Fascino, Montclair, NJ:
A restaurant Review

Fascino, Montclair, NJ
Fascino Restaurant
331 Bloomfield Ave.
Montclair, NJ
973-233-0350
Website

Fascino: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Contemporary Italian

Price: Expensive

Food Quality: Excellent. Well executed using quality ingredients, and house made pasta

Service: Professional, knowledgeable, and attentive.

Ambiance/Decor: Attractive, and warm, though decor is dated

Overall Rating: 3 Stars- Classified as a "Chef-Inspired Fine Dining" restaurant. (* Note - See below restaurant classification for details)

Note: Four-star Rating System from no stars = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class

Noise Level:  Moderate

Dress:  Upscale Casual

Recommended For:  Diners who enjoy excellent Italian contemporary food in an attractive setting.

Not Recommended For:  Diners who prefer traditional, red sauce Italian food in a more family oriented casual setting.

Recommended dishes:  When available, Australia Barramundi; The Ricotta Gnocchi; and The Sweet Sausage Bolognese and Pecorino Romano.

Liquor:  BYOB, If you forgot to bring your own, there is a nearby wine shop that has prompt delivery to your table.



Restaurant Review

Fascino is one of the top Italian restaurants in northern New Jersey. This "Chef-Inspired Fine Dining" restaurant. Has all the amenities of a fine dining restaurant except Bar Service.

This is a good spot to celebrate a special occasion and to enjoy a romantic dinner.


Chef Ryan DePersio along with his entire family, including his mother, Cynthia, who is the gifted pastry chef, work in harmony to produce a well prepared and organized fine dining experience. The dishes are contemporary Italian with a northern Italian influence.

Chef DePersio received his formal culinary training at NY Restaurant School and honed his skills at many famed restaurants including the four-star restaurant, Jean Georges. in NYC, The famed Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, Italy. prior to opening Fascino in 2003. Ryan has also been featured on the Today Show, Food Network and Tony Tantillo's. Ryan DePersio has since opened Battello and Kitchen Step, both in Jersey City.

The decor is attractive, and warm, though dated, with soft lighting bringing out the tones of burgundy, cream, and gold. Seating takes place in tables and wall lined clustered brass and terra-cotta colored booths and mahogany chairs. Walls are adorned with artwork derived from owner's photographs of life in Italy. Tables are set with linens

During the 2020 pandemic, they have added a (COVID-19 compliant) heated outdoor pod for outdoor winter dining that seats four —with BYO delivery and sealed silverware. There are two seating’s 6pm and 8pm. 2-hour limit. Reservations required.

They prepare handmade fresh pasta in the daily specials and are served in big white crockery bowls covered in a variety of sauces. The menu is offered as a la carte, Five Course Chefs Tasting, and a Four Course Vegetarian Tasting

Fascino is open six days/week Closed Monday and Tuesday: Open Wednesday & Thursday 5pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 10pm, & Sunday for brunch 11am to 2pm and dinner 4pm to 8pm

Not recommended for children

Reservations well in advance are suggested.

* Description of Restaurant Classification - Chef-Inspired Fine Dining:

  • "Old World" with sophisticated and romantic décor.
  • Priced higher than other upscale restaurants to cover the cost of the added amenities.
  • They are chef driven by chefs with impressive credentials including formal culinary education and skills honed at award winning restaurants.
  • Committed to high quality food ingredients such as imported items not available in the supermarket, with emphasis on local seasonal farm-to-table produce, wild caught seafood, & meats without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones.
  • The wait staff is rigorously trained --- professional, knowledgeable, and attentive.
  • Usually has an alcohol menu with high end wines and specialty cocktails and with a staff knowledgeable in wine pairings.Additional amenities include linen and fine China table settings, carpeted flooring, chandeliers, and complimentary sorbets, dessert chocolates, etc.
  • Patrons tend to be older, more formally dressed, with high incomes.


The most popular upscale restaurants in New Jersey, classified into three categories: Chef-Inspired Fine Dining, Chef-Inspired Casual Dining, and Contemporary Casual.
learn more about the three types of upscale restaurants and how reviews are created.

(updated: November 2020)