About Us

Our Story

The restaurant is co-owned by Giuseppe (Joey) Trani and Kari LaSpisa. Joey was born in Princeton, NJ and moved back to the island of Ischia in Italy with his family when he was 6. He spent the next 30 years there until returning back to the US. While in Italy Joey attended culinary school and eventually owned 2 pubs on the island. Since returning to the United States in 2014, Kari and Joey have worked together in several restaurants over the last 10 years. Cafe Basilico is Kari and Joey’s latest adventure and biggest concept change.

In The News

New Upscale Brunch Spot Opens In Hillsborough Wednesday
Cafe Basilico, a new brunch spot with European and Mediterranean flair, is opening Wednesday morning.
The Italian Table
The Italian Table Chef Joey Trani Shares Recipes Inspired by His Upbringing on the Italian Island of Ischia
Hillsborough Couple Opens New Italian Restaurant In Raritan
Basilico serves authentic Italian cuisine using the freshest ingredients available.
A Taste of Italy
A Taste of Italy At Basilico, Chef-Owner Joey Trani Shares Recipes Inspired by His Upbringing on the Italian Island of Ischia
There’s a new Italian restaurant in Raritan Boro that’s making it all from scratch
Basilico, an Italian restaurant inspired by the chef’s time growing up on the island of Ischia in Italy, opened June 1 in Raritan.
New Elevated Brunch Spot Sets Opening Date In Hillsborough
With a new name and new location for Joe Trani and Kari LaSpisa, the couple is excited to open Cafe Basilico in their hometown.
Raritan’s Basilico Expands, To Open New Italian Café In Hillsborough
Hillsborough couple Joe Trani and Kari LaSpisa, owners of Basilico in Raritan, are opening a second location in the township.
Couple Opens Italian Restaurant ‘Basilico’ In Raritan
A new Italian restaurant has opened in Raritan.
What’s Cooking At Basilico Italian Restaurant In Raritan
Patch’s “What’s Cooking” series profiles local restaurants and showcases what they are serving up through mouthwatering photos.
We welcomed, and bid goodbye, to these Central Jersey restaurants this year
COVID-19 or not, an onslaught of restaurant openings and closings is the nature of the beast. 2021, in that respect, was no different.

Location and Hours

Cafe Basilico
378 South Branch Road, Suite 102
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
908-393-1600

Monday – closed
Tuesday – closed
Wednesday 9 am – 4 pm
Thursday 9 am – 4 pm
Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Saturday 9 am – 3 pm
Sunday – 9 am – 3 pm

No Reservations Accepted