Restaurants in Morristown

Since 1985, Anthony Marra has treated patrons to the same traditional eats that he grew up with, based on recipes brought from Italy by his Nonna Rose and Papa Tony. Each day his deli tables populate with prosciutto, broccoli rabe, and sundried tomatoes in gourmet sandwiches, many available hot or cold, and side dishes such as meatballs, sweet fryer peppers, and seasonal stuffed artichokes complement hand-tossed, gooey pizzas in a variety of sizes. For those seeking catering for a private party, Marra’s offers traditional Italian pastas and meats sautéed in wine by the tray-full, or by the bathtub-full for those seeking to be fully immersed in Italian culture.

Chef and owner Maurice Gallo brings more than 30 years of experience to Carnevale Ristorante, where dishes flourish with classic flavors culled from the gustatory traditions of both northern and southern Italy. Glass art and décor inspired by the colorful Carnival of Venice surround white tablecloths that cover the tables under which hide the best hide-and-go-seek players from Florence. Local New Jersey wines join customer-toted libations in the BYOB eatery, where live music sprinkles freshly harvested, mellifluous notes onto forks every weekend. Gourmet dishes, such as veal in cognac sauce and truffle-oil-drizzled mushrooms and brie, team up with gluten-free and whole-wheat pasta options to please even persnickety palates.

The chefs at Garam Masala season halal-certified meats and fresh vegetables with the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia, preparing each dish to diners’ requests. Lamb, goat, chicken, and shrimp form the basis of dozens of entrees that swim in spicy curries or nest on skewers, and a litany of vegetarian dishes highlights ingredients such as peppers and cottage cheese. Crimson tablecloths bear the weight of buffet plates and unmannered elbows during lunch, and dinner gives way to à la carte dishes served between bold red walls decorated with artwork. Garam Masala’s catering services transport the eatery’s authentic chow to special events and corporate gatherings, supplying diners with a robust menu of Indian eats as well as tablecloths, tableware, cutlery, and food warmers.

Chef Orville Brandon combines skills honed over more than 20 years of executive-chef experience with island flavors from his Jamaican upbringing to create Hibiscus Restaurant's menu of Caribbean and American fare. Traditional curry sauces and jerk seasonings sear Caribbean-style dishes such as oxtail and jerk chicken, and classics such as new york sirloin steak and oven-roasted turkey breast round out a selection of American staples. Waiters also pour wines from Amalthea Cellars and fruity tropical smoothies.

Nestled inside the Best Western Morristown Inn, Hibiscus Restaurant's 60-seat dining room is daubed in light mauve, with white-linen-draped tables and striped valances along the walls. On Sundays, diners can sample a brunch buffet while grooving to the mellow sounds of local jazz players and potted palm trees snapping their fronds to the beat.

At TapHouse Grille, 24 different craft beers gush from taps as plates of gourmet pub fare emerge from the kitchen. Chefs shower pastas and pizzas in fresh meats and vegetables or whip up entrees that feature freshly caught fish and quality cuts of meat. In addition to imported and domestic brews, the family-friendly establishment pleases adults with martinis and cocktails, and it treats tots to a full kids' menu and an absence of height-restrictive carnival rides.

Brick walls and ceilings and glistening wood floors surround the casual dining room, where flat-screen televisions beam down from the walls. TapHouse Grille also hosts special events throughout the week, including a Sunday brunch buffet with a live jazz band.

When Kevin Brennan bought his first vinyl at the age of 7, he dreamed of a future that would somehow revolve around rock 'n' roll. Brennan's entrepreneurial spirit led him on a quest for the next "big thing" as an adult, and he dabbled in various ventures before having an epiphany while traveling in 1989. He was in San Diego, and he visited his first coffeehouse.

Kevin fell in love with the simple coffeehouse concept and had a feeling that gourmet coffee shops would soon become a craze across the nation. He instantly knew that he had found his calling, but it wasn't until he sipped coffee while watching an Asia concert that he knew what would set his establishment apart from the rest: rock 'n' roll.

Today, his trio of shops showcases the marriage of a laid-back coffee-shop vibe with rock music and memorabilia, creating a caffeinated love child in a Led Zeppelin onesie. Each location also features rock-inspired drinks, such as the Van Halen and the Dark Side of the Moo, joined by sandwiches and salads prepared fresh daily.