Step through the welcoming doors of Frank’s Trattoria West Caldwell and allow the aromas of fresh herbs, slow-simmered sauces, and wood-fired brick oven creations to envelop your senses. Each dish reflects a commitment to authentic Italian techniques passed down through generations, paired with a modern flair that invites both longtime devotees and curious newcomers to savor every bite.
The menu unveils layers of flavor, from bright, refreshing antipasti to indulgent desserts that linger on the palate.
Whether you arrive seeking a quick midweek feast or a leisurely weekend banquet, the atmosphere adapts to your pace. Warm lighting and friendly service set the stage for an experience that balances formality with comfort.
Conversations flow as freely as the carefully curated wines, creating moments to remember and dishes worth revisiting time and again.
Embark on a culinary journey through regional specialities, seasonal highlights, and chef-driven innovations. With thoughtfully sourced ingredients and an eye for presentation, Frank’s Trattoria turns each meal into a celebration of Italian heritage.
Prepare to explore a menu designed to delight, surprise, and satisfy every craving.
Antipasti Delights
The antipasti section at Frank’s Trattoria highlights fresh, vibrant ingredients that awaken the appetite. These small dishes lay the groundwork for a memorable meal, showcasing an array of flavors from the simplest olive oil to meticulously prepared seafood.
Classic Starters
A trio of bruschetta variations offers a taste of seasonal produce on toasted bread. Guests can choose between heirloom tomato and basil, sautéed mushrooms with garlic, or whipped burrata topped with prosciutto.
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro: Ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic
- Funghi Trifolati: Mixed mushrooms, rosemary, olive oil
- Burrata e Prosciutto: Creamy burrata, aged prosciutto
Each bruschetta is finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil harvested from Northern Italy.
“We focus on simple ingredients treated with respect to let their true flavors shine,” – Chef Antonio Rossi
Experience a balance of crunchy textures and savory bites that set a high bar for courses to follow.
Signature Pasta Creations
Frank’s Trattoria excels at handcrafted pastas made fresh daily, blending traditional methods with inventive sauces. Each plate reflects a deep respect for time-honored recipes, often enhanced by seasonal produce and house-made cheeses.
Fresh Pasta Varieties
Choices range from delicate strands of angel hair to robust ribbons of pappardelle. Durum wheat semolina and farm-fresh eggs ensure a tender bite that holds sauce perfectly.
| Dish | Sauce | Price |
| Spaghetti Carbonara | Guanciale, egg yolk, pecorino | $18 |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Cream, parmesan, black pepper | $17 |
| Pappardelle Bolognese | Slow-cooked beef, tomato | $20 |
Vegetarian twists on classics appear regularly, like ricotta-stuffed ravioli dressed in a rich sage-brown butter.
Seasonal Inspirations
When summer squash and zucchini blossoms peak, you may find a signature fettuccine accented by edible flowers. In autumn, squash ravioli returns with toasted hazelnuts and browned butter.
Subtle variations keep the pasta program exciting throughout the year.
Seafood Specialties
Seafood offerings at Frank’s Trattoria showcase pristine ingredients sourced daily. From ocean-fresh fish to tender shellfish, every plate captures coastal flavors infused with Italian tradition.
Coastal Classics
Grilled branzino arrives whole with lemon, rosemary, and sea salt. Calamari fritti is served with a zesty marinara dipping sauce.
- Cioppino: Mixed seafood, tomato-basil broth
- Linguine alle Vongole: Clams, garlic, white wine
- Gamberi alla Griglia: Jumbo shrimp, chili, lemon
Each dish honors simplicity, allowing natural brininess to shine through.
“The bragging right is in freshness—if it’s not perfect, it won’t make it to the pass,” – Seafood Director Elena Marino
A gentle char on grilled items adds depth, while rich broths and sauces lend complexity without overshadowing the sea’s signature taste.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
Brick oven pizzas emerge with a crisp crust and a tender crumb, embodying centuries-old techniques. Each pie is handcrafted, topped with freshly milled flour dough and baked at intense heat for ideal texture.
Signature Pies
The Margherita features San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. A spicy Diavola variation brings house-made chili oil and pepperoni to the forefront.
| Pizza | Key Toppings | Size |
| Margherita | Tomato, mozzarella, basil | 12″ |
| Quattro Formaggi | Fontina, gorgonzola, parmesan, mozzarella | 12″ |
| Prosciutto e Rucola | Prosciutto, arugula, shaved parmesan | 12″ |
Beyond classics, specialty pizzas rotate to reflect seasonal produce, such as spring asparagus with truffle oil.
Build-Your-Own
Guests can select from a range of artisanal toppings, including sun-dried tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and grilled eggplant. A gluten-free crust is available on request, ensuring all diners find a perfect match.
Hearty Entrées
The entrées at Frank’s Trattoria balance robust flavors with elegant presentation. Each main course demonstrates an attention to detail that transforms proteins into culinary showcases.
Meat Specialties
Osso Buco is slow-braised veal shank served over creamy polenta. Chicken Marsala features tender poultry sautéed with mushrooms in a sweet Marsala wine reduction.
A filet mignon with gorgonzola crust exemplifies the kitchen’s ability to refine simple proteins.
“We treat every cut of meat as a canvas, layering sauces and seasonings to highlight its best qualities,” – Sous Chef Marco Rossi
Accompaniments
Entrées arrive with side dishes such as sautéed broccolini, roasted fingerling potatoes, or creamy spinach gratin. The selection rotates to pair perfectly with each protein choice.
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Garlic Sautéed Broccolini
- Creamed Spinach Gratin
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Frank’s Trattoria ensures every guest can find plant-based delights that rival meat-centric dishes. Chefs craft vegetarian and vegan plates with the same care and creativity as traditional offerings.
Vibrant Salads
A quinoa and arugula salad stars roasted beets, candied walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette. Heirloom tomato caprese appears with vegan mozzarella and basil oil.
- Quinoa & Arugula: Beets, walnuts, citrus
- Caprese Style: Heirloom tomato, vegan cheese
- Grilled Veggie Platter: Zucchini, peppers, eggplant
Each salad is finished with a drizzle of cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil sourced from local producers.
Plant-Based Entrées
Stuffed peppers arrive brimming with herbed rice and lentils in a tomato-basil sauce. A vegan lasagna layers eggplant, spinach, and cashew ricotta for a hearty main course.
These dishes demonstrate that meat-free does not mean flavor-free, delighting both vegan diners and omnivores alike.
Gourmet Desserts
Concluding the meal with a sweet note is a specialty at Frank’s Trattoria. Each dessert is crafted from scratch, often featuring house-made creams, custards, and infused syrups.
Classic Italian Sweets
Tiramisu layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream. Panna cotta arrives with seasonal berries and a touch of mint.
“A dessert should feel like a reward, striking a balance of sweetness and texture,” – Pastry Chef Lucia Bianchi
- Tiramisu Tradizionale
- Panna Cotta ai Frutti di Bosco
- Cannoli Siciliani
Decadent Innovations
Chocolate lava cake oozes a velvety center, paired with house-made gelato. Seasonal fruit crumbles arrive warm with a crunchy oat topping and vanilla bean cream.
Guests often opt for a dessert flight, sampling three selections to experience a variety of textures and flavors.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
The beverage list at Frank’s Trattoria spans Italian wine regions, handcrafted cocktails, and artisanal beers. Each offering is chosen to complement the menu’s diverse flavor profiles.
Curated Wine List
| Wine | Region | Pairing |
| Barolo | Piedmont | Osso Buco, Filet Mignon |
| Pinot Grigio | Veneto | Linguine alle Vongole, Salads |
| Chianti Classico | Tuscany | Bolognese, Meat Entrées |
Creative Cocktails
Bartenders blend Italian spirits with seasonal fruits and house-made syrups to create signature cocktails. The Aperol Spritz is a bright choice, while the Limoncello Collins offers a refreshing twist.
- Limoncello Collins
- Negroni al Basilico
- Espresso Martini
Guests can request tailored pairings for any dish, ensuring each sip enhances the next bite.
Frank’s Trattoria West Caldwell invites you to experience a menu that marries tradition with creativity at every turn. From bright antipasti to sumptuous desserts, each course is an opportunity to explore Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
The warm ambiance and attentive service elevate what begins as a meal into memories worth revisiting. Whether sharing a festive gathering or indulging in a quiet evening for two, every detail is calibrated to delight the senses.
Seasonal specials and rotating chef’s inspirations keep the experience fresh and exciting, while beloved classics stand firm as menu cornerstones. A thoughtfully curated wine list and inventive cocktails ensure that liquid accompaniments match the artistry on the plate.
With options for every dietary preference, the kitchen crafts dishes that welcome all to the table.
Step into Frank’s Trattoria and discover a celebration of flavor, hospitality, and tradition. Each visit promises new discoveries and comforting favorites, woven together by the passion of a team dedicated to the art of Italian cuisine.
Your table awaits for an unforgettable culinary journey.
