HomeFeaturesFoodFiorentini Features Farm to Table Italian Cuisine in Rutherford

Fiorentini Features Farm to Table Italian Cuisine in Rutherford

Though they never met growing up, the owners of Fiorentini in Rutherford are both from Florence, Italy. In fact, Antonio and Brenda De leso didn’t meet until they were both in New York City. Now, the couple brings a taste of their roots to Rutherford, NJ, with their new restaurant, Fiorentini. (The Italian word for the citizens of Florence.)

The 1,800-square foot Fiorentini seats 49 diners indoors, though they intend to open an outdoor garden area by summer. The restaurant focuses on sustainability, and Brenda knew exactly what she was looking for. “I wanted to create an environment that was warm, cozy, and elegant without being pretentious,” she says. “The restaurant is a reflection of who we are as people.”


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Fiorentini features lush greenery made of natural moss to reflect the concept of sustainability. In fact, that greenery is just about everywhere, even the restroom! “I wanted to create something that is visually appealing,” Brenda explains. In addition, guests can watch chefs in action via the open kitchen. “We wanted the kitchen to be transparent to customers and to push employees to be clean and organized,” she adds.

An Authentic Italian Menu

The restaurant’s modest menu changes seasonally, because “It’s based on what the land gives us each season,” Brenda explains. Overall, she describes the food as Italian with a modern and global flare. “We wanted to remain authentic to our roots,” she also says. In other words, you’ll only find authentic Italian dishes such as Pappa al pomodoro at this family-run spot.

Burrata with Pappa al pomodoro
Burrata with Pappa al pomodoro

They do, however, prepare ingredients fresh every morning. To drive this point home, Fiorentini doesn’t even have a freezer. “We put nothing in storage and have no leftovers,” Brenda says. If they do have anything left over at the end of the day, they donate it to needy locals. In particular, they get deliveries twice a week from a farm that uses no chemicals at all. Meanwhile, they only use wild caught fish. “It’s important to know where your food is from,” Brenda says. “It’s our priority, and we wanted to share that at Fiorentini.”

Current menu favorites include the most requested item, the Mediterranean octopus starter; as well as both the wild halibut and tagliatelle entrees. As for dessert, they serve a tiramisu with caramelized banana inside. “It gets a kick from the banana,” Brenda explains. They also serve bombolongcini toscani, a traditional Italian dessert featuring small donuts made for dipping in crème. Click here to see the full menu.

About the Owners

Antonio was laid off from his role as executive chef at the Metropolitan Opera early on during the COVID outbreak. Brenda, an event producer and planner for 15 years, was also laid off. “Our restaurant was born out of a difficult time,” Brenda says. “We figured it was time to give it a shot.” The couple lives in Cedar Grove, but chose Rutherford because it perfectly compliments the Fiorentini concept.

Antonio De leso
Antonio De leso

Visit Fiorentini at 98 Park Ave in Rutherford. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.

Click here to find the latest restaurants open in New Jersey.


Fiorentini FAQs

Do you accept Reservations?

Yes, they take reservations via Resy.

Are there Gluten-free options?

Yes, they do serve gluten-free options.

Are there Vegetarian options?

Fiorentini offers vegetarian options, yes.

Do you offer Takeout?

They do not offer takeout, no.

Can you offer Delivery?

They do not offer delivery, no.

Do you have a Liquor license?

No, but they are BYOB.

Is there a Kids’ menu?

No, but they can accommodate requests.


All Photos: © Fiorentini

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