+1 908-277-4006
Nestled in the heart of Summit, New Jersey, La Focaccia is a gem for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine. This charming Italian restaurant delivers an experience that stands out not just for its impeccable food but also for its inviting atmosphere and attentive service.
The menu at La Focaccia is a celebration of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, combining traditional flavors with a sophisticated presentation. Guests rave about the Fried Calamari served with sundried tomato aioli—a crispy, tender delight that perfectly kickstarts any meal. The housemade Tagliatelle Bolognese strikes an ideal balance of rich, slow-cooked meat sauce and silky pasta, while the Zucchini Flowers and Fried Zucchini bring a light, fresh crunch that appeals to vegetable enthusiasts.
One cannot mention La Focaccia without celebrating their standout dishes like the Lamb Shank with Risotto—a succulent, fall-off-the-bone masterpiece paired with creamy risotto that's worthy of a slow savor. The Veal Chop Parmesan and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops showcase the kitchen’s talent in crafting hearty, flavorful mains that feel both luxurious and comforting.
Dessert lovers are in for a treat with the creamy Tiramisu, luscious Coconut Gelato, and a decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake that rounds out the meal on a sublime note. The espresso served here also earns high praise, providing the perfect aromatic finish to the dining experience.
La Focaccia’s ambiance is warm and inviting, echoing the genuine hospitality that patrons continually commend. The friendly staff provide attentive service that strikes a comfortable balance—engaged without being overwhelming, welcoming customers as if they were old friends returning home.
Outdoor seating here elevates the experience further. As noted by diners, the spaced tables create an intimate, almost transportive dining environment away from the bustle of city life. Whether for a cozy date night or a casual lunch, La Focaccia's atmosphere carefully blends charm and relaxation.
Customers like Nicole Boodram have singled out dishes such as the shrimp with chickpeas and the fresh seafood pasta for their vibrant flavors and pristine freshness, highlighting the kitchen’s commitment to quality ingredients and well-executed recipes. Regular patrons appreciate the bartenders’ attentive care, with names like Mike and Vinny frequently mentioned as part of the bar’s welcoming vibe.
Even new visitors leave impressed by the consistency and superior taste of each dish, although a rare note on customization—like swapping marinara for vodka sauce on the chicken parm—showcases the restaurant’s occasionally firm but honest approach toward menu integrity.
Overall, La Focaccia is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination where every meal feels thoughtfully prepared and every guest is genuinely valued. For those seeking authentic Italian flavors paired with an inviting atmosphere and excellent service, La Focaccia promises a memorable dining experience in Summit.
Contact: 523 Morris Ave, Summit, NJ 07901 | +1 908-277-4006
La Focaccia is one of the best restaurants in the area, in our experience. We have been dining there for years occasionally. They know how to run a good restaurant. Experience - the experience is always very good. They are always welcoming and kind. Service - the service is generally quite good. Attentive, but not overpowering. Food - All of the food is outstanding, including the specials. Overall, the value is very good. We like that it is BYO. Feedback It can occasionally be hard to park at this location, but usually isn't a problem. There is always the Uber option. While the atmosphere is nice, depending on your table assignment, it can be a bit tight with some tables close to one another. Update I’m updating my review, with no change to the 5-star rating, based on additional experience at La Focaccia and have the following feedback. Again, they run a very good restaurant and we have admired how they have grown it. Food and service- the food quality is excellent. We like how they have evolved the menu and specials. The service is very good. Feedback Experience - as they have grown the business, the restaurant has sometimes become a more chaotic experience. For example, there are more tables closer together. I think there are now too many tables; there are some tables without any space between tables to walk to the other side of the table or sit without being up against chairs behind you. This can adversely affect the experience at La Focaccia. In addition, on a recent Saturday we were advised of various “rules” by our server (who was very good), such as (a) they must take the full order at once, (b) they must take the order in a specific order for runners, and (b) they must pour the wine. These are good rules and this is a lesser significant point, but no one wants to hear the word “rules” at dinner on Saturday night, so I think they could be messaged better (e.g., “we want to stage your meal and pour your wine to make your experience special this evening”). Expansion - La Focaccia’s patronage could probably support them opening another restaurant. Maybe that would create some capacity to enhance the experience at this location. Just my opinions and suggestions here, offered with positive intent.
This evening I had the pleasure of dining here.we were greeted warmly and staff was very attentive .The atmosphere is warm & inviting! The shrimp with chick peas outstanding flavor! Zucchini flowers beautifully presented & tasty. Seafood w/ said pasta fresh and tasty. Fresh fruit, brownie and cappuccino to top off the evening. Definitely recommend!
Went to this restaurant for the 1st time for my girlfriend's birthday and it was excellent! The only reason i gave it 4 stars and not 5 was because when I asked them if I could get my chicken parm dinner with vodka sauce (willing to pay extra) instead of marinara sauce, I was told "NO". I asked if they had vodka sauce and the waiter replied "yes".... I really dont feel not willing to accommodate a different sauce is worth the potential of losing future business from a customer. I get this all the time at other Italian restaurants this the first time a restaurant said no. Other than not accommodating, everything was perfect.
My wife and I have been searching for new places for date night and stumbled upon this place when looking for somewhere to dine outside. Besides the food absolutely being stellar, the outside dining makes it feel like you're transported to a different place rather than dining on the sidewalk. The tables are spaced appropriately so that you don't feel like you're too close to each other while still maintaining an intimate feeling. Every course was just the next level up in deliciousness. I started out with the oysters which were huge and delicious. Then for our entrees, my wife had the Lasagna Bolognese and I had the Chicken Parm. We both devoured our meals, the Chicken Parm was awesome and I was able to cut through like butter. Just when we didn't think things could level up even further, the dessert was on point (totally recommend the iced coffee). The panna cotta was perfect and the brownie sundae that my wife got was scrumptious. Just a heads up, this place is BYOB, but shares a parking lot of a well stocked liquor store. If there isn't enough parking there, there's a lot across the street that's open to the public that's shared with a school. We're looking forward to going back here in the future. Currently, they're very understaffed, but just be prepared to be patient, it's absolutely worth it.
Best restaurant in Summit! The bartenders (Mike & Vinny) are amazing. We sit at the bar to eat. Just outstanding!
Dinner with great friends. Food was Superb, love the atmosphere. Restaurant was packed,very lively, everyone was having a Wonderful Time
Food and service were excellent. We brought our friends here to Celebrate their birthdays; their first time here. They loved it too. The food is always excellent and good value.