Scalini Fedeli, Chatham, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Scalini Fedeli: A Northern New Jersey Gem for Discerning Diners
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Scalini Fedeli: Restaurant Summary
Fare: Northern Italian With French influences
Price: Very Expensive
Food Quality: Excellent, creative, prepared with quality ingredients
Service: The service is "Old School" ---- professional, attentive, and not intrusive.
Ambiance: Sophisticated, old world romantic, with Tuscan style vaulted ceilings finished with Venetian plaster.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy High end, special occasion dining with romantic New York, sophisticated, style atmosphere.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy BYOB, casual family style dining.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Potato crusted snapper over sautéed wild mushrooms in a red wine (barbaresco) reduction and roasted beets; The Veal chop with a porcini-Dijon sauce served with
braised vegetables; and the filet mignon with a madeira wine and black olive sauce over haricot vert and roasted fingerling potatoes.
Liquor: Full bar service
Renowned as one of Northern New Jersey’s finest Italian dining destinations, Scalini Fedeli has captivated guests since 1995 with its blend of elegance and culinary excellence.
Perfect for milestone celebrations, intimate evenings, or high-profile business gatherings, this upscale restaurant offers a memorable experience worth the splurge—though securing a weekend table demands planning well ahead.
Helmed by acclaimed Chef-Owner Michael Cetrulo, the restaurant reflects his passion for refined cuisine and hospitality. A seasoned restaurateur, Cetrulo also curates other esteemed New Jersey venues, including Il Mondo Vecchio in Madison, Scala Del Nonna in Montclair, and the historic Montville Inn.
Housed in a meticulously restored 260-year-old farmhouse, Scalini Fedeli exudes a chic, New York-inspired charm. The interior marries rustic heritage with opulent touches: salmon-hued vaulted ceilings, Tuscan-inspired tapestries, billowing white curtains, and candlelit tables draped in crisp linens. For a truly romantic vibe, request a window seat to bask in the warm, intimate glow.
The kitchen, staffed largely by Cetrulo’s handpicked family-trained team, delivers a creatively crafted four-course prix fixe menu for dinner. Dishes showcase premium ingredients and techniques honed through the chef’s journeys across Italy and France, resulting in a harmonious blend of rustic authenticity and modern finesse.
Ideal for those seeking a transcendent dining experience, Scalini Fedeli promises to enchant both the palate and the senses.
Hours: Open Tuesday–Friday for lunch; Monday–Saturday for dinner.
Reservations: Essential, particularly for weekend dinners.
Updated: February 2025
Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation
The Unveiling of the Best Romantic Dining Spots in New Jersey!
A Guide To New Jersey's Best Romantic Restaurants For That Memorable Experience
New Jersey's Culinary Champs: The Best Restaurants of The Year
Discover the restaurants that stand above and apart from the pack of NJ restaurants.
NJ Breakfast and Brunch: A Food Lover's Guide
Discover the "Best" Breakfast and Sunday Brunch Restaurants in NJ