The irresistible aroma of slow-simmered sauce, bubbling mozzarella, and hand-tossed dough drifting from a family-owned restaurant is as much a part of New Jersey’s identity as Sunday dinner itself. Italian food here isn’t just a meal—it’s a legacy. And few embody that legacy more fully than Morris County restaurateur Anthony Suppa. For Suppa, that legacy is also a source of gratitude—rooted in family traditions and the joy of sharing meals that bring people together. A powerhouse in the industry for decades, he made his mark on the North Jersey dining scene early, stepping into his first professional kitchen at just sixteen years old.
Fueled by equal parts passion for cuisine and a sharp business instinct, Suppa honed his craft at other notable New Jersey establishments—including Caldwell Seafood Market and Café, Bella Notte in Little Falls, and La Cucina in Denville. Each experience refined his palate and sharpened his vision for what authentic dining could—and should—be.
That vision came full circle with his latest venture, Suppa’s Ristorante and Pizzeria. More than a restaurant, it is a revival of his family’s culinary name—his father and brother once operated a beloved Pine Brook eatery—and a tribute to the traditions of Calabria and Napoli. The menu blends authentic Italian fare with regional nuances, creating a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Set on East Main Street in the former Mancino’s space, Suppa’s opened in 2024 as a BYOB hotspot, adding a personal and intimate touch to evenings out. True to its roots, the restaurant is a family affair: Suppa’s son-in-law and business partner, Youser Salazar, works alongside him, while two of his four daughters can often be found warmly welcoming guests as part-time servers. For Suppa, having his family by his side isn’t just part of the business—it’s the greatest blessing of all.
Raised in a traditional Italian household, Suppa drew inspiration from family gatherings centered around his grandmother’s cooking. To this day, he says food is what drives him.
“I like to eat,” he admitted with a laugh. “It’s that simple.”
For Suppa, the leap to chef felt natural, shaped less by textbooks and more by the lessons of hands-on kitchen experience.
Of course, standing out in a state overflowing with Italian eateries is no small feat—New Jersey is home to more than 3,000 pizzerias, according to Statista.
“The more competition, the better,” Suppa said confidently. “That means there’s people around.”
In just a year and a half, Suppa has woven himself seamlessly into the fabric of Denville’s dining scene, earning both loyal customers and community respect. For locals, Suppa’s isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a destination.
“Business has been very good,” he said. “This is a nice town and the people are nice, too.”
The reviews on Yelp echo Suppa’s confidence, with praise piled high. Diners rave about favorites like mussels in white sauce and perfectly crisp rice balls—“I don’t think there was a crumb left,” one wrote.
Portion sizes also earn applause, with the legendary three-breasted chicken parm over penne stretching into multiple meals. Guests appreciate not just the food but also the value and hospitality: “This hard-working family sets a fair price for their menu when so many places do not.” Another noted, “Their service is warm and friendly. The owner and father, along with his daughters who wait tables, make a point to check in on everyone.”
The warm bread to kick start service doesn’t hurt either.
As for the name, customers often ask: is it pronounced Supper or Soup-ah? Suppa smiles—it’s the latter, and a question he hears often.
For Suppa, everything circles back to family. His brother operates two restaurants in Cedar Grove and Wayne, and when Suppa isn’t welcoming guests at his own, he’s exactly where he wants to be—at the table with his loved ones.
At its heart, Suppa’s is about more than food. It’s about gratitude—for family, for tradition, and for the Denville community that has embraced them so warmly. And that, Suppa says, is what makes all the hard work worth it.
Suppa’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, located at 490 East Main Street in Denville, is open six days a week and Sundays for special occasions. Learn more at www.suppasristorante.com.
Guests appreciate not just the food but also the value and hospitality. In recent reviews, one wrote: “This hard-working family sets a fair price for their menu when so many places do not.” Another noted, “Their service is warm and friendly."