Masseria Italian Steakhouse in Morristown has officially opened. After our exceptional dinner there on Sunday, I found it hard to believe the restaurant had only been open for five weeks. The ambiance feels timeless—elegant but inviting, refined yet comfortable. From the plush yellow upholstered chairs to the crisp white linens, every detail exudes warmth. The carefully chosen lighting and ambient glow create an intimate, romantic setting, making it the kind of place where you linger over a glass of wine and the perfect setting for Valentine’s Day.
The Cocktails
We enjoyed two standout drinks that perfectly complemented the evening. The Masserita Fume served in a coupe glass, was a sophisticated take on a margarita featuring Cazadores Blanco tequila, lime, Cointreau, and agave, shaken and garnished with a unique salt mezcal foam that added a smoky depth. Meanwhile, the Bramble On was a beautifully balanced whiskey cocktail, made with Redemption Rye, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, and fresh mint, garnished with a blueberry, mint, and a cinnamon stick for a warm, aromatic finish. Both cocktails showcased the bar’s commitment to quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
The Food
We started with the Pulpo-grilled octopus served over a Tuscan bean ragu with broccoli rabe, creamy chorizo, and basil oil. Grilled octopus can sometimes be tricky, but here, it was executed beautifully. The smoky char from the grill gave it incredible depth, and the accompanying Tuscan beans with charred broccoli rabe added a fresh, herbaceous note that balanced everything perfectly.
Next up was the beef Carpaccio, and wow. Thinly sliced, impossibly tender, and served with a tangy lemon aioli and arugula, it had just the right mix of richness and brightness. Honestly, you could eat it as a salad, too—light and utterly delicious.
For our salad course, we selected the Barbabietole, which is as pretty as it is tasty. Earthy beets paired with sweet figs, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios hit all the right notes, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that made each bite more interesting than the last.
Then came the Gnocchi Pâté Coniglio with braised rabbit, roasted tomato, rabbit glace, and herbed ricotta. We spotted this dish on the menu before our visit and knew we had to have it, and I’m very glad we did. The gnocchi itself was pillowy yet toothsome, a texture that can be so hard to get just right. The rabbit ragù had a subtle sweetness, punctuated by the acidity of roasted tomatoes that tied everything together beautifully.
Of course, at a place that calls itself a steakhouse, you have to order steak. We opted for the 12 oz. Snake River Farms Gold NY Strip—American Wagyu—and it did not disappoint. Seasoned simply with sea salt, the real magic came from the restaurant’s state-of-the-art Mibrasa grill, imported from Spain. The grill uses a blend of 20% charcoal and 80% oakwood, ensuring optimal heat control for an exceptional cook. The result? A steak with an impeccable smoky flavor, a beautifully developed crust, and a juicy, tender interior. It’s a masterclass in letting quality ingredients shine, elevated by expert technique and top-tier equipment.
But the real showstopper of our night at Masseria Italian Steakhouse was the 16 oz. Snake River Farms Kurobuta pork chop Dry Giambotta. This dish was next-level: a thick, juicy pork chop grilled to perfection, paired with Italian sausage, long hot peppers, crispy potatoes, and fresh herbs. Every bite was bold, hearty, a little spicy, and packed with flavor. It was one of those dishes that demands your full attention.
Of course, dessert had to happen. We opted for the Zabaglione, a cold Italian custard served with mixed berries and mint. It was the perfect way to end the meal—light, creamy, and just sweet enough without feeling heavy.
To wrap things up, we lingered over two expertly crafted espresso martinis, which were just the right balance of strong and smooth. What appears to be shaved chocolate is actually finely shaved coffee beans, intensifying the coffee flavor with every sip.
Beyond the incredible food and ambiance, the exceptional service elevated our experience to the next level. Our server, Joe, was outstanding—attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about every dish, and genuinely passionate about ensuring we had the best experience possible. Hospitality with a capital H.
About Masseria Italian Steakhouse
Part of Trinity Hospitality Group, Masseria Italian Steakhouse is the vision of Restaurateur and proud Morristown resident Joseph Cetrulo, who brings over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry. In 2006, he opened Sirena Ristorante in Long Branch, the first of three restaurants. Two of them, Sirena and Stella Marina, have become beloved Jersey Shore favorites.
“We’re excited to bring Masseria to Morristown, a place that feels like home to me,” says Joseph Cetrulo. “I’ve personally created each recipe with the finest ingredients and look forward to delivering a dining experience that transports guests to the heart of Italy.”
Ultimately, Masseria Italian Steakhouse might be new, but it already feels like a staple. The combination of a beautifully designed space, a thoughtful and well-executed menu, and that unmistakable sense of hospitality make it a place worth returning to again and again. If this is what they’re doing in their first few weeks, I can only imagine how exceptional it’s going to be as they continue to refine and evolve. One thing’s for sure—I’ll be back.
Masseria Italian Steakhouse
28 Headquarters Plaza Mall, Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 287-5007
Website
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