Husband-and-wife team Teresa and Vincent (Vinny) Russo of 103 Prime haven’t just crafted a new menu for this beloved local restaurant—they’ve brought a renewed sense of home to the Pascack Valley dining scene.
For Vinny, hospitality runs in the family. He grew up working alongside his father at the legendary Casa Dante, a Jersey City institution still drawing loyal patrons today. In 1997, he opened The Valley Regency, a premier catering hall in Clifton, building a reputation for impeccable service and elevated cuisine. But even after decades of success in catering, Vinny felt the pull to return to the kind of restaurant he grew up in—a place where the kitchen is the heart, the tables are always full, and the guests feel like family.
That opportunity came in 2024 when Vinny and Teresa—longtime customers of 103 Prime—took over ownership. With a vision to refresh the space without losing its familiar charm, the Russos renovated, revitalized, and reimagined the restaurant. Now celebrating their one-year anniversary at the helm, they’ve brought new energy, a refined menu, and the same warm welcome locals have always loved.
With the guidance of their longtime friend and manager Fabio, 103 Prime now leans more heavily into authentic Italian cuisine, featuring classics such as stuffed mushrooms, eggplant parmigiana, and an array of handcrafted pastas. Many recipes have been lovingly updated—like the fried calamari, now prepared using Vinny’s father’s original recipe from decades ago.
And while the menu showcases these Italian favorites, 103 Prime proudly continues its tradition of expertly prepared steaks. Guests can still enjoy tender cuts, from juicy filets to perfectly marbled rib-eyes, making it a destination for both steak lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
Vinny’s personal favorite? The delicate, fresh Dover Sole. Teresa, meanwhile, swears by the tender crabcakes and rich Rigatoni Bolognese—both perfected by their talented kitchen team.
What truly sets 103 Prime apart is its willingness to tailor the dining experience. Guests can call ahead to request a special dish—perhaps seasonal soft-shell crab or another craving—and the team will do their best to make it happen. This flexibility, paired with their elevated menu, means every visit can feel like a custom culinary experience.
For Teresa, Vinny, and Fabio, these personal touches are the heartbeat of their work.
“There’s no better feeling,” Teresa said, “than walking over to a table, asking how everything is, and hearing that the food, the ambiance, and the staff were wonderful. That’s when you know you’ve done your job right.”
Vinny agrees. “At the end of the day,” he said, “what’s most rewarding is making people happy.”
As autumn settles in, 103 Prime continues to evolve—welcoming both familiar faces and new guests to enjoy meals that feel like a celebration.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit 103prime.com, call 201-391-2220, and follow them on Instagram @103primenj
There’s no better feeling than walking over to a table, asking how everything is, and hearing that the food, the ambiance, and the staff were wonderful. That’s when you know you’ve done your job right. - Teresa Russo