AWARDS & PRESS
Here at Calandra’s, we are dedicated to our customers. Both our first time customers as well as our loyal ones receive the finest service paired with truly delicious dishes. We are honored and humbled by any sort of recognition from our visitors and highly encourage feedback.
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill has won numerous awards. Many of these awards are decided by NJ residents, which makes them even more valuable to us. Some of the more recent awards we have won are highlighted below:
2025
OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
2024
Bakery North Jersey –Calandra’s Bakery – All
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex”
GOLD MEDALS
Best Bakery — Calandra’s Bakery – All
Best Private Dining Room — Calandra Mediterranean Grill
SILVER MEDALS
Best Happy Hour — Calandra Mediterranean Grill
Restaurant Guru
Recommended – Calandra’s Bakery
OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
ROI-NJ, N.J. Chamber of Commerce Presenting the 2024 Champions of the C-Suite honoree Anthony Calandra
2023
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex”
GOLD MEDALS
Best Bakery — Calandra’s Bakery – All
Best Private Dining Room — Calandra Mediterranean Grill
NJBIZ Business of the Year
Family Business of the Year (101 + employees) – Calandra Enterprises
Bakery North Jersey –Calandra’s Bakery – All
OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award
North Jersey best Outdoor Dining – Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
North Jersey best Special Occasions – Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
The Knot – Best Of Weddings
Calandra’s Bakery
WeddingWire Couples Choice Awards
Calandra’s Bakery
Yelp – People Love Us
Calandra’s Bakery
Restaurant Guru
Recommended – Calandra’s Bakery
2022
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex”
Gold Medal
Best Private Dining Room –Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
NJ Monthly Magazine Jersey Choice Awards
Bakery North Jersey –Calandra’s Bakery
Desserts North Jersey –Calandra’s Bakery
Wine List North Jersey – Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
Morris/Essex Magazine Readers Choice Awards 2022
Calandra’s Bakery voted Number One
The Knot – Best Of Weddings
Calandra’s Bakery
WeddingWire Couples Choice Awards
Calandra’s Bakery
2021
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex”
Gold Medal
Best Bakery
Best Italian Restaurant – Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
NJBIZ Reader’s Rankings:
1st place – Best Hotel – Hampton Inn & Suites, Fairfield
1st place – Best Food Company – Calandra’s Bakery
2018
Trip Advisor
Top 3 Best Restaurant & Italian Cuisine – Cucina Calandra
#1 Best Italian Cuisine – Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
#1 Mediterranean Cuisine – Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
OpenTable Diners’ Choice
Top Italian Cuisine – Cucina Calandra & Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
Best Restaurants in Fairfield – Cucina Calandra & Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
Morris Essex Health & Life Magazine
Best Bakery
2017
OpenTable Diners’ Choice
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Best Bakery – Calandra’s Bakery
Best Dessert – Calandra’s Bakery
2016
Suburban Essex Magazine “Best of Essex”
Best Bakery – All
OpenTable Diners’ Choice
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Best Bakery: Multiple locations
Best Italian Restaurant (North): Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
2015
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Best Bakery: Multiple locations
Best Dessert: Calandra’s Bakery
2014
NJ Monthly Magazine “Best Of” Contest
Bakery: All locations
Best Cannoli: Calandra’s Bakery
Suburban Essex Magazine Best of Essex Contest
Best Bakery
Morris Essex Health & Life Magazine
Awards & BADGES
