At Vette Ristorante at Calabria, Chef Maurizio de Rosa brings more than three decades of global experience to a dining concept rooted in tradition, precision, and hospitality. Born in Naples, his culinary philosophy was shaped early by family, where cooking was an act of care and connection. Today, that same mindset defines the experience at Vette, where every dish and every detail is designed to tell a story.
Located within the longstanding Calabria space, Vette represents a thoughtful evolution of Italian dining in Livingston, blending the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant with the refinement of a modern culinary destination.
“I believe that New Jersey has a lot of Italian restaurants, but they are rooted in the Italian American culinary tradition,” says Chef de Rosa. “We strive to be authentic and contemporary, just like a restaurant that you would encounter in Naples or the Amalfi Coast today.”
De Rosa’s approach is grounded in balance and simplicity, drawing from his experiences in kitchens across New York, Buenos Aires, and beyond. His goal is not just to serve a meal, but to create an experience that lingers, one that begins the moment guests arrive and continues long after they leave.
That philosophy is especially evident in Vette’s weekday tasting menu, designed for those looking to slow down and savor each course at a relaxed pace. It’s an experience that feels particularly fitting for Father’s Day, where time spent together becomes just as meaningful as what’s on the table.
At Vette, the menu reflects a deep connection to Naples while embracing modern technique and local sourcing. Handmade pastas, freshly sourced seafood, and thoughtfully prepared dishes like stuffed zucchini flowers to highlight the beauty of simplicity, allowing ingredients to take center stage. From classic favorites to refined coastal preparations, each plate balances tradition with a contemporary edge. The tasting menu offers a curated journey through these flavors, giving guests the opportunity to experience the full depth of Chef de Rosa’s culinary perspective.
At Vette, the experience extends seamlessly from the kitchen to the bar, where the same level of care and craftsmanship is applied to every cocktail. Thoughtfully designed to complement the menu, each drink reflects balance, depth, and a respect for classic Italian flavors.
For Father’s Day, that attention to detail offers the perfect opportunity to elevate the occasion. Whether you’re planning a relaxed evening at home or gathering around the table with family, a well-crafted cocktail adds a layer of intention to the moment. Much like Chef de Rosa’s approach to food, these drinks focus on simplicity done well, letting a few key ingredients come together in a way that feels both familiar and refined.
Coffee, a staple of Italian culture, takes center stage here, bringing richness and depth to two classic-style cocktails. The result is something bold yet approachable, perfect for celebrating.
Here’s a recipe you can make at home or enjoy at Vette, Calabria, and pair it with a meal here. Whether you’re raising a glass at the restaurant or recreating the experience in your own kitchen, these drinks capture the spirit of Father’s Day simple, thoughtful, and meant to be shared.
Coffee Vermouth
Ingredients
- Ice
- Dry vermouth
- Espresso coffee
- Coffee vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Nolet Gin (or any other gin)
- Cherry
Instructions
Using equal parts of the ingredients, brew the vermouth with espresso using a moka pot, filling the base with dry vermouth to the valve and packing the filter with ground coffee. Once brewed and cooled, combine 1 oz coffee-infused vermouth, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz gin in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain over a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Coffee Americano
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1.5 oz Coffee vermouth
- 1.5 oz Campari
- Seltzer Water
- Orange Peel
Instructions
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the coffee vermouth made from using the recipe above and Campari, then gently stir to combine. Top with seltzer water and give a light stir to incorporate. Garnish with an orange peel and serve immediately.
Vette Ristorante at Calabria offers an experience designed for both special occasions and everyday moments worth celebrating. With a focus on thoughtful service and attention to detail, the atmosphere invites guests to settle in, slow down, and enjoy each course at their own pace.
The weekday tasting menu provides a curated way to explore the kitchen’s offerings, while the full menu allows for a more personalized dining experience.
Whether you’re planning a special Father’s Day dinner or a night out, Vette delivers thoughtful cuisine and warm hospitality.
Vette Ristorante at Calabria
588 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ
(973) 441-9999
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.