New Elevated Brunch Spot Sets Opening Date In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — It's a new name and a new location for Hillsborough couple Joe Trani and Kari LaSpisa who are opening Cafe Basilico in their hometown.

The new elevated brunch spot with European and Mediterranean flair is opening at the Kingsbridge Shopping Center located at the corner of S Branch Road and Beekman Lane on Wednesday, Oct. 11, LaSpisa told Patch.

LaSpisa and Trani had originally opened Basilico in Raritan at 46 W Somerset St. in June 2021. They had initially planned on keeping the Raritan location open while they expanded and looked for space for a second location.

"While initially, that was the thought process when looking at additional space we were approached by someone to buy our Raritan location from us," said LaSpisa.

This got the couple thinking that maybe they should focus on one place.

"Do one thing and do it well instead of spreading ourselves too thin since we like to be so hands-on," said LaSpisa.

Basilico in Raritan closed Sept. 9 with the new owners only purchasing the equipment, and furniture and bought out the rest of Basilico's lease. The name itself and the restaurant were not sold.

The new Cafe Basilico will focus on their elevated brunches since they got a great reception from customers when they tried them out for a limited time.

Menu items include eggs, friattas, waffles, and more. The cafe will be BYOB (bring your own bottle) for customers to make their own bottomless mimosas.

A mocktail menu is also in the works. Additionally, cappuccino, lattes, and chai tea lattes will be available.

All of the food is authentic, made-from-scratch cuisine straight from Trani's roots. Trani is from Ischia, an island off the coast of Naples, in Italy.

The new Hillsborough also offers more space that has "opened up a whole bunch of opportunities" for LaSpisa and Trani.

"We can start to be creative with a new concept and allow ourselves a better opportunity to have better work-life balance," said LaSpisa about being in her hometown and able to be home more for their children.

The larger space affords Cafe Basilico the opportunity to hold events in the evenings and catering both on-site and off-site. Trani is also available to serve as a private chef at on-site events.

For more information on Cafe Basilico or to follow for opening updates, visit instagram.com/cafebasilico_hillsborough.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.