Discovering Neighborly Russillo in West Caldwell

Big portions, very reasonable prices and attentive service keeps Russillo crowded. It is a let’s-be-sure-to-go-back restaurant, if you are looking for a casual, red-sauce Italian meal.

There are so many mom-and-pop neighborhood Italian restaurants in New Jersey, that we usually do not get to dine at them unless they are recommended. Such was the case with Russillo, a place we have been driving by for years. Our friend Peggy raved about the food here and she was right.

Specials are written out with their prices. We opted for a breadcrumb-stuffed artichoke surrounded by a tomato-based vegetable broth; a delightful change from the usual butter and garlic sauce. Perfectly cooked and obviously messy, we had a delightful time munching through the leaves of this thistle. A pasta fagiole, swimming with beans and greens was served steaming hot, as was a half loaf of Italian bread. The usual Italian dishes are offered as entrees, and we shared a special of perfectly cooked Scoffetuni Enzo containing extra large imported rigatoni in a scrumptious, sausage and Bolognese sauce with fresh spinach and a touch of cream. Mozzarella and a commendable red sauce were draped over lightly battered eggplant parmigiana accompanied by sautéed fresh string beans and carrots. We were stuffed and did not feel bad bypassing the desserts from Bindi.

Russillo Pizzeria & Ristorante
675 Bloomfield Avenue
West Caldwell
973-228-4100
BYO

IF
Stuffed artichoke.

IF
Rigatoni Bolognese.
Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein

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