Verana Cucina Italiana, Norwood, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Verana Cucina Italiana
530 Livingston St.
Norwood, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Verana Cucina Italiana: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Contemporary Regional Italian
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed inspirational menu, using high-quality ingredients
Service: Friendly, welcoming, attentive
Ambiance/Decor: Upscale, cozy, charming, romantic with a NYC vibe
Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars -- in the category of Chef-Inspired Fine Dining
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - Loud
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy upscale dining with a well-executed regional Italian menu.
Not Recommended For: Budget-conscious diners who enjoy a low-key BYOB traditional Italian, heavy red sauce menu served in huge portions.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Tagliata Di Manzo with porcini rubbed Snake River Farms 8oz. Wagyu flat iron, Robuchon style potatoes, Emiliana jus; The Salmaerino Alpino with arctic char, salsify, escarole, black rice, speck, tangerine vinaigrette; and The Bucatini con Vongole Calabrese with Manilla clams, guanciale, pomodorini conserva, bomba, bottarga breadcrumbs.
Liquor: Full bar service with a very good selection of Italian wines, and specialty cocktails.
Nestled in Northern New Jersey, Verana Cucina Italiana stands out as a premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine, blending culinary artistry with a sophisticated urban ambiance.
Co-owned by restaurateur Tommy Demaras and acclaimed Chef Giuseppe Agostino, this 65-seat gem delivers a refined dining experience marked by seasonal, scratch-made dishes and an elegant NYC-inspired atmosphere.
Chef Agostino, whose credentials include stints in Italy’s top kitchens and roles as co-executive chef at NYC’s revered Del Posto and executive chef at Long Island City’s waterfront hotspot Maiella (also co-owned by Demaras), crafts a menu that tours Italy’s diverse regions.
Dishes shift with the seasons, showcasing house-made pastas, sauces, focaccia, and pastries. Premium ingredients take center stage, such as American Wagyu beef from Idaho’s Snake River Farms and imported Italian staples, ensuring each plate is both authentic and innovative.
The dining room exudes upscale charm with polished wood floors, crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling dark curtains framing the space. A 10-seat marble bar anchors the lounge, while white-clothed tables and lush hanging plants add warmth. The walls tell stories through striking artwork: a hand-painted mural shares space with vintage photos of icons like Sophia Loren, Roger Moore, and Louis Armstrong indulging in life’s pleasures. Even the bathrooms surprise with portraits of Angelina Jolie and Anthony Bourdain.
In warmer months, the outdoor patio offers al fresco dining.
Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday/Monday),
Verana’s popularity means weekend reservations often book weeks ahead.
Why visit? For a taste of Italy elevated by meticulous craftsmanship, curated design, and hospitality that mirrors the energy of Manhattan’s finest—all without crossing the Hudson.
Updated: January 2025
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