Fiorentini, Rutherford, NJ: A Dining Review

Fiorentini Italian Restaurant

Fiorentini
98 Park Ave
Rutherford, NJ
(973) 721 - 3404

 

Best NJ Restaurant

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

Fiorentini: Restaurant Summary

Fare: Tuscan Italian

Price: Expensive

Food Quality: Excellent. Serves a seasonal menu to reflect what's fresh, and includes imported essential ingredients from Italy

Service: Attentive but not intrusive, with deep knowledge of the menu and genuine hospitality

Decor/Ambiance: Upscale, seasonal decor that evolves with nature

Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 Star =Poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: Moderate

Dress: Upscale Casual

Best for: Guests who want authentic, house-made Italian dishes and do not mind paying more for quality

Not for: Budget diners looking for a traditional, family-style red sauce pasta and pizza menu

Recommended dishes: When available, The Barolo-braised beef agnolotti; The Cacio e pepe gnocchi with mussels; and The Sweet pea fagottini with crab and tarragon.

Liquor: BYOB, with a curated pairing experience guided by the staff

Fiorentini isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a culinary experience rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and artistry. Located in the heart of Rutherford, NJ, this intimate Italian restaurant has quickly earned its reputation as one of the Garden State’s finest.

Co-owned by two Florentines, the restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Tuscan roots and a menu that changes seasonally to reflect what's fresh.

Chef Antonio De Ieso: Italian Culinary Royalty

Chef Antonio De Ieso brings global prestige to Rutherford. Born and trained in Florence, Italy, he graduated from the renowned Buontalenti Culinary School and honed his craft at elite institutions like Le Cirque and the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC. His career spans Paris, the Caribbean, and New York City, and in 2025, he became the first NJ chef honored by the Italian government as a representative of “I AM CUCINA ITALIANA.”

Food Preparation Style: Florentine Technique Meets NJ Freshness

Fiorentini’s kitchen operates with zero-waste and zero-compromise:

  • No walk-in fridgeقingredients are delivered fresh daily

  • Handmade pasta crafted each morning

  • Flour made from dehydrated bread

  • Bone marrow served separately atop risotto for depth and texture

Chef Antonio’s dishes are layered, intentional, and often deconstructed to highlight each ingredient’s integrity.

Ingredients: Local, Seasonal, and Sustainably Sourced

Fiorentini partners with regenerative NJ farms to source:

  • Non-GMO, pesticide-free produce

  • Wild-caught seafood (never farmed)

  • Imported D.O.P. Italian staples like Parmigiano Reggiano and Sicilian olive oil

Ambiance: Eco-Luxury with Artistic Flair

Designed by co-owner Brenda De Ieso, Fiorentini’s interior is a living canvas:

  • Upcycled oak floors and reclaimed wood accents

  • Moss and eucalyptus gardens built into walls and ceilings

  • Seasonal decor that evolves with nature

  • Open kitchen island and sculptural tableware

It’s Rutherford’s first registered sustainable business, with compostable packaging, filtered cooking water, and recycled furnishings.

Service: Thoughtful, Warm, and Community-Driven

Service is attentive but never intrusive, with deep knowledge of the menu and genuine hospitality. Whether you're celebrating or simply savoring, the team makes every guest feel like family.

Final Thoughts: A Culinary Gem Worth the Drive

Fiorentini is more than a restaurant. It's a celebration of Italian heritage, local bounty, and culinary innovation. For food lovers seeking one of the best Italian restaurants in New Jersey, Fiorentini delivers an unforgettable experience that’s both refined and rooted.