There are many restaurants that claim to treat guests like family in an “inviting” environment. But none follow through on that promise in such a direct way as Casano’s Pizza Parlor in Rutherford. The pizzeria’s unique dining area recreates a 70s living room and invites patrons to eat together and socialize like family.
Everything about Casano’s feels homey; from the armchairs and vintage refrigerator full of glass soda bottles, to the TV with VCR playing classic movies. Every piece of decor tells a story. For instance, photos on the wall display images of Chef Dave Ligas’ grandparents and, specifically, his Grandmother: She was the last member of the family to carry the Casano name before she passed away. Now, Chef Dave immortalizes this important part of their family’s history through his family-themed pizzeria.
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A True Family Feel
Besides the cozy interior, Casano’s Pizza Parlor has outdoor sidewalk seating. Patrons will typically find Chef Dave sitting outside speaking with customers and passersby from the community. This further accentuates the feeling of a classic pizzeria, serving as a gathering spot for the community. That said, due to the current size of the restaurant, they are primarily a takeout destination
During my visit, I watched kids run in to pick up a pie for their family’s nearby business. I also saw a woman come in and ask if she could put up a flyer for an upcoming community event, which Chef Dave happily accommodated. It felt like a business purposefully intertwined into its community.
Pizza & Sharables
One of the things that stands out about Casano’s is that they don’t serve slices. As a result, it isn’t unusual for guests sharing the dining room to share slices as they socialize. The rest of the menu falls in line with this approach; focusing on shareable items like Caesar salad, stuffed long hots, and their enormously-popular Chicken Parm Stracciatella. Their Caesar salad includes homemade croutons, while their chicken parm can be made with either tomato or vodka sauce. (The vodka sauce is highly recommended.) Philly cheesesteak fans will also be delighted by the sandwich’s sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and Cooper sharp cheddar cheese.
As for the pizza, Casano’s offers 11 different pies ranging from the traditional to the unique. Their New Haven Tomato Pie (sliced imperfectly in different sizes to authentically recreate the style) is one of NJ’s best. Another highlight is the French Onion pie, made with caramelized onions and sprinkles of Gruyere for an authentic taste. The Round Vodka Stracciatella is also a fan favorite, with their mozzarella blend and homemade vodka sauce. (Which is made with imported Italian cream.) The pie is finished with stracciatella, basil, freshly grated pecorino, and EVOO.
Visit Casano’s Pizza Parlor at 8 Highland Cross in Rutherford. (See them on Google Maps.) They do not have a phone line, instead they encourage customers to order online or in-person. To learn more:
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All Photos: © Casano’s Pizza Parlor
