The journey began with Joe Felice, a Wayne, NJ native and seasoned restaurateur, who opened his first restaurant at just 22 years old. His culinary ventures, The Gourmet Café ...
Read moreThe journey began with Joe Felice, a Wayne, NJ native and seasoned restaurateur, who opened his first restaurant at just 22 years old. His culinary ventures, The Gourmet Café in Parsippany and Casa Di Amici in Denville, set a high standard for Italian dining in North Jersey. But it was in 2016 that a new chapter began, when Joe partnered with his son, Chef Robbie Felice, to open Viaggio Ristorante right in their hometown of Wayne.
Robbie, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, honed his skills in prestigious kitchens around the globe, from Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe to revered spots like Babbo in New York City and The Modern. His global journey refined his technique and inspired a modern yet deeply rooted approach to Italian cuisine. At just 26, he returned home to team up with his father and bring their shared vision to life.
Viaggio, meaning “journey” in Italian, is more than a name; it’s a reflection of their commitment to bringing guests on a flavorful adventure through Italy’s rich culinary landscape. Using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques, the Felices have created a destination dining experience praised by critics and beloved by the community.
In just one year, Viaggio Ristorante was nominated among New Jersey’s “Best New Restaurants” and soon after, landed a spot on “New Jersey’s 30 Best Restaurants.” The success continued with the opening of their second restaurant, Osteria Crescendo, in 2019, solidifying the Felice family’s place at the heart of New Jersey’s fine dining scene.
