Café Picasso's lunch menu would humble the dinner offerings of many Italian restaurants. An outstanding selection of antipasti, salads, sandwiches, pastas, bakes and veal, pork, chicken, lamb and seafood dishes on both the lunch and dinner menus are all treated with extra touches to take them beyond simple fare. Lunch features focaccia breads, like the calabrese--topped with grilled veal, sautéed broccoli rabe, sharp provolone and olive oil. Dinner tempts with items dishes like lobster ravioli with portobello, shitake, and porcini mushrooms, onions and scallions finished in a cognac pink sauce. More than a dozen desserts and an espresso bar complete your experience. The Mediterranean décor features an open kitchen, brick walls and tiled floor.
Cafe Picasso
81 West Main St.
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 429-8850
cafe-picasso.com
Ciao Bello Ristorante & Bar offers Italian cuisine in a warm, romantic setting. This moderately-priced, upscale dining venue offers a family restaurant feel, and is the third started by the Qiku family. The lunch and dinner menus are long and primarily Italian, with a few American items (like grilled salmon and cajun steak). Plenty of appetizers, salads, pastas and entrees fill both menus. The pastas are all homemade, and the entrees include chicken, veal, lamb, pork and seafood. There is an extensive wine list. The décor is elegant at this sophisticated eatery, and the prices are moderate to high.
Ciao Bello Ristorante & Bar
156 North Gaston Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 704-8444
ciaobello156.com
At da Filippo's experience fine-dining from Sicily to Somerville, courtesy of owner/chef Fillipo Russo. While there are plenty of familiar Italian dishes on the menu; items like braised tripe and fried squid eggs; and dishes like pork loin filled with pancetta and sage, in a red wine vinegar reduction; and monk fish medallions with capers, anchovies, plum tomatoes and black olives can also be found. The desserts are also considered exquisite. There are lunch, dinner, prixe fixed and chef's tasting menus. da Filippo's maintains a homey ambience with a fireplace, live entertainment and a BYOB policy.
da Filippo's Autentica Cucina Italiana
132 E Main St
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 218-0110
dafilippos.com