A Family Tradition Since 1990

For more than three decades, Nicola’s Ristorante has been proudly family owned and operated by the Mariella family, built on a love of authentic Italian cuisine, family, and warm hospitality.

Our story began in 1990 in a small location in West Paterson, New Jersey. As our family of loyal guests grew, so did Nicola’s—first moving to a larger location in Hawthorne and, in 2009, finding our forever home in Totowa.

At the heart of Nicola’s is our founder, Nicola, whose roots trace back to Bari, Italy. Inspired by the traditional recipes and flavors he grew up with, Nicola brought a piece of his Italian heritage into the kitchen—creating dishes rooted in tradition and meant to be shared around the table.

As Nicola’s has grown, so has the next generation of the Mariella family. Nicola has proudly passed down his traditions, recipes, and passion for Italian hospitality to his son, Nicola, who continues his father’s legacy while carrying the restaurant into its next chapter.

Today, father and son carry on the traditions that have defined Nicola’s for more than three decades—welcoming generations of guests through our doors with authentic Italian cooking, genuine hospitality, and the warmth of family.

From our family to yours, we look forward to welcoming you to our table.