This Italian restaurant serves a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes that feel both familiar and innovative. The 35 best pasta dishes you can eat in N.J. Two N.J. legends among 50 best Italian restaurants in U.S. MJ's Restaurant Bar & Grill in Bayville, Jersey Shore Waterfront Dining. The menus (both food and drink) change with the season, so theres always something new. For a meal thats fresh, healthy, and super satisfying, take a trip to Playa Bowls. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Best Italian Restaurants in NJ Undici Taverna Rustica in Rumson, NJ only uses fresh produce, fish and meat, all delivered on a daily basis because they want to ensure that their patrons are served the freshest and most delicious dishes. Casual, convivial - call it the Italian restaurant version of a Jersey diner - Paisano's offers northern and southern Italian dishes, like pappardelle rustica and short rib with gnocchi. The menu is practically a novel, allowing you to build the omelette of your dreams. Find it at 618. Runnersup:Luca's Ristorante, Somerset;Osteria Morini, Bernardsville, Does it get any better? (Plus mussels in beer.). more. Il Nido 169 Their multi-regional cuisine offers an authentic taste of Northern, Southern, and Sicilian cooking. Location: IselinDetails: It doesnt get any more authentic than an Italian restaurant owned by an Italian native. And, of course, they have the flakiest croissants. Good to try once! Greetings and good-natured insults are regularly passed among regulars and staff, reservations are dutifully kept in a ledger, and it's cash only. Halibut - it's fresh. Sometimes you just really need some cheese fries and a good hot dog. Of course, they have plenty of pizzas including Buffalo Chicken, Ham & Pineapple, Vegetable, Meat Lovers, and more. Often hailed for havingsome of the best pizza in the state, Pete & Eldas is a must-try in Monmouth County. Pistachio Cake - it was alright. But all of them are outrageously tasty. Who did we leave off? Espresso / Wine Bar Established in 2000 . In fact, our statewide list features restaurants from every county in NJ, so great Italian food is never far. 11 W River Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760-1418 +1 732-842-3880. Rooney's. 13 The Gardens at Limoncello Alfresco Italian . No food tour of Monmouth County would be complete without a trip to a diner. Trust us, you will not be disappointed. Location: Rochelle ParkDetails: Nanni offers indoor dining and takeout, and has been open for 365 days a year since 1986. Well, we're letting the cat out of the bag (a little) with our list of Jersey Shore hidden gem restaurants in Monmouth County! For an entree, the panko-crusted pork chop Milanese is recommended, and the creme brle pie is outstanding. Dolce can also cater events theyll even help plan the entire menu and offers dine-in hosting packages, too.Why I like it: Those with a sweet tooth simply must try the cannolis or Nutella zeppole at Dolce. From the hot and cold appetizers to the pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and steaks, you will find every item is prepared in a unique way for our guests. Tucked away in one of the shores beach clubs on Ocean Avenue is Ama Ristorante in Sea Bright, an Italian restaurant that will envelop you in Tuscan notes from the warm mahogany floor to the classic meatballs and Negronis. This four star restaurant excels at everything from pastas to steaks to souffls, and everything in between. celebrates signature Italian flavors and then takes them on a modern spin. Runnerup:Nino's Family Restaurant, Cape May Court House, Cumberland: Andrea Trattoria Italiana, Millville. are their any decent edible real Italian restaurants in New jersey? Their signature pies and specialty Sicilian pizzas come with a variety of toppings, and they also offer gluten-free pies. At this spot, that means fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and laid on a bed of hazelnut spread. Locals have most likely seen owner and chef Pat Trama and Chef de Cuisine Mike Butler of Tramas Trattoria in Long Branch scouring the stands at the Long Branch farmers market. Popular picks include the Salmon Scallops & Shrimp Livornese, Scallopini Saltimbocca Romana, and the Pollo Angelina. Meanwhile, starters range from their Chicken Savoy and Seafood Risotto to their Scallops and Braised Short Ribs. But we recommend a side of house meatballs in ragu. Not only is this one of Zagat's top restaurants in New Jersey, Lorena's was chosen by Open Table as one of the top 100 restaurants in the USA. 200 Reviews. The Day Boat Scallops are always a winner, served with brown butter, crispy prosciutto, farro risotto, and Brussels sprouts. Likewise, the Gnocchi Pomodori sautees ricotta gnocchi with home-made tomato sauce and basil. Italian supplanted Mexican and Chinese food as America's favorite ethnic cuisine years ago. 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. Monmouth County, New Jersey is a place with a ton of pride. They specialize in wood-fired pizza, as well as classic Italian pasta and meat dishes. a birthday, Looking for authentic Italian food in North Jersey. Piccola Italia. It's exponentially better than the plain old spaghetti and meatballs in marinara that you're probably used to. The name, which means eleven in Italian, matches the street address. If you take a trip there, make sure to try an apple cider doughnut. They serve classic starters such as Sicilian Meatballs, burrata, Margherita pizza, Focaccia, and stuffed artichoke. Stroll through Pier Village and end up at Sirena for dinner, where youll find top notch Italian specialties, from fresh pasta to filet mignon. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. In particular, this spot specializes in seafood complete with a Raw Bar featuring clams, oysters, shrimp, and more. No summer is complete without a trip, or twenty, toStrollos Lighthouse. Runnersup:Chef Vola's, Atlantic City;Girasole, Atlantic City. Location: Sea BrightDetails: Anjelicas has been in business for over 25 years. 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. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 1200 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park (732) 775-7776http://stellamarinarestaurant.com, Tramas Trattoria, Long Branch Cattani also creates homemade desserts, including a flourless Chocolate Fudge Cake, Creme Brulee Cheesecake, Nutella Tiramisu, and Amaretto Funnel Cake. If you haven't visited Somerville in a while, you may not recognize the place; Main Street is chock-a-block with new shops, restaurants and housing. (Where he took his first job at 8-years-old, before being promoted to pizza maker at 10.) Why the name? Its BYOB, so grab your favorite hearty red and bring the family to share a wonderful meal. Whether its for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or something between, youll find something good to eat. The interior gives off an old Hollywood glam vibe with its unique decor. "Best Italian in Monmouth County" Review of Undici. You may want to call for that reservation right about now. We're glad you asked! But no matter what you order, all dinners come with an escarole salad. Location: BrickDetails: Cordis looks unassuming from the outside, mostly because it is part of the small Pouti Plaza strip mall. 6. Runnerup: Chick and Nello's Homestead, Hamilton, Middlesex: Mulberry Street Restaurant, Woodbridge. Location: BurlingtonDetails: Fratellis may seem unassuming on the outside, but this intimate, family-run BYOB restaurant is the real deal. 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. With all of your favorite dishes, it's a perfect opportunity to sit back and relax this summer. This cozy cafe is always a good choice because the food is consistently amazing. The latter is a signature dish featuring hand-rolled pasta with chicken, basil, ricotta, spinach, and tomato vodka sauce. This family business was first owned by Ray Lena, who named the restaurant after his daughter, Anjelica. Best Italian Restaurants in NJ. The thin crust pizza is thin and crispy with just the perfect amount of crunch. Or red velvet. Call @tasteandtechnique at 732-741-COOK for more info. 905 Bay Boulevard, Bayville 732-269-7764 www.mjsrestaurant.com. Location: West OrangeDetails: This family kitchen invokes what it feels like to have dinner with the Anthonys at home. 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. (Frank used to own Cataris Restaurant in Bound Brook and also spent time working at a dinner theater in Hampton.) Theres even a pretty big lunch menu at this spot. (All pasta is made in house using 100% organic ingredients.) The salad bowls and rice bowls are fan favorites. Bella's Pizzeria 16 reviews Closed Now Italian, Pizza $$ - $$$ Menu 1.3 mi Long Branch "Bellissimo!! #casabellisima #casabellisimanj #freshfood #italianmeal #italianfood #newjersey, A post shared by Casa Bellisima (@casabellisimanj) on Apr 21, 2017 at 8:12am PDT. (Collared shirts for the men, and dresses or dark denim for women.) A popular Italian restaurant/bar,Di Paolo's is known for its big portions, prodigious Thursday night buffets and seasonal specials (pumpkin-stuffed gnocchi anyone?). In particular, they serve traditional Italian dishes paired with an extensive wine list and unique craft cocktails. This includes chicken, beef, seafood, pasta, and more. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. The restaurant also sells homemade juices and offers cooking classes. For pasta, try the Di Pomodoro with penne and finish it off with a slice of ricotta cheesecake, shown in the photo. Voted Monmouth County's 10 Best Italian Restaurant -94.3 The Point, 01/2017 Serving Middletown since 2016, w e are a family-owned restaurant and we take pride in cooking Italian cuisines, made with only the freshest ingredients. Plus, they fly in fish daily from all over the world. And order the gnocchi; you definitely don't want to get on the wrong side of Grandma. These doughnuts are unlike any other doughnuts youve probably ever encountered, and thats definitely a good thing. Our family has been serving the best Lechon de Cebu to the New Jersey and New York area for over 20 years. The burritos and enchiladas are served under mountains of perfectly melty cheese, and everything is just the right amount of spicy. Fins is the best place to go for tropicali cuisine. served with choice of meatballs, meatsauce or sausage. Its a welcoming restaurant that embraces you on your way in with hospitality and alluring smells. Surprisingly, LouCas also has a kids menu. "Always delish!". All the pasta is homemade including the Papardelle Porcini, which we highly recommend. Anyone whos ever been knows that Delicious Orchards is much more than a market. Suzis Sweet Shoppespecializes in homemade candies and chocolates. Stella Marina is best described as Italian comfort food with a gourmet twist. Click Here to Visit their Website | Order Now via ToastTab | Follow them on Instagram | Click Here to Call. The interior gives off an old Hollywood glam vibe with its unique decor. This restaurant is farm fresh, and it prides itself on having natural and localingredients. 26 photos. What's the best Italian restaurant in your county? In the wintertime, make sure to order a smores hot chocolate. Service good. 1. If you cheat on your diet, you want it to be worth it. At @tasteandtechnique, not only can you learn to cook gourmet meals, but some of the areas best chefs can teach you! In particular, starters such as stuffed mushrooms, crispy calamari, and truffle mac & cheese are standouts worth checking out. Zoom in to see updated info. A staple of the Montclair community for over thirteen years, Fascino is a modern Italian restaurant run by Chef Ryan DePersio. Runnerup: Mannino's Cucina Italiana, Pitman, Hudson: Augustino's Kitchen & Bar, Hoboken. These arent your run-of-the-mill bagels, though. 7. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Tasted so authentic and fresh.more, Mobility Equipment Sales & ServicesMediterraneanFood Delivery Services. Try a spicy buffalo chicken crepe or a banana split crepe. Try the pappardelle con Ragu di Cinghiale, or the Tagliolini alla Scoglio. Cauliflower - delicious and soft. Menu highlights include the Mediterranean Vegetable & Goat Cheese Ravioli, as well as the Iberian Fantasia. Something that sets Raimondos apart from other restaurants is their commitment to inclusivity. A Tuscan Italian Eatery. Owner Vincenzo has been around Italian cooking his whole life, which includes working at his familys pizzeria in Bloomfield. When it comes to food, we know what were doing. Other standout dishes include the Lemon Sole Verde and Arrosto D Anitra, half roasted duck in raspberry port wine sauce. Location: 589 Ramapo Valley Rd, OaklandDetails: Cenzino fuses old-world, homemade Italian cooking with modern creativity and flair. Now, from inside an unassuming strip mall in Somerset, he offers fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and braised meats. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus, too. Some of the outrageously decadent dessert options include cookie dough-stuffed French toast, banana split waffles, and cinnamon bun pancakes. Location: AllentownDetails: La Piazza aims to provide great food with great portions at a great price. Mama's Cafe Baci in Hackettstown is on point for the vegan Italian food! For authentic and delicious Greek food in Monmouth County, head to Nikos. Via 45 is an exciting and unique dining experience. For instance, they can accommodate any allergy or food sensitivity and also offer a kids menu. The spacious eatery offers a bar, main dining hall, and a banquet room for private events. Marias by Di Paolos is their brand new banquet facility, and is perfect for large parties and events. This includes the mozzarella with roasted peppers or Hotsy Totsy Shrimp. 5. We highly reccommend ordering your coffee New Orleans Style. Homemade pasta made on premise with an incredible exposed kitchen and custom brick oven. Alex Remnick I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, By Peter Genovese I N.J. Advance Media for NJ.com. Pasta lovers will be on cloud nine with options like Cavatelli BLT and Chicken Diablo Mac & Cheese. Then, after a brief hiatus, Raffaella Pagano and her son Anthony returned in 2009 to open UVA. And everything on the menu at the Committed Pig is worth it. We are locals and thrilled we finally tried thismore, Food was above average Italian cuisine. Menu highlights include breaded pork chops, grilled branzino, lobster tail, and veal cutlets. But even the Dolce Salad is a hit (with its strawberries, walnuts, and goat cheese over mixed greens). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. (First course is typically a pasta dish, while the second course is a meat or seafood entree.) The winners, runner-ups and honorable mentions are listed below. #plantbased #plantpower #vegan #vegetarian #italianfood #nj #veganinnj #meatless, A post shared by The Plant Based Kitchen (@thepbk_nj) on Jul 22, 2017 at 12:34pm PDT. Of course, all great Italian meals are multi-course, and Espos has a solid lineup of starters. And Bagel Nook makes some superb ones. Didn't think so. - and the dishes, like a pork chop stuffed with mozzarella and broccoli rabe, and the rigatoni Bolognese, are filling, unfussy delights. Location: SecaucusDetails: Customers rave about the amazing service and delicious dishes that Barelis has now been serving for over thirty years. reserve skirt steak after soup and the Prince Edward Island mussels.". With its unique decor an exciting and unique dining experience house meatballs in ragu, dinners... In Bound Brook and also spent time working at a dinner theater in Hampton. highly ordering... Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. 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