You know that feeling when you drive past a place a thousand times and just assume it’s another standard Italian joint? That’s the trap people fall into with La Griglia Restaurant Kenilworth. Located right on the Boulevard, it looks unassuming from the outside. But walk in on a Thursday night and the noise level tells a different story. It’s loud. It’s busy. It smells like roasted garlic and expensive red wine.
Finding a seat without a reservation is basically a fool’s errand during peak hours.
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Most suburban Italian spots in New Jersey follow a predictable script: red checkered tablecloths, overly salted marinara, and a Dean Martin soundtrack on loop. La Griglia skips the cliches. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, which is a weirdly hard balance to strike in Union County. Honestly, the first time I went, I expected a quick pasta dish. I ended up staying for three hours because the vibe just keeps you anchored to your chair.
The Food is the Real Draw (No Gimmicks)
The menu at La Griglia Restaurant Kenilworth isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it until it shines. We’re talking about contemporary Italian-American cuisine that actually respects the ingredients. Take the grilled octopus. In most places, it’s either rubbery or charred into oblivion. Here, it’s tender enough that you barely need a knife, usually served with a bright lemon-olive oil situation that cuts through the smoke.
People obsess over the pasta. It’s handmade. You can taste the difference in the bite—that specific al dente texture that boxed pasta can’t replicate no matter how hard it tries.
The Rigatoni Gismondi is a local legend for a reason. It’s got that creamy cognac sauce with mushrooms and prosciutto that feels like a warm hug for your stomach. It’s heavy, sure. You’ll probably need a nap afterward. But in the moment? Total bliss. They also do a Chilean Sea Bass that rivals anything you’d find in Manhattan, but without the $30 parking fee and the judgmental hostesses.
What People Get Wrong About the Pricing
I’ve heard people complain that it’s "pricey." Well, yeah. It’s not a pizza parlor.
If you go in expecting a $15 chicken parm, you’re in the wrong zip code. You pay for the quality of the veal and the fact that the sauces aren't coming out of a pre-made gallon drum. It’s a "special occasion" spot that manages to feel casual enough for a random Tuesday if you’ve had a long day at work.
Why the Atmosphere Works
The architecture of the place is actually pretty interesting. It has this open-kitchen concept which means you get to see the chaos of the line cooks. Some people hate that—they want a quiet, sterile environment. Personally, I love it. It adds a layer of energy to the room. The wood-burning grill isn't just for show; it gives the whole restaurant this faint, rustic scent that hits you the second you open the heavy front door.
Service is... fast. Sometimes a little too fast? If you’re looking for a slow, French-style lingering meal where the waiter disappears for twenty minutes, this isn't it. The staff at La Griglia Restaurant Kenilworth operates like a well-oiled machine. They want to get the food out hot, and they want to keep the floor moving.
- The bar area is usually packed with regulars.
- Wine list is surprisingly deep, focusing heavily on Italian reds.
- The lighting is dim enough to hide the fact that you’re crushing a second loaf of bread.
It gets crowded. If you have a low tolerance for noise, ask for a table in the corner or go early—like 5:00 PM early. By 7:30 PM, the place is humming at a frequency that makes intimate conversation a bit of a challenge. But that’s part of the charm. It feels alive.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Expertise
Success in the New Jersey restaurant scene is brutal. Most places close within two years. La Griglia Restaurant Kenilworth has survived because of consistency. I’ve talked to folks who have been going there for over a decade, and they say the sauce tastes exactly the same as it did in 2012. That is incredibly hard to achieve in a kitchen.
It’s owned by the Gismondi family, who are essentially local royalty when it comes to hospitality. They aren't just names on a business license; they are often physically in the building. That level of oversight matters. When the owner is watching the plates come out, the kitchen staff stays sharp. It’s the "owner’s eye" phenomenon.
A Quick Reality Check on Reservations
Don't just show up on a Saturday night and expect a table for four. Use OpenTable or call ahead. Seriously. I’ve seen people waiting by the door for forty-five minutes with a look of pure regret on their faces. The bar is a decent backup plan if you’re solo or a duo, but even those stools fill up fast.
Also, the dress code is "smart casual." You don't need a tie, but maybe leave the gym shorts at home. It’s a place where people put in a little effort, and the environment reflects that.
Exploring the Menu Highlights
If you’re a first-timer, the menu can be overwhelming. It’s huge. Here is the lowdown on what actually hits the mark and what you might want to skip depending on your mood.
- The Cold Seafood Salad: It’s a mountain of calamari, shrimp, and scallops. It’s incredibly fresh. If you want to start light before diving into a heavy pasta, this is the move.
- Veal Martini: Encased in a light parmesan crust with a lemon wine sauce. It’s tangy, salty, and tender. It’s one of those dishes that defines "Jersey Italian."
- The Desserts: Honestly? They’re fine. The cheesecake is solid, and the tartufo is what you’d expect. But the real star is the espresso. It’s strong enough to jumpstart a dead car battery.
One thing to note: the portions are massive. This isn't one of those "small plates" places where you leave hungry and hit a drive-thru on the way home. You will have leftovers. The veal chops are particularly ginormous—prepare your fridge for a massive takeout container.
The Logistics: Parking and Location
Kenilworth isn't exactly a walking town. La Griglia Restaurant Kenilworth sits on Kenilworth Boulevard, which is a busy stretch. They have a parking lot, but it’s small. It’s tight. It’s the kind of lot that tests your marriage while you’re trying to reverse.
They do offer valet parking most nights. Use it. Save yourself the stress of hunting for a spot on the street. It’s worth the few dollars in tips just to hand over the keys and walk inside.
If you are coming from out of town, it’s conveniently close to the Garden State Parkway. This makes it a prime "middle ground" meeting spot for friends coming from North and Central Jersey. It’s tucked away enough to feel like a local secret, but accessible enough that you don't need a GPS map and a prayer to find it.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. To get the best experience at this Kenilworth staple, follow these specific steps:
- Book 48 hours in advance: Especially for weekend slots. If you’re aiming for a Friday or Saturday between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, a week out isn't a bad idea.
- Order the "off-menu" specials: The servers usually have two or three daily specials that aren't printed. Often, these are the freshest catches or seasonal pastas. Listen to them.
- Valet is your friend: Don't fight for a spot in the cramped lot. Pull up to the front, let the valet handle it, and enjoy your night.
- Share the appetizers: The portions are big enough that two people can easily split one starter and still struggle to finish their entrees.
- Check the wine list for Italian gems: They have some great Super Tuscans that aren't marked up as aggressively as you might find in a city steakhouse.
The bottom line is that La Griglia has staying power because it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s high-end comfort food served in an environment that feels like a party. Whether you’re there for a birthday, a business meeting, or just because you didn't feel like cooking, it delivers a consistent experience that keeps the dining room full night after night.