Located in Hawthorne"s historic Degray house, Bottagra Restaurant opened its doors in early 2008. What was once used as an encampment for General Lafayette's troops during the Revolutionary War has been transformed into a modern, elegant restaurant with the feel and charm of a Tuscan villa. Chef-Owners Robert Vicari and Carlo Carbonaro have fused their extensive restaurant experience together to offer a variety of dishes hailing from both the northern and southern regions of Italy. Offering a full bar and extensive wine list, as well as private rooms, Bottagrais a diners' dream for gatherings both large and small.
Scalini Fedeli was opened by chef-owner Michael Cetrulo in 1995 and very quickly became New Jersey's highest rated Italian restaurant. Rated excellent by the New York Times in 1996 and New Jersey's favorite restaurant in Zagat's Survey in 2001 and New Jersey Monthly's best Italian and top 25 overall in 2007. Highlights from the menu include soft egg yolk raviolo with black truffle butter, pignoli crusted salmon with artichoke and mint agnolotti in a light tomato and basil broth and braised short ribs of beef with a cherry pepper and port glaze. Set in an historic building built in 1740, the atmosphere is slightly formal with Tuscan style vaulted ceilings finished with Venetian plaster. Tapestry and antique mirrors adorn the walls.
The Ivy Inn Restaurant and Bar is the perfect place for a date night or celebratory dinner with your partner. Sit by the fireplace indoors and listen to the live piano player while you enjoy a meal of roasted rack of lamb or grilled veal chop served in a mushroom cognac cream sauce. During nice weather, sit out on the patio that is surrounded by greenery for privacy and dine on broiled Canadian salmon or the blackened Louisiana catfish served with a spicy tomato salsa. While the mood is intimate, children are welcome at the Ivy Inn and menu items for them include penne pasta with butter, three mini sliders or a pizzette.The Ivy Inn offers a global selection of both red and white wines. For those that are more adventurous, there are tasting options on the menu which present you with a sampling of three distinctly different wines.