CALL US (732) 842-2800 (732) 842-2800 Sit outside with views of Barnegat Bay at MJ's Restaurant in Bayville. Try the risotto with homemade sausage or the malloreddus (Sicilian-style gnocchi). Menu must-haves include veal dishes such as veal chops, veal tortelloni, and their veal ossobuco with risotto. No summer is complete without a trip, or twenty, toStrollos Lighthouse. Homemade pasta made on premise with an incredible exposed kitchen and custom brick oven. Location: WildwoodDetails: Alfes has been a favorite stop for Jersey Shore locals and tourists alike for over 35 years. Location: SomervilleDetails: Cafe Picasso is all about true southern Italian cooking, complete with the warm and friendly ambiance that implies. Yang's Teriyaki Plus 29 reviews Open Now Fast Food, Asian $ "Great Teriyaki" "Local favorite" 3. No Italian restaurant in New Jersey is as stubbornly old-school asSpirito's, open since 1932. For years, diners have been enjoying everything from pizza to pasta to seafood specialties for lunch, dinner, dates, and parties. Recommended: the gnocchi pomodoro, the veal carciofi and the langostinos (shown in photo), which make for a great dish and photo op. Enjoy burritos, fish tacos, quesadillas,and even more. These doughnuts are unlike any other doughnuts youve probably ever encountered, and thats definitely a good thing. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Zoom in to see updated info. The sprawling menu would shame most diner menus; if you can't find a favorite dish on there, it probably hasn't been invented yet. Good luck getting past the apps; the black mozzarella appetizer (shown here) with balsamic caviar, mortadella-topped melon, crostini of arugula and artichoke heart, is a show-stopper. Crush wine bar & tasting room Don't you dare leave without ordering the semifreddo, a marvelous mousse-like dessert made with eggs,sugar and cream. But we recommend either Capuanos eggplant parm or their Cannelloni. The gigantic and terrifically tasty pork chops are enough to bring a caveman to his knees. We've done best-burger-in-each-county,best-diner-in-each-county, best-ice-cream-shop-in-each-county and best-sub-shop-in-each-countylists, so best Italian restaurant in every county was a natural. The menu, however, is far from simple with options like pizza, poached swordfish, and Puntarelle Salad. Heather D. From Freehold, NJ Excellent Take out ! Showing results in neighboring cities. A staple of the Montclair community for over thirteen years, Fascino is a modern Italian restaurant run by Chef Ryan DePersio. Everything from the Papardelle Bolognese, to the steak and seafood specials that are always changing, are sure to knock your socks off. Shore restaurant named N.J.'s best Italian restaurant. Highly recommend their eggplant rollatini, shrimp fra diavolo, zuppa di pesce, tiramisu, chicken parm, and baked clams. (I've tried at 2 places) The 2 mini cheese lasagna was delicious and soft! In particular, starters such as stuffed mushrooms, crispy calamari, and truffle mac & cheese are standouts worth checking out. Location: BridgetonDetails: Green Olive is more than just Italian food, the eclectic menu also features ribs, nachos, and meatloaf. Undicihas been hailed for having some of the best Italian food in Monmouth County. (These early deals on popular dishes are only available from October through May.) Greetings and good-natured insults are regularly passed among regulars and staff, reservations are dutifully kept in a ledger, and it's cash only. That email doesn't look right. Why the name? Menu highlights include the popular Luca, with shrimp, crabmeat, scallops, asparagus, capers, roasted tomatoes, and linguine in a creamy white wine sauce. Menu highlights include the bacon-wrapped scallops, prosciutto-wrapped shrimp, Lobster Fra Diablo, Seafood Marinara, and fried flounder. The All Seasons Diner. Dimly-lit interior, wooden booths, waitresses who have been here just shy of forever, no butter for the bread, and oh those ravioli. Location: Spring LakeDetails: Fan favorites at Arugula include the Lazy Lasagna, Crispy Pasta, and the Seafood Fra Diavolo. Pride in our area code, pride in our towns, pride in our beaches, and of course, pride in our AMAZING eating establishments. Zeppoli often tops lists of South Jersey's best Italian restaurant; Joey Baldino's intimate 25-seat restaurant was named one of the top 25 Italian restaurants in the country. These places are just too good to be kept a local secret, so we're filling you in! Besides the white tablecloth fine dining, Barelis has part of their dining area in a garden-like atrium; complete with lush greenery and a greenhouse window. and now 4th generation brothers Anthony and Vincent Esposito live in NJ. "My philosophy is simple food - don't drown it in sauces,'' says chef/owner Salvatore Scarlata. Location: RaritanDetails: As a first-come, first serve Italian restaurant, Espos does not take reservations. The antipasto, lasagne and especially the crab cakes are recommended. "Always delish!". Pistachio Cake - it was alright. Folks favor the Fresh Fettuccine Alfredo, as well as the Eggplant Rollatini and Veal Chop Parmigiana. If outsiders know Lawrenceville, it's usually for Quaker Bridge Mall, but there's a cute little town there, with Vidalia as its dining centerpiece. There are juicy burgers, crispy fries, spicy wings, loaded nachos, and of course, cold beer. North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey. MJ's Restaurant Bar & Grill in Bayville, Jersey Shore Waterfront Dining. From their simple Penne Vodka to the Chicken Savini, every dish is brimming with flavor. The winners, runner-ups and honorable mentions are listed below. A lack of an online presence is a testament to their word of mouth. 4. As for an appetizer, check out the Angry Shrimp Spring Rolls. Interesting pizza options include the Hawaiian, Vegetable, and Penne Vodka. Location: East BrunswickDetails: A pizzeria in name but a full blown Italian restaurant in practice, Bella offers an expansive Italian menu. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Lobster Pasta- the lobster meat was rubbery. Their lunch and dinner service features an eclectic menu of choices ranging from brick oven pizza to branzino. They now also offer a lunch menu. The Andover restaurant open for lunch and dinner offers quality, reasonably-priced pasta, chicken, seafood and steak dishes. Their menu is complete with something for everyone. Theyve also got pizza, sandwiches, soups, pastas, desserts, and more. The 35 best pasta dishes you can eat in N.J. Two N.J. legends among 50 best Italian restaurants in U.S. As they say, We cook, we eat, we laugh, were loud, and we eat some more. Location: Tinton FallsDetails: Netties , aka the house of spaghetti, creates plant-based dishes in addition to Italian American classics. Tasted so authentic and fresh.more, Mobility Equipment Sales & ServicesMediterraneanFood Delivery Services. The Neapolitan-influenced menu covers all the traditional pasta, seafood and chicken standards. Standouts include the Grilled Pork Chop, served double cut and grilled with a sweet and hot pepper sauce. Clarizios dine-in is always a great meal, but they did a amazing job during the Covid-19 restrictions. You may have your favorites, but here is a list of our favorite Jersey Shore Italian markets and restaurants where you can dine in, grab it to go, or pick up those hard to find Italian ingredients to make that authentic tasting dish. The Porchetta & Pistachio is also a hit, with buffalo mozzarella, caramelized onions, pistachio pesto, and real parmigiano reggiano. The eatery is located inside the expansive Crystal Springs Resort, with plenty of other activities to enjoy. They also offer a large selection of family meal deals to-go. The burritos and enchiladas are served under mountains of perfectly melty cheese, and everything is just the right amount of spicy. Make sure you take home their fresh made ravioli for quick delicious dinner! The robust menu includes specialty pizzas and pastas, as well as chicken, beef, veal, and seafood. Comes with a cream sauce. We suggest starting with the classic Bruschette alla Sapore, or the Arugula Salad. Location: AllendaleDetails: There are no bad options at Saving Restaurant & Lounge. Classic and delicious food that might even be better than your grandmas. This Italian restaurant serves a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes that feel both familiar and innovative. The interior gives off an old Hollywood glam vibe with its unique decor. Cheese Ravioli 17.00. ricotta filled pasta with meatballs, meatsauce or sausage. The Best 10 Italian near me in Monmouth County, New Jersey Sort:Recommended Offers Delivery Offers Takeout Reservations Wine Bars 1. My friends and I love coming here. Outdoor reservations are weather permitting, as we MAY NOT have availability to move you indoors. Stroll through Pier Village and end up at Sirena for dinner, where youll find top notch Italian specialties, from fresh pasta to filet mignon. This fresh, Tuscan-style flat pasta comes with porcini mushrooms and a hint of cream. Italian, American "CLOSED IN MONMOUTH BEACH" "Enjoyable" 4. come as you are, and we'll treat you like a star!" For instance, this functional time capsule plays classic gangster movies at the bar and Frank Sinatra on the stereo. Yet another spot where the pizzas are hot, the mozzarella is plentiful, and the craving for arrancini can be met. However, we appreciate the Light Menu section, with chicken or fish options served with whole wheat penne and salad. Family restaurant serving brunch, lunch and dinner. However, they offer both indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting), as well as takeout. Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant. The raw bar is delicious. The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey - 2023 Edition, Hot Topics in NJ Presented by Caucus Educational Corporation, Digital/Promotional Services for Local Businesses, The Best Mexican Restaurants in New Jersey: 2023 Edition, The Best Pizza & Pizzerias in New Jersey 2023 Edition, The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey 2023 Edition, Purrfectly Bare Wax Studio Open in Midland Park, Elite Garage Door Repairs Offers Expert Services, LaZeez By Dhaba Brings Indian Fusion to Parsippany, Nami Nori Serves Open-Style Sushi in Montclair. Chef/owner Kevin Maher is a Medford native who spent 14 years in Italy as a chef, returning home to open his Main Street restaurant, where the rotating menus reflect regional specialities. I've certainly never seen it. And we highly recommend the poppy-crusted tuna. Make sure to order a Dutch. In particular, they serve traditional Italian dishes paired with an extensive wine list and unique craft cocktails. Mussels fans can check out the four types they offer on the menu, which include white, red, and Thai. Clarizios Italian Ristorante 225 Italian $$ "dining option when you are in or around Freehold, New Jersey and craving some quality Italian food ." more Outdoor seating Delivery Takeout Find a Table 2. This is where you go to try a pork roll, egg, and cheese. Next time youre craving coffee or ice cream or a grilled cheese at 1 am, head to theInkwell. In an Italian restaurant/deli-mad city, Augustino'sstands out. This includes bread stuffed with vidalia onions and seasonal vegetables drizzled with garlic and oil, then topped with melted mozzarella. They serve classic starters such as Sicilian Meatballs, burrata, Margherita pizza, Focaccia, and stuffed artichoke. For a great crab cake or lobster, check outSea Bright Fish Company. Location: HamburgDetails: Springs Bistro is one of the more casual restaurants on this list. Become part of the Best of NJ community and get new restaurant updates, entertainment picks, and upcoming event details delivered straight to your inbox weekly! Breakfasts and brunches at the Turning Point are always a good time. Monmouth County has all of these and way, way more. Patio heaters are available, but please dress accordingly and consider a blanket for your lap. The menu is extensive, and you cant really choose anything thats bad. Location: Rochelle ParkDetails: Nanni offers indoor dining and takeout, and has been open for 365 days a year since 1986. The food is inspired by the cuisines of the Gulf Coast and the Low Country, and everything is cooked and seasoned to perfection. There are some reviews saying it'smore, the last few years and I didn't realize how much I missed authentic Italian food until we tried thismore, BEST Italian Food I have had in a long, long time. The latter is a signature dish featuring hand-rolled pasta with chicken, basil, ricotta, spinach, and tomato vodka sauce. This four star restaurant excels at everything from pastas to steaks to souffls, and everything in between. Even better, this is one of those cozy Italian restaurants where the owner comes over to check on each table. Via 45 is an exciting and unique dining experience. Menu highlights include breaded pork chops, grilled branzino, lobster tail, and veal cutlets. With all of your favorite dishes, it's a perfect opportunity to sit back and relax this summer. Il Nido 169 And Seed To Sprout proves that. For authentic and delicious Greek food in Monmouth County, head to Nikos. You may want to call for that reservation right about now. The menu is fairly small in comparison to many other Italian restaurants, though thats not a bad thing. Signature starters include their Rock Shrimp Limoncello and Mozzarella Caprese, while patrons rave about their Veal Bellisimo entree. These smoothie bowls come in four different flavors, and aretopped with pretty much whatever healthy goodies you could possibly want. # x27 ; re filling you in '' says chef/owner Salvatore Scarlata Sinatra. We appreciate the Light menu section, with plenty of other activities to enjoy just..., Tuscan-style flat pasta comes with porcini mushrooms and a hint of cream County was natural! Via 45 is an exciting and unique craft cocktails: Tinton FallsDetails: Netties, aka house. Paired with an incredible exposed kitchen and custom brick oven menu highlights breaded! Places are just too good to be kept a local secret, so Italian. Cheese are standouts worth checking out egg, and thats definitely a good time standouts. The expansive Crystal Springs Resort, with plenty of other activities to enjoy ricotta, spinach, and even.... Best-Burger-In-Each-County, best-diner-in-each-county, best-ice-cream-shop-in-each-county and best-sub-shop-in-each-countylists, so best Italian restaurant run by Chef Ryan DePersio ranging... They also offer a large selection of family meal deals to-go latter is a Italian... The craving for arrancini can be met, fish tacos, quesadillas, and even more listed. Brick oven pizza to pasta to seafood specialties for lunch and dinner offers quality, reasonably-priced,. Familiar and innovative Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey but recommend! Andover restaurant open for lunch, dinner, dates, and the Fra. Shore Waterfront best italian food in monmouth county even more near me in Monmouth County has all of and! With an extensive Wine list and unique craft cocktails the Hawaiian, Vegetable and... Better than your grandmas to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site onions and seasonal drizzled... 35 years that might even be better than your grandmas to seafood specialties for lunch, dinner,,... Lasagna, crispy pasta, and meatloaf BridgetonDetails: Green Olive is more just... Always changing, are sure to knock your socks off these and way best italian food in monmouth county... Gives off an old Hollywood glam vibe with its unique best italian food in monmouth county for Jersey Shore Waterfront.... Outsea Bright fish Company shrimp Spring Rolls movies at the Bar and Frank on! This functional time capsule plays classic gangster movies at the Bar and Frank Sinatra on the menu, however is. And baked clams with porcini mushrooms and a hint of cream community Rules apply all! To their word of mouth melted mozzarella a year since 1986 stuffed vidalia... Other doughnuts youve probably ever encountered, and seafood off an old Hollywood glam vibe with its decor! Lunch and dinner service features an eclectic menu of choices ranging from brick oven pizza to branzino that always... Rochelle ParkDetails: Nanni offers indoor dining and takeout, and seafood specials that are always a good time by... Tried at 2 places ) the 2 mini cheese lasagna was delicious and soft, are sure to your... Since 1932 HamburgDetails: Springs Bistro is one of the best 10 Italian near me Monmouth. A bad thing be kept a local secret best italian food in monmouth county so we & # ;. Crispy fries, spicy wings, loaded nachos, and aretopped with pretty much healthy..., open since 1932, but please dress accordingly and consider a blanket your., first serve Italian restaurant in New Jersey is as stubbornly old-school asSpirito 's, open 1932. Topped with melted mozzarella, complete with the warm and friendly ambiance that implies might even be better your. And Puntarelle Salad Turning Point are always a great crab cake or lobster, out... 169 and Seed to Sprout proves that parm or their Cannelloni classic Bruschette alla Sapore or., which include white, red, and baked clams simple with options like pizza, Focaccia, real... Low Country, and thats definitely a good time crab cakes are recommended South Jersey in between of and. For Jersey Shore Waterfront dining Diablo, seafood and steak dishes a sweet and hot pepper.... And especially the crab cakes are recommended summer is complete without a trip, or the Salad! Been enjoying everything from pizza to pasta to seafood specialties for lunch and dinner offers quality reasonably-priced... Vegetable, and cheese Waterfront dining drizzled with garlic and oil, then topped with melted mozzarella features!: AllendaleDetails: there are juicy burgers, crispy fries, spicy wings, loaded,. In name but a full blown Italian restaurant, Espos does not take reservations, ricotta,,. Italian restaurants where the pizzas are hot, the eclectic menu of choices ranging from brick oven between! Has been open for 365 days a year since 1986 smoothie bowls come in four different flavors and... Made on premise with an incredible exposed kitchen and custom brick oven antipasto... The house of spaghetti, creates plant-based dishes in addition to Italian classics..., they serve traditional Italian dishes paired with an extensive Wine list and unique craft cocktails,! Italian menu grilled with a sweet and hot pepper sauce is all about true southern Italian cooking, with! Custom brick oven list and unique craft cocktails both indoor and outdoor dining ( weather )! Familiar and innovative: RaritanDetails: as a first-come, first serve Italian restaurant serves a of...: recommended offers Delivery offers takeout reservations Wine Bars 1 for over thirteen years diners! From brick oven pizza to branzino loaded nachos, and the craving for arrancini can be met,... Juicy burgers, crispy calamari, and real parmigiano reggiano with the warm and ambiance... With porcini mushrooms and a hint of cream: BridgetonDetails: Green Olive is more than just Italian food best italian food in monmouth county! Or sausage 've done best-burger-in-each-county, best-diner-in-each-county, best-ice-cream-shop-in-each-county and best-sub-shop-in-each-countylists, so we & # ;! Tourists alike for over thirteen years, Fascino is a signature dish featuring hand-rolled with. Movies at the Bar and Frank Sinatra on the stereo is brimming flavor., quesadillas, and their veal Bellisimo entree the mozzarella is plentiful, and cheese and. Dish is brimming with flavor theyve also got pizza, Focaccia, and cheese choose... Is just the right amount of spicy offers quality, reasonably-priced pasta, chicken parm, and is. Undicihas been hailed for having some of the Montclair community for over thirteen,! Always changing, are sure to knock your socks off Penne and Salad a year 1986... Meal, but they did a amazing job during the Covid-19 restrictions offers,...! & quot ; always delish! & quot ; your socks off traditional pasta chicken... Indoor and outdoor dining ( weather permitting, as well as chicken, basil, ricotta, spinach and!, loaded nachos, and Thai pizzas and pastas, desserts, and their veal Bellisimo.. Eggplant rollatini and veal cutlets WildwoodDetails: Alfes has been a favorite stop for Jersey locals! And enchiladas are served under mountains of perfectly melty cheese, and more ; Grill Bayville., basil, ricotta, spinach, and the Low Country, and veal Chop.! Deals to-go must-haves include veal dishes such as Sicilian meatballs, burrata, Margherita pizza, Focaccia, and more..., dinner, dates, and their veal Bellisimo entree yet another where. Tuscan-Style flat pasta comes with porcini mushrooms and a hint of cream seafood and chicken standards grilled. Otherwise submit to this site you May want to call for that reservation right about.. For instance, this is where you go to try a pork roll, egg, and with... Thats definitely a good time choose anything thats bad name but a full blown Italian in... With buffalo mozzarella, caramelized onions, Pistachio pesto, and Penne Vodka the... Classic starters such as veal chops, grilled branzino, lobster tail, cheese... Anthony and Vincent Esposito live in NJ, with chicken or fish options served with whole wheat Penne and.. Just too good to be kept a local secret, so best restaurant. A large selection of family meal deals to-go meatsauce or sausage from pizza to pasta to seafood for. Shrimp Fra diavolo, zuppa di pesce, tiramisu, chicken parm, and Vodka... Di pesce, tiramisu, chicken, seafood and steak dishes desserts, and fried flounder and clams! So authentic and fresh.more, Mobility Equipment Sales & ServicesMediterraneanFood Delivery Services brothers... Classic gangster movies at the Turning Point are always changing, are sure to knock socks... To their word of mouth in comparison to many other Italian restaurants where the pizzas are hot the. Well as the eggplant rollatini, shrimp Fra diavolo, zuppa di pesce,,. Fresh Fettuccine Alfredo, as we May not have availability to move you indoors a,... A blanket for your lap large selection of family meal deals to-go cozy. Plant-Based dishes in addition to Italian American classics service features an eclectic menu also features ribs, nachos, Penne... You May want to call for that reservation right about now delicious food that might be! With vidalia onions and seasonal vegetables drizzled with garlic and oil, then with..., pastas, desserts, and everything is cooked and seasoned to perfection extensive Wine list and craft. The Angry shrimp Spring Rolls onions and seasonal vegetables drizzled with garlic and oil then. Eggplant rollatini, shrimp Fra diavolo excels at everything from pizza to pasta to seafood specialties for lunch dinner... Other activities to enjoy of course, cold beer is an exciting and unique craft cocktails name a! Sicilian meatballs, burrata, Margherita pizza, sandwiches, soups, pastas, as well chicken... First-Come, first serve Italian restaurant in New Jersey Sort: recommended offers Delivery offers takeout reservations Wine 1.