Some of you have driven by and glanced at the beautifully lit, full scale, floor to ceiling arched windows of La Pergola’s upscale facade, wondering what delights await you beyond the glimpse of happy patrons enjoying fine Italian cuisine and a delightful glass of wine. Most are locals and loyal frequent diners who go to La Pergola to dine before attending a show at the Papermill Playhouse, celebrate special events or simply to enjoy a wonderful evening out with family or on a date. Well wonder no more! If you’ve never been to La Pergola in Millburn, you are missing out on authentic freshly made Northern Italian cuisine, where they offer indoor elegant dining, BYOB, and a serene outdoor dining garden area in the back. You will always feel welcomed as part of their family with the genuinely caring owners and attentive staff during your dining experience.
Since 2011, owners Driola (Executive Chef) and Agron Kaloshi, have been bringing the freshest and most authentic taste of Northern Italy to Millburn, New Jersey. They pride themselves on using the finest ingredients to make authentic and fresh seasonal dishes for their restaurant guests. “Our business is based on the seasonal ingredients available. For example, in the summer we offer fresh Jersey tomatoes from local farms that we serve with burrata, gorgonzola, balsamic and red onions. Summer is about eating light. We serve a lot of fish dishes from Sea to Table”. Driola shared with me. “In the Fall, we make homemade raviolis stuffed with fresh farm sourced squash …all handmade. In the winter, hardier dishes like Pappardelle with wild boar, steaks, cold water mushrooms…etc. We serve dishes that are typical of Florence, Italy. Our Tuscan soup is made with cannellini beans, kale, and no pancetta so it is vegetarian friendly. We can add pancetta to make it a heartier soup. “ Driola also mentioned.
“We handmake all of our pastas, gnocchi and desserts. Our Risotto with Osso Bucco is a very popular dish in the fall and our Rack of Lamb as well.” said Driola. Figs are a traditional Italian fruit and for the Fall, La Pergola serves freshly made fig tarts and figs stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts and a Chestnut cake that is gluten free. They also make a delicious Chicken Rollatini made with prosciutto, spinach, and wild mushrooms.
When you get to know Driola and Agron, you will learn sweet anecdotes, such as some of her loyal customers include a group of wine enthusiasts who work with Driola on each menu to pair with their wine tastings every time they dine at La Pergola, or a local resident, who is 105 years old and can no longer drive, that orders both lunch and dinner daily, to a Short Hills resident whose 9 year old daughter stated that it was her favorite restaurant and notes the “taste of nutmeg” in one of the dishes, and from what it sounds, she may be a future judge on the Food Network. You’ll also be surprised with some personal details such as Driola’s husband, son and father-in-law all share the same birthday, September 2nd, not planned, but by pure coincidence.
Your palette will take you on a trip to Florence Italy, with La Pergola being your vehicle. They are open 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. If you are dining outdoors in the Fall, their heaters will keep you warm, while enjoying the crisp fall air and a warm hearty Italian dish that tastes like you have your own personal gourmet Italian chef or even your own “Nonna”! Stop by and see for yourself, why the short drive or walk to La Pergola, is a worthwhile experience and while you’re there, say hello to the owners Driola and Agron. They will be very happy you did! https://lapergolanj.com/
