Il Monello

I had a work lunch at Il Monello about a month ago and was blown away by the experience. For context, the town of Peapack is tiny and pickings are relatively slim, so I was not expecting the tour de force that was put on at this small, quaint townhouse restaurant. The proprietor, Martino, is a real affable host with a magnetic personality. The vibe is welcoming and rustic, with a very authentic and traditional slant. Most importantly, they regard you as an Italian grandmother would, which means they are going to assault you with food. You best be ready!
Before we even ordered anything, they brought out slices of Parmigiano-​Reggiano cut from the biggest wheel I’ve ever seen, along with a sampler plate of salami, marinated zucchini, mushrooms and bread. This was all on the house. For an app, we decided to share an order of short rib meatballs. They were very good, but the sauce they were served with was the real winner. The kind of sauce that you know has been simmering for hours.
For our mains, we had the pesto gnocchi, chicken parm, and wild boar ossu buco, which was a special for the day. The gnocchi were cooked perfectly, light and fluffy, bathed in just the right amount of creamy pesto. The chicken dish was tasty, tender and juicy, smothered in cheese and sauce. The osso buco was outstanding. The meat was perfectly seasoned and falling off the bone. It was served on a bed of risotto that effectively made it a dish way too heavy for lunch, so I ate half of it and brought the rest home. I was proud of myself for exercising such restraint, as I really just wanted to eat the whole thing and suffer the consequences!
We were all pretty stuffed at that point and were ready to cut bait when Martino came out with a complimentary piece of tiramisu. We all kind of looked at each other with a collective «ugh,» but after tasting a tiny bit each, we were practically fighting over the remaining forkfuls. It was easily one of the best renditions of tiramisu that I’ve ever had. That and an espresso was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. The prices are not cheap here, but as I mentioned, they throw a lot at you and the portion sizes are significant. Point is, you get what you pay for. If you happen to be in the area, or live nearby, I highly recommend Il Monello. Martino and his team will take care of you and I guarantee that you will not leave hungry.

We always find ourselves stopping in again for a friendly smile and good food, suggestions as to what is fresh for the night and even a willingness to cook stuff off the menu. Specials change regularly and being a byob allows flexibility, just sit back and relax, be willing to go slow and enjoy.

I took my mother there on Monday night based on a recommendation from a good friend and it did not disappoint one bit. Not only is the food delicious but everyone there made us feel so special. Martino is beyond lovely. Charming, charismatic and so warm. And it was not only us, everyone in the restaurant was treated well. The service was simply impeccable. It was such a treat.
I can’t wait to go back again.

Great service and food. Cozy inside and great terrace outside for the summer. Always a pleasure

By far the best Italian food in the area. We had the chicken Milanese and veal parm and were blown away by two very simple dishes. Ample complimentary starters and the limoncello cake was to die for! The service was terrific led by Martino. We have dined all over north jersey and NYC and will now call this our favorite Italian place! Go there– you won’t be disappointed.

Food was just ok. The man I’ll assume was the owner had the worst attitude and made us feel like we were an inconvenience. Not ever going back and I suggest all others avoid as well

One of the coziest spots I have been to and the service by Muricio was one of the best I have seen in the restaurant service. We will definitely be back soon

Wonderful authentic Italian food, nice ambiance and terrific service. The owner is so nice and friendly we had a great time! We will definitely dine there again and again.

This is THE BEST Italian restaurant in NJ. We have been here many times and it continues to impress us over and over. This ranks among the top Italian restaurants in NYC like il mulino, morandi, etc. It has as very comforting and cozy warm atmosphere. Will be back soon!

Excellent meal and friendly accommodating service. Will definitely return and bring guests.

This place was one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever experienced! I took my mom her for her birthday and we had a perfect evening. Food was amazing and the staff was attentive at all times. Lemon cello shots at the end of the evening topped everything off! Definitely coming back for another special occasion!

I’ve wanted to try this restaurant for quite a while, and finally had an opportunity to go with two friends last night; I’m happy to report that Il Monello did not disappoint.
We arrived early for our 7:00 reservation and were immediately seated on the lovely patio where we could enjoy a beautiful late summer evening. Within moments our waiter filled our water glasses, opened and poured our wine and brought the bread basket along with several complimentary antipasti — crispy sauteed zucchini, small triangles of salami and slivers of cheese carved fresh from a huge block. Everything was delicious and we were off to a great start.
We decided to share one appetizer and chose the Mozzarella di Bufala; the cheese is closer to burrata than to regular mozzarella, so creamy and exquisite. For main courses, one veal dish from the regular menu was a winner, scalopini sauteed with artichokes in a lemon and wine sauce. Two of us chose specials; a lobster and crabmeat ravioli that was to die for, and a wild boar osso buco served over risotto that was melt-​in-​your-​mouth tender and had layers of flavor. We thoroughly enjoyed every morsel that we ate! I will definitely be back.

The outdoor patio was the reason we stopped. There were several open tables so we walked in. The owner asked if we had a reservation and when I said no, he frowned. Food was fair but we felt like we were bothering them all evening, Then we asked to wrap our unfinished dinners which they never brought. Wont bo back.

Food was incredible. I am a big fan of Italian food in New Jersey and NYC it has a unique flavor and style. This place has evrything that I wanted and expected but better. To start out you are offered fresh bread and freshly cut slices of parmesan. Ordered Mozzarella and Corossa very rarely do you see this on the menu and when you do rarely do they get it right. They perfected this dish. My final dish the penne with vodka was also perfectly made. The staff was great and very attentive. From appetizers to dessert, everything was perfect. I definitely recommend this little gem in the heart of Peapack and Gladstone.

Wow! I can not believe how great the service was. Our server Martino was the best server that has ever served me in a long time. He went above and beyond service expectations. He really showed passion and was very professional. He gave me a lot of personal attention and I think he should definitely be a manager.
The food was very high quality and unique. The rigatoni with bolognese was out of this world. It was very well balanced between meat and sauce. I was very satisfied and it was rich, but not too heavy. My aunt and grandmother ordered the primavera soup. They thought it was very fresh and substantial because they used fresh vegetables.
The environment was very homey but sophisticated at the same time.(outside) it was quint and classy. When there was an unexpected rainstorm, the oversized umbrellas above the table protected us and the food from getting wet. So even if you sit outside in the rain, your food will not get wet because of the nice oversized umbrellas.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant and come back to see Martino. Hopefully, you get him as your server.

I tried Il Monello again last night and had a great experience. Food and service were very good. We even got after dinner drinks this time. I hope they keep up the good work.

I tend to return to this place even after many issues since the food alwasys draws me in. The owner tends to be a miicro-​manager and has to take every order and answers the phone and seats the guests. The place is charming and the service is hit or miss depending if you are a regular or part of a large party. They do not cater to same sex couples nor do they ignore you but you will get the feeling of being uncomfortable. after awhile. The busboy is very friendly and touchy and good looking with a seductice accent and I would bet he is afriend of Dorothy. Prices can add up if you take all the suggestions the owner sells on you.
I am sure I will return for more punishment!

Authentic Italian fare, lots of specials each night and an amazing menu. Well worth the trip!

Went here for Mothers Day late lunch sat outside and had the most wonderful experience !! The food was Great and the staff were very professional in every way!!! If you are in this area Please go to this spot!!!

We tried it for the first time this Saturday. The ambiance in the Fireplace room was inviting. Our group had a variety of pasta and meat entrees. All were above par, say 8 out of 10. The food arrived hot and in total. The ribeye steak was a 10, cooked perfectly. The service was attentive but not obtrusive .
My only negative is that the Captain, Headwaiter or owner who ever he is (Martini??) is a bit too aggressive for my type «A» personality.
We will try again and keep you posted.