Caffe Gelato is far and above the top restaurant in Newark and the surrounding area. The restaurant offers Northern Mediterranean cuisine, with lots of pasta, seafood, and meat entrees. One previous review cited an unchanging menu as one of the cons of the restaurant, yet when I was there two nights back, our server pointed out three new appetizers, two new entrees, a new pasta dish, and the daily specials sheet, which features five distinct entrees for dinner every night. We sat in the newly-renovated side of the restaurant in one of the spacious booths on the side. The lighting is perfect, complete with candles on the wall and a romantic, intimate, but not overwhelming atmosphere. There was also a classic violinist playing while we were there. Even though the restaurant was packed with customers, the service was great, with friendly hosts, competent management, and an attentive wait staff. We never felt cramped or confined. I had the Mediterranean pasta, the creamy feta sauce was perfect and my girlfriend had the fennel salmon, which was exquisite. The owner came by our table, chatted with us for a few minutes, and even took us on a personal tour of the newly renovated part. Although the hostess offered to check our coats, I would recommend holding on to yours, as it can be a little drafty in the new part of the restaurant. Other than that, our dining experience was great and Caffe Gelato is highly recommended!
Pros: great food, good service, newly renovated atmosphere, easy parking
Cons: slightly cold in the restaurant from the draft
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