Paisano's
A beloved Italian restaurant offering classic dishes and a cozy ambiance with a charming patio, perfect for any occasion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Paisano's
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Italian restaurant offering classic dishes and a cozy ambiance with a charming patio, perfect for any occasion.
Make Reservations or Arrive Early
To avoid long waits during busy periods, consider booking a table in advance or arriving before your desired time.
Communicate Service Concerns
If service isn't up to par, politely voice your concerns. Staff are known to be responsive and aim to fix issues.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Italian Flavors
Indulge in classic Italian dishes from fresh pastas to flavorful braised short ribs and oxtail ragu.
Cozy Ambiance
Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere with indoor seating and a charming patio reminiscent of Italy.
New York Style Pizza
Experience classic, delicious New York-style pizzas with generous toppings and a perfectly crisp crust.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations or Arrive Early
To avoid long waits during busy periods, consider booking a table in advance or arriving before your desired time.
Communicate Service Concerns
If service isn't up to par, politely voice your concerns. Staff are known to be responsive and aim to fix issues.
Try Recommended Dishes
Don't miss the pear- and blue cheese-stuffed ravioli or the popular braised short ribs with gnocchi.
Plan Parking Ahead
Parking can be difficult, especially during peak times. Consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations or Arrive Early
To avoid long waits during busy periods, consider booking a table in advance or arriving before your desired time.
Communicate Service Concerns
If service isn't up to par, politely voice your concerns. Staff are known to be responsive and aim to fix issues.
Try Recommended Dishes
Don't miss the pear- and blue cheese-stuffed ravioli or the popular braised short ribs with gnocchi.
Plan Parking Ahead
Parking can be difficult, especially during peak times. Consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paisano's is highly praised for its delicious and authentic Italian cuisine, with many highlighting the pizzas, pastas, and braised short ribs. Diners often enjoy the cozy ambiance and attentive service, especially noting specific staff members for their exceptional hospitality. While some reviews mention initial service delays or smaller portion sizes on certain dishes, the overall consensus is that the food quality and dining experience make it a worthwhile visit for both casual meals and special events.
"We had the most fabulous dinner here. The food was amazing! - you can see in pics. We had the fancy steak and the eggplant caserole. omg the eggplant was absolutely outstanding - not too cheesy and super flavorful! Steak was cooked to perfection! Service was fantastic and the vibe was everything. We weren’t rushed at all and enjoyed every minute. Thank you so much for making us happy we left the house (lol.. too often we think we would have been better off staying home but thankfully you totally proved us wrong!)"
Mary Howard
"This was my first time here. My dinner companions are frequent eaters here. We had a reservation for 7 pm but were not seated for more than 30 minutes. It like a long time to wait for them to sit me 30 minutes later in a section that they weren’t using when I arrived. It was very busy and we had to flag down our waiter to put in our order. It had been a while.
The food was delicious. Tasted fresh and well made. I had no complaints on my eggplant and veal. My husband had the seafood pasta and he said it was very good. My complains had the braised rib- they said it was delicious but that the portion was smaller than the last time they were there. Overall I would come here again because the food was excellent."
Jenny Ramos
"Valentine’s Day dinner here was exceptional. Every plate was flavorful and comforting and the portion sizes were perfect. The sourdough bread and fried calamari make for a great appetizer and the lava cake literally melts in your mouth. Absolutely worth the visit!"
Daena Reynolds
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
While specific dietary accommodations are not detailed in all sources, many Italian dishes can be adapted. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about vegetarian and vegan options.
Diners rave about the fresh Italian cuisine, including eggplant casserole, seafood pasta, braised short ribs with gnocchi, and pear- and blue cheese-stuffed ravioli.
Yes, Paisano's has a spacious back room that can accommodate large groups and is well-equipped for hosting special events.
The restaurant has a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policy for alcohol.
The restaurant offers a cozy and warm atmosphere, with both indoor seating and a charming patio that evokes summertime Italy.
Parking can be challenging, especially during busy times. It's advisable to plan your visit, potentially arriving early or on a weekday.
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Rutherford Food Crawl: 6 great spots
Eating delicate pear- and blue cheese-stuffed ravioli in a balsamic reduction ($21.95) with some sparkling water on the patio of Paisano's Restaurant, with its string lights, white tablecloths, sprawling vines felt like being whisked away to summertime Italy. But Paisano's actually hasn't always provided a fine dining experience. Julian Muscio, whose family has run the 40-year-old restaurant since 1989, explained that Paisano's was once a small pizzeria "with maybe seating for about 40." In the decades since, Paisano's has expanded twice, now with a capacity for 300 diners, and upgraded their menu offerings to house-made pastas and bread, the bestselling braised short ribs with gnocchi, a Gorgonzola-, prosciutto- and fig-stuffed pork chop (both $24.95).
Rutherford, New Jersey: A Small Village With A Big Downtown
Rutherford itself is renowned for its chic cafés and upscale restaurants—notably Paisano’s (Italian), Café Matisse (French), Mambo Tea House (Cuban), and Elia’s (authentic Greek), a nearby East Rutherford favorite. Park Avenue’s other worldly cuisine includes Italian, American, Greek, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and Thai–even kebob and empanada eateries.
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