A Touch of Italy

MOUNTAIN LAKES NATIVE Gabi Lombardi is as homemade as the Italian food she serves up fresh in her four Italian-themed restaurants. The restaurantrepreneur’s latest addition is in Boonton and is named Nostrana, which translates from Italian into, what else? Home.

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

The stately residential-like building currently features a festive fall-decorated wraparound porch, a welcoming invitation for approaching diners to make them feel at home.

Situated on the border of Mountain Lakes and Boonton, the Elcock Avenue property boasts history to the tune of 150 years ago, when it actually did serve as a private residence.

According to Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee Chairman, Ranjan Bose, the house was constructed in 1900, and the land behind it, where the Brae Loch houses are located, functioned as a working peach orchard.

Since its inception last century, the establishment has tried on different identities including “Park House Tavern,” a.k.a. “Park House,” which became a popular watering hole for college Lakers returning home on Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.

“It was home to cheap beer and wooden cable spool tables,” says Bose.

A further change of hands eventually transitioned the space into Michelangelo’s, which featured upscale Italian dining. Then, Lombardi came back to town and made it her own, leveling up by way of a massive renovation and her own personal takes on Italian cuisine.

Michelangelo’s played a pivotal role in helping shape Lombardi’s career, serving as a training ground of sorts for her to hone her culinary chops. Then there’s the personal piece.

“My family has been close with the owners for many years,” Lombardi says. “Throughout my culinary and sommelier courses, I spent time working in the kitchen helping with prep and holiday catering orders.”

Lombardi always held Michelangelo’s close to heart, so when the opportunity to take the helm presented itself, the former protegee pounced and made it her own.

WELCOMING FOR ALL

A glimpse inside reveals an open floor dining plan, stained oak furnishings complemented by drop-down chandelier lighting, and alcoves that give way to nooks and crannies for more intimate dining.

“The renovation was essentially a complete interior remodel, which also included an addition to the building to create the bar on the first floor and the entryway,” Lombardi says.

The upgrade also features The Second Story Bar & Lounge, a cozy space upstairs that features low-back cushion bar seating and comfy couches. The lounge also boasts its own menu and live entertainment every Saturday evening.

The makeover took over two years to complete, and that includes the enclosed and heated wraparound porch, that allows for diners to linger outside longer, even in the cooler months.

Seasonal ingredients shine here, and the menu changes according to the calendar. Right now, fall is in full effect on the menu: Squash tortellini, anyone? Homemade pumpkin spice tiramisu? The restaurant also features an extensive Italian-forward wine list including Franciacorta (Italy’s Champagne), Lombardi’s go-to, and for this time of year, an elegant Barbaresco or a bold Aglianico.

“No matter what the season, what’s in my glass will be from Italy,” she says.

BEGINNINGS

So, how did this native Laker create a successful namesake—as in Lombardi Hospitality Group—restaurant empire?

Lombardi’s origin story pays tribute to her large Italian family, where meets, greets, and eats were at the heart of the home.

“We would have, like, 70 people over for Christmas,” she says. “And I was always decorating and helping my mom out.”

After attaining a degree in economics from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, she followed her heart to culinary school at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. She took it a step further and received a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. No matter where she lived, she stayed true to her hospitality roots, carrying on the family tradition of gathering over food and drink.

A business know-how, a pedigree in fine dining and wines, plus a passion for people provided a springboard to launch her career, selecting Hoboken to make her initial splash.

In staying true to her Italian heritage, Lombardi offers different takes on regional fare and provides companion wines for each dish. She also selected purposeful and whimsical names—in Italian, of course.

In 2016, she debuted Hoboken-based Sorellina, which translates to “little sister,” and pays homage to just that. “I’m the youngest of three,” she says. The Hoboken-based venue bills itself as an Italian kitchen and wine bar with a focus on simple, seasonal ingredients.

Four years later, Lombardi unveiled Sirenetta, also in Hoboken, which translates to “little mermaid,” and is a seafood and raw bar, which also features Backstage, a cocktail lounge complete with its own menu and built-in entertainment.

In 2023, Lombardi unleashed Ombra Salumeria and Bar, an ode to the dual translations meaning “shadow” in Italian and “small glass of wine,” in Venetian. The venue serves Venetian-inspired small-plates and wine pairings on Main Street in Boonton.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The Lombardi family boasts a number of entrepreneurs who have made their mark in neighboring towns. Her sister Nikki owns Mutts on Main, which has locations in Denville and Montville. Her other sister, Christine, branded her own line of shoes, and her mom serves confections in Sweet Expressions in Denville.

As a mother to 20-month-old Chase and with another one due in January, Lombardi is ever in pursuit of work-life balance. Having a fully cross-trained staff helps put her mind at ease, as does disciplined time management, which allows her to split her time between Hoboken and here. Plus, she lives almost within walking distance of Nostrana.

As for future endeavors? She takes a never-say-never approach.

“There aren’t any new openings on the horizon, but those who know me know that I am always dreaming up the next adventure,” she says.

BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE