theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 14 AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES HOMEMADE FROM FRESH INGREDIENTS PERFECT DINING DESTINATION (973) 566-1078 590 Central Ave, New Providence, NJ 07974 (973) 566-1083 465 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 here’s something comforting about stepping into a place where time-honored tradition meets fresh, new beginnings. That’s the feeling at Celestino’s Pizza & Ristorante Celestino’s Pizza & Ristorante, which opened its doors this past summer in the familiar Central Avenue space, once home to Coppola’s for nearly forty years. With deep roots in the restaurant industry and a passion for community, owner Jason Udrija and his team are writing a new chapter, one filled with heart, flavor, and hometown pride. At Celestino’s, food is more than a meal, it’s an experience! The menu celebrates the best of Italian comfort food, from oversized garlic knots you’ll want to share (or maybe not!) to inventive new favorites like Chicken Vodka Parm Sliders and the Pasta Celestino to Rigatoni with Bolognese and vodka sauce. Of course, pizza is at the heart of it all, crafted with the care and creativity that has already made Celestino’s Celestino’s a go-to spot for locals seeking both comfort and quality at a reasonable price. More than a pizzeria, Celestino’s Celestino’s is quickly becoming a hub for celebration. Their newly opened event room is the perfect setting for birthdays, family milestones and corporate gatherings, while catering services allow guests to bring the flavors of Celestino’s home. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a big event, this team is committed to creating memorable experiences where people feel welcomed and connected. Taking over such an iconic location comes with big shoes to fill, but Jason and his team see it as both an honor and a responsibility. “We know how much this space means to the neighborhood,” he shares. “Our goal is to continue that legacy while bringing our own passion to the table.” With each pizza served and each smile exchanged, Celestino’s Celestino’s is carving out its place as the town’s newest gathering spot-a place where old traditions and new memories come together. Part of what makes Celestino’s Celestino’s so special is its people. With 80 percent of the staff coming from New Providence and surrounding towns, the restaurant embodies community at every level. The front-ofhouse team is made up of local kids and familiar faces who bring energy, warmth, and a genuine love for their work. Jason emphasizes that customer service isn’t just important, it’s the culture. At Celestino’s Celestino’s, every guest is treated like family. For Jason, who grew up around his uncle’s pizza business in California, this venture is more than just another restaurant. It’s the realization of a lifelong love of food, community, and hospitality brought to life right here in New Providence. COMMENDS Old Traditions and New Memories Coming Together By Serafina Perrotto CONNECTION 590 Central Ave. New Providence, NJ 973-566-1078 465 Pompton Ave. Cedar Grove, NJ 973-566-1083 T
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