Cotto Brings Elevated Italian Dining to Morristown This December

Morristown is set to welcome a fresh culinary destination this December as Cotto, an elevated modern Italian restaurant, prepares to open its doors in the space formerly home to Guerriero’s, a beloved local eatery that closed after two decades of service. The new concept is the latest venture from Stirling Restaurant Group, the team behind Morristown staples like Stirling Tavern and Dublin Pub, as well as the historic Stirling Hotel in nearby Stirling.

Under the leadership of executive chef Jordan Petriello, Cotto promises a contemporary take on Italian cuisine, blending classic foundations with inventive approaches. Petriello, who previously helmed the kitchen at Il Nido in Marlboro, brings a résumé that includes experience at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City, including the acclaimed Rezdôra. His expertise signals a menu designed to excite diners with bold flavors, refined techniques, and thoughtful presentations.

Cotto’s culinary philosophy emphasizes seasonal, high-quality ingredients sourced for freshness and authenticity. Diners can expect regional Italian specialties reimagined with modern touches, from handmade pastas to innovative seafood and meat preparations. The menu aims to balance tradition and creativity, offering a dining experience that honors the roots of Italian cuisine while inviting guests to explore unexpected flavor combinations.

The restaurant’s design will reflect the same modern yet approachable aesthetic found in its menu. Clean lines, warm lighting, and a welcoming atmosphere will complement both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, making it a versatile destination for locals and visitors alike. Stirling Restaurant Group has a history of creating spaces that foster community, and Cotto looks poised to continue that tradition in Morristown.

Cotto’s opening adds to the growing culinary scene in the area, joining a vibrant roster of eateries that attract food lovers from across New Jersey. With its focus on refined, contemporary Italian fare and an executive chef whose experience spans Michelin-starred kitchens, the restaurant is generating anticipation among diners eager for a sophisticated yet accessible experience.

For those interested in discovering more of the Garden State’s evolving dining scene, Explore New Jersey Restaurants provides an up-to-date guide to the best spots, from classic Italian to international cuisine and innovative new concepts like Cotto.

As December approaches, Morristown residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to experience Cotto’s unique vision, a restaurant that combines culinary excellence, inventive dishes, and an atmosphere designed to make every meal memorable.