Nostrana Ristorante

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Neighborhood Italian Restaurant with a Clear Philosophy

At Nostrana Ristorante in Boonton Township, New Jersey, "homegrown" is more than a name—it's the guiding principle behind everything on the plate and in the glass. Founded by Gabi Lombardi, a Certified Sommelier and Morris County native, the restaurant roots itself in Italian culinary tradition while drawing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to keep the menu alive and responsive to what's best right now.

The result is Italian cuisine that feels both grounded and carefully considered: handmade pasta, thoughtfully sourced produce, and a wine list that earned Nostrana the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025—recognition that reflects the seriousness with which the cellar is curated. The list leans Italian, naturally, and Lombardi's sommelier background shows in the depth and intentionality of the selections.

The Space and the Experience

Dinner is served in the main dining room starting at 4pm, Tuesday through Sunday, with weekend brunch available Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm. The covered outdoor porch adds a relaxed option for warmer months. The menu is seasonal and subject to change—a deliberate choice that keeps the kitchen honest and the experience fresh.

Upstairs, the 2nd Story Bar & Lounge extends the Nostrana experience into a cocktail and wine bar with its own identity. Handcrafted cocktails, shareable bar bites, and a rotating calendar of wine tastings and social events fill the space Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Live music runs Wednesday through Thursday and Saturday nights, giving the room a warmth that complements the drinks program.

Somm Sundays and the Wine Culture

One of the more distinctive features of Nostrana is its wine-forward programming. "Somm Sundays" bring half-price bottles, wine flights, and Riserva glass pours from 4pm to close—an accessible way to explore the list without a special occasion as an excuse. The Friday Aperitivo Happy Hour, with complimentary antipasti served upstairs, nods to the Italian tradition of drinking and eating as a social ritual rather than a transaction.

Nostrana also accommodates private events, catering, and tasting dinners, making it a versatile destination across the full range of occasions that bring people to the table.