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There are few better places to satisfy your appetite than Montclair, New Jersey. Whether it's Italian food, Southern food, greasy diner food, or international cuisine, just about anything you're looking for is just a Google search away. Decision making can be difficult when faced with such a rich situation. But even tougher are the challenges for businesses to qualify as local favorites. His one such restaurant, Laboratorio Kitchen, has effectively won the hearts and stomachs of Montclair residents since its opening in 2014. The fine-dining restaurant, popular for its Italian-inspired New American cuisine, is now expanding its influence with the opening of a new restaurant in Essex County. Maple wood called Osteria LK. Learn more about Laboratorio Kitchen's new venture in Maplewood, New Jersey.
About Laboratory Kitchen
Laboratorio Kitchen opened in September 2014 and is a new American restaurant in the heart of downtown Montclair. The name reflects head chef and owner James DeSisto's desire to create unique cuisine that combines flavors and cooking techniques from around the world.
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Inspiration may come from all over the world, but Laboratorio Kitchen's foundations are right here in New Jersey. It all started with James' grandmother, who would cook with her every Sunday when James was a child. These memories are reflected in much of the restaurant's seasonal menu, which currently features dishes such as mushroom risotto, homemade linguini, ricotta cavatelli, and a variety of seafood dishes. See the full menu here.
Most dishes are made with local ingredients from farms in the tri-state area. The secret to Laboratorio's famous tomato sauce is Jersey tomatoes, which are crushed in-house for optimal flavor. The special steps and care taken in preparing the recipes is what sets Laboratorio's cuisine apart from other restaurants in the area, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It's also the reason why.
Relocation to Maplewood
In 2023, popular Maplewood restaurant Arturo's has announced plans to relocate and rebrand. Arturo's (now Artie's) remains in Maplewood, but Laboratorio's chef James thought the move would “leave a void in town.” He seized the opportunity to expand his Laboratorio Kitchen brand and took over the downtown space at 180 Avenue in Maplewood.
Arturo will be replaced by Osteria LK, a casual offshoot of its sister restaurant in Montclair. The Italian word “osteria” means “tavern” in English, and while this new business has fewer white tablecloths than its Bloomfield Street store, indicating a minimalist character, locals may expect It offers the same delicious taste.
See more: New restaurant BYRD opens at 800 Jackson Street in Hoboken
Article shared by Chef James montclair girls Osteria LK is scheduled to open sometime this spring. According to an Instagram post from two days ago, renovation work on the space is progressing smoothly.
Of course, we'll keep you updated as more details become available. For now, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date and sign up for our weekly newsletter here.