With an Italian name that translates to “my dear,” Cara Mia welcomes guests with familial energy. “We chose the name because we wanted the restaurant to feel warm, inviting, and full of love—almost like you’re walking into someone’s home for dinner,” co-owner Sadije Barca says.

The restaurant is owned and operated by Barca; her mother, Xhane Husenaj; and brother Nazmi Husenaj. “Our mother has always been the heart of the restaurant and our inspiration behind so many of the dishes and traditions we carry on today,” Barca explains.

The close-knit ties don’t end there. Chef Miguel Roberto Fahsen has been working for the family for 16 years. His experience with Barca’s late father, Xheme “Jimmy” Husenaj, dates back to the 1990s at La Catena in Roselle Park.

Barca remembers that time fondly. “Some of my earliest memories are in my father’s restaurant,” she says. “It’s where I learned the value of hard work and treating every guest like family.”

Talk of the Town

Barca’s beaming smile and kind disposition make guests feel at home, and the warm décor and twinkling lights help set the mood. But the real star is the food. The eatery’s comforting Italian cuisine hits the spot, with its twists on the classics, including tableside chicken parmigiana, garnering the most attention.

“The viral chicken parm was inspired by classic tableside preparations we grew up around in our family’s restaurant, like strawberry zabaglione or Caesar salad, prepared right in front of the guests,” Barca says. “We loved the idea of taking something as comforting and traditional as chicken parm and turning it into a fun, interactive experience for guests.”

Instagram and TikTok gave life to the chicken parm videos. “Between the generous cutlet, melted mozzarella, and dramatic presentation, people became instantly drawn to it,” she adds. “It’s classic Italian American comfort food presented in a way that creates a real experience at the table, both nostalgic and exciting.”

Cara Mia diners also enjoy Fettuccine Cara Mia with shrimp and jumbo lump crab meat, French onion soup, steak au poivre, and homemade ricotta cheesecake. The restaurant offers specials each day, adding seasonal and creative choices to their classic Italian menu. The tuna tartare is a fresh and light option, and the rich Gnocchi 3 Ways creates an Italian flag on the plate.

Cara Mia is BYOB, a welcome option among diners. “Our guests really enjoy BYOB as it allows them to bring their favorite wine and make the experience feel even more personal,” Barca says.

Food and Family

The owners are grateful to be part of the Millburn community. “It means everything to us,” Barca says. “Over the years, so many guests have become like extended family. We’ve watched people celebrate birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, graduations, and now even bring their children back years later. There’s something incredibly special about being woven into people’s traditions and memories, and we never take that for granted.”

Cara Mia serves up more than just food, and that’s been the goal from the beginning. “We always wanted Cara Mia to feel like more than just a restaurant,” she adds. “We wanted it to feel warm, comforting, and memorable—the kind of place where people come together over great food and leave feeling like family.”

Cara Mia is located at 194 Essex St. in Millburn and is open seven days a week. For reservations, call 973-379-8989.

Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four, and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about towns throughout her home state of New Jersey.

Photograph by Antonietta Henry