Delicious Italian Restaurant Bici Opens in Ramsey NJ

If you haven’t paid a visit to Ramsey in a while, it’s time to get reacquainted. Because this once-happening hood is back. In a big way. And thanks to new Bici Restaurant, it’s gonna be one delicious reunion.

Serving classic Italian fare with a modern edge, this 50-seat restaurant is a little more upscale than Chef Anthony DeVanzo’s other in-demand restaurant, Nyack's Velo Bistro & Wine Bar, but don’t worry, there’s no need to dust off the topcoat and tails. This place is still plenty casual—with a very democratic BYOB policy—and won’t break the bank (entrees range from $28 to $35; desserts $5-$10), making it a perfect Date Night destination.

We headed there on a recent Saturday evening for just such an occasion, and were well taken care of. Upon arrival, Bici’s gracious hostess whisked us to a lovely window-side table. While we browsed the menu, our server stopped by with a complimentary basket of warm bread and garlic-and-rosemary-infused white bean spread (butter is so blasé) and offered up some helpful recommendations.

Our meal started with a pair of apps: Zuppa (butternut squash puree drizzled with balsamic syrup and ricotta gelato; $9) and the Polpetti (handmade meatballs in San Marzano tomato sauce, served with garlic bread; $15), which paired perfectly with our server’s entrée recommendation (more on that in a minute). The Zuppa not only looked great, it was also full of amazing flavor and texture, with the hotness of the soup melding into the cold ricotta gelato. I’ve never tasted a soup quite like it.

For the main entrées, we ordered the Risotto Dragoncello (local lobster, prepared with tomato, tarragon, and red pepper oil; $28) and the previously mentioned special: Bistecca (grilled Wagyu beef sirloin; $39) served with Fontina mac and cheese, lollipop kale, and a beurre noisette caper sauce. Both were absolutely delicious. The risotto was cooked perfectly, and I was more than pleased with the generous amount of lobster. The Wagyu beef was extremely tender and tasty, and the sides—especially the mac and cheese—were fantastic.

For dessert, we shared their House-Made Cannoli ($11), which was surprisingly light and flaky, as well as one of that evening’s dessert specials: fresh pear poached in red wine, served with Grappa-and-marmalade-infused Ricotta gelato ($10). It was, hands down, one of the best desserts we’ve ever had. Needless to say, that plate was practically licked clean.

Overall, Bici’s was a hit with us, and we’d gladly go back again—assuming we’ll be able to get a reservation once the word gets out.