Chef Robbie Felice Expands His Culinary Empire with Bar Mutz in Westwood, NJ
Chef Robbie Felice, a James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist, continues to make waves in the New Jersey dining scene with his latest venture, Bar Mutz. This modern Italian trattoria and mozzarella bar, located in downtown Westwood, brings a fresh and interactive take on classic Italian cuisine, further solidifying Felice’s reputation as an innovative culinary mastermind.
From Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne to Osteria Crescendo in Westwood and the Wafu-Italian fusion pastaRAMEN, Felice has continuously pushed the boundaries of Italian dining. With Bar Mutz, he blends traditional flavors with a creative edge, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in New Jersey.
Opened in February 2025, Bar Mutz focuses on handcrafted mozzarella and traditional Southern European flavors, offering an elevated yet fun dining experience.
✔ Mozzarella Bar Experience – Fresh mozzarella, stracciatella, and burrata, crafted daily in front of guests.
✔ Creative Small Plates – Unique takes on classics like mozzarella sticks with hot honey and sour milk, handmade pastas, and house-made cured meats.
✔ Classic Italian Favorites – Meatballs, burrata with prosciutto, and gourmet panini, all prepared with top-tier ingredients.
✔ Craft Cocktails & Wine Selection – A menu designed to complement the rich flavors of authentic Italian cuisine.
Felice describes Bar Mutz as "not your traditional stale Italian restaurant," but rather a place where guests can enjoy high-quality ingredients in a lively, modern setting. Whether you’re indulging in freshly pulled mozzarella or sipping on a carefully curated cocktail, the experience is designed to be authentic yet innovative.
Before becoming one of New Jersey’s most celebrated chefs, Robbie Felice built an impressive résumé, working at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants.
In 2016, Felice co-founded Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne, NJ, which quickly gained acclaim for its modern take on Italian cuisine. In 2019, he opened Osteria Crescendo in Westwood, further establishing his presence in the New Jersey dining scene.
However, Felice’s biggest breakthrough came with pastaRAMEN, a Wafu-Italian fusion omakase that blends Italian and Japanese flavors. Initially a secret pop-up, it evolved into a full-scale restaurant in Montclair, NJ, in 2023.
Now, with Bar Mutz, Felice is taking a more casual yet refined approach to authentic Italian dining, focusing on high-quality, simple ingredients done the Italian way.
With New Jersey’s culinary scene booming, Bar Mutz is a welcome addition for those who appreciate authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist.
⭐ Innovative Italian Cuisine – Authentic flavors meet modern creativity in a fun, engaging setting.
⭐ Freshly Made Mozzarella – Interactive mozzarella bar, offering freshly crafted cheese daily.
⭐ Lively Atmosphere – A casual yet stylish space that brings a new energy to downtown Westwood.
⭐ Robbie Felice’s Culinary Expertise – With a Michelin-starred background, Felice ensures that every dish is executed to perfection.
Located next to Osteria Crescendo, Bar Mutz is the perfect spot for a memorable night out, whether you’re indulging in handmade pasta, premium Italian meats, or craft cocktails.
With Bar Mutz, Robbie Felice continues to redefine Italian dining in New Jersey, offering a fresh perspective on classic dishes while staying true to his philosophy of "insanely simple food, the way it's done in Italy."
As his restaurant empire grows, Felice remains a driving force behind New Jersey’s culinary evolution, proving that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand.
📍 Visit Bar Mutz in Westwood, NJ, and experience one of the most exciting new restaurants in the state!
🌎 Website: Robbie Felice Official
📸 Instagram: @robbiefelice
🍽 pastaRAMEN: pastaRAMEN Official
