Molto Bene Ristorante & Cicchetti Bar

Came here after a high school graduation around 2pm for lunch. We originally planned for a small group of people but by the end, our group had 25 people. The restaurant was very accommodating and patient with our constantly changing plans and was able to accommodate all of us. They even gave us our own private section with several tables that we were able to rearrange to our preference.
When we were there, they did let us know that normally for such a large party they prefer to know before hand so they can prepare bread and possibly arrange food family style. But they still handled our last minute reservation very well!
Food tasted authentic and had excellent presentation. The corn bruschetta was so creamy and flavorful. The basket of fries was average but good to share with a large group. I ordered the pear pizza without pancetta and I loved it! It’s a unique combo of flavors and something different from the typical pizza toppings. Corn ravioli was a hit with a lot of people. FYI: the large plate is similar to the portions you would get at most Italian restaurants. The small plate is more appetizer size. The panini was very big and came with chips and salad.
Overall, everyone had a great time. Cranberry is a super cute town and there was plenty of street parking. Definitely planning to return to try the desserts and coffee bar!

Went on a WED eve. 3 in our party — we would have sat outside byt the outside tables only accommodate 2 in a party. Could have sat at 2 separate tables but would have been odd. Small porch, but I think they should try to work out larger parties.
Our server Natasha, was awesome she explained everything really well.
They have a great menu lots to choose from, I already know what I will try next time.
So for apps we tried the sausage personal pie, very good.
And the «pork» wings, which were so good I could have just had that for dinner.
Dinner we tried the ½ chicked, done well — the orzo was not really flavorful — but a good choice.
The coffee spiced puled pork sandwich was really good.
And I had the sweet corn ravioli, really good… once the jersey corn comes in that will be a killer dish.
Dessert we tried the zeppole, nice and light — very well done
I will definitely return

Delicious food prepared.

This little gem is now one of my top picks for places to eat in the area. I had rarely ventured to restaurants on the east side of Route 1 before this, but decided to try Molto Bene out for Mother’s Day weekend since it had gotten such good reviews. Am I glad I did!
The restaurant is in a quaint historic property right on Cranbury’s main drag. Quarters are a bit tight in the dining area, but the atmosphere is great and lively. The service, which not the fastest, was courteous and our server was quite attentive.
The food was particularly delicious and suitably priced for the quality. There are many types of apps for sharing, and their entrees can be ordered in small or large portions. Although our server recommended that we order two smalls or one large per person for entrees, I would’ve been perfectly fine just ordering one small for myself and perhaps sharing another.
Our entrees:
— cornish hen (very flavorful but not as juicy as hoped for)
— seafood broth (on the simple side but still quite good; preserved lemon gives it a helpful zip)
— ricotta gnocchi (smaller portion but filling and very tasty, according to the Tall Man)
— grilled eggplant ‘canneloni’ (my mom was pleasantly surprised by this dish, a winner)
— short ribs (decadent and falling off the bone, comes with veggies)
— parmigiana broth (it comes with a quail egg!)
Also, if you have dietary restrictions like I do, never fear: they are very accommodating, even for someone who is gluten-​, dairy-​, and nightshade– free like me (goodbye tomatoes). Many of their dishes are made fresh to order.
Dessert was a happy ending. Their prices are extremely reasonable and cheaper than other restaurants of the same caliber (in the $ 4 – 6 range than the $ 8 – 12 range). I got the strawberry champagne sorbetto, which was so very good. The rest of my family raved about the bread pudding, which is made in a single serving and very light and fluffy.
Last note: it’s a BYOB, so be prepared with your own bottle. No corking fee, though, which is a happy thought.
Mom was happy, so I was happy and will be back.

Finally tried this place after hearing good things for years in the old location. I don’t know why I waited so long. Two of us shared 2 appetizer size and 2 small plates, definitley enough food for us. Our server was extremely helpful in guiding us through the different size plates. We will be back soon. Try the meatball trio and the baby back ribs!

Today was my first visit to this great find. I wanted everything on the menu, but settled for the chicken burger. I ordered it without the roll or chips and they gave me extra greens. It was absolutely delicious! The flavor combination was amazing. The atmosphere was homey and comfortable… my new, favorite spot. I had never been to the former location, but I am so glad they are back in town! If you live anywhere near this restaurant, GO! You will not be disappointed.

Tried this last night for the first time, didn’t even know it existed until hubby found it on Unilocal.Our apps of calamari and chickpea fritters were hot and delish. Hubby loved his gnocchi, my short ribs with broccolini and potato cake was very good but a little salty for my liking. Great service but table for 2 was too way small for our plates, 2 bottles of wine, etc. Would try it again and ask for the table our server recommended we reserve in the future.

Found this gem thanks to the great reviews we read as we were looking for a place to have dinner on a Thursday night after visiting with my Dad.
The bread that was served was excellent– accompanied by olive oil that was tasty and seasoned perfectly.
My son and I shared the triple bruschetta– Yummy, rich and bursting with flavor! Loved every morsel we ate of:
* Roasted porcini mushroom, marsala, mascarpone cheese, thyme
* Chickpea purée, roasted garlic alioli, smoked paprika, parsley
* Pulled chicken, artichoke pesto, asiago cheese
My son had the Prosciutto Di Parma –Prosciutto di Parma, smoked mozzarella, iceberg lettuce,
roasted red peppers, basil pesto alioli on a ciabatta. It came with a house salad and homemade potato chips that were delicious! He could only finish half of the sandwich as it was a generous portion.
I had the full portion of Homemade Mac & Cheese so that I could bring some home for dinner the next night. It was served piping hot in an individual cast iron (?) dish… I am fussy about my food being hot– and every bite I took was perfect. The mac and cheese was made with
broccolini, roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and gemelli pasta… Pasta cooked just perfectly!
Our server was a young lady who was so friendly and helpful with our questions. I like the way the AmEx was processed– on an ipad type device– with suggested tips based on different percents that made it a no-​brainer as to what to leave!
Looking forward to coming back– as I overheard the menu will be changed at the end of April.
PS– Bought some of the shortbread cookies with choco chips to bring home as we had no room for dessert. Delicious and not pricey– 55 cents each. Don’t leave M.B. without some! Sure do wish I knew how good they would be– I regret not buying more!

Excellent food. Red bean and sausage soup is amazing. Service was great. Will definitely return

Molto Bene never disappoints. The dishes are inventive wrapped in comfort. I call it Italian fusion because some elements taste like the very best from your Nonna’s kitchen and others taste like something your Nonna would have never fathomed… and combined they are out of this world! You really can’t go wrong with any dish. When in doubt, opt for the small portion and get a few different items. My current favs are the short rib, the chicken ravioli, and the gnocchi. The salads are on point and the fritters (both chickpea and cauliflower) and the frito misto are apps not to pass up. Their soups also always hit the spot and are something I crave on cold winter nights. Really top notch food at a great little BYOB!

Brought a friend from Houston (she is a real foodie) and all of us enjoyed every bite. Fried calamari dish was super tender and perfectly seasoned. Also enjoyed the gnocchi and the braised short ribs. Good service and an intimate but fun atmosphere. Keep in mind the «bar» is a coffee bar, not liquor. It’s BYO.

The name says it all! This cozy restaurant in the quiet town of Cranbury is a hidden treasure. Set in a repurposed historic home on Main Street, this place runs parallel to Route 130 but not to worry, it’s far enough to be super quiet and welcoming. It’s the first few colder days we’ve had this winter and they had the fireplace burning bright. The food was phenomenal. The meat and cheese platter doesn’t stand out on their menu but we were fortunate enough to find and order it. It did NOT disappoint! Highly recommended. I overindulged and went for the full Cornish hen which was also great. My hubby went for the short rib and gushed over it the whole time so if u like short rib, I’d recommend it according to his reaction. We left with a pound of Italian cookies since we were stuffed. This place is a byob with plenty of on street parking. Reservation is recommended since it’s not huge but they accomodated us without one. Our waitress Natasha was amazing and I would be remiss if I didn’t give her a shout out! Overall great experience. Will be back!!!

Just came back from an amazing dinner here. First time at their new location! Food is good as usual. I had the large portion of pappardelle pasta (delicious and a quite a LOT!) and my husband had the Verdure miste panini. We shared the cauliflower fritter as appetizers and olive oil cake. Loved the ricotta topping over the cake. Great finish to the meal.
Will visit again to try the new brunch and lunch menu

Went here on one of those few & far between «date nights» with the huzby. What a absolutely adorable space! We’re new to the area, so I’m not sure how long the building as been a commercial space, but it still has that wonderful, intimate charm of a cozy home. The menu was small enough to not be overwhelming yet diverse enough to satisfy even a pregnant girl’s eclectic cravings. We tried a sampling of the bruschetta (fav was the traditional tomato!), 2 different salads perfectly dressed, a comforting ravioli and the showstopper for me — the short ribs! Oh, I could have eaten them all night! We were hoping to catch a movie after dinner, and the waiter had no trouble moving things along to get us out on time without ever feeling rushed for frantic. We will certainly be back!

Has renovated a beautiful historical home on North Main Street in Cranbury. Very homey feel and our server, forgot her name, was at their old location too. She was terrific. Explained the selections and specials and was there when we needed her. For lunch, had the Lentil and Sausage Soup which was flavorful and just spicy enough. Shared a Chicken and Basil Panini which came with small salad and chips. Again, just right. The location, ambiance and food will have me back frequently.

Food was amazing. Great atmosphere. We enjoyed the short ribs and red sausage soup. Can’t wait to return to try more items on the menu! Definitely recommended for a great night!

Molto Bene is a one of a kind Italian restaurant. We first tried it because my wife won a gift card when the restaurant was in Hightstown. After that we ate in their former location in the Cranbury center many times.
The menu is seasonal. They change it ever three months. They have half plates. Also have a Risotto dishes.
It is a great restaurant and I highly recommend it.

A year after they closed their old location to relocate down the street, they are back — and better than ever!
They have an updated menu selection with new additions (soup and Panini lunch combos, etc.) and some of the old favorites.
I couldn’t resist ordering my old favorite — Hamurger Di Pollo (chicken burger) made from Italian herb ground chicken, fontina cheese, roasted garlic and tomato purée, it came with house-​made chips and a delicious fresh salad. The combination of the soft, warm brioche, herbed chicken and cheesy tomato was utterly delectable.
My companions each had a half soup/​half Panini combo — Maiale Tiratto BBQ — pulled pork with pickled red onions, caciocavallo cheese and arugula pesto, and Pollo Arrosto — roasted chicken with caciocavallo cheese, roasted tomatoes and roasted garlic aioli.
Conversation slowed as we all savored the incredible flavor combinations, and we all agreed that our respective meals were absolutely delicious. My friends raved about their hearty tomato vegetable soup which was especially appreciated on a cooler fall day like today.
We also had the Palline Di Palermo (chickpea fritter) appetizer, with a lemon aioli/​yogurt dip. The little fritter balls were light and airy, and the zesty dip was a perfect complement to the fritters.
Service was outstanding and everyone was very friendly and happy to be back and open for business. The ambiance was calming, the new décor muted and tasteful and the overall feeling was one of a relaxing escape — we were all sad that we had to leave the place and head back to the office!
Honestly, this is the best restaurant in Cranbury and the surrounding areas and I will be back for dinner next week.

I’m perplexed as to why someone would post a 1-​star review to report a place as closed. More importantly, Molto Bene isn’t closed for good — they closed their old (small) location and have moved down the street to a larger one. They are tentatively set to reopen in mid-​May, and thank goodness because we miss eating there! (For those familiar with the area, they are renovating the prior Blue Rooster building.)
Molto Bene’s food is absolutely delicious, service is friendly and the little café size of their old location simply couldn’t handle the demand. Last year, they also started a weekend brunch that was as tasty as their lunch/​dinner menu. Their old space got way too crowded; when deciding on a date location we used to have to decide whether we felt like great food or good ambience — if we wanted ambience we wouldn’t always go there because it was simply too packed. So we are excited to be able to enjoy not only the food, but the space as well in the newer location down the street, once it opens.