Bellissimo has been providing authentic, homemade Italian food at 12 S. Kinderkamack Road in Montvale since 2008. Rave reviews from regular patrons as well as first-time visitors basically all share the same sentiment. The warm atmosphere, excellent selection of Italian dishes, reasonable prices, and prompt, friendly service continually make guests feel as though they are part of a big, Italian family. We spoke to the owner, Tony Meto, to find out more.
What is your background in cooking Italian specialties?
I have always loved to cook, having learned from my mother and grandmother. I always knew I would one day open a restaurant and share my passion with others.
What made you want to establish an Italian restaurant in Montvale?
I've always wanted to open a restaurant; once this space came available, I knew it was the right spot for me. It's a great location. We love Montvale and being in Bergen County. Being close to Rockland County also brings in many New York guests.
Some of your reviews mention how authentic your Italian food is. To what can you attribute your authenticity?
My family. I learned everything from them—from sauces to main dishes. We still use some of my treasured family recipes in the restaurant today.
What sets you apart from other Italian restaurants?
The food at Bellissimo is always fresh and made to order. People come in for specific dishes, and we strive to ensure that the dish is consistently delicious by using only the freshest ingredients.
To that point, we also offer Daily Fresh specials. We get produce and seafood delivered daily, so depending upon whatever comes in, we make a special dish that is not on our menu. It could be something like softshell crabs or branzino, served with fresh, seasonal vegetables—it doesn't get any better than that! We also offer daily pasta, fish, and meat specials (steak, short ribs, chicken, etc.). Some people don't even ask for our menu; they only want to hear the specials!
Another thing that sets us apart is value—we don't ever change our portion sizes. We serve a house salad with every entrée, and bread is always on the table. So many restaurants have cut back on those extras; however, we have not. Value and consistency are two essential "ingredients" in having a successful restaurant. It is what we are known for, and we take that very seriously.
Tell us about your business/senior weekday lunch specials
Bellissimo offers wonderful weekday lunch specials Monday through Friday. All lunch entrees are served with soup and salad. We have a steady stream of regulars who enjoy joining us for lunch each week. Also, we are a BYOB establishment and never charge an uncorking fee. Patrons are welcome to "bring their own bottle."
Do you cater private parties?
We do both on- and off-premise catering. We have two party rooms, and we also offer trays to go. We celebrate all types of occasions--birthdays, bridal and baby showers, retirements, etc.--with our wonderful customers!
How do you give back to the community?
We donate food to a local food shelter, and we are proud to provide donations of gift certificates to our community's schools and charities for their fundraising events. People support us by coming and eating at our restaurant, and we love to support them back. Our customers are amazing--so loyal, even through the pandemic. They are the reason we are still open and thriving today. We have new customers all of the time and so many loyal returning customers. We are truly grateful.
bellissimonj.com
"People support us by coming and eating at our restaurant, and we love to support them back...They are the reason we are still open and thriving today...We are truly grateful."