Cara Mia

A real restaurant destination.  Do yourself a favor and make a reservation, especially on weekends or before Paper Mill events.  It's a little hectic getting in, but once you do, the reward is an unforgettable meal.

Start off with the fried zucchini chips.  Perfect with that favorite bottle(s) of Pinot Grigio that you brought.  Very attentive wait staff vigilantly keeps your glass full, not something to be said often with BYOB restaurants.  Atmosphere is cozy, only about fifteen tables combined in two rooms.  

Always have someone in your party order their pasta signature, the Fettuccine Cara Mia.  Homemade pasta with lump crabmeat, shrimp and tomatoes in a white wine cream sauce.  It's perfect.  It's not a thick heavy alfredo sauce, which allows the juicy crabmeat and large yet tender shrimp to really shine.

I ordered the special, which on this night was the Mediterranean Sea Bass, and which also puts Cara Mia on the 5-star list.  Impeccably prepared filet on a firm bed of bean ragout.  Unlike potatoes which stick to the fish and infiltrate the bite, the beans are that perfect starchy counterpart to the buttery, mild meat of the bass--all while giving the dish a differentiating texture.  Fresh fish, surprisingly south of $30.  Might be the best I've had....I cut a generous piece for my fiancée and she clearly agreed.

Portions are very filling, so no dessert on this trip, but there WILL be a next time!

Fabulous, attentive service. Good food and a BYOB. My chicken scarpariello was extremely tasty. Will definitely return. Service here was best I have ever had in Millburn.

delicious meal with lovely, professional service. Eggplant rollatini is not your usual - just delicious. Pasta can be done in half portions for appetizers - recommended fettucine cara mia, with crab and shrimp, was very good. Creamy burrata mozzarella appetizer with aged balsamic, tomatoes and prosciutto was large portion. Large entree specials of monkfish and parmesan crusted veal chop were perfectly cooked, with vegetables and mashed potatoes. Several tables on a Friday night were filled with happy looking parties of  6 - 10 people. Enjoyed it so much, we booked an office party on the spot!

Had the party last night. Food was again wonderful, including shrimp gorgonzola appetizer. Service impeccable. 9 Italian women from Staten Island who came to NJ for PaperMill and Cara Mia raved about restaurant.