Our Story

Nicola’s Ristorante began in 1990 with a simple belief: authentic Italian food, served with genuine hospitality, brings people together. Founder Nicola built the menu on the traditional recipes of his family’s roots in Bari, in southern Italy, and that heritage still guides our kitchen today.

The restaurant first opened in West Paterson before moving to Hawthorne, and in 2009 the family found its home at 650 Union Blvd in Totowa. Today, Nicola and his son run the restaurant side by side, carrying on the recipes and standards that have defined Nicola’s for more than 35 years.

Our commitment to quality starts with the people we work with. For more than 30 years, we have sourced our seafood from Peter’s Fish Market in Midland Park, and our bread comes from Anthony & Sons in Denville, a partner of 15 years. These relationships allow us to serve dishes like Chilean Sea Bass, Oysters Rockefeller, and Zuppa di Pesce with confidence.

Nicola’s offers an upscale BYOB experience with white-tablecloth service and a refined menu that goes beyond the typical neighborhood Italian restaurant. From weeknight dinners to milestone celebrations, we are honored to be part of so many families’ traditions. Welcome to our family.