The aroma of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread lingers in the air at The Gourmet Café, where every dish tells a story. For Chef Matt Pierone, that story began decades ago at a sink full of dishes and has since evolved into one of New Jersey’s most beloved Italian kitchens.
What began as an unexpected moment in the kitchen has since evolved into a legacy of flavor. As the longtime owner and head chef of The Gourmet Café Italian Restaurant in Parsippany, Pierone channels his North Jersey Italian roots into dishes that are as authentic as they are satisfying.
That authenticity defines The Gourmet Café, an intimate BYO restaurant serving classic Italian comfort food daily. Signature dishes such as Saltimbocca, Rigatoni Bolognese, scallops with crabmeat, and meatballs au poivre showcase timeless flavors with subtle nods to international flair. Despite its café-inspired name, the ‘gourmet’ aspect shines through—Pierone crafts his own limoncello in-house and proudly champions his signature shrimp and scallop piccata.
“I wish I had changed the name and I had to overcome that the first few years,” he revealed. Soon after adding Italian Restaurant to the name, he built a steady stream of regulars that shaped the hot spot’s identity.
So, how did this ambitious young dishwasher at the Cobblestone Inn in West Caldwell work his way from sudsing to saucing?
“The cook didn’t show up [one day], so I gave the chef a hand,” he explained. “I went from a dishwasher to a line cook overnight. The chef said that I was better than the other guy.”
He spent five years there, crediting his former mentor for fostering a lively atmosphere and igniting his culinary passion.
Pierone’s next stop on the Jersey culinary circuit was the former Huddle Inn in Fairfield, where Italian fare—and romance—were equally on the menu. There he met his wife of 36 years, Rosemary, joining four other couples who also found love within its walls.
There, he also befriended Mike DiOnnio, former Chopped Champion, who took him under his wing.
He went on to attend the former New York Restaurant School in Manhattan, which exposed him to the New York City food scene. “It’s definitely different in New York,” he said. “There’s much more pressure, smaller kitchens, and it’s very intense.”
Still, he claims boasting rights for honing his chops at The Rainbow Room in the capacity of fish chef or “poissoner,” and he also put in time at Gracie Mansion as well as the High Lawn Pavilion in West Orange.
“I graduated [from restaurant school] on my 31st birthday at the top of my class and had choices as to where to go.”
The commute to Manhattan had taken its toll and he decided to return to New Jersey to fine tune his fare. He seasoned his resume with Eccola Italian Bistro in Parsippany, Grand Cafe in Morristown, and Rod’s in Madison to name a few.
Having reached the top of the chef’s payroll, he decided to go all in on his own, drawing from his Italian heritage and tipping his hat to his mother.
“My mom was an amazing Italian cook,” he said. “Everyone loves Italian food.”
After encouragement from his loved ones, he reached deep into his pockets and pounced on the opportunity that presented itself in the form of The Gourmet Cafe.
“My father was a huge influence on my business and in life," he said. “He owned several businesses and always encouraged me to work for myself.”
His wife was also on board with the venture and stepped up to the plate as hostess in the early days.
As owner and head chef, Pierone pays just as much attention to the front-of-house as he does to the kitchen.
“I communicate with customers every shift,” he added. “I go around and say hi and thank people. You have to build those relationships. It’s very important.”
Pierone takes a traditional approach to reservations and takeout, relying on phone calls rather than online platforms.
In embracing technology, the restaurant maintains a strong presence on social media and he takes online reviews very seriously.
In addition to dishing out food and camaraderie, Pierone also lends a charitable hand to community organizations in need. Since 2008, Make-a-Difference Mondays has donated 10 percent of sales to designated nonprofits that have included Table of Hope, Toys for Tots, and the Parsippany Food Bank to name a few. To date, he has raised more than $100,000.
With long hours and seven-day workweeks, Pierone exemplifies the chef’s on-the-go lifestyle—but it’s a rhythm he thrives on.
As for the future? “I want to keep it going as long as I can,” he explained. “I’m hoping eventually that one of the staff members will take it over since my children don’t want to.”
The restauranteur is the proud father of three children aged, 24, 27, and 28, who have all worked for and with him in some capacity. His youngest daughter can still be found waiting tables twice a week.
Pierone has built more than a restaurant—he’s built a community and his legacy is already written on every plate. As The Gourmet Café continues to thrive, his story proves that passion, persistence, and heart are the most essential ingredients of all.
The Gourmet Cafe Italian Restaurant is located at 136 Baldwin Road, Parsippany Troy-Hills.
Visit gourmetcafenj.com for more.
“I go around and say hi and thank people. You have to build those relationships. It’s very important.”