We recommend the Jekyll & Hyde Calamari that starts off sweet and ends with heat, or any of the risottos. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. And so are the homemade biscuits and fresh strawberry butter. None of it was salty! No restaurant in New Jersey has a split personality quite like Bottagra. Monmouth County has all of these and way, way more. "Mussels, mozzarella sticks, stuffed artichoke and oysters.". The fish is always fresh andflavorful, and they offer some epic speciality rolls. Location: BurlingtonDetails: Fratellis may seem unassuming on the outside, but this intimate, family-run BYOB restaurant is the real deal. Dishes range from traditional linguini in white clam sauce, pork tenderloin to novel hen's egg ravioli. It honestly reminded me of a Pistachio flavored ice cream sandwich. Well, we're letting the cat out of the bag (a little) with our list of Jersey Shore hidden gem restaurants in Monmouth County! 973-233-0350 | Essex County. This Italian restaurant serves a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes that feel both familiar and innovative. Meanwhile, their list of seasonal artisanal cocktails utilize interesting flavors such as Figenza fig vodka. Mussels fans can check out the four types they offer on the menu, which include white, red, and Thai. Click Here to Find More Best of NJ Food Features. Stuffed Rigatoni 23.00. stuffed with ricotta cheese & sauteed in a pink cream sauce with grilled chicken & porcini mushrooms. #casabellisima #casabellisimanj #freshfood #italianmeal #italianfood #newjersey, A post shared by Casa Bellisima (@casabellisimanj) on Apr 21, 2017 at 8:12am PDT. Meanwhile, the new Polypus dish features grilled octopus, clams, and squid ink curly tagliatelle with a lemon herb bread crumb. Location: Cedar GroveDetails: Classic Italian staples plus inventive dishes featuring locally caught seafood combine to make LuNello a winner. Amazing wraps, salads, bowls, and sandwiches await you at the Ocean Cafe. The robust menu includes specialty pizzas and pastas, as well as chicken, beef, veal, and seafood. The restaurant opens at 11:30 am on weekdays, remaining open until 2:30 pm, so guests who wish to enjoy a quick lunch out can do so. 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. Were still not 100% how to say the name, but we do know that Djeet is absolutely delicious. Owner/Chef Andrea Di Meglio hails from Ischia, a small Fishermans Island off the coast of Naples. 2132 Highway 35, Holmdel (732) 275-0234http://www.patriciasofholmdel.com, Pizzutos, Eatontown Classic and delicious food that might even be better than your grandmas. Location: BellevilleDetails: The Belmont Tavern is an authentic Italian restaurant with original family-style recipes. Undici . The portions are large and the dishes are as authentically Italian as it gets. VUE Magazines Best Restaurants in Monmouth County list was a group effort by all of our readers to help celebrate the great dining and drink options. Of course, they serve all the classic Italian favorites on the menu, plus wood-fired pizza and several House Specialties. The focus is on quality and freshness, and you can taste it in every sip. Location: Penns GroveDetails: Di Paolos is a double threat, working just as well for either an intimate dinner or special occasion. Location: WildwoodDetails: Alfes has been a favorite stop for Jersey Shore locals and tourists alike for over 35 years. Location: EwingDetails: As the name implies, Cattani specializes in catering with a particular focus on fresh pastas. For instance, they prepare warm Burrata style fresh mozzarella right at the table and straight from the curd. - and the dishes, like a pork chop stuffed with mozzarella and broccoli rabe, and the rigatoni Bolognese, are filling, unfussy delights. The readers choice winnerin our N.J.'s best Italian restaurant showdown, Spano'slively, diner-like atmosphere and cramped kitchen belies the inventive, wide-ranging cooking by chef/owner Joe Spano (shown here with his son). You gonna mess with an octogenarian grandma who makes the gnocchi every week? For instance, this functional time capsule plays classic gangster movies at the bar and Frank Sinatra on the stereo. The burritos and enchiladas are served under mountains of perfectly melty cheese, and everything is just the right amount of spicy. No matter what your favorite cut of meat is, Brennens will do it and do it right. 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. Great pizzas and other Italian delicacies await you atVics Italian Restaurant. As for the entrees, standouts include fresh Mainer lobster, Broiled Stuffed Shrimp, and their Swordfish Sicilian. Find it at 618. The restaurant hosts live music on Fridays, and offers a dozen homemade pasta options.Why I like it: Cenzino has a party planner to help coordinate on-site private, corporate, and special events.More info: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call. The pasta dishes are all over the Italian food map; try the Bucatini Amatriciana, with guanciale (cured pork jowl) and onions in a rich tomato sauce. Lorena's, Maplewood. At @tasteandtechnique, not only can you learn to cook gourmet meals, but some of the areas best chefs can teach you! The interior gives off an old Hollywood glam vibe with its unique decor. Its a taste of the Tuscan countryside on the coast of the Atlantic. Start with the excellent garlic bread, maybe the state's best. Italian, International $$$$ Menu. But the unexpected passing of co-owner Carmine Castaldo led to his wife, Jill, closing the restaurant in November (this story was written before that). Location: SecaucusDetails: Customers rave about the amazing service and delicious dishes that Barelis has now been serving for over thirty years. With thousands of Italian restaurants in New Jersey, many worthy ones are sure to be overlooked on this list. In an Italian restaurant/deli-mad city, Augustino'sstands out. Runnersup: Undici, Rumson; Patricia's, Holmdel. 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. You tryna be tricky? The latter dish mixes shrimp, sausage, and scallops in a spicy tomato, white wine, and cream sauce over angel hair. The eatery is located inside the expansive Crystal Springs Resort, with plenty of other activities to enjoy. 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. Be advised they have nomore, New location - new dining room- party roommore. Sure, there are bigger and better-known Italian restaurants in Red Bank, much less Monmouth County, but I'll go with Via 45, a cute, charming "rustic Italian'' eatery. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. From beginning to end , all I can say is wow. Fascino, Montclair. Location: Egg Harbor TownshipDetails: A Touch of Italy is the quintessential family-owned Italian restaurant. The 2023 Edition of The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey is written by Vinny Parisi. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 4. Our family has been serving the best Lechon de Cebu to the New Jersey and New York area for over 20 years. Signature dishes include the Veal Napoleon for dinner and Fried Tortoni dessert (vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted amaretto cookies). Price range: $20 - $40 . Healthy eating doesnt have to suck. This four star restaurant excels at everything from pastas to steaks to souffls, and everything in between. Good sign! Next time youre craving coffee or ice cream or a grilled cheese at 1 am, head to theInkwell. Little Szechuanhas some fantastic Chinese food, constantly hailed as some of the best in the county. Cenzino Ristorante Location: 589 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland Details: Cenzino fuses old-world, homemade Italian cooking with modern creativity and flair. (Where he took his first job at 8-years-old, before being promoted to pizza maker at 10.) Signature starters include their Rock Shrimp Limoncello and Mozzarella Caprese, while patrons rave about their Veal Bellisimo entree. North Jersey may have more Italian restaurants per square mile than anywhere else on earth. The Sicilian rib eye and chicken scarpiello were among the top dishes in our N.J.'s best Italian restaurant showdown, and save room for the zeppoli, served in tiny brown paper bags with chocolate dipping sauce. Undicihas been hailed for having some of the best Italian food in Monmouth County. Theyve also got pizza, sandwiches, soups, pastas, desserts, and more. Italian supplanted Mexican and Chinese food as America's favorite ethnic cuisine years ago. Heather D. From Freehold, NJ Excellent Take out ! At this spot, that means fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and laid on a bed of hazelnut spread. Rainbow sprinkles or a hard chocolate shell complete any ice cream order. A Tuscan Italian Eatery. Location: 432 New Brunswick Ave, FordsDetails: Dolce lives up to both the pizzeria and restaurant parts of its name. Just as the name suggests, Amys Omelette House makes a damn good omelette. Every time you visit Best of NJ, you'll find stories, events, and businesses that highlight and exemplify Garden State greatness. As they say, We cook, we eat, we laugh, were loud, and we eat some more. Make sure you take home their fresh made ravioli for quick delicious dinner! But they also have chicken, veal, seafood, and a number of pasta specialties such as their Tortellini Carbonara. For those who havent discovered Porcini in Highlands, let us let you in on a little secret. In the wintertime, make sure to order a smores hot chocolate. "Absolutely the best in Monmouth County +". The epic milkshakes rival those at Black Tap. 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. Location: WhippanyDetails: il Capriccio maintains an atmosphere that is upscale yet relaxed; so its no surprise they adhere to a business casual dress code. Try a steak fajita chimichanga or a duck quesadilla special. It's the first Halibut I've gotten that wasn't dry! Most of the pastas are homemade; try the spaghetti pescatore. Broad Street Dough Co. is the doughnut stop in Monmouth County. Veal, steak, seafood, and more are also on the menu at this spot. The Neapolitan-influenced menu covers all the traditional pasta, seafood and chicken standards. For an entree, the panko-crusted pork chop Milanese is recommended, and the creme brle pie is outstanding. 27 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 222-1119http://www.sirenaristorante.com, Stella Marina, Asbury Park A little dry. Marias by Di Paolos is their brand new banquet facility, and is perfect for large parties and events. Location: DeptfordDetails: Filomena Lakeview is named after the owners mother, Filomena, who came to the US from Italy. The Porchetta & Pistachio is also a hit, with buffalo mozzarella, caramelized onions, pistachio pesto, and real parmigiano reggiano. Undici has been hailed for having some of the best Italian food in Monmouth County. Improve this listing. Everything from the Papardelle Bolognese, to the steak and seafood specials that are always changing, are sure to knock your socks off. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. And remember that its cash only! So we'll substitute Capuano's for RosaLuca's and offer our sympathy and best wishes to Jill and the RosaLuca family. CALL US (732) 842-2800 (732) 842-2800 They specialize in wood-fired pizza, as well as classic Italian pasta and meat dishes. Casa Comida offers Mexican food that is uniqueand delicious. Popular picks include the Salmon Scallops & Shrimp Livornese, Scallopini Saltimbocca Romana, and the Pollo Angelina. One of the unique aspects of this spot is their Tableside Experiences, shareable plates for the whole group. Make sure to order a Dutch. Not sweet! Medford is one of South Jersey's most charming, and unheralded, small towns; ITA101 is its best restaurant. Koyotes Tacos 23 reviews Open Now Mexican, Latin $ "Great as always" "AMAZING BURRITOS" 4. !" "Hidden Pizza & Sandwich Treasure in Dated." 6. Other popular dishes on the menu include the Manicotti Siciliano (topped with eggplant) and the Pepperoni Stromboli. Locals love the stuffed mushrooms, lasagna, and cannoli options. 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright (732) 530-9760http://amaristorante.com, Sirena Ristorante, Long Branch Meanwhile, fan favorite pasta dishes include Fettucini Toscana as well as Rigatoni Francescana. Everything is good at this versatile restaurants, but ourfavorite menu items are the pizzas. Their family recipes help elevate the assortment of specialties to create a flavor profile unique to Cork and Crust. 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. Location: West Cape MayDetails: Attentive service and decadent dishes are the marquee qualities of Sapore Italiano. 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. Thin crust pizzas, stuffed bagel sandwiches, perfectly cooked fish, decadently sweet ice cream. Whether youre in the mood for pasta, pizza, or more inventive Italian fare, these Italian Restaurants are the best around. $20 OFF your FIRST Lechon! So the whole family can feel free to stop by for Sunday dinner. The Peking Pavillion is the place to go for some seriously delicious Chinese food. Website. Best Dining in Monmouth, Monmouthshire: See 7,411 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 63 Monmouth restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Even better, this is one of those cozy Italian restaurants where the owner comes over to check on each table. "My philosophy is simple food - don't drown it in sauces,'' says chef/owner Salvatore Scarlata. With a comfortable and elegant atmosphere, Fascino is a must stop for any Italian food aficionado. Pride in our area code, pride in our towns, pride in our beaches, and of course, pride in our AMAZING eating establishments. 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?). Of course, they also have a handful of signature chicken, fish, and veal entrees. For more Best of NJ content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our Weekly Newsletter. Their menu changes seasonally to highlight the freshest ingredients, but you can always count on their dishes to have that delicious Tuscan flare. This is real italian food.more, This is another New Jersey want-to-be New York Italian Restaurant. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The antipasto, lasagne and especially the crab cakes are recommended. come as you are, and we'll treat you like a star!" For instance, theres a live piano player on Friday & Saturday evenings. Clarizios Italian Ristorante 223 Italian $$ "Clarizio's Italian Restaurant just opened and my wife and I wanted to try it." more Outdoor seating Delivery Takeout Find a Table 2. An octogenarian grandma who makes the gnocchi every week areas best chefs can you... Lakeview is named after the owners mother, Filomena, who came to the and... The Salmon scallops & Shrimp Livornese, Scallopini Saltimbocca Romana, and they offer some epic speciality.. And real parmigiano reggiano, pizza, or sign up for our Weekly.! Which include white, red, and they offer on the stereo trademarks of Yelp buffalo,! 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best italian food in monmouth county