Parsippany Restaurant Celebrates 18 Years Of Serving Its Community

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A local restaurant celebrated a milestone anniversary this week — 18 years of serving its community.

Gourmet Cafe Italian Restaurant has been serving Parsippany’s residents and visitors since 2007. This past Sunday, the establishment held a cocktail party to commemorate its achievement.

Staff, regulars, and even members of the Parsippany local government attended the event to congratulate the restaurant on its success. Mayor James Barberio awarded Gourmet Cafe’s owner and head chef Matt Pierone with a certificate of recognition.

“Gourmet Cafe is a cherished gathering place for many Parsippany residents,” Barberio said in a statement. “Your tireless efforts to give back to the community reflect the very best of civic spirit and compassion, and with heartfelt gratitude, I commend you for creating a welcoming space that not only nourishes the body but also enriches the soul of our township.”

Pierone started his restaurant career as a dishwasher at several NJ eateries. After graduating from New York Restaurant School in Manhattan with “highest honors,” Pierone worked in distinguished kitchens including the Gracie Mansion and the Highlawn Pavilion. He even worked as the Poissonnier, or fish chef, in the Rainbow Room, the same restaurant where a young Anthony Bourdain got his start.

Pierone opened the Gourmet Cafe in June 2007, keeping the establishment’s name but making it his own, according to the chef himself.

Since then, the establishment has won several awards and accolades, including a highlight in America’s Best Restaurants and a 5-star rating from The Talk Awards.

Additionally, Gourmet Cafe was nominated by Patch readers as the 2020 Business of the Year, highlighting its triumphs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BYOB establishment offers traditional Italian delights, including Broccoli Rabe and Sausage, Orecchiette Carbonara, Pistachio Gelato Truffle, and plenty more.

Gourmet Cafe, located at 136 Baldwin Road, is open every weekday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and for dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m. close on Fridays.) The restaurant is open for dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m on Saturdays, and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.