Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Woodbridge

The food was excellent, just 2 minor things: 1-they don't serve alcohol here. I have since learned this has something to do with Montclair in general, though this restaurant does allow you to bring your own wine. I don't hold it against them, they have no control over it and now i know for next time. 2-They had a modified menu for Valentines weekend, so the regular menu wasn't available. Not the end of the world at all, and we got our food EXTREMELY quickly (and it was delicious), just another thing i wish i had known ahead of time.

Recommend the rack of lamb grilled medium-rare. It was perfect. Also the arugula salad with apples and walnuts is excellent.

Upon arrival they had complimentary valet which was great due to the poor weather. We checked in with the friendly hosts and were seated in Joey's section right away. Joey our server, was one of the most energetic happy waiters we have ever had, felt like friends by the end of our meal. We ordered one of their pasta specials as an appetizer (white truffle pasta) and it was worth every dollar. For our meals, the Spinalis Cut (Rib cap) medium and Australian Wagyu Ribeye medium with mashed potatoes and crispy Brussels. Everything we ate was prepared perfect and every bite was top notch. For dessert we had the S'mores which was incredible too with a couple single espressos. Jasper Stone impressed us with its Valentine's Day decorations, flawless service and incredible food. We absolutely recommend coming here and can't wait to come back multiple times, they absolutely earned our repeat business!

Cafe Mars was AMAZING. The service was so personal and attentive and kind. The food was BOMB. The pasta with Sunday sauce and breaded trumpet mushrooms were real stand-outs. Best meal and overall dining experience I’ve had in a long time.

★★★★★ An Unforgettable Valentine's Evening at MV Our Valentine's Day dinner at Restaurant MV was nothing short of magical. MV proved to be the perfect setting for a romantic celebration. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of understated elegance and warmth. The restaurant's intimate lighting and thoughtful table spacing created an environment where conversation flowed naturally, and each table felt like its own private dining sanctuary. The service staff struck that perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion, anticipating needs without hovering. The special Valentine's menu showcased a brilliant fusion of Italian flavors and cuisine. The wine list deserves special mention, featuring an impressive selection of both Old and New World wines and for dessert, the ricotta cheesecake and zabaglione with strawberries was devine – a classic Valentine's treat executed with precision and care. Price-wise, while MV sits in the higher end of the spectrum, the quality of ingredients, execution, and overall experience fully justified the investment for such a special occasion. This isn't just dinner – it's a carefully orchestrated culinary journey that creates lasting memories. For those seeking a truly special dining experience in New Jersey, Restaurant MV stands out as a destination worth the trip to Bernardsville. It's clear why securing a Valentine's Day reservation here is so coveted – the combination of sophisticated ambiance, exceptional service, and outstanding cuisine creates an evening that lingers in memory long after the last bite. Highly recommended for special occasions, particularly for couples seeking a romantic dining experience that goes above and beyond the ordinary.