IL Capriccio, Whippany, NJ: A Restaurant Review
IL Capriccio: A Family Legacy of Old World Elegance and Authentic Italian Cuisine
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
IL Capriccio: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Italian - with dishes representing all regions of Italy
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Outstanding. The food is prepared with healthy, high quality, fresh ingredients, and when available organic, free-range meats and vegetables are sourced locally
Service: Professional, attentive, without being intrusive
Ambiance: Elegant, reminiscent of a romantic Italian villa,
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to 4 stars= Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a high-end fine dining experience, complete with a well-executed menu using healthy ingredients, in an upscale, romantic setting
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer traditional, southern Italian, red sauce restaurants.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Tagliatelle Bolognese Egg noodle in a creamy beef Bolognese sauce mascarpone cheese, English peas; The Filetto di Bue ai Ferri, a 10oz Prime center cut grilled filet mignon; and The Branzino al Forno Fresh, whole, roasted Mediterranean Sea bass with garlic and aromatic herbs.
Liquor: Full bar service with over 400 selections of wines from moderately priced to exclusive reserve selections.
Nestled in an ambiance of timeless sophistication, IL Capriccio offers a refined “Old World” dining experience, where meticulously crafted Italian cuisine meets romantic, upscale charm.
Helmed by the Grande family, this intimate establishment has been a labor of love since 1984, blending generations of culinary passion with unwavering dedication to quality.
Founder Antonio “Tony” Grande and his wife, Clara, have poured their hearts into IL Capriccio, alongside their children and nephew. Executive Chef Natale Grande upholds his father’s culinary vision, while daughter Teresa dazzles as pastry chef, and youngest daughter Paola welcomes guests as hostess. Nephew Salvatore Le Rose elevates the experience as maître d’ and sommelier, ensuring seamless service and curated wine pairings.
Tony Grande’s expertise stems from rigorous training at Rome’s prestigious ENALC hotel school, followed by stints at Italy’s Hotel Europa, La Fenice in Venice, and Hotel Piccolo on Lake Garda. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1973, he honed his craft at Clifton’s Bel’vedere restaurant before launching IL Capriccio. Today, the kitchen celebrates Italy’s diverse regions with a gourmet menu emphasizing health-conscious, premium ingredients.
Every dish reflects a pledge to integrity: organic, non-GMO produce, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and wild line-caught seafood. Homemade pastas showcase artisanal flours, while seasonal vegetables and free-range meats are sourced from Tony’s 190-acre Sussex County farm. The result? A menu where authenticity meets innovation.
Step into a Florentine-inspired villa adorned with classical oil paintings, murals, and fresh floral arrangements in grand urns. Soft lighting, plush upholstery, and carpeted floors create an intimate setting, complemented by live piano melodies Wednesday through Saturday. In warmer months, the Tuscan-style courtyard offers al fresco dining for up to 35 guests.
IL Capriccio invites discerning diners to savor la dolce vita—a harmonious blend of heritage, flavor, and romance, crafted by a family devoted to excellence.
Practical Details:
Hours: Lunch served Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Dinner nightly (except Sunday), 5:00–10:00 p.m.
Dress Code: Elegant attire required. Gentlemen: collared shirts (jackets optional); Ladies: dresses, skirts, blouses, or neat jeans with dress shoes.
Updated: February 2025
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