It’s a place to go with the family for a great meal.  It’s a place for both adults and young folks to go hang out with their friends.  It’s a place to go with the whole team and the team parents when the soccer/basketball/baseball/lacrosse season is over.  It’s a place to go for a quick slice of good pizza.  And it’s right in the heart of the Cranford shopping district.

The place is Il Giardino, a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant, at 103 Miln Street.  It’s sort of a 2-in-1 place . . . . a pizzeria in the front, with tables to eat in, take-out, and free delivery service, and a lovely, atmospheric dining room in the back.  Il Giardino serves a wide variety of traditional Italian foods, including both simple fare  – sandwiches and wraps, and full appetizer and entrée dishes, pasta, and seafood.  The Capellini Alla Stella with shrimp, and the Chicken Valdostano chicken cutlet layered with ham and fresh mozzarella in a demiglaze sauce, are two of their most delicious specialties.  It’s fantastic food served in a cozy, family friendly atmosphere.  They also offer catering, and lunch and dinner specials, and even coupons.

Owner and operator Antonio was born in Palermo, and while he did work in the food industry part time for many years, actually worked in the computer field for many years. When this restaurant became available in 1994, he says he “ Followed my dream of opening and Italian Restaurant and found Cranford a great town.”  The restaurant has been a Cranford staple ever since, as much for its pizza as for its full restaurant.

You can check out their website, including their menu, at http://cranfordpizza.com/index.htm . But don’t click on if you’re hungry.  You’re likely to drool on your computer