Bacarosa, a new Italian that replaces The Hudson Rose in Nutley, takes inspiration from bacaro, a Venetian bar or tavern serving wine and small plates to be shared. The word itself comes from the Venetian dialect expression far bacara, which means to make merry or celebrate.
Chef Andrew Riccatelli
That spirit is on display at Bacarosa. Much of it comes from a chef going back to his passion.
“Bacarosa is a chance for us to really lean into what inspires us most: bold, Italian flavors, and a menu that feels fresh every time you sit down. The Hudson Rose will always be part of our story, but this new chapter gives us the freedom to evolve and create something even more vibrant. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead,” said Chef Andrew Riccatelli.
Get Ready to Share
Housemade focaccia with sundried tomato butter. (GEORGETTE GILMORE)
The dining experience reflects Riccatelli’s joy. It starts from the moment an oversized homemade fluffy focaccia hits your table, instantly winning you over.
Far from fussy or fancy, Bacarosa’s menu is approachable, with something for everyone. One path might be leaning into the Antipasti and Piccolo categories and having lots of small plates. The menu features classic ingredients you might expect – but Riccatelli takes them in new, playful directions (think an Italian version of “pigs in a blanket” and a sweet corn agnolotti). It’s also made for sharing, so you’ll want to bring a friend (or two) to try as many dishes as you can.
Choose from five pizza options ($15-$29). We went for the Summer Corn and the Clam with ’nduja and Calabrian oil (Photo: Bacarosa)
You could round out your meal with a wood-fired pizza, or a pasta dish. There are also plenty of big, bold main dishes that will tempt you, too, and they are also perfect for sharing.
Piedmontese strip with porcini dust and broccolini ($54) and Octopus Carpaccio with celery, potato and cracked olives ($16) (LIZ GEORGE)
Cocktails
(Photos: Bacarosa)
Bacarosa’s wine selection is extensive — over 90 bottles, all picked to pair perfectly with the menu. Cocktails lean Italian, with fresh, flavorful twists. We can recommend the perfectly balanced Negroni and an Aperol Spritz elevated with a jello-wedge orange slice. Mocktail fans aren’t left out, with options like a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz and other inventive sips.
Beyond regular dining, Bacarosa also offers a Presto menu every day – three courses for $30, from 4-6 p.m. We also love the idea of their Aperitivo Hour (daily between 3 and 6 p.m.) with select wines and cocktails for just $6, along with a $6 appetizer menu.
And then there’s something called Lucky Tomatoes, which shows you Bacarosa doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you roll two tomatoes, your meal is free (play every day from 3-6 p.m.)
The Details
📍 Bacarosa: 230 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
📞 973-542-2005
🌐 www.bacarosa.com
Instagram: @bacarosanj
Reservations via Resy
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Dining and Cooking