Stella Artisan Italian Cafe and Market in Ridgewood NJ

Like that spare room in our house that started out as a glorified closet before becoming a home office before transforming once again into its current incarnation as a playroom for the kids, life is all about being in a constant state of flux.

So when we stopped by our go-to Italian specialty foods and take-away spot, Stella Artisan Italian Cafe and Market, we were pleasantly surprised to see it’s gone through its own metamorphosis of late, expanding from a retail take-away spot into a full-blown restaurant that brings all the charms of the Old Country (including a super-cute green Vespa in the window) to life right here in Ridgewood, NJ.

Billed as “EATaly meets gastro pub meets butcher shop,” the new Stella offers full sit-down service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. On the menu? House-made pastas, charcuterie and sandwiches for lunch, and dinner entrées such as classic Italian porchetta (slow-roasted pork), osso buco, and grilled rib-eye steaks, all compliments of Executive Chef Vincent Forchelli, a former sous chef at NYC’s highly acclaimed Landmarc. On dessert duty is hotshot pastry chef Heather Bertinetti Rozzi, formerly of the Four Seasons in Manhattan, whose handmade pastries, oh-so-smooth gelato, and Italian-style cakes are said to be off the hook.

We dropped by on Stella’s opening day, and although there was not a lot of fanfare, there were certainly plenty of fans. The tables were packed and everyone was enjoying and lingering over their meals. We tasted the Eggplant Cutlet sandwich, served warm on homemade focaccia with a pecorino fonduta, broccoli rabe, and a roasted garlic spread. One word: delicious! We also tried the pancetta gorgonzola scones, which were a total 10.

Expect this place to really pick up in popularity in the coming weeks. We’re already screaming “Stellllaaaa!”

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.