It’s been four months since Chef Damiano Rosella decided to embark on a new adventure with his longtime friend Roberto Arcucci. Together, they recently opened Amore Ristorante with a clear and ambitious goal: to share the rich culture of Italian gastronomy and promote high-quality Italian products, blending authenticity with innovation.
Amore Ristorante celebrates the fusion of Sicilian and Amalfi Coast cuisine, offering a Mediterranean menu that changes every four months to reflect the seasons and keep customers intrigued. The challenge lies in maintaining a culinary experience that is constantly evolving while staying true to its Italian roots.
One of the restaurant’s key missions is the fight against Italian sounding—the misleading imitation of Italian products. Chef Damiano Rosella is determined to set Amore Ristorante apart from what’s already available in the local market by focusing on tradition and top-tier quality, without compromising. Rather than adapting to American tastes, the restaurant aims to educate diners about the true essence of Italian cuisine.
Chef Damiano’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed: he has been honored as an Ambassador of Italian Cuisine, a prestigious recognition that places him among the top chefs in the industry.
“There were only seven of us across New York and the Tri-state area,” he proudly shared. “These are the kinds of rewards that come when you least expect them.”
But Amore Ristorante is more than just a dining spot—it’s a destination for events and special occasions. Among the upcoming highlights is the Valentine’s Day dinner on February 14, featuring a special menu crafted for the occasion.
The restaurant also embraces the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) philosophy, encouraging guests to bring their favorite bottle of wine to elevate their dining experience. In line with this vision, a special wine tasting event is scheduled for February 27 in collaboration with a local wine shop, with Chef Damiano curating each dish to ensure perfect pairings.
Behind Amore’s success are the personal stories of Damiano and Roberto, two passionate and determined Italians. For these business partners, settling in New Jersey was almost a coincidence, but it turned out to be the perfect place to plant roots and bring their dream to life.
If there’s one “flaw” to mention about Amore, it’s simply that it’s not right around the corner… But the duo has big plans for the future. Among their upcoming projects is an expansion to Jersey City, bringing their vision to even more communities. In every dish, in every detail, you can feel their passion for food and their desire to offer customers an authentic, unforgettable experience.
“The only thing you should do when you cook is have fun,” says Rosella. And it’s this very philosophy—rooted in enthusiasm and love for their craft—that is the secret ingredient making Amore truly unique.
