AWARDS & PRESS
With a variety of menus, Cucina Calandra offers a selection of delicious Italian meals no matter the size of your party or dietary restrictions. Choose from our selections of homemade pastas, entrees, salads, pizzas, and more! We also offer a family-style menu for large parties or groups, bringing a more authentic Italian feel to your dining experience.
Visit us for one of our special offers, events, or simply stop by for lunch or dinner. We assure you will experience the best service while you enjoy a delicious Italian meal. We have been recognized by several major publications for our award winning food, our service, and our atmosphere. Learn more about the awards we have won below:
Awards our restaurant has won
Here at Calandra’s, we are dedicated to our customers. Both our first time customers as well as our loyal ones receive the finest service paired with truly delicious dishes. We are honored and humbled for any sort of recognition from our visitors and highly encourage feedback.
Cucina Calandra has won numerous awards, many of these awards are decided by NJ residents, which make them even more valuable to us. Some of the more recent awards we have won are highlighted below:
2026
The Knot Best of Weddings
Calandra’s Bakery
OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award
Cucina Calandra
2025
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex”
SILVER MEDALS
Best Italian Restaurant – Cucina Calandra
Best Full Service Restaurant – Cucina Calandra
Morris & Essex 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards
FIRST PLACE
Italian Restaurant – Cucina Calandra
Pizza – Cucina Calandra
SECOND PLACE
Wedding Receptions – Cucina Calandra
Calandra’s Bakery
Wedding Wire – Couple’s Choice Awards
Calandra’s Bakery
Montclair Girl – Best of Montclair 2025
Best Dessert Shop – Calandra’s Bakery
2024
Bang for the Buck North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
Italian North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex”
GOLD MEDALS
Restaurant – Cucina Calandra
SILVER MEDALS
Best Italian Restaurant – Cucina Calandra
ROI-NJ, N.J. Chamber of Commerce Presenting the 2024 Champions of the C-Suite honoree Anthony Calandra
2023
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex” Silver Medals
Best Banquet/Event Venue —Cucina Calandra
Best Full Service Restaurant —Cucina Calandra
Best Italian Restaurant —Cucina Calandra
Bang for the Buck North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
Italian North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
Pizza North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
2022
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex” Silver Medal
Best Banquet – Cucina Calandra
Best Italian – Cucina Calandra
Bronze Medal
Best Full Service Restaurant – Cucina Calandra
NJ Monthly Magazine Jersey Choice Awards
Bang for the Buck North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
Italian North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
2018
Trip Advisor
Top 3 Best Restaurant & Italian Cuisine – Cucina Calandra
Open Table Diners’ Choice
Top Italian Cuisine – Cucina Calandra & Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
Best Restaurants in Fairfield – Cucina Calandra & Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
Google+ Rated Excellent
Cucina Calandra
2017
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Best Bang for the Buck – Cucina Calandra
2016
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Best Bang For Your Buck – Cucina Calandra
2015
Open Table Diners Choice
Cucina Calandra
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Best Italian Restaurant (North) – Cucina Calandra
Morris Essex Health & Life Magazine
Kid-friendly – Cucina Calandra (1st place)
2014
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Bang for the Buck North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
Best Italian Restaurant North Jersey – Cucina Calandra
Awards & BADGES
