Nestled within the BayView Hotel is Ristorante Barolo. I believe it offers some of the best Italian cuisine I've ever tasted. It is family owned and operated by my good friends Cristina and Giovanni. They are also partners at another fine Italian restaurant here in Newark (which I will also review!).
I first met Cristina and Giovanni at their Newark restaurant. I went there for a company lunch, and I was hooked. As I got to know them better, so when Cristina told me about their new "project", it wasn't long before we made reservations and stayed at the Bayview for a week. (Look for a review of the Bayview Hotel, natch). They've owned the converted Victorian bed-and-breakfast for 3 or 4 years now, and they've done amazing things in that short period of time.
On to the appetizers! They have eight Antipasti selections, two of them being salads. I love bruschetta, so it's a no-brainer for me. In the Pasta category there are at least ten choices - the gnocchi is to die for! Under the next course (Secondi), you can choose from chicken, veal, lamb or fish dishes. And now to the best part - dessert! They make a mean tiramisu that I just can't resist. The atmosphere is classy yet casual: paintings on the wall, quiet candlelight table settings, yet you don't need reservations. They also have a complete bar. The staff is very friendly and accomodating, so don't be afraid to ask questions about how something is cooked. A great place for a special occasion, or no occasion at all. They also do weddings and receptions.
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