Nestled in the heart of the beautiful and historic Morris County, the small, family-oriented town of Whippany belies its stature. From the 3000-acre Troy Meadows wetland area to the Bee Meadow Park which spans almost 90 acres and boasts an Olympic size municipal pool, this is a town with multiple amenities and a community with a big heart.
There’s also no skimping when it comes to the tasty cuisine. If you’re a fan of big flavors, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the versatile menus and choice of restaurants in Whippany. Whether it's old-school American eats, high-end Italian fare, or authentic Japanese food, prepare to be pleasantly surprised at the quality that is plated up day in, day out.
We’ve created a guide so you can explore five of the best places to eat in Whippany and satiate your appetite while you’re here.
Whippany Diner
Founded in 2003, Whippany Diner has been serving top-notch comfort food and family classics for almost two decades. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the extensive menu covers everything from specialty omelets for a high-protein start to your day, to a heart-warming crock of baked French onion soup. Of course, it would be foolish not to mention their infamous steaks and chops, all cooked to mouthwatering perfection.
In addition to the typical nosh on offer daily, you should consider diving into their fresh seafood specialties that include jumbo shrimp, scallops, salmon, and flounder.
There’s an ever-changing daily specials menu to catch your eye if you fancy something a little different. If you prefer your mornings on the sweeter side, opt for the buttermilk pancakes or Belgian waffles.
Later on in the day, there’s the chance to go Greek with a chicken or beef gyro, but that’s only if you can resist one of the meaty 1/2b burgers on offer. We recommend the Sicilian with its roasted peppers, grilled red onion, tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella – a juicy and colorful nod to the delicious flavors of the picturesque island.
Il Capriccio
If you have a taste for the finer things in life, look no further than the top-class combination of ambiance, service, and exquisite food at this fine-dining Italian. It’s a ‘blindly pick and you won’t be disappointed’ kind of menu, with most plates returning to the kitchen clean.
The stuffed artichokes starter is a perfect medley of sweet brioche breadcrumbs, salty capers, and tender prosciutto. With over 400 selections of wine to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find the perfect bottle (or two) to pair with your main course.
Whether it’s Il Capriccio’s signature Chilean sea bass, fresh Colorado rack of lamb in pistachio crust, or the Maccheroni alla Chitarra con Bottarga with its “fresh homemade guitar string spaghetti”, this is a gastronomic experience that will strike a chord with foodies everywhere. There’s even a live pianist to heighten the magic.
The dessert list is just as impressive, with delights including molten lava cake, Madagascar vanilla crème brulee, and a proper Italian tiramisu that’s fluffy, luxurious, and gloriously scrumptious.
Casa De Montecristo
Few pleasures match the marriage of a great bourbon, scotch, or cocktail with a fine cigar. Throw in some buffalo wings, loaded nachos, or a smoky pastrami sandwich with a big stack of crispy fries and you’re all set for a great night at the Casa De Montecristo – the best cigar lounge in Whippany complete with a fully stocked bar and restaurant.
If it’s your first time pressing your lips to a premium-rolled stogie, don’t worry. The knowledgeable staff will recommend a smoke to complement your palate. It offers the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and catching up with friends and like-minded cigar lovers over your favorite beverage and good food.
Johnny’s Pizzeria
Pizza lovers rejoice. Johnny’s Pizzeria declares their grub as “the best pie in Whippany”, and for good reason. You can never go wrong with the ever-popular Sicilian cheese pizza, but the wealth of specialty pizzas is sure to tantalize your tastebuds.
Treat yourself to a taste of every slice you want. Our favorites include the Vegetable Delight, Johnny’s Chicken Ranch Pizza, and the aptly named Drunken Grandma Pizza, which comes with vodka sauce for a creamier and spicier alternative. If you’re feeling rebellious, you could always fly the Hawaiian flag.
Pizza isn’t the only thing on the menu, however. Think baked pasta dishes, fresh salads, and gourmet sandwiches, all are named after popular figures or celebrities - Al Pacino, Liz Taylor, and Sly Stallone all make an appearance at Johnny’s. Naturally, the latter packs a punch, with hot capicola, sharp provolone cheese, and fiery cherry peppers.
Nikko Japanese restaurant
This fantastic local Japanese spot is many people’s go-to place for sushi in the area. The delicately cut fish is always really fresh and beautifully presented. We suggest kicking things off with the Golden Roll appetizer – fried fish, crab, shiitake, carrot, and scallion wrapped in seaweed - a real explosion of flavor.
It goes without saying that you can’t go to Nikko and neglect the sushi. The sushi and sashimi combo means you can try a bit of everything – from mackerel and yellowtail to melt-in-your-mouth salmon. Miso soup and rice are also included.
We also highly recommend trying one of the teriyaki dishes that come with a sweet, tangy, and salty sauce that carries some bold umami undertones. The sauce is a dipping haven for the accompanying potatoes.
