If you grew up in or around Passaic County, you know the vibe of Morsetown Road. It’s that winding, wooded stretch of West Milford where the trees get thick and the air feels just a little cooler. For years, one specific address on that road—374 Morsetown Road—was the kind of place you didn't just stumble upon; you went there on purpose. That place was Momento.
Honestly, it’s hard to find a local who doesn't have a "Momento story." It was the spot for the big milestones—the 50th anniversaries, the "I just got a promotion" dinners, and the "I'm finally proposing" nights. It felt like a piece of Tuscany had been air-lifted and dropped right into the Jersey backwoods.
But things have changed. If you’re searching for Momento West Milford NJ today, you might be surprised to find that the name on the sign isn't what it used to be.
The Evolution of 374 Morsetown Road
The history of this location is actually a lot deeper than most people realize. Long before it was Momento, the site was home to Villa Carpignano. Back then, they literally grew their own vegetables on-site. It was farm-to-table before that was even a trendy buzzword people used on Instagram.
Then came the Alberto Dautaj era.
In August 1996, Alberto and his wife Arta opened Trulli Alberobello at this location. It was a bold move. They were asking for "proper attire" in a town where most people are more comfortable in hiking boots than heels. But it worked. Alberto, who is basically a legend in the regional dining scene (owning spots like Arta in Ringwood and various ventures in Warwick), eventually transitioned the name to Momento.
For nearly three decades, Momento was the crown jewel of West Milford fine dining. It wasn't just about the food; it was about the theater of it.
Why People Were Obsessed With the Ambiance
You've probably seen the photos, but they don't really do the real thing justice. Walking inside felt like entering a "mystical forest." The decor was grand—almost over-the-top—with a fireplace that actually made you want to linger and a zen fountain outside that blurred the lines between North Jersey and a Roman piazza.
It was secluded. It was romantic. And for a long time, it was the only place in town where you could get a world-class Chilean Sea Bass without driving forty minutes.
What Happened to Momento West Milford NJ?
Change is the only constant in the restaurant business, and the Morsetown Road location is no exception. While many still refer to it as Momento out of habit, the restaurant has officially moved into a new chapter.
As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, the venue has rebranded and is now operating as Prime 374.
Wait, is it the same? Kinda, but also no.
The transition to Prime 374 brought a shift toward a modern steakhouse feel, though it still holds onto those Italian roots that made the original Momento so popular. The ownership changed hands, but the goal remained the same: keeping that "destination dining" feel alive in a town that is otherwise dominated by pizza shops and lake bars.
The Menu Staples That Defined an Era
If we're talking about the "old" Momento, we have to talk about the Spiedini Romana. It was bread and mozzarella, battered with egg and parmesan, then drowned in a light anchovy-caper-butter-lemon sauce. It was salty, fatty, and perfect.
Then there was the Pasta Adriatico. It was basically a seafood mountain—clams, mussels, calamari, scallops, and shrimp. They used to say you could "feel the presence of the Adriatic Sea" in that red sauce.
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Currently, under the Prime 374 banner, the focus has sharpened. You’ll find:
- The Early Bird: Still a staple from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (Tuesday–Friday), usually around $35 per person.
- Steakhouse Classics: Think Sizzling Steaks and elevated Meats that compete with high-end NYC spots.
- The Bar Scene: They’ve leaned into the "Happy Hour" culture more than the old-school Momento did, with $10 drink and appetizer specials at the bar.
Debunking the Rumors
There's always talk in West Milford. "Did they close because of the reservoir?" "Is Alberto still involved?"
Here's the reality. The restaurant didn't fail; it evolved. Alberto Dautaj is a serial restaurateur who has managed multiple properties simultaneously for years. The transition to Prime 374 was a strategic move to modernize the brand for a new generation of diners who want a mix of "fancy" and "approachable."
One thing that hasn't changed is the location's status as a wedding powerhouse. Even with the name change, the grounds are still a magnet for couples. It’s hard to beat that backdrop.
A Real Look at the Experience
Let's be real for a second. Is it hard to find? Yeah, a little bit. If you aren't paying attention to your GPS, you'll blow right past it. It’s tucked away in a residential/wooded pocket that feels very private.
Some old-school regulars miss the strictly Italian focus of the original Momento menu. Others love the new energy and the fact that you can get a killer steak without the "jacket required" pressure of the 90s.
Service has always been a talking point here. Because it’s a destination spot, expectations are sky-high. Most nights, the staff nails that "European hospitality" vibe, though like any place that’s been around for 30 years, it’s had its ups and downs.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head out to the old Momento West Milford NJ location (now Prime 374), here is how to do it right:
- Timing is Everything: If you want the "Momento" experience on a budget, hit the Early Bird. It’s the best value in Passaic County for that level of cooking.
- Outdoor Seating: In the summer, the patio is non-negotiable. The sound of the fountain and the smell of the pines—it's the whole reason to go.
- Reservations: Don't just show up on a Saturday night. This place still gets packed with locals and people driving in from Bergen County and New York.
- The Bar is the Secret: If you don't want a full sit-down three-course ordeal, the bar area offers a more casual way to experience the ambiance.
The legacy of Momento isn't gone; it's just wearing a different suit. Whether you call it Momento, Trulli, or Prime 374, that building on Morsetown Road remains the heartbeat of West Milford's "special occasion" scene. It’s a testament to the fact that even in a digital world, people still want a physical place to go where the tablecloths are white and the memories are real.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check the current operating hours before heading out, as they typically open at 4:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM for brunch on weekends. If you are looking for the specific Italian dishes like the Veal Albanotti, call ahead to see if they are on the rotating specials list for the week.