a big bite and waved it in my face, telling me loudly and forcefully "there's nothing wrong with this shrimp!" and challenged me why I sent it back! Seriously? I quietly told him "it wasn't to my liking" and he stormed off. No apology, no offering to take it off the bill or send dessert. Just rude and inexcusable treatment of a new customer. I ate a few bites of the chicken they brought me instead, but I was pretty upset and just wanted to leave. The bill for 2 people including tip was $90, and they only take cash. Overpriced for a crappy atmosphere, inattentive and unprofessional service, even if some of the food was admittedly good.
(1)
D E.
Such a great local place. The food is fantastic and the whole staff in wonderful. Highly recommended. Try the chicken parm!!
(5)
Justin K.
I am a big fan of Guerriero's Ristorante. The linguine with clams is fantastic. I also love the cheese ravioli with meatballs, sausage, and "Sunday Gravy." The staff is always very friendly.
(4)
Ms. T.
So happy to have Yelp as an outlet! Now, the review of Guerriero. They're simply not consistent and too expensive. I love it's a southern family type of Italian fare but they have a lot of gall to demand those prices. First and far most, you don't know the meal you ordered last week is going to be as good. Second, the ambiance is cheap, tacky and dirty looking. I could over look this but the restaurant is trying to be something it's NOT (an upscale, fine food, especially set by those prices!). The service lacks attentiveness and quick response, for example, asking for water, napkins, cheese and check. Third, the portions are great but they use cheap olive oil that taste like vegetable oil. This is a major NO-NO for any good Italian like myself! They pour on the garlic not a bad thing but I think it's to cover for what is lacking in their culinary skills. Besides, most of the time the garlic is burnt. Some people like it that way, I don't it's too bitter and overwhelms the other flavors of a meal. I'm a pretty good cook myself so I wouldn't go Guerriero's anymore. It's not worth $100 plus for two people, one appetizer, two entrees and no dessert. I can cook it better myself. On that note, there are worst restaurants out there but this would be an awesome restaurant if it was a pizzeria and offered their same menu at a cheaper price like $8 dollars cheaper per entree. Thx for reading!
(3)
Patricia J.
Perhaps the prior reviewer visited the kitchen on an off day. Guerriero's is owned by an Italian immigrant and the food is very flavorful albeit garlicky. The restaurant is always extremely crowded so reservations are necessary. I ordered the special meatballs and had braised greens (broccoli rabe) which were excellent. My husband enjoyed his entree of Veal Piccata also. The BYOB policy keeps costs down. Service was extremely attentive and the owner visited our table and ensured we had enough bread to sop up the sauce from our mussels (delicious!) The atmosphere is nothing to write home about, the tables are rather closely packed. However, everyone was enjoying themselves and you could tell most were repeat customers. The dessert I had was not spectacular, however, the cannoli filling was a bit dried out. Also remember, Guerriero's does NOT accept credit cards so bring cash.
(4)
Darren R.
This little place is great. Not the best there is, but still 5 star great. It's authentic Italian, it's good, and comforting. Bring your own wine
(5)
Chris V.
Had a really nice meal here. Love the atmosphere, love the menu. My wife is a veggie oriented person and thought her eggplant rollatini (often soggy and over fried in Italian places) was the best she's had. My fish was fresh tasting and nicely done. Soups, salads were well executed. Jack the owner is always walking around slapping folks on the back. The place has a good vibe. a bit pricey, costing them a star.
(4)
Ross G.
I couldn't believe how packed this place was on a Tuesday night. The staff is extremely personable and treats everyone like family. They also have great knowledge of the menu. I went with a group of 6 and EVERYONE got something different and loved it - veal parm, chicken milanese, red snapper, mussels, cheese ravioli, and I forget the other. It's BYOB, which we knew ahead of time so that was no problem. I've been to pretty much every restaurant in Morristown, and this is by far the best classic Italian restaurant I've been to. Highly recommended.
(5)
Michele B.
Food was overpriced and flavorless. Chicken milanese was dry, even the salad that was supposed to be on top of it was dry, hardly any dressing. The potato that came with it seemed like it was reheated to many times. Just awful. $18 for that. It was crowded on a weeknight which I can't for the life of me comprehend. The staff was very nice but that's about it.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Robert C.
I have been to many Italian restaurants but without a doubt this one is one of the best. It's a BYOB and located in Morristown and when you come in the door you can't help but see the owner Jack greeting and visiting every table . His concern and the warmth he gives to his customers is unmatched he is truly concerned with everyone enjoying their food and enjoying their night there and sometimes you can even hear him singing to someone he just enjoys being around the people eating there. And after tasting their food you will see why it was voted BEST ITALIAN RESTURANT IN MORRIS & ESSEX . His Zucchini Flowers are excellent nicely battered an filled with some Prosciutto and a little Ricotta cheese and his Mozzarella n Carozza is the best your ever taste . We went there with a table of four and be sure you make a reservation because it looks like everybody wants to eat there ? We had an order of Ravioli's with meatballs and sausage the homemade ravioli's were large but as big as they were is as how light they were in a great sauce and delicious meatballs and sausage , the veal parmigiana was a large chop serve on the bone thinly pounded and covered with a tasty melted mozzarella over it . I had the scrod oreganota and some one had the red snapper and every dish was delicious . And save room for the dessert he's got a lot of them the cannoli is excellent so is his homemade coconut creme pie and a great Lemon cake you top it off with a good tasting expresso and you got yourself a wonderful night out the only thing your leave there wanting is to see how fast you can get back there. He also has outside dining but a limited area .And there's also is a nice little wine and liquor store two doors down so you don't even have to go far if you forgot or decided you wanted something to drink with dinner.
(5)Tara D.
We went on Valentine's Day so it was understandably packed. We were able to sit down after an hour. The owner was extremely friendly and the food was delicious. My only complaint is that the hostess did not seem prepared for a busy night whatsoever. Seemed like she wasn't paying full attention. Will go back on less crowded night!
(4)Patricia R.
OMG! What a place! The gravy was reminiscent of my dear aunt Jennie's aka "Inkie". It felt like home here and I'll be back for more. The garlic and oil dipping sauce was amazing - you will want to take a bottle of it home. Michael was our waiter and he is no ordinary Waiter let me tell you. His recommendations are right on and he has a lot of jokes as a side dish. This was my first night here and I feel like I'm home and I've known the staff forever. I had the red snapper with clams, mussels over polenta and I tasted everybody's dish including my sister-in-laws homemade ravioli. It was so delicious!!!! This place is a gem. I'll be back...many more times!
(5)Jerry L.
After living in Morristown - and walking by here practically every day - I finally went in. I am now kicking myself. Guerriero's is absolutely amazing. The food...oh, gods, the food. The meatballs are thick and delicious. There was a special of spinach ravioli in vodka sauce that quite literally melted in my mouth. The owner came over and entertained my baby. Look, if you're still reading this - and the restaurant is open - you're missing out. Don't make the same mistake I did. Go right now. Bring your appetite. Eat everything they serve. Then order dessert.
(5)Jamie F.
Best italian food ive had outside of my mothers kitchen. Very attentive wait staff inside and outside. Food came fast and was really fresh. Extremely clean and very cozy. Between Jack the owner n our waiter mike scanelli I felt right at home. Highly recommended if in the morristown area. There are many restaurants on south street but this by far is in my top 3 :)
(5)Jeffrey A.
I went here with my dad, who is from a large, first generation Italian family. He had the homemade ravioli with Sunday gravy and accompanied meat. He raved about it and said that it was like his mother made. So the food was great but the room was very noisy and there was a strong smell of burned olive oil in the air
(4)T K.
Good old school italian joint, friendly (and with heritage) staff. Many of the pastas are made at the restaurant, I had one and it was not perfection but very good. One thing that makes this place memorable is the feeling of family and heritage, its in the atmosphere. The olive oil that is served with the bread is also very unique, even slightly sweet, its excellent. If you live in or near Morristown you need to give this place a try.
(4)Casey B.
My wife and I have been to this restaurant several times, and had never been dissapointed until last night. The food has always been stellar (and still is), and the owner tries to make everybody feel comfortable in his restaurant. I say, "tries", because unfortunatley our latest experience at Guerrieros was a big swing and miss. I'm being generous by giving 3 stars, entirely based on prior visits, which were much more positive. In today's day and age, it's highly annoying that you can't pay with a credit card. But OK, no problem. We'll stop for cash. It's a little strange that they only have seatings at 6 and 8 o'clock. But OK, we'll eat a late lunch and a snack so we weren't starving by 8. It's even more frustrating that you can't make reservations for parties of 2. I don't know what this is about? I guess studies have shown that couples on dates don't spend as much money as bigger groups. The point is, there are so many rules to follow with this place. I'm beginning to quesiton why we even bother. So we showed up at 7:45 like we normally do, so that we can claim a table and get our order in before 4, 6, and 8 tops leisurely stroll in. The hostess tells us that it'll be a 45-60 min wait. It was very cold and windy out, tough to find parking, and my wife is 5 months pregnant, so we didn't feel like walking back to our car to find another place. OK, you got us! We'll wait it out. Then they offer us a table next to the hostess stand, close to the door that we soon learned would be ferociously opening and closing, letting wicked ghusts of wind in over the next 20 minutes. It was better than potentially waiting until 9 to eat, so we took a chance. "I've sold so many Pasta Fagioles tonight" owner Jack tells us. Well maybe it's because you're freezing us out all night. Maybe you should sell blackets and ear muffs while you're at it. The low point of the evening came when the hostess actually propped the door open for several minutes to let some smoke out of the kitchen. I contemplated throwing down the cash when this happened, and walking out with our bowls of pasta in hand. Instead I just closed the door like this was my own house. Nobody even noticed. Unreal. While the fridget temperatures probably bothered my future child more than anything else, my wife and I were actually most upset by the waitress we had. I was a waiter for several years, so I proably pay closer attention to the quality of service more than the average person. That being said, I wouldn't consider us to be abnormally needy customers. I don't want to say that she was incompetent, because she clearly knew what she should be doing, It's that she just didn't care about us. When our food came out, she never even asked us how our meal was, or if we needed anything else. We consistantly got brushed off for her larger tables around us. Half-listening to our order, she confused me saying, "we'll both start off with the Pasta Fagiole" with, "I'll take a warm bowl of delicious soup while my shivering wife sits here like an a-hole with nothing in front of her but the baby in her tummy". We had to track the hostess down several times for parmesian cheese. The busboys were busy in the back of the resturant, so there was a drought on water all night. We basically needed to beg for things that you'd normally take for granted. I didn't even bother to ask for cracked pepper, which I normally hold in very high regard. After we found a busboy to wrap up our leftovers, 15 minutes went by before the waitress came around so we could ask for the check. Coffee or desert wasn't in our future by this time, but it wasn't even offered. Pathetic. In summary, this is still a nice place to visit with some friends and family. You'll be treated well, and have a meal to remember. (Sadly I didn't even talk about the food in this review, as I was more focused on the other crap that happened). But if you're looking for a quiet or romantic date night, this is clearly not your best bet in Moristown.
(3)Sandy R.
Just stopped in on a whim.... They had a table inside and offered to bring it outside for us which was really nice. Calamari app was great, asked for hot sauce which was good... I had the special which was a snapper dish offered three different ways... The fish was cooked perfectly, the sauce was flavorful, pasta was homemade and filling! Oh and we tried the meatballs just to say we tried them... They were great as well... Save your bread for dipping!!! It's a byob and only takes cash or check so be ready!!! Definitely will be back, great homemade and authentic taste and the staff is very pleasant.
(4)J S.
Owner came out to personally greet us and every other customers there like we were family. Food was very flavorful, delicious and honestly probably the best italian that I tried (so far).
(4)Andrea Joy A.
This is hands down the best/most authentic Italian food in Morristown. There is a reason why it's always full, even on weeknights. I highly recommend ordering one of the specials, as the freshness is unbeatable. Think: ravioli that melts in your mouth. BYOB, also, which is always great. The ONLY reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I find it frustrating that they only take reservations for parties of 3 or more. Also, on Fridays and Saturdays they do "seatings" at 6:45PM and 8PM but it doesn't quite work because they don't boot the people who arrive for the earlier seating, so the 8PM arrivals end up waiting a while.
(4)Tessa C.
I have wanted to try this place for a while due to the fact that many people have told me it is one of the best Italian restaurants in Morristown. Being Italian myself and having been to many Italian restaurants throughout my life, and in Morristown, I was excited to try Guerriero's. However, I am sorry to say that I was extremely disappointed. I went with my father on a Tuesday night. Surprisingly, the restaurant was extremely busy. The wait staff seemed very overwhelmed and the service wasn't great. The food overall was not very good. This restaurant has typical Neopolitan homestyle Italian cooking which I grew up with - chicken parmigiana, pasta with gravy, eggplant rollatini, etc. I got the pasta Bolognese. The gravy was mediocre at best and didn't have much flavor. AND THE SALT! My dish had a lot of salt, but I didn't really mind it. My father ordered the pasta fagioli soup which was uneatable. It was literally like eating a spoonful of salt which he had to send back due to the fact that he has a health issue if he eats too much salt. My father did get the octopus appetizer special which he enjoyed. Overall, it was very disappointing. I really wanted to like this place. If you are looking for very large serving portions of cheap mediocre Italian food I can see why you would like this place. However, it's not for me.
(1)Christy M.
Very good food overall! Some things are excellent and some are just ok. I am a big fan of the meatballs, sausage and ravioli's! Although the last time I was there the ravioli's were very mushy (over cooked) and I was so disappointed. The cannoli's are to die for! The best I have had around here! The calamari app was delicious but also slightly over cooked. I personally have never had a problem with the wait staff or the owner but I have seen the owner be obnoxious and very sarcastic to other people. He was even sarcastic to my sister once but I thought it was funny! It is very loud and the tables are very close together but what do you expect from a place with very good food! Reservations a must, especially on the weekends. It gets very busy! I would definitely recommend!! Make sure to bring cash.
(4)Andrew W.
Excellent meal. Caprese salad was perfect: tomatoes, roasted red peppers, homemade mozzarella. Large portion. Followed with the Rogatoni alla Guierrero: thick homemade pasta, fresh tomato sauce, plenty of basil, two of the best meatballs I've ever tasted and a sausage link that was great too. Arrived at 5:15 on a Thursday night: was full by 6 so go early or get reservations. Only thing keeping me from rating it as 5 stars is that it's cash only--though there's an ATM at the bank across the street.
(4)Meghan B.
Good no-fuss Italian!
(4)John M.
Went the other night with people from work ... its a BYOB with a great wine place next door ... the Food was amazing ! ... best italian food I've had in morristown BY FAR ...
(5)D H.
Best Italian in Morristown and the immediate area. The fusilli with broccoli rabe and homemade sausage is phenomenal - I get it nearly every time. I've had several other dishes though, and everything is consistently delicious. My fiancé is hooked on their veal parm, which is delicious and big enough to feed a family of 3. Ravioli is enormous, and the "accompanying meats" (2 meatballs and 1 sausage, all from scratch) are the best around. If they have an osso buco special, GET IT - it will literally melt in your mouth. Nothing special about the atmosphere, but the wait staff and owner are great. Real characters. I've been enough with my friends that they recognize us and stop by for chats. Very friendly and fun. If I'm going out for Italian, this is where I'm going. No reservations for tables of 2 and no credit cards accepted. But who cares, it's worth the minor inconvenience!
(5)E M.
BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!! The food is amazing and excellent, try coming on Sunday Dinner at Grandma's just to eat some of those meatballs!!!!!!!! Oh, did I mention the pasta is EPIC!!!!!!!
(5)Jeff S.
The sausage, cavatelli, and brocolli is fantastic. Also you can't not get the stuffed mushrooms or the fried zucchini if they have them on their specials list. They have two seatings on the weekends so if you BYO they may try to rush you if you reserve the earlier seating for dinner. Cash only, which in 2014 is laughable, but the food is worth the annoyance of a restaurant being cheap.
(5)Lisa M.
Delicious food! Gets a bit loud, but that was fine. We took my parents and grandparents here, who also loved it. Everything we had was fabulous! I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Chris L.
Excellent food, sometimes quirky service, severely loud noise level and you better bring a lot of cash. Don't forget to bring wine. The place was packed on the Friday when our group of 4 had dinner. Started with an amuse bouche of garlicky white beans on bread. For appetizers we tried the fried calamari (ask for the hot sauce) and the shitake risotto which were both great, also the fried zucchini (decent). Entrees were red snapper prepared oreganata (breaded with oregano) that was tasty. Black linguini with seafood was very good. We had no room left for dessert! Our waiter was great, but the busboys were a too aggressive in clearing plates and too slow to refill water. The owner (Jack) stopped by several times to check on us (once is fine, after that weird) and once to complain about another customer (awkward, we didn't need that). Unfortunately the noise level is excruciating, the place is all tile & bare drywall, so we often simply couldn't understand the person right across the table. Not just noisy, but also expensive. Prices are $10-20 for appetizers, $15-20 for pasta dishes, $18-25+ for meat dishes. Cash only, really. So I'd love to go back for the food (4 stars), but not for the ambiance (2 stars).
(3)Bjorn S.
I would give this place a 4.5 if I could. The entrees were very good and the appetizers were pretty good. As apps we had the special of stuffed mushrooms and the mozzarella and cheese. I would get the former again, but not the latter. I had the ravioli as an entree and it was very good and a little unique. The sauce is good, the meatballs and sausage are very good, and the dough and construction of the ravioli was good. My father had the spaghetti which I was not very impressed with and would not recommend. Not the cheapest place, but I would say worth it (not an incredible value, but a good one) and I'm pretty sure I will return.
(4)Ally B.
DO NOT eat here! Be kind to yourself and go somewhere else. The owner is so unbelievably rude and terrible to his customers. When I ate dinner there I found a hair in my food and they were not apologetic and didn't offer me a replacement meal. Don't give this place your money!
(1)Pasquale R.
I guess I have been spoiled by really good Italian food throughout my life. I tend to avoid Italian Restaurants for this reason. They can rarely match up to what I am used to. This place is no different. It had been suggested by a couple of friends as "the best spot in the area". I am not so sold on it. My gf and I were on our way back from a visit in the area so we decided, because of a recommendation, to try this place. It wasn't too busy (which based on reviews is surprising). You are greeted by an old school Italian guy and are seated by the hostess. The place isn't very big and the decor is simple. The usual bread, butter and oil is brought to the table. The oil is garlic infused. For apps (which isn't a lot) we started with zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta then battered and fried. We also wanted to try the meatballs (a buddy swears by them). So the zucchini flowers were good but you can barely taste the flower as they were deep fried. One bite and they could be gone (they only give you 3). The meatballs were a bit larger but again they give you 3. Suffice to say rather than fill us up, it was enough to hold us over for the main course. She went with the Fusilli con Broccoli Rabe en Saciccia and I opted for the Fusille con Presutto e Pesielli. The interesting aspect is her's were homemade and didn't look like them and mine were Barilla and tasted better. She enjoyed hers and mine was little salty (from the prosciutto I guess). So rather than overstuff ourselves and not have dessert we decided to wrap up the left overs and gorge ourselves on a lemoncello cake and an almond one...both were good but didn't seem to be homemade. Overall the food was average. Service was good. Their prices are high. 2 pasta entrees were $20 avg each. A bonus is we saw Jeremy Roenick and his family dine here...or at least his twin but I am 99% sure it was him. **This place does not accept credit cards! Isn't it 2012? Thank god I hit the ATM prior to going. We both didn't see anything that said no CC's accepted until the waiter told us at time of payment. **BYOB as well.
(3)danni c.
The best Italian food in the area. Great service and excellent old fashion Italian food. A must go too
(5)Sandra B.
Had dinner here tonight and was very disappointed. We were not aware of the fixed menu for Sunday which would not have been bad if it was worth it. I'll give you this the food was good it was tasty but not much of it. The service was awful and the place was very dusty I'm not going to say dirty but very dusty.. It got warm and we were like why don't they put the fans on, omg I looked up and the dust on the fans and all over was disgusting, I then said I hope they don't put the fans on cause all that dust will be in our food, well they did turn the fans on :(. Sorry to say I was so disappointed. Good food is great but if you don't have a clean place and good service you don't have much. Don't think I'll be returning or recommending this place unless they do a major spring cleaning and get a friendlier staff..
(1)Greg R.
Seen this place daily, was told how great it was, never tried it. Until this past Friday. Had just got back from Short Hills when I was told we would be meeting some people there for dinner. So we stopped and got a couple bottles of white and a bottle of red and headed over. We met our little group, one of whom had reserved us a table. Waiter was very nice, but not in an 'in your face' way. The couple we were with had ordered two orders of meatballs for an app, they were good, sauce was fine. Then the waiter had told us what the specials were, one (my order) was a braised, bone-in pork chop over ziti w/ 'sunday gravy.' I take this very seriously and don't throw phrases like this around; it may have been the BEST PORK CHOP I'VE EVER HAD. I went to stick the knife and fork in it and it just fell apart. It was absolutely delicious. My girlfriend and her friend who were sitting on either side of me, couldn't keep their forks out of my plate. We wrapped it up with an espresso and went out for a nightcap. All in all, it was an excellent dining experience and I will definitely be going back. After all, they had a wild boar ragu on special that I'm going to need to try eventually.
(5)Celeste B.
What a lovely experience we had dining here. The menu is extensive and the service is top notch. The restaurant has a flair of authenticity. I experienced déjà vu from my trip to Florence where we dined in many family owned, comfortable establishments with delicious food. They offer tasty bread with garlic infused olive oil seasoned with salt and pepper. The whole cloves of roasted garlic are perfect for spreading on the bread. The special appetizers included stuffed mushrooms and zucchini flowers, both excellent! My cousin got the pork chop with sausage, peepers and potatoes. What a deal - definitely a meal to share family style, two huge chops perfectly grilled and beautifully plated. I enjoyed my shrimp with linguini but will skip the pasta next time, they excel in other areas. The chocolate mousse cake was also delicious. It gets quite busy so make reservations. If you like home style Italian cooking and attentive service check this restaurant out. BYOB and cash only. Highly recommend,
(4)Bryon C.
Just got home from having dinner at Guerriero's tonight. I've never posted a review the night of the dinner before so this place must be special. And it is! We called ahead as we had read a few Yelp reviews saying that you absolutely HAVE to make reservations or you won't get in. Not true if you're a party of two. The server told us to just come on in and they will seat us as soon as they can. When we arrived, it was only a ten minute wait and we used that time to walk next door and buy a bottle of cabernet sauvignon from The Grapeful Palate. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and very cordial. The specials he recited from memory all sounded fantastic and, in fact, we ordered the stuffed mushroom appetizers from his list. While we waited for the mushrooms, he opened our bottle of wine and brought us some bean and bread palate warm-up. It was a perfect appetizer's appetizer. Then he brought some Italian bread and olive oil with three garlic cloves in it. Admittedly, we are a little spoiled when it comes to olive oil as we have a friend of the family who makes her own olive oil and we buy it from her and secretly we call it "liquid crack" so we compare all restaurant oils to this and none ever stand up. This was no exception. Liquid crack won out again. But these are impossible standards and no restaurant should be judged by this ambrosia we have been lucky enough to stumble upon. The stuffed mushrooms came. There were four of them. Stuffed with very finely chopped sausage and topped with "Sunday gravy" and parmesan. They were mouth watering bites of goodness. As I was halfway through my first mushroom, the owner stopped by our table and asked how it was. I hadn't gotten the full flavor in my mouth just yet so I said "pretty good." The owner (jokingly) said, "Bullshit! Pretty good, they are great!" I finished the other half of the mushroom and had to agree. The man had a point. They WERE great. For my meal, I had the lasagna (special) with one "Guerriero's famous meatball." There is nothing negative I can say (or would want to say) about this meal. I took my time and savored every bite of it. I love to make my own meat lasagna about once every couple of months but I can never get the meat chopped finely enough. I realize now that it CAN be done and it CAN be done well. The lasagna noodles layered and smushed the other ingredients in a such an exact way that, biting into it was like gently ingesting a warm cloud of saucy Sicilian spongy surprise. (Note: I do not presuppose that the restauranteur's origins are from Sicily. It only worked for my dumb alliteration.) The GF had the rigatoni with Sunday gravy and meatballs and loved that as well. I tried it and agreed. Manifique. We got dessert to go. NY cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake. Both were creamy and delicious. I still have the memory of their sweetness on my tongue as I type these words. A few people have commented on the noise volume in the restaurant. Yes, it is a little loud but it was hardly an issue. Highly recommend. Was a brilliant meal. Definitely going back.
(5)Michael F.
By far the best Italian food around.
(5)Vera K.
The only reason I gave it 3 starts instead of 2 is that they do make pasta al dente like in Italy. Otherwise the food is mediocre (tasteless American-Italian pizza joint type of food) and service is blah. Beware that they only accept cash. Agree that the owner has poor social skills, and subsequently his staff is not properly trained.
(3)Sharon G.
The number of really good Italian restaurants in Morristown is impressive, and this is one of them! I love the garlicky white-bean dip they bring out with the bread. Their food is homestyle-hearty (they have Sunday Gravy) and good and they have a few seats outdoors in the summer, which look nice on the warm nights in the fading light. I passed by here daily, coming home from two different jobs, and have always looked longingly at it as I was going by. You'll need cash here!
(4)Trisha H.
Another one of my favorite Italian restaurants in North Jersey! We went Saturday night, four of us, my second time there. I was excited to come back here, this place comes recommended from a friend who grew up in Morristown. We started with the cold antipasto, which was very tasty. I had the spaghetti with meatballs, yumm. The last time I came, I had the chicken parmigiana, which was also delish. The meatballs here taste soooo good! I'm not a fan of having spaghetti and meatballs when I go to an Italian restaurant, but I tried a bite last time and had to have it for dinner this time. The sauce, aka gravy, is sooo good, even my boyfriend says it reminds him of his Grandma's sauce. It's BYOB and they only take cash. The Grapeful Palate is a few doors down, in case you need to buy a bottle. The two times I've been here, the service has been friendly. They do seatings on the weekend. I def recommend this place. This and Giotto in Montclair are my top two favorite Italian restaurants in North Jersey. Bring your appetite and a bottle of vino!
(5)Karen P.
I have eaten here s a few times and found the food to be okay...the pasta doesn't appear to be homemade...the flavors of the sauces are okay but nothing extraordinary. Still would be a reasonably good place to eat, IMO, were it not for the attitude of the owner/proprietor who is arrogant and rude. The most recent time I was there, I showed up with a reservation about 10 minutes before they actually opened--the door was unlocked, so I walked in. Big mistake as they weren't actually opened for business yet and the owner let me know it. Throughout the rest of my interaction with him he was rude and impatient. cutting me off mid-sentence and talking over me. Not just once or twice,but over and over again. I finally just walked out. A few minutes later as I waited outside to intercept my party and discuss going somewhere else, he came outside, smoked a cigarette and threw the butt in the street. Just really unappealing overall.
(1)s l.
Walked in, and forced to walk out. The story: We had our charming 3 year old with us. We waited patiently at entrance to be welcomed and seated. Another couple came in after us. Unbeleivably, when a staff member was available, he so obviously walked around us and immediately seated the couple behind us. We even had to move over to let them by. Was it because we had a child? Not 1 word was even spoke. Most strange restaurant experience of my life.
(1)A B.
Last night I ate at this restaurant and I asked a particular Italian waiter for advice, seeing as how I know nothing about Italian food. He graciously gave me a special off-menu recommendation with the caveat that I finish the plate. Pork osso buco. The food was unreal. The best ravioli, the best meat, the best sauce. Each bite was amazing. The service was impeccable. I felt like family. I felt so much like family, in fact, that I am ashamed to say I didnt finish the plate. Because the portions are also totally huge and for a small, pathetic boy... I just couldnt handle it. Someone at the restaurant will hopefully read this and let him know that Im sorry. Im so sorry. One of the best dining experiences Ive ever had and hands down the best Italian food Ive ever had in my life.
(5)Bridget M.
We have been here several times and always had a delicious meal. The interior could use a bit of a makeover - but who really cares when the food is as good as it is here. Unlike other reviewers, I find the owner to be always welcoming and friendly. Cash only is a bit of bummer but the byob tips the scales on this issue.
(4)Jungmin L.
As much as I would like to love Guerriero's for their friendly-chatty waiters, I just can't. The food just isn't that good and before the arrival of the mentioned waiters service ignores you for a looooong time, even when only 4-5 tables are occupied. They say the mozzarella is made in-house. It's gummy, underseasoned, not creamy, and lacks the milky flavor of fresh mozzarella. The dishes tend to be too heavily sauced. Meatballs were not well-seasoned enough; I found it bland. Pastas themselves are worse than mediocre - clearly overcooked (my fork just cut through it...) and either it is not homemade or it is not kneaded enough to develop wheat-gluten for toothiness/chewiness. They give you powdered "parmesan" and not the real, salty/savory/nutty parmigiano. I use the fake stuff at home, and I actually like the homelyness of it, but for the price that Guerriero's run? And cash-only? Come on. The only upside are the desserts. Somebody in the kitchen must be a baking aficionado, because all their cakes are delicious and beautifully plated, and the daily special dessert is always something that takes creativity and skill.
(2)Frank C.
The best southern Italian in North Jersey. Consistently good. Had the fried broccoli flowers and sausage and peppers appy's tonite and they were fantastic. Jack the owner is a great host.
(5)Richard M.
I've been hearing about this place for years and never tried it. It is a BYOB, which can save some money, but for this area, the menu prices are a tad high. I ordered a Shrimp and Calamari, over black linguini. It was fresh, had almost enough fish, but lacked any flavor. It was $23. You are served fresh bread and olive oil with roasted garlic flavor, which was very tasty. They only take reservations for 3 or more and accept no credit cards. I probably wouldn't return, but others certainly liked it, as the place was packed.
(3)Faina D.
This place definitely has culture! Living in Morristown I've walked by this place many times and it always looked packed! Friday night didn't make a reservation and got a table for 2 with no wait! The ambiance was classic/traditional Italian, not fancy at all, very noisy, and so warm feeling. Looking around I saw a lot of spaghetti with meatballs but ended up with going with a special pasta dish with tomatoes, cucumbers, and other very fresh ingredients. We also had calamari as an appetizer and chicken parmigiana, everything was pretty good. Particularly bland for my taste buds, lacking some salt and flavor but still very tasty. Overall I would go back for the convenience and warm family ambiance - even the owner came over and asked how everything was!
(4)Heather Lee H.
Went here a couple nights ago with my roommate and her cousin. Hands down best Italian meal I've had in a while. We had the stuffed zucchini flowers which were amazing, so delicately fried, yet light, airy and full of flavor inside. Homemade pastas make this place my new favorite.
(5)Joey K.
Had a really nice time here. The decor has a very authentic feel, and the host/owner is up and about giving people warm welcomes. You can tell there's a lot of regulars in around the room - a lot of kissing of hands and other Italian gestures that I would make look very offensive. I told our server I was relatively new in town and he gave us meatballs on the house, and then he made an awkward joke about how his balls were the best in town. I enjoyed his balls, very much. The sauce had nice chunks of tomatoes, good wine+herb flavors.. really what you look for. House salad was nice, had some great marinated white beans. Bread and olive oil that had a lot of roasted garlic cloves sitting in it - why don't you see this more often? The ravioli was great. They were shockingly big, about the size of a good portabello mushroom. The cheese inside was smooth, soft, a little melty, but had delicate milky flavor. It came with more meatballs and sausage (way greasier than the typical Italian sausage, but in a good way, I don't like how 'greasy' has a negative connotation). Veal parm was delicious as well, the meat was a little tough but the sauce and cheese on top had good spice and really made the whole thing heavy duty and fantastic. I ate about half, then picked at the sauce and cheese on top until they were gone, because they were that good. Our waiter acted as if it was sacrilege to do this, and that it figured because I looked Irish. The cannoli were really fantastic, the cream was so rich and lush. I want to make a cake frosted with that cream. Seriously go here, it's one of the best dining experiences I've had in NJ.
(5)Warren B.
dinner the other night was a study in calm under fire. the restaurant was packed.. meals were savored, wine was enjoyed and Jack smiled at every customer who came in the door. It was jammed with a multi hour wait, but everyone was smiling. all was good in the universe, our stomachs filled, our hearts warmed and the wine tasting uniquely of the place. we sat in the historic former grocery store and drank in the atmosphere of good food, good friends and good memories. njmonthly.com/blogs/njmy…
(5)Sarah G.
I have seen this little restaurant grow up before my very eyes!! 1 day old: Yay! New Italian restaurant in town... uh ohhh, the kitchen was smoking, the service was awful, my mom was served uncooked shrimp, oh and did i mention 2 of the 4 entrees ordered came out a good 30 minutes before the other 2? But hey, this is their first night and you could see glimmers of hope... I shall return! A few months old: There is no a constant crowd and the food is better, but the service has yet to catch up! Going on 4 years old: Outstanding! Their specials are always great, but the items off the regular menu are just as delectable! The service is now very good! I also really love their bean/onion bruschetta! I always make it to this place when I came into town for a boisterous dining experience! Tip: Check and cash only, BYOB with a wine store next door (Gabriel's)
(4)Victoria T.
I'll never go back. No doubt the best Italian food in the area and we have gone back several times hoping that it's been an "off night". There is simply no food good enough to overcome the lousy service of the waitstaff and the attitude of the owner. If you like sarcastic staff, eating in a noisy (really really noisy) restaurant, waiting a couple of hours for food, bringing your own liquor and paying cash, you'll love this place.
(1)Bob G.
Guerriero's is by far the most authentic Italian Ristorante in North Jersey. I usually stick to the spicier side of things and go with the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with their imported homemade pasta from the homeland. I tend to jump around the menu at times and have never been disappointed... The atmosphere is welcoming, owner is hilarious, and the food is phenomenal.... this is why I don't just recommend this place but making reservations are suggested.
(5)Lawrence S.
Bring cash and bring your own wine...get ready for real family style Italian, but make sure to save some room for the dessert (wrap up the left overs) and try their lemoncello cake. You will probably see the owner making his way to your table, so tell Jack I said hello...
(5)Scott R.
Easily my favorite Italian restaurant in town. My wife swears by the Ravioli "Aumme Aumme" and I love the Rigatoni alla Guerriero. Try the Vongole Posillipo, you won't be disappointed. Guerriero's is BYO but there is a great wine shop next door if you forget (The Grapeful Palate). I've always felt that a good restaurant has a owner who is never absent. Mr. Guerriero is NEVER absent!! Don't be surprised if he stops by and strikes up a conversation. He's passionate about his restaurant and we are all the beneficiaries! Go now but make sure you go back and grab a table outdoors in May!
(4)Sheryl B.
Very noisy. Atmosphere like a pizzeria. Came in Sunday and didn't know it wa a fixed menu. Antipasti wa ok, no cheese. Pasta course was bland. Chicken was ok. Service was very slow. Overprice. Not worth the trip.
(3)adele B.
Visited last night with 7 other friends. Our waiter, Michael, was wonderful- great sense of humor. We were seated in the back which wasn't a great table as the curtains to the kitchen kept flying open with each wait person going in to pick up their orders, as well as the door swinging open. It was noisy, accoustics are terrible, so it was difficult to hear what someone was saying at the opposite end of the table. I had asked for my sauteed broccoli rabe to have just a touch of olive oil; it was literally swimming in oil- so much, in fact that i took the bowl and drained the oil onto the bread plate (it filled it to the brim) and then had to transfer the rest of the oil to yet an other bread plate! I didnt want to complain and ate my soggy broccoli rabe, trying to drain each forkful on my salad plate. I had the pear and walnut salad ($9.95) which was overpriced for the size/quantity of toppings. The other dishes looked good and my friends seemed to like their food. Overall, it was very pricey- two friends shared a salad and an entree, so effectively we had one less person eating, but split the bill 8 ways and it was $30 a person! (one of my friends had exactly what I had- a side order of broccoli rabe and the pear salad- so we're not talking big steak/seafood dinners here) I think what got me was when the hostess said at 8:15 ish that we had to vacate the table- no one said there was going to be a time limit to our dining. Oh well, the owner(? jovial man who walked around all night) seemed pleasant and the waiter certainly made the dining friendly. BYOB always works for me.
(3)Dom M.
We just celebrated a birthday here and this time, I had their take on chicken Marsala although it's named after their restaurant. I sent word to the chef that it was the best chicken dish I've had in years And I can't wait until I come back and enjoy it again Also, I had their coconut cream pie for dessert and I wanted to hug the chef. Yeah, it was THAT good. Much to love here. Give it a try!
(5)J V.
This place has that "homey" kind of feel to it. It's not very big and I can see why reservations might be hard to get. My husband and I came for dinner for the first time last week after recommendations from friends. We specifically came for the squash blossom special which we called about before arriving. Upon our arrival, they sold out of the blossoms. Not a big deal, first come first served, but it was disappointing considering we came specifically for that app. The waiter service could have been better. It wasn't horrible, but quite a few times we were waiting for drink refills or bread. The bean amuse bouche they serve was nice, but nothing special. I was in the mood for some calamari, and it was good. Nothing new or creative but not bad either. My husband had the grilled octopus and he said it was delicious. We also split some meatballs as an app, and those were pretty basic. For entrees, he had the osso bucco special which was delicious, but it was served over pasta with red sauce. I think that the sauce overwhelmed the dish and the osso bucco should have been served with a nice risotto to capture the flavor of the meat. I had the snapper pasta special. This was where I was incredibly disappointed. While my fish was a nice portion and was tender, the mussels and clams were so tiny you could hardly taste them. The pasta portion was so small that I didn't see the point of even putting it on the plate. For $30, I expected a lot more. Overall, pretty much every dish on the menu was served in a red sauce. I'll admit the sauce was good, but some variation would be nice. We get it...you make a decent red sauce. The owner is seen walking through the restaurant at all times and was pleasant to us. For the price tag, I'd consider elsewhere. The food was good, but nothing I would come back for. The cash only part is annoying too.
(2)Weiying W.
I need to confess that I have a weak spot for homemade pasta. This place has the best pappardelle and tagliatelle in town. I can't remember if they were on the regular menu or specials. But before you order, make sure to ask if they were made in house. It makes a great deal of difference. They'll serve you with white bean salad on baguette as a mini starter, which was delicious. The only downside: it's cash only. I'd understand it if they were a small shop. But this place isn't cheap. So remember to bring your $$$
(4)Lyndsay H.
BYOB! Outside seating! I've only been here once but enjoyed my experience. The owner was very friendly, so much so he actually sat down with us and helped us decide what to get. I highly suggest the homemade ravioli which he recommended. They came as 3 massive pieces and were absolutely delicious! Never had anything like it! our waiter said the homemade Fusilli con Broccoli Rabe, Salsicce was the most popular and everyone loves it, so we ordered it. Good texture, however we were disappointed with the lack of flavor. Wouldn't recommend it. Definitely will be back to try the other dishes.
(4)Sara Z.
Really good overall experience, from hostess, meals to great service. The fried mozzarella appetizer was nothing like we have had before, or expected, but it was delicious. I equated it to a mozzarella piccata with capers and all. The sauce was so good. Our meals were huge and I barely made a dent in mine. I had the nightly special of pappaderella (sp.) with sausage. I didn't care if sausage was sweet or hot and server kindly offered a bit of both which was a nice touch. My husband said it was a great lunch too the next day,, My husband had the fra diavlo. It was spicy, in a good way. Be aware, that it is a tad more spicy than typical, but that was not a bad thing for him. There was a lot of shrimp and he managed to clean his plate. We will definitely be back and very happy to have found a new local restaurant.
(4)Silvia S.
One of my absolute favorite Italian restaurants. My boyfriend and I go every Friday night and look forward to it all week! Place is BYOB and we enjoy sitting outside while its summer time. I've tried a lot of new things on the menu (along with their specials) and all have been amazing! Jack, the owner is always friendly and takes an interest in talking to us every time we go (some might not like that and find it rude and overbearing, but just know he means well and you have to know him to love him) Staff is also very friendly and accommodating to anything we need. They do only take cash, but don't let that stop you from checking this place out. Worth every penny! This will forever be our Friday night tradition. I look forward to bringing my family here on special occasions!
(5)Novella B.
This was my first time coming here for dinner. The waiter took forever to take our orders...he was too busy talking to a staff member. When he finally came to our table, I ordered the seafood risotto...it was good. It's BYO...next door there's a good wine store. I'm rating them a 1 out of 5 because the staff didn't seem friendly and our waiter kept on disappearing a lot. He didn't ask us once "how is the food" or "do you guys need anything else".
(1)Cachonda G.
My husband and I went with friends the first time and then dined there last week. The food is all home made and the owner greets all of his guests. The foods amazing. the best appetizer is the stuffed zucchini flowers. They are my favorite. If you are a party of 2 call ahead since the place is small. If you are a larger party they have a 6pm or an 8pm seating. The foods amazing though but the place is very loud. We personally love it! BYOB too! Oh and CASH ONLY!!!
(5)shannon g.
This is by far the best most authentic Italian food in the area. Everything I've ever tried has been fantastic and I try something different each time I go. Not sure what others are talking about when they say the food isn't good. Maybe they are more suited to the food at Olive Garden. Guerriero's is not a place for an elegant atmosphere, but its a nice family style setting. Always crowded even on Tuesdays. Love it!
(4)E e.
. Only been there once. Meatballs were USELESS. No bark on them at all and literally NO flavor at all. Rest of food was ok. Pricey and didn't live up to its rep. Try Virginia's in Union. AUTHENTIC AFFORDALBE and soooo good.
(3)Michelle K.
For the price, this place was just ok. I had the spaghetti & meatballs since it was recommended to me by one of the people who worked there and it was fine, but not really spectacular. I also didn't feel like the service was all that great. I was able to order relatively quickly, but I didn't really get much attention afterwards and practically had to feign dine-and-dashing in order to get my check so that I could leave (my son was getting a bit cranky and I was in a rush to get out of there). The staff seemed nice, just not particularly attentive to me. Overall not a bad place, but I don't think I'd go there again. Too expensive for food that's just okay. $20 for 3 meatballs!!!
(3)Joe P.
Some of the most wonderful food i have ever had! When we walk in, we were immediately greeted by the owner and after a short wait we were seated. The owner would walk around the tables and talk to EVERYONE! It was so nice. The food came out fairly quickly and we enjoyed all of it. Overall, one of my favorite meals and restaurants of all time. The restaurant only takes cash and check so be warned, no credit or debit cards! I strongly suggest this restaurant for your next meal!
(5)Chris L.
I've had mixed experiences here...once my Osso Bucco was fantastic...seating is a little tight (narrow room) and another trip I had linguine with white clam sauce, and the clams were cooked at such a high heat that all i smelled was burnt shell in every bite of my dish (quite a turn off!) Meatballs were awesome...the guy in the picture is always there, and quite a character (his personality is not for everyone) not somewhere i'm rushing back, but push come to shove it wouldn't be a bad choice for someone not trying to break the bank, but in search of homestyle italian
(3)Mom V.
I was very disappointed with the tastof their "Sunday" sauce. It was too sweet and bright red. An Italian ragu, a.k.a., Sunday sauce, is deep red and cooked with a variety of meats, wine, and cheese. All of the dishes looked very appealing, but the taste was flat, at best.
(2)LuAnn C.
The food was fabulous. Unfortunately our server Janice was awful. Fruit flies were everywhere. Gross!
(2)Chris M.
Stopped in with a college friend. Cash or check only, no credit cards accepted. BYOB. Prices felt high for the atmosphere of the place, but the meals are amazing. Went with chicken and spinach then side sausage & meatballs which were incredible. Sweet place for an quiet night out to chat or an intimate dinner.
(4)Mark K.
For me, most Italian restaurants all taste pretty similar, and then once in a while you find one that's actually really good. This is one of those really good ones. Also one of the few Italian places that home makes their own pasta. Highly recommend the wild boar pasta, sometimes it's not on the menu, in which case ask for it and they usually are able to make it.
(5)Hamid R.
Heard a lot of good things about this place originally. Walked in, no hostess at door, stepped to the back for 5 minutes. Excuseable. Decor is inexpensive, but that's ok. Our Waiter was a gentlemen in his late 20s early 30s, Italian descent, super rude and just attitudey, it was 3 of us and we ordered 170.00 worth of food. Food is average, price is above average, service is below average, decor is below average. Not worth a return with so many amazing places that food, decor, service is above par. This is Morristown, not bumblefck, we know what's good and bad.
(2)Michael H.
Jack and his wild boar pasta special rule the Italian restaurant scene in Morristown .. A must!
(5)John K.
Consistently GREAT food, served with a passion you don't find very often. They know your name, and which wine glass to put out before you open your wine bag (BYOB). The menu is very diverse, with plenty of the standard Sicilian standards, and some very nice "surprises" as well. Seafood and shellfish are always fresh, and the veal and pork dishes nicely prepared and plated. Save room for dessert... The almond cake and ricotta cheesecake are SPECIAL! Stop walking by, and take the time to go in. You'll be back often !
(5)Caitlin Z.
Best Italian in Morristown! Such great real-world and family Italian! I moved out to the mid-west and I will absolutely miss eating at this spot. It is one of my favorites in town. Bottom line they know what they are doing
(5)Erin K.
One of the best meals lately, possibly the best pasta ever, it melts in your mouth. The owner came to personally greet us and welcome us to his restaurant. This was a nice touch and not seen as much nowadays. We went in a snowstorm and every table was taken. This place is cash only and completely full in a snowstorm, that should speak to the quality of the food and service.
(5)Dan P.
Had osso bucco special - one of best things i've ever eaten.
(5)Sherri S.
If you want to be treated rudely by the owner and receive inattentive service, by all means go here! But there are too many other Italian restaurants in the area with equally good food that know how to treat a customer with respect to give this place your money (and they only take cash). I had tried to eat here several times in the past, as I heard good things about the food, but they don't accept reservations for only 2 people and there really is no place to sit and wait for a table. So I was thrilled to walk in early on a saturday night and snag a nice table for 2. I noticed right away that the place smelled smoky, as if they didn't have proper ventilation in the kitchen, and when we left, our clothes smelled. But ok, I can deal with that and if all else was great, would barely be worth noting. We shared 2 appetizers: the house salad and the steamed clams. Both were very tasty. But that's about the only positive thing about our experience. Our waiter was extremely inattentive. We had been perusing the menus for a while and had to flag another waiter down to ask if someone could take our order. Our waiter came over and asked if we wanted to hear the specials (perhaps that should have happened 15 minutes earlier when we were looking at the menus?). They also cleared our bread when our appetizers arrived and we were almost done with the clams by the time we could wave someone down to bring us some bread to dip in the sauce. The owner came over to our table several times early in the meal and was intrusive and overbearing, flirting with my friend and making obnoxious comments. He asked why we didn't order the special zucchini flowers - I didn't want to tell him that his waiter neglected to tell us about the specials, so I asked what they were stuffed with. When he mentioned prosciutto, I said that I don't eat pork, and then he proceeded to grill me on why, and sent one over to the table when our entrees were served. My friend also doesn't eat prosciutto but we were intimidated by him so she cut it up and put in with the food on her main plate so it looked like we tried it. I ordered shrimp fra diavolo for dinner and took one bite of a shrimp and it tasted "off." It was mealy in texture and just didn't taste good. I feared the owner's reaction, so I just played around with my food, but sure enough, he came over and asked why I wasn't eating. I just smiled and said "it's a lot of food." My friend urged me to send it back, so when the waiter eventually came over (my friend was done with her entree, as once again, the waiter disappeared), I quietly told him "the shrimp just tastes off, but I really don't want to insult the owner so could you please just not tell him." My friend's chicken guerriero was decent, so when he asked if he could bring me something else, i said I'd have the chicken. Here's where the experience crossed the line to being offensive. A few minutes after I sent the shrimp back, the owner came over to our table holding one of the shrimp in his hand, took a big bite and waved it in my face, telling me loudly and forcefully "there's nothing wrong with this shrimp!" and challenged me why I sent it back! Seriously? I quietly told him "it wasn't to my liking" and he stormed off. No apology, no offering to take it off the bill or send dessert. Just rude and inexcusable treatment of a new customer. I ate a few bites of the chicken they brought me instead, but I was pretty upset and just wanted to leave. The bill for 2 people including tip was $90, and they only take cash. Overpriced for a crappy atmosphere, inattentive and unprofessional service, even if some of the food was admittedly good.
(1)D E.
Such a great local place. The food is fantastic and the whole staff in wonderful. Highly recommended. Try the chicken parm!!
(5)Justin K.
I am a big fan of Guerriero's Ristorante. The linguine with clams is fantastic. I also love the cheese ravioli with meatballs, sausage, and "Sunday Gravy." The staff is always very friendly.
(4)Ms. T.
So happy to have Yelp as an outlet! Now, the review of Guerriero. They're simply not consistent and too expensive. I love it's a southern family type of Italian fare but they have a lot of gall to demand those prices. First and far most, you don't know the meal you ordered last week is going to be as good. Second, the ambiance is cheap, tacky and dirty looking. I could over look this but the restaurant is trying to be something it's NOT (an upscale, fine food, especially set by those prices!). The service lacks attentiveness and quick response, for example, asking for water, napkins, cheese and check. Third, the portions are great but they use cheap olive oil that taste like vegetable oil. This is a major NO-NO for any good Italian like myself! They pour on the garlic not a bad thing but I think it's to cover for what is lacking in their culinary skills. Besides, most of the time the garlic is burnt. Some people like it that way, I don't it's too bitter and overwhelms the other flavors of a meal. I'm a pretty good cook myself so I wouldn't go Guerriero's anymore. It's not worth $100 plus for two people, one appetizer, two entrees and no dessert. I can cook it better myself. On that note, there are worst restaurants out there but this would be an awesome restaurant if it was a pizzeria and offered their same menu at a cheaper price like $8 dollars cheaper per entree. Thx for reading!
(3)Patricia J.
Perhaps the prior reviewer visited the kitchen on an off day. Guerriero's is owned by an Italian immigrant and the food is very flavorful albeit garlicky. The restaurant is always extremely crowded so reservations are necessary. I ordered the special meatballs and had braised greens (broccoli rabe) which were excellent. My husband enjoyed his entree of Veal Piccata also. The BYOB policy keeps costs down. Service was extremely attentive and the owner visited our table and ensured we had enough bread to sop up the sauce from our mussels (delicious!) The atmosphere is nothing to write home about, the tables are rather closely packed. However, everyone was enjoying themselves and you could tell most were repeat customers. The dessert I had was not spectacular, however, the cannoli filling was a bit dried out. Also remember, Guerriero's does NOT accept credit cards so bring cash.
(4)Darren R.
This little place is great. Not the best there is, but still 5 star great. It's authentic Italian, it's good, and comforting. Bring your own wine
(5)Chris V.
Had a really nice meal here. Love the atmosphere, love the menu. My wife is a veggie oriented person and thought her eggplant rollatini (often soggy and over fried in Italian places) was the best she's had. My fish was fresh tasting and nicely done. Soups, salads were well executed. Jack the owner is always walking around slapping folks on the back. The place has a good vibe. a bit pricey, costing them a star.
(4)Ross G.
I couldn't believe how packed this place was on a Tuesday night. The staff is extremely personable and treats everyone like family. They also have great knowledge of the menu. I went with a group of 6 and EVERYONE got something different and loved it - veal parm, chicken milanese, red snapper, mussels, cheese ravioli, and I forget the other. It's BYOB, which we knew ahead of time so that was no problem. I've been to pretty much every restaurant in Morristown, and this is by far the best classic Italian restaurant I've been to. Highly recommended.
(5)Michele B.
Food was overpriced and flavorless. Chicken milanese was dry, even the salad that was supposed to be on top of it was dry, hardly any dressing. The potato that came with it seemed like it was reheated to many times. Just awful. $18 for that. It was crowded on a weeknight which I can't for the life of me comprehend. The staff was very nice but that's about it.
(2)