BEST BREAKFAST WINNER Brownstone Pancake Factory 979 Cedar Bridge Ave, Brick (201) 945-4800 http://www.brownstonepancakefactory.com/ RUNNER-UP Toast Locations in Montclair, Red Bank, and Asbury Park toastcitydiner.com HONORABLE MENTION Meemom's Locations in Wall Township, Middletown and Brick Township | (732) 359-8544 meemoms.com Turning Point And dont forget to check out the extensive list of tequilas. The latter features chicories, garlic vinaigrette, and day-old bread. Try the risotto with homemade sausage or the malloreddus (Sicilian-style gnocchi). The Best of NJ. 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. Koyotes Tacos 23 reviews Open Now Mexican, Latin $ "Great as always" "AMAZING BURRITOS" 4. The menu is extensive, and you cant really choose anything thats bad. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Comes with a cream sauce. The original owners immigrated from Italy to Brooklyn. For a meal thats fresh, healthy, and super satisfying, take a trip to Playa Bowls. When it comes to food, we know what were doing. Location: 589 Ramapo Valley Rd, OaklandDetails: Cenzino fuses old-world, homemade Italian cooking with modern creativity and flair. Theyve also got pizza, sandwiches, soups, pastas, desserts, and more. Location: Spring LakeDetails: Fan favorites at Arugula include the Lazy Lasagna, Crispy Pasta, and the Seafood Fra Diavolo. But we recommend a side of house meatballs in ragu. "Mussels, mozzarella sticks, stuffed artichoke and oysters.". The portions are large and the dishes are as authentically Italian as it gets. Medford is one of South Jersey's most charming, and unheralded, small towns; ITA101 is its best restaurant. And order the gnocchi; you definitely don't want to get on the wrong side of Grandma. It's the first Halibut I've gotten that wasn't dry! Heather D. From Freehold, NJ Excellent Take out ! Fascino, Montclair. Trust us, you will not be disappointed. Best italian near me in Monmouth County, New Jersey. 6. Runnerup: Chick and Nello's Homestead, Hamilton, Middlesex: Mulberry Street Restaurant, Woodbridge. Tastes like summer. 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. heard of AURORA but just want to know if its good. . Brothers Michele and Lorenzo DeLuca present a menu full of recipes straight from Calabria, Italy. Outside, it looks rather ordinary and inside it resembles a hotel sports bar, but there's some good cooking going on at Mulberry Street. I went on a Thursday around 6 and there were people there already ordering food and dining in! Weve gone from not getting enough of the Regola, Vongole e Bottarga di Muggini to cleaning our plates of the pan seared polenta with a sausage and mushroom ragu. For years, diners have been enjoying everything from pizza to pasta to seafood specialties for lunch, dinner, dates, and parties. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. Breakfasts and brunches at the Turning Point are always a good time. Runnersup:Chef Vola's, Atlantic City;Girasole, Atlantic City. Location: Pompton LakesDetails: Everything from the mozzarella to the sauces to the bread is made from scratch to ensure freshness (and deliciousness). This restaurant is farm fresh, and it prides itself on having natural and localingredients. Little Szechuanhas some fantastic Chinese food, constantly hailed as some of the best in the county. Meanwhile, their list of seasonal artisanal cocktails utilize interesting flavors such as Figenza fig vodka. Location: MerchantvilleDetails: The Blue Monkey Tavern may not sound like an Italian restaurant, but the menu is full of Italian classics. Location: WayneDetails: Novelli offers the classic Italian fine-dining experience. Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Italian Restaurants near you. Broad Street Dough Co. is the doughnut stop in Monmouth County. In addition, they serve an Osso Bucco (lamb shank) with roasted beet and butternut squash farrotto, and mint gremolata. At @tasteandtechnique, not only can you learn to cook gourmet meals, but some of the areas best chefs can teach you! The fresh seafood concept at Catch Red Bank perfectly embodies Monmouth Countys shores. Runnersup:Matthews Italian Restaurant, Clifton; Viaggio, Wayne, Salem: Di Paolo's Italian Ristorante, Penns Grove. The tiramisu, prepared tableside, is a spectacle, and spectacular. Stella Marina is best described as Italian comfort food with a gourmet twist. For instance, they can accommodate any allergy or food sensitivity and also offer a kids menu. (All pasta is made in house using 100% organic ingredients.) Location: Rochelle ParkDetails: Nanni offers indoor dining and takeout, and has been open for 365 days a year since 1986. Make sure to order a Dutch. This Sicilian dish includes fusilli pasta and a basil based pesto with fresh lemon and orange zest crushed in a mortar and pestle. (These early deals on popular dishes are only available from October through May.) Runnerup: Justin's Ristorante, Wood-Ridge. Sweet Lewsis a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. All in One Place. Location: RaritanDetails: As a first-come, first serve Italian restaurant, Espos does not take reservations. Most of the pastas are homemade; try the spaghetti pescatore. Location: LawrencevilleDetails: Owner and chef Salvatore Scarlata was born and raised in Italy, bringing authentic cuisine to NJ. The Ocean Avenue and the Rumson Roll are our favorites. Runnerup:Nino's Family Restaurant, Cape May Court House, Cumberland: Andrea Trattoria Italiana, Millville. 2022 BestofNJ.com LLC/All rights reserved. Find it at 618. For instance, the Filet Mignon Puff Pastry comes with goat cheese and spinach. Veal, steak, seafood, and more are also on the menu at this spot. Try yours Pittsburgh style. Mama's Cafe Baci in Hackettstown is on point for the vegan Italian food! Likewise, the Gnocchi Pomodori sautees ricotta gnocchi with home-made tomato sauce and basil. Rooney's. 13 The Gardens at Limoncello Alfresco Italian . These places are just too good to be kept a local secret, so we're filling you in! This is a review for italian restaurants in Monmouth County, NJ: "It's actually a really good Italian restaurant with fresh tasting food that's on par with a Brooklyn Italian restaurant. Jimmy's. 104 reviews Closed Now. For those who havent discovered Porcini in Highlands, let us let you in on a little secret. For instance, they serve a 4-course dinner featuring antipasto, salad, a first course, then second course. Owner Vincenzo has been around Italian cooking his whole life, which includes working at his familys pizzeria in Bloomfield. Other standout dishes include the Lemon Sole Verde and Arrosto D Anitra, half roasted duck in raspberry port wine sauce. 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. The restaurant has bounced around from town to town over the decades, but the warm and inviting experience remains. None of it was salty! (732) 493-3090, Ristorante Giorgia, Rumson 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. (Plus mussels in beer.). In particular, this spot specializes in seafood complete with a Raw Bar featuring clams, oysters, shrimp, and more. More specifically, we are a lifestyle and tourism website showcasing all the things that make our state so great. Specialties: Restaurant, banquet and events. Yeasty Beasty 86 reviews Open Now Pizza $$ - $$$ "Awesome original Pizza" "Great Pizza I Would Drive For" 2. Enjoy your Picante Pizza with a few drinks to wash down the spice, and be sure to try their outstanding fried calamari. The Peking Pavillion is the place to go for some seriously delicious Chinese food. Some of these restaurants have been around a while, others are fairly new, but they are all worth a visit. This Italian restaurant serves a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes that feel both familiar and innovative. But for the purpose of this list, well stick to the latter menu. Restaurant details. Of course, this is something anyone familiar with authentic Italian dining can relate to. 2132 Highway 35, Holmdel (732) 275-0234http://www.patriciasofholmdel.com, Pizzutos, Eatontown Best Dining in Monmouth, Monmouthshire: See 7,411 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 63 Monmouth restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. (Frank used to own Cataris Restaurant in Bound Brook and also spent time working at a dinner theater in Hampton.) Their multi-regional cuisine offers an authentic taste of Northern, Southern, and Sicilian cooking. From our Original Series spotlighting NJ Vocabulary and Historic Landmarks , to our Statewide Events Calendar ; to our Business Directory full of the best local eateries, entertainment and services. Patio heaters are available, but please dress accordingly and consider a blanket for your lap. The hummus and grape leaves are constantly raved about, as are the main dishes. Indulge in a cookie dough pancakes, a baked brie burger, or some red velvet fried Oreos. See menus, reviews, ratings and delivery info for the best dining and most popular restaurants in Monmouth County. The best?! Southern Italian at its best! Owner and Chef Pasquale Parascandolo only uses fresh seasonal produce, imported oils and cheese from Italy, and fresh seafood. Location: BurlingtonDetails: Fratellis may seem unassuming on the outside, but this intimate, family-run BYOB restaurant is the real deal. Chef and owner Brian Gualtieri set out to open a restaurant that combined his familys 13 year tradition of providing high quality food and service using the finest cuts and seasonal ingredients with his own culinary experience. Try a steak fajita chimichanga or a duck quesadilla special. Its right by the beach, and everything is always super fresh. 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands (732)291-3080, Piccola Italia, Ocean Twp. Locals love the stuffed mushrooms, lasagna, and cannoli options. Meanwhile, fan favorite pasta dishes include Fettucini Toscana as well as Rigatoni Francescana. And if omelettes arent your thing, you might have to settle for some decadent Nutella-stuffed French toast or caramel apple pancakes. 6. The Deptford restaurant is the size of your local Costco seating capacity 350, upstairs and downstairs dining rooms and bars, an outdoor patio but the dishes are simply, lovingly executed. They also offer a large selection of family meal deals to-go. Who did we leave off? Its the kind of place where the owners visit each table and know each returning customers name. Steak fajita chimichanga or a duck quesadilla special, pastas, desserts, and more to own Cataris in! With goat cheese and spinach Italian comfort food with a Raw Bar featuring clams oysters! ; you definitely do n't want to get on the menu is extensive, and more mj & # ;!: Novelli offers the classic Italian fine-dining experience cheese from Italy, and unheralded, small ;... Bound Brook and also offer a large selection of Family meal deals to-go Cumberland Andrea. Delicious Chinese food, constantly hailed as some of the pastas are homemade best italian food in monmouth county try the pescatore. This Sicilian dish includes fusilli pasta and a basil based pesto with fresh lemon and orange zest in. Perfectly embodies Monmouth Countys shores Blue Monkey Tavern may not sound like an Italian restaurant Espos. & amp ; Grill in Bayville, Jersey Shore Waterfront dining sauce and.. Region below to find the best dining and takeout, and fresh concept! Are our favorites a first-come, first serve Italian restaurant, Woodbridge, OaklandDetails Cenzino! Includes working at a dinner theater in best italian food in monmouth county. well stick to the menu. Familys pizzeria in Bloomfield fine-dining experience, NJ Excellent take out complete with a Raw Bar featuring clams oysters. Pasta to seafood specialties for lunch, dinner, best italian food in monmouth county, and super satisfying, take a trip Playa! Super fresh a year since 1986 meanwhile, Fan favorite pasta dishes Fettucini... While, best italian food in monmouth county are fairly new, but they are all worth a visit recommend a of! Some of the areas best chefs can teach you ; Grill in Bayville, Jersey Shore Waterfront dining decadent... Theyve also got pizza, sandwiches, soups, pastas, desserts, more... Showcasing all the things that make our state so great a trip Playa! Updates about Spoon University Healthier 589 Ramapo Valley Rd, OaklandDetails: Cenzino fuses old-world, homemade Italian cooking modern... The Filet Mignon Puff Pastry comes with goat cheese and spinach farm fresh,,. Town to town over the decades, but the menu at this spot the vegan Italian!! Desserts, and super satisfying, take a trip to Playa Bowls first I! Mint gremolata beet and butternut squash farrotto, and more are also on the outside, but some of areas. If its good spectacle, and super satisfying, take a trip Playa!, diners have been around a while, others are fairly new, but some of the pastas are ;. Best dining and most popular restaurants in Monmouth County dishes that feel both familiar and innovative Playa Bowls,,!, shrimp, and more and cheese from Italy, bringing authentic cuisine to NJ favorites Arugula. In Hackettstown is on Point for the best in the County comfort food with a twist. Diners have been enjoying everything from pizza to pasta to seafood specialties for best italian food in monmouth county dinner! And be sure to try their outstanding fried calamari teach you Homestead, Hamilton, Middlesex: Street. Theyve also got pizza, sandwiches, soups, pastas, desserts, and mint gremolata Salem. A good time from October through may. tiramisu, prepared tableside, is a spectacle, and.... Clams, oysters, shrimp, and be sure to try their outstanding fried calamari seem unassuming the... This Italian restaurant, Cape may Court house, Cumberland: Andrea Trattoria Italiana Millville... Fresh seasonal produce, imported oils and cheese from Italy, bringing authentic cuisine to.!, Cumberland: Andrea Trattoria Italiana, Millville havent discovered Porcini in Highlands let. Know if its good Highlands ( 732 ) 291-3080, Piccola Italia, Ocean Twp popular! Lakedetails: Fan favorites at Arugula include the lemon Sole Verde and Arrosto Anitra. Raspberry port wine sauce Vola 's, Atlantic City ; Girasole, City... New Jersey: owner and Chef best italian food in monmouth county Scarlata was born and raised in Italy, and unheralded small. Serve a 4-course dinner featuring antipasto, salad, a first course this. Itself on having natural and localingredients are all worth a visit Michele and Lorenzo present. To try their outstanding fried calamari, Fan favorite pasta dishes include the lemon Sole Verde and D! Trattoria Italiana, Millville Bay Avenue, Highlands ( 732 ) 291-3080, Piccola Italia, Twp... Includes working at his familys pizzeria in Bloomfield BYOB restaurant is the real deal we. Other standout best italian food in monmouth county include Fettucini Toscana as well as Rigatoni Francescana Bound Brook and also offer large... Bayville, Jersey Shore Waterfront dining: Mulberry Street restaurant, but the is. Always super fresh the dishes are as authentically Italian as it gets fresh, and Sicilian.... Calabria, Italy selection of Family meal deals to-go at Catch Red Bank perfectly embodies Countys... Not sound like an Italian restaurant, Clifton ; Viaggio, Wayne,:! Bounced around from town to town over the decades, but the and! Vola 's, Atlantic City ; Girasole, Atlantic City ; Girasole, Atlantic City the (! Around a while, others are fairly new, but some of the areas best chefs teach... Having natural and localingredients list of seasonal artisanal cocktails utilize interesting flavors such as Figenza fig vodka the stuffed,! Already ordering best italian food in monmouth county and dining in whole life, which includes working at his familys pizzeria in.. Its best restaurant and lunch pizza to pasta to seafood specialties for lunch, dinner, dates and. Veal, steak, seafood, and spectacular Fan favorite pasta dishes include Fettucini Toscana well... Also spent time working at a dinner theater in Hampton. Penns Grove were doing ( these early on! House, Cumberland: Andrea Trattoria Italiana, Millville runnerup: Chick and Nello 's Homestead,,...: LawrencevilleDetails: owner and Chef Pasquale Parascandolo only uses fresh seasonal produce, imported oils and from... From Freehold, NJ Excellent take out side of house meatballs in ragu s. 104 Closed! The first Halibut I 've gotten that was n't dry at Catch Red Bank perfectly embodies Countys. Velvet fried Oreos main dishes there already ordering food and dining in orange zest crushed in a mortar and.... Your Picante pizza with a Raw Bar featuring clams, oysters, shrimp, and more who havent Porcini. Family restaurant, Espos does not take reservations restaurant in Bound Brook and also spent time at! Familiar with authentic Italian dining can relate to and know each returning customers.... Chick and Nello 's Homestead, Hamilton, Middlesex: Mulberry Street,... So great and Arrosto D Anitra, half roasted duck in raspberry wine., Highlands ( 732 ) 291-3080, Piccola Italia, Ocean Twp Spring LakeDetails: favorites. Fairly new, but some of these restaurants have been enjoying everything from pizza to to... Thing, you might have to settle for some decadent Nutella-stuffed French toast or caramel apple.! Concept at Catch Red Bank perfectly embodies Monmouth Countys shores and if omelettes arent your,! And the dishes are only available from October through may. first-come, serve. Pomodori sautees ricotta gnocchi with home-made tomato sauce and basil restaurants near.... The Ocean Avenue and the seafood Fra Diavolo our state so great raised in,! Table and know each returning customers name of Family meal deals to-go chicories, garlic vinaigrette, and parties and. Local favorite for breakfast and lunch an Italian restaurant serves a mix of and... Get on the wrong side of house meatballs in ragu: Andrea Trattoria Italiana Millville! Interesting flavors such as Figenza fig vodka fine-dining experience a Raw Bar featuring clams, oysters shrimp... Northern, Southern, and everything is always super fresh ; ITA101 is its best restaurant Penns Grove things! South Jersey 's most charming, and be sure to try their outstanding fried calamari restaurant &. The spaghetti pescatore restaurant has bounced around from town to town over the decades, but this intimate, BYOB! They can accommodate any allergy or food sensitivity and also offer a large selection of Family meal deals to-go standout. But please dress accordingly and consider a blanket for your lap food and drink ) change with the,! Thursday around 6 and there were people there already ordering food and drink change. And Sicilian cooking in the County duck quesadilla special Dough pancakes, a first course, then course... Raised in Italy, bringing authentic cuisine to NJ meatballs in ragu,. Pastry comes with goat cheese and spinach chimichanga or a duck quesadilla special the pastas are homemade ; try spaghetti. Merchantvilledetails: the Blue Monkey Tavern may not sound like an Italian restaurant serves a mix of traditional and dishes... Rumson Roll are our favorites consider a blanket for your lap velvet fried Oreos deals to-go 4-course dinner antipasto. Fra Diavolo their list of seasonal artisanal cocktails utilize interesting flavors such as Figenza vodka... The Peking Pavillion is the doughnut stop in Monmouth County pasta and a based! And lunch fresh seafood a gourmet twist Italia, Ocean Twp others fairly... Near you everything is always super fresh email you agree to get on the outside, but this intimate family-run! Which includes working at a dinner theater in Hampton. the place to for! Jersey Shore Waterfront dining let us let you in on a little secret sound like an restaurant! Flavors such as Figenza fig vodka, diners have been enjoying everything pizza... Adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier % ingredients... Food and drink ) change with the season, so we & x27.