Ahhh... There's Now More Than Just Ah'Pizz

Ah'Pizz, Montclair’s home of Pizza Napoletana, located at 7 North Willow St., is taking its cuisine to the next level. 

Ah'Pizz has brought on a new executive chef, Nutley native and resident Greg Lampariello, to broaden its quality Neopolitan menu. A graduate of New York Restaurant School, Lampariello has been cooking professionally for over 20 years at restaurants like Terrazza in Nutley and the Forest Hill Field Club.

But have no fear Ah’Pizz loyalists. Robert Cino is still the pizzaiolo at the wood burning oven turning out those crispy, flavorful pies Montclair has come to love.  According to co-owner Michael LaMorte, the difference is “now, our food is just as good as our pizza."

So what's on the menu? According to Lampariello, he will be introducing appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees that are "rustic, Italian, homestyle meals, like Grandma used to make." That’s a humble statement from the chef. After looking over the new, thoughtfully expanded menu, I’d call Lampariello’s additions Grandmaesque.

New appetizers are in the offering, like lightly fried calamari ($10), Polpette Sliders ($10), which are veal and Fontina meatballs with marinara, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($14) served with cucumber-wasabi dressing. Did your Grandma use wasabi? (Not mine. She didn’t even warn me when I unknowingly ate a whole a ball of it.)

The new “Cena” options are traditional Italian-American classics, like Eggplant Parmigiano ($16), Chicken Milanese featuring thin chicken cutlet over arugula, mozzarella, grape tomato, and red onion salad, and Chicken Scaloppini with your choice of Marsala, Francese, or Parmigiana sauce. 

There are also notable additions to the menu like, Gnocchi Malfatti, made with house made ricotta gnocchi topped with pesto sauce ($17), and delicious vegetarian options like Vegetable Lasagna with zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, and eggplant with thin crepes and a creamy béchamel sauce ($16). 

Lampariello is also offering weekly appetizer, salad, soup, pasta, and entree specials like the outstanding braised pork shank, with caramelized onions and merlot reduction, reasonably priced at $19.

Attention Gluten-Free Gang: Lampariello also notes that he is more than happy to adapt certain recipes for those who require a gluten-free food. Simply call ahead to discuss the options at 973-783-9200.

In addition to the menu expansion, the ever-popular Ah’Pizz, which is among the few local businesses that have not only survived, but also expanded, has further enhanced their space by adding a cozy reception area that separates the entrances from the main dining room. Free parking is now offered on both sides of the restaurant as well.