Vesuvio's is a touch of Italy right here in West Milford

(Article from West Milford Messenger) 2011

“West Milford - There's a reason Vesuvio's Pizzeria has been serving great food for decades; fresh ingredients from the garden outside, local farmer's products, and fresh meats and chicken are delivered every morning and used in every meal that is prepared. Old family recipes that Michael Martinelli, the original owner, brought over from Italy, make each meal a true experience. Michael worked in the family farming business in Bari, Italy. His knowledge of the basics of fresh cooking and traditional cuisine was what he brought to West Milford in 1974. Back then, the West Milford area was filled with summer homes when the business was first starting out. The quaint décor along with a pinball machine and delicious down home cooking sustained this business. The construction of Old Milford Estates took the restaurant into busier times. Phil Martinelli, Michael's son, is a second generation owner. Phil has taken over his father's business, however, Michael still visits once a week to help in the kitchen. Most Friday nights, he can be seen in the garden and old patrons get a kick out of seeing him. As a young boy, Phil worked in the restaurant making pizza boxes where he earned a penny a box and bought Bazooka gum at the candy store. As Phil got older, he still helped out until he went to college, which led him to a career on Wall Street. He met his wife on their commute. They never left their home base in northern New Jersey. However, in time they did leave careers in New York City to maintain the family business. Much of their extended family still lives in Italy. Recently Michael brought his pizza to them and they loved it. All the meals at Vesuvio's are generous portions and the ingredients are fresh such as sausage, peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni, broccoli, garlic, meatballs, pasta and tomatoes. Nothing comes out of a can. Vesuvio's customers come from throughout the township and even as far as Sussex County. One of them, Daniette Forseth, was picking up food recently, and said her husband, who works in New York City and has his choice of just about any food imaginable, orders from Vesuvio's for the stage hands at Radio City Music Hall every Christmas because they all love it.”

-West Milford Messenger