Crime & Safety

Looks Like a Pizza Joint, Tastes Like Heaven

Parsippany's Avellino's Pizza and Grille presents fine dining in a place one might least expect it.

We trust Sgt. Yvonne Christiano of the Parsippany Police Department anyway, but now we'd follow her anywhere. The sergeant recently gave Patch a hot tip: Head to Avellino's in Lake Hiawatha for "outstanding" food. She gave special high marks to the restaurant's vodka penne with grilled chicken. How could we say no? So, off we went to Avellino's Pizza and Grille at 59 N. Beverwyck Rd in Parsippany.

Each week, Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Avellino's Pizza and Grille, to the eyes, appears like any neighborhood pizza place. It's clean and attractive with gorgeous black-and-whites of Italia on its walls, but very casual, and stacks of pizza boxes add to the dressed-down feel. One look at the extensive menu tells a different story, though. 

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Only in operation in Par-Troy for close to three months, the restaurant has another branch that has served East Hanover for 35 years. The experience shines through in the menu offerings, which cover pastas, entrees, salads, soups and much more. (For the record, we decided in advance that we would not try the pizza.)

We started with a small garden salad, which was fresh and crisp and dressed with a tangy and delicious red wine-based house Italian vinaigrette. Then, the pasta dish appeared. There are not enough words to do it justice: Perfectly al dente penne was coated in a sauce made of cream, tomatoes, onions, baby peas,  prosciutto and a hint of spicy red pepper. Definitely magnifico.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Avellino's is big on pasta. You can find basic imports (spaghetti, ziti, linguini, cappellini and more) and specialty varieties (cavatelli, gnocchi, ravioli and tortellini), even whole-wheat organic pastas. Each can be topped with the sauce you choose: selections include everything from a flavorful marinara to aglio e oglio (garlic and olive oil) to vongole (clam sauce). Baked pasta favorites like lasagna, baked ziti and fettucine alfredo are available too, as are creations like a fabulous puttanesca.  Prices range from $8.99-$12.99.

Pasta is also served alongside a wide array of entrees including various parmagianas, mussels marinara or fra diavolo and veal Fiorentina. Again, you will receive generous portions and are priced reasonably. Entree prices range from $12.99-$18.99.

The menu features many different appetizers--calamari fritti, antipasto and homemade sausage and meatballs are just three that you'll find along with favorites--salads and soups prepared from scratch. 

And yes, there are pizzas and subs, stromboli and calzone, burgers and wraps too. It is a neighborhood pizza spot after all.

Feel free to bring the kids. A childrens' menu offers pint-sized, child-friendly entress for $5.99 or less. And there are desserts too: You can finish your meal with New York-style cheesecake, tiramisu or another sweet treat.

Whatever you order, be ready to wait: Every dish is prepared to order, and the meal is worth it. Plus, the staff is friendly and the time passes most pleasantly.

Avellino's Pizza and Grille is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Find the restaurant on the Web at http://www.avellinospizza.com or call them for deliver: (973) 331-9911.


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