Following the tremendous success of their inaugural American market in Manhattan’s Flatiron District back in 2010, Eataly, the global Italian marketplace and retail concept founded in Torino, Italy, has opened its only New Jersey location at The Mall at Short Hills. The concept has only a handful of locations around the United States.

“If you’ve ever been to Italy, you know that in the piazza [marketplace] you have patrons mingling around, talking to the people behind the counters, and you see the artisan, letting you taste the oils and cheese,” Tommaso Brusò, the CEO of Eataly North America, says. “We want to be that here. New Jerseyans are so sophisticated and international; they appreciate this atmosphere.”

Since opening in November, the Short Hills market is indeed bustling as patrons try samples and chat with the gelatieri, sommeliers, and cheesemongers. The gelato, pastries, and pasta are all made on the premises. Customers can watch as pasta dough is rolled out in front of them and purchase the homemade pasta and mozzarella cheese, which uses fresh cheese curds from a local New Jersey producer. The produce in the grocery area is sourced from local farms, while the oils, non-perishables, and wine—there’s a liquor store within the market—are imported from Italy.

For those who want to sit and further relish the Italian experience, the on-site Eataly Ristorante offers traditional antipasti, pasta dishes (such as their signature Cacio e Pepe), Pizza Napoletana-style, and main courses like chicken Milanese. Educational workshops and cooking classes, along with chef-led dinners, provide additional cultural immersion. As Brusò proudly explains, “the best compliment people can tell us is, ‘Oh, I feel like I’m in Italy!’” —Elizabeth Moglia Jackson

Eataly | The Mall at Short Hills | 1200 Morris Tpke, Short Hills | eataly.com