Welcome to Cafe Emilia
Nestled in Bridgewater, NJ, Cafe Emilia offers a cozy escape with an inviting ambiance perfect for any occasion. This charming Italian restaurant features a warm, beautifully decorated space that comes alive during the holidays. Guests rave about the authentic cuisine, including homemade fettuccine and expertly prepared specials like veal chop and halibut. The friendly staff, led by Tony, ensures personalized service that makes everyone feel at home. Additionally, the creative cocktail menu and delectable desserts, such as the famed chocolate mousse and tiramisu, elevate the dining experience. Cafe Emilia is truly a hidden gem worthy of discovery and repeat visits.
- 705 US-202, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, United States Hotline: +1 908-429-1410
Welcome to Cafe Emilia, a delightful culinary find nestled in Bridgewater, NJ, at 705 US-202. This charming restaurant has quickly become a beloved destination for those in search of authentic Italian cuisine, where every dish is crafted with passion and a nod to tradition.
From the moment you step into Cafe Emilia, you’re enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The décor, beautifully adorned especially during the holiday season, sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Guests are greeted promptly by a professional and friendly staff who strive to make each visitor feel right at home, as illustrated by the heartfelt reviews from satisfied customers.
The menu at Cafe Emilia boasts a remarkable selection of classic Italian dishes. Patrons rave about the homemade fettuccine, which has become a standout choice among diners. Other notable favorites include the rigatoni with mushrooms and the Chicken Giordano, expertly prepared to highlight fresh ingredients and attentive cooking techniques. The chef’s daily specials, such as the exquisite Veal Chop, also receive high praise for their innovation and presentation.
Aside from the savory mains, the dessert offerings are nothing short of spectacular. Guests cannot resist indulging in the famous chocolate mousse and shareable dessert tower, which promise to satisfy any sweet tooth. The Tiramisu is particularly lauded for its perfect balance of flavors and texture, leaving diners craving more.
Cafe Emilia not only excels in food but also in beverage offerings, featuring a specialty cocktail menu that surprises and delights. The Espresso Martini stands out as a must-try for those seeking a flavorful end to their meal.
With a dedicated team and a focus on exceptional service, Cafe Emilia creates an experience where diners can relax and savor their meals, undisturbed by the rush often found in larger establishments. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this quaint eatery offers a culinary retreat that guarantees satisfaction on every visit. Regulars promise to return again and again, making it easy to see why Cafe Emilia is quickly becoming known as a hidden gem in the heart of New Jersey.
For reservations, call +1 908-429-1410. You won’t want to miss your chance to experience the magic of Cafe Emilia.

In town on business and really wanted to find an authentic Italian spot to enjoy while in NJ. Cafe Emilia was absolute perfection! It is an adorable little restaurant and is decorated beautifully for the holidays. Tony and the entire staff were excellent, made us feel right at home. The food was so good! I had a pasta special with homemade fettuccine, the Caesar dressing was excellent and my colleague got the rigatoni with mushrooms. Will dine here every time I come to town. Thank you for a great experience!

I'm disappointed in myself for driving past this restaurant several times and not realizing what I was missing. You enter a modest, warm and inviting space and you are greeted by their professional and friendly staff. They have a specialty cocktail menu with amazing choices that you just don't see in your local spots. And they do the classics perfectly, the Espresso Martini was silky, creamy and full of flavor. The service and the pacing of the evening was perfect. The food was incredible. I ordered the Veal Chop special, my wife ordered the Chicken Giordano, our friends ordered the Steak Special and the Chicken Special with Crab Meat. Everything was presented beautifully and tasted even better than it looked. Desserts were also amazing. The Tiramisu was perfectly moist and not soggy. We split the chocolate hazelnut cake and it was so tempting that it lost a limb before I got to take a photo. Definitely a must try. Even though it's a smaller space, we never felt rushed, as if they wanted to turn the table. The staff and owners were extremely inviting, they thanked us repeatedly and invited us back. The warmer weather is almost upon us and they have a beautiful outdoor area for dining al fresco. Can't wait to try it. I know one thing for sure, the next time I pass this place I'll either be pulling into the parking lot or calling to make a future reservation. Absolutely fantastic.

A must stop. The food is exceptional, service is top notch, and it’s fairly priced to boot. Had the best chocolate mousse of my life here. Enough I had 3 pieces! The dessert tower is so cool - you have to see it for yourself! And our waiter went above and beyond to make us laugh and feel comfortable all night even after the restaurant was empty. 10/10. Top notch.

Had my first meal at Cafe Emilia and wow—what a treat! The service was warm and welcoming, and the cozy atmosphere made it easy to settle in and enjoy. We started with the zucchini flower appetizer—light, crispy, and full of flavor. I had the chicken parm (so good!) and tried the halibut special, which was perfectly cooked and delicious. Everything from start to finish was spot-on including the espresso martinis we enjoyed as dessert. Can’t wait to come back! Thank you

For years I have kept saying we should go and every time getting stuck with the same old places. Service was on point and the food was unbelievable. Definitely a hidden gem so glad we finally got to go.

Just found the restaurant driving by. Was really a great experience. The food was excellent and so was the service. Will definitely go back.

food was amazing and service was incredible. beautiful atmosphere and staff was attentive and very friendly. we ordered the clams as an appetizer and steak for entree and it was delicious. highly recommend and will definitely be coming back soon.

What a wonderful night out. The restaurant and server really went out of their way to show our group of twelve a memorable night. Our server was the perfect blend of attentive, fun and proficient at his job. But the food was definitely the highlight of the show. The appetizers were outstanding, We enjoyed fresh oysters breaded shrimp and clams casino. So do yourself a favor and don't skip the appetizers. We will definitely be coming back and this we will be leaving room for dessert.