Dino’s Cuccina Coal Oven Pizza in Old Tappan, NJ. Bergen County
It’s a Sunday afternoon, and after passing by the newly constructed building on Old Tappan Road for the 100th time, and hearing a bit of Dino’s Cuccina, we decide to give it a try.
One of the owner’s Frank Molitisanti greeted us as we entered. A very welcoming atmosphere, with soft lighting, and a wall of wine and liquors that wrap around from one end to the other. He offered us a drink, and why not. I had a Merlot, and my husband had a bacari and soda. We waited for the Pizza as we chatted about the business. When we passed by Saturday night, it was packed, and not a table available. At the back of the restaurant is a stone wall where the brick oven is located, and the chef is preparing the dough, and making the homemade bread for the sandwiches. We ordered a simple Margharita Pizza. They watched closely, as we cut a slice, and proceeded to take a bite. We looked at each other with such delight. This was the most amazing slice of pizza I have ever had! The dough was so fresh, with fresh basil, and fresh tomatoes. Bite after bite, Kevin, and I finished a whole pie. They brought us two sauces on the side. One was the marinara, and one was the pizza sauce. The marinara was so tasty, with an abundance of fresh basil, and Italian imported tomatoes, with a light seasoning of italian spices. Bite after bite, we finished the whole pie! The whole pie! We ordered another pie to bring home, and an eggplant parmesian on the homemade bread. Each piece of eggplant was thinly sliced, and layered with marinara, and mozzarella, and lightly breaded with a great deal of flavor.
As a resident, as well as a Real Estate Agent in Old Tappan, Westwood, Emerson, River Vale, Norwood, Northvale, Hillsdale, Montvale, and Park Ridge, this is a Restaurant that should go on your list for Top Restaurants in Northern Bergen County. Reasonably priced, fresh, and comfortable atmosphere.
Just ask for Frank or Chet. Tell em Paula Clark sent you!
