When Chef Claudia Rovegno moved to the United States from Rome in 2013, her mind was set on bringing a little bit of Italy with her. But she wanted to do it differently. So, shortly after her arrival, she started From Scratch, an online business providing fresh, homemade, gourmet dinners and baked goods to families in Bergen County (and beyond). After a year of success and building a strong following, she embarked on her next dream: to open a physical storefront.
Well, it’s finally here in the form of Italia Di Gusto, a delicious new gem of a restaurant that’s already shining bright with promise. Having only opened two weeks ago, the word MUST be out because all of the small tables at this all-white eatery were full for the entire time I was there for lunch. This is going to be the new place for ladies who lunch in Ridgewood, as the entrees are amazingly fresh and healthy AND different.
Starting with the delicious bread basket that was offered when we sat down to the bountiful menu full of fresh pastas and traditional Italian favorites, this place is heaven for carb lovers (sorry, Atkins devotees). The Strudel di Verdure ($6 per piece) we tried—featuring leek, parmesan, pecorino Romano, basil, bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, and authentic Italian spices—was a little slice of heaven and came with a light mesclun salad dressed with olive oil. A perfect light lunch in and of itself.
Also delicious was the Insalata Trevigiana ($13), a mixed salad of pear, Gorgonzola cheese, radicchio, and Italian extra virgin olive oil. The chef approached the table and asked if it were okay to add walnuts, which we heartily agreed made just the right topping to this perfectly composed salad.
In true Italian style, no meal would be complete without a cappuccino ($3.50) at the end of the meal. Perfectly prepared and presented with a nice frothy foam, it was a treat in and of itself.
That fantasy trip to Tuscany just got a whole lot closer—and more affordable!
Carla Sullivan is the dining editor for Bergen Mama and the founder of nyc dining resource MiniMunchers.com, she resides in Ridgewood with her husband and 3 kids.
Italia Di Gusto
Official Website
44 East Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ
Open for lunch starting at 10am 7 days a week and stays open for dinner every day as well.
NO liquor license
