Il Monello - Peapack

I made a reservation for 10 and when I called to confirm, discovered they were closed for vacation. Thankfully I had enough time to make another reservation, bu... read more I made a reservation for 10 and when I called to confirm, discovered they were closed for vacation. Thankfully I had enough time to make another reservation, but there was no indication on Open Table that they were closed.

We had a reservation on July 25th for three people. Received a text reminder from Open Table that day. However when we got to the restaurant there was a sign on... read more We had a reservation on July 25th for three people. Received a text reminder from Open Table that day. However when we got to the restaurant there was a sign on the door saying there was a gas leak in the kitchen and it was closed. That will be our last attempt at going there although we had previously enjoyed most of our visits there.

We did not like our waiter. He was pushing certain items and telling us what to order. When we asked to put the salad dressing on the side he said he couldn’t d... read more We did not like our waiter. He was pushing certain items and telling us what to order. When we asked to put the salad dressing on the side he said he couldn’t do it. We will not return. They reported that w were a no show when actually we arrived on time.

Came highly recommended. Went at 7 pm on Saturday night. Good ambiance we had a very nice table for 3. We felt very rushed not by our server, but from the head... read more Came highly recommended. Went at 7 pm on Saturday night. Good ambiance we had a very nice table for 3. We felt very rushed not by our server, but from the head waiter. Served a nice zucchini bruschetta which we were enjoying w fresh sliced hard cheese. While one of us was eating from the bread plate an expediter came to the table and asked to move it to the side IN MID BITE..he was running around at a frantic pace, no doubt being pushed by the head waiter. The food was average, gnocchi was mushy and veal parm was chewy. We were finished eating and our server was being prodded to move us along but to his credit he told him that we were enjoying our wine. Other diners were offered complimentary after dinner drinks we were not.

Our reservation happened to be on a slow night (the Friday of Mothers' Day weekend). Because it wasn't crowded, the noise level was relatively quiet don't know... read more Our reservation happened to be on a slow night (the Friday of Mothers' Day weekend). Because it wasn't crowded, the noise level was relatively quiet don't know what it'd be like when they're packed. Anyway, the food was incredible! We both selected from the specials, starting with a simple salad lightly dressed with a delicious Roquefort vinaigrette. My wife had chicken with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and I had a wild boar chop unbelievable! The meats were tender and flavorful, and even side vegetables were perfectly cooked (still retaining some crispness). The service was first class. Our waiter chatted with us but wasn't overbearing, and he tended to every detail without being intrusive. I'd definitely come again.