New Owner, New Menu at Cafe Arugula About Town

Over its 15-year history, has become a much-loved standby in downtown South Orange.  The traditional Italian menu, with a Tuscan influence, features delicious renditions of classics like shrimp scampi and veal Milanese.

Now, Café Arugula – rated three stars by The New York Times and “Excellent” by Zagat Survey for five consecutive years – has a new owner.  Restaurant veteran George Filippatos bought the restaurant from former chef/owner Carlo Carbonaro in April and has been slowly tweaking the menu while keeping customer favorites.

“I’m going to make it a little more Mediterranean style, with a lot of fresh seafood,” said Filippatos.  He mentioned red snapper and the branzino as menu standouts, along with summer salads.

“We get fish fresh every week from the market.  The quality is very high.”

In a nod to his own heritage, he will add a few Greek specialties such as pasticcio and moussaka.

Salvatore Sammarco, who has been cooking at Cafe Arugula for years, is the new head chef.

“I want it to be a little more exotic, to draw a younger crowd,” said Filippatos.  He intends to offer lower-priced menu options and discount vouchers to Seton Hall students.  "We are also working on improving service."

Filippatos has logged forty years in the restaurant business, including as owner of Park Place in Scotch Plains.  He was drawn to South Orange for its friendliness and downtown village atmosphere.

“It’s a great spot,” he said.  “People are nice; you have the university and a good combination of families and young people.”

The new owner has introduced al fresco seating in the front of the restaurant, which has been a hit.  He also plans to freshen up the interior and exterior.

Look for more changes ahead, but rest assured: your favorite things about Café Arugula will stay the same.