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. Our recommendation? Stella Marina is best described as Italian comfort food with a gourmet twist. Best Dining in Monmouth, Monmouthshire: See 7,411 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 63 Monmouth restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. $20 OFF your FIRST Lechon! Undici claims to have the largest selection of Italian wines in New Jersey. "Absolutely the best in Monmouth County +". Another great place for Mexican food isEl Meson. 5/5 easily the best Italian restaurant I have been to inmore, One of the best Italian restaurants at the shore. The chef and owner may be under 30, but that doesnt mean that Chef Chris Atamian doesnt have culinary chops just try the Pork Osso Bocco (and order early because its a popular dish!) Montclair, New Jersey. Runnersup:Chef Vola's, Atlantic City;Girasole, Atlantic City. Their menu is complete with something for everyone. What's the best Italian restaurant in your county? Our family has been serving the best Lechon de Cebu to the New Jersey and New York area for over 20 years. Locals love their famous Steak Parm entree, but their braciole and vodka rigatoni dishes are standouts as well. This casual Italian restaurant specializes in classic dishes such as the Ravioli Ragu served with Jozannas Sunday Gravy sauce. Thin crust pizzas, stuffed bagel sandwiches, perfectly cooked fish, decadently sweet ice cream. 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. CALL US (732) 842-2800 (732) 842-2800 These doughnuts are unlike any other doughnuts youve probably ever encountered, and thats definitely a good thing. Why the name? Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. I went on a Thursday around 6 and there were people there already ordering food and dining in! The spacious eatery offers a bar, main dining hall, and a banquet room for private events. Location: WaldwickDetails: Named after the popular Italian lemon liqueur, Limoncello Ristorante specializes in fresh seafood, chicken, and veal options. Click Here to Visit their Website | Order Now via ToastTab | Follow them on Instagram | Click Here to Call. Location: BridgetonDetails: Green Olive is more than just Italian food, the eclectic menu also features ribs, nachos, and meatloaf. The original owners immigrated from Italy to Brooklyn. This family business was first owned by Ray Lena, who named the restaurant after his daughter, Anjelica. (Veal osso buco is shown in the photo.). And thats when you head toWindmill. But beyond making just pizza, this allows them to produce authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Meanwhile, fan favorite pasta dishes include Fettucini Toscana as well as Rigatoni Francescana. Or red velvet. 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. They include the rich and flavorful Penne Bolognese, Veal Parmigiana with linguini, Eggplant Rollatini, Shrimp Vestito, and Filet Mignon. McLoone's Pier House. Some of the outrageously decadent dessert options include cookie dough-stuffed French toast, banana split waffles, and cinnamon bun pancakes. But for the purpose of this list, well stick to the latter menu. Runnersup:Fascino, Montclair; Divina Ristorante, Caldwell, Saed Hindash I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. However, we appreciate the Light Menu section, with chicken or fish options served with whole wheat penne and salad. Location: EdisonDetails: Chefs Loucas Sofocli and Alex Charlambous combine their talents at LouCas to offer Italian cuisine. Mussels fans can check out the four types they offer on the menu, which include white, red, and Thai. Location: WyckoffDetails: For those that enjoy southern Italian cuisine in particular, La Cambusa offers an authentic experience. I've always thought the thin-crust pizza is better than the overhyped ravioli, but that's just me. Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant. served with choice of meatballs, meatsauce or sausage. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Yet another spot where the pizzas are hot, the mozzarella is plentiful, and the craving for arrancini can be met. With all of your favorite dishes, it's a perfect opportunity to sit back and relax this summer. Yang's Teriyaki Plus 29 reviews Open Now Fast Food, Asian $ "Great Teriyaki" "Local favorite" 3. For guilt free food with a homestyle feel, My Kitchen Witch Cafe is the place to go. No Italian restaurant in New Jersey is as stubbornly old-school asSpirito's, open since 1932. Location: WildwoodDetails: Alfes has been a favorite stop for Jersey Shore locals and tourists alike for over 35 years. They incorporate local farm ingredients into every meal, courtesy of Chef Rimi and Chef Ivan. For those who havent discovered Porcini in Highlands, let us let you in on a little secret. 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. 5/5 easily the best Italian restaurant I have been to in Freehold.". 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. Grato is great for date night and special occasions alike, with complimentary evening valet parking available. Their family recipes help elevate the assortment of specialties to create a flavor profile unique to Cork and Crust. Italian, International $$$$ Menu. 837 West Park Avenue, Ocean Twp. Homemade pasta made on premise with an incredible exposed kitchen and custom brick oven. Most of the pastas are homemade; try the spaghetti pescatore. Romantic vibes and a prime location right on the boardwalk make this a favorite of people looking to dine in Asbury. None of it was salty! Location: HamburgDetails: Springs Bistro is one of the more casual restaurants on this list. The All Seasons Diner. Via 45 Photo courtesy of yelp.com Via 45 is an exciting and unique dining experience. The menu is fairly small in comparison to many other Italian restaurants, though thats not a bad thing. This four star restaurant excels at everything from pastas to steaks to souffls, and everything in between. Didn't think so. And remember that its cash only! 27 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 222-1119http://www.sirenaristorante.com, Stella Marina, Asbury Park In addition, they serve an Osso Bucco (lamb shank) with roasted beet and butternut squash farrotto, and mint gremolata. Limoncello also offers Family Dinner for 4 packages that come in a variety of salad/pasta/entree combos. Tacos and the beach are pretty much the perfect combination, which is exactly why Surf Taco is so popular. I'd skip that. In the wintertime, make sure to order a smores hot chocolate. North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey. The result is made to order Italian dishes that are rich in flavor and made with love. We are your one-stop shop for where to go, what to do, and why New Jersey is the best! Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. And dont forget to check out the extensive list of tequilas. This includes chicken, beef, seafood, pasta, and more. All rights reserved (About Us). If youve never heard of a fat sandwich, you need to go toNellysimmediately. For a meal thats fresh, healthy, and super satisfying, take a trip to Playa Bowls. Runnersup: Battello, Jersey City (currently closed for pier repairs);Trattoria La Sorrentina, North Bergen. Location: 432 New Brunswick Ave, FordsDetails: Dolce lives up to both the pizzeria and restaurant parts of its name. 6. For an entree, the panko-crusted pork chop Milanese is recommended, and the creme brle pie is outstanding. Next time youre feeling fancy, make a reservation for dinner at Restaurant Nicholas. Find it at 618. celebrates signature Italian flavors and then takes them on a modern spin. The latter dish mixes shrimp, sausage, and scallops in a spicy tomato, white wine, and cream sauce over angel hair. Yeasty Beasty 86 reviews Open Now Pizza $$ - $$$ "Awesome original Pizza" "Great Pizza I Would Drive For" 2. 56 reviews Closed Now. The menu includes both Northern and Southern Italian influences, and in particular, the regions of Avellino, Lombardy, and Sicily. No restaurant in New Jersey has a split personality quite like Bottagra. 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. This coffee shop is open until 3 am, and its an extremely popular hangout spot. 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. No matter what your favorite cut of meat is, Brennens will do it and do it right. The salad bowls and rice bowls are fan favorites. The thin crust pizza is thin and crispy with just the perfect amount of crunch. Zoom in to see updated info. Everything from the Papardelle Bolognese, to the steak and seafood specials that are always changing, are sure to knock your socks off. However, they offer one concise menu for both meals. Meanwhile, another unique Italian dish is the Frascatelli, which includes dumplings with sausage and broccoli rabe. Location: WayneDetails: Novelli offers the classic Italian fine-dining experience. 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 In New Jersey, it's probably always been number one. We found great results, but some are outside Monmouth Beach. Meanwhile, their most popular dish is the Pesto Trapanese. As for cocktails, try the Italian Riviera, with grapa, prosseco, pear liquor, and a bit of mango. 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. Jasper Stone Italian Steakhouse 13 Steakhouses Salad Italian Opened 3 months ago For more Best of NJ content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our Weekly Newsletter. More specifically, we are a lifestyle and tourism website showcasing all the things that make our state so great. The focus is on quality and freshness, and you can taste it in every sip. And you should make it your mission to try them all. Comes with a cream sauce. In fact, the Sicilian Flounder is a house specialty, pan fried and breaded with grated cheese and Italian seasonings. All we can say is that were grateful thatGiorgia shared her recipes (and that we dont have to speak Italian to order). All the pasta is homemade including the Papardelle Porcini, which we highly recommend. The winner of our N.J.'s best Italian restaurant showdown, Cafe 2825,so named for its address, combines old-school atmosphere with high-end fare. The menu is compact and ever-changing; try the calamari (yeah, I know, the most cliched Italian dish ever, but it's really good here), the pork chop Milanese or any of the pasta dishes. If you've got the room in your waistline: Spano's Feast, with sausage, shrimp, chicken and lobster and sundried tomatoes over linguine. Anjelica's Restaurant. Try a spicy buffalo chicken crepe or a banana split crepe. Andrea Trattoria Italiano is a lively neighborhood spot with a loyal clientele who feel no need to schlep to Atlantic City or Philly for their fettucine Alfredo or rigatoni Bolognese. We are locals and thrilled we finally tried thismore, Food was above average Italian cuisine. "Mussels, mozzarella sticks, stuffed artichoke and oysters.". A post shared by Jersey Shore InMotion (@jerseyshoreinmotion) on May 1, 2016 at 5:15pm PDT. If youre searching for the perfect spot for a romantic date, look no further. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. I was shocked. See you next summer. More restaurant details. Their signature pies and specialty Sicilian pizzas come with a variety of toppings, and they also offer gluten-free pies. Interesting pizza options include the Hawaiian, Vegetable, and Penne Vodka. (Where he took his first job at 8-years-old, before being promoted to pizza maker at 10.) The dessert menu is also out of this world, with options like Warm Zeppoles and vanilla creme anglaise. The tiramisu, prepared tableside, is a spectacle, and spectacular. Location: MiddlesexDetails: Jozannas is headed by Chef Frank Bozzomo, formerly known as The Singing Chef. Sometimes you just really need some cheese fries and a good hot dog. The best way to start your day? Coming soon to the menu is the coniglio (rabbit) alla cacciatora, a traditional dish from the island of Ischia.Why I like it: They have a selection of desserts that includes the tasty Pompei, a warm chocolate cake. These smoothie bowls come in four different flavors, and aretopped with pretty much whatever healthy goodies you could possibly want. For awesome burgers and fries and epic ice cream, head to Jersey Freeze. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus, too. The portions are large and the dishes are as authentically Italian as it gets. As for the main course, there is plenty to choose from with pasta, seafood, risotto, chicken and veal options. Theyve also got pizza, sandwiches, soups, pastas, desserts, and more. Signature starters include their Rock Shrimp Limoncello and Mozzarella Caprese, while patrons rave about their Veal Bellisimo entree. Their multi-regional cuisine offers an authentic taste of Northern, Southern, and Sicilian cooking. They do offer sit-down dining, however, in a BYOB restaurant that seats about 25 guests. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. What are people saying about italian restaurants in Monmouth County, NJ? Location: West OrangeDetails: This family kitchen invokes what it feels like to have dinner with the Anthonys at home. Every time you visit Best of NJ, you'll find stories, events, and businesses that highlight and exemplify Garden State greatness. Whether its for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or something between, youll find something good to eat. We can say is that were grateful thatGiorgia shared Her recipes ( and that we dont have speak! Modern spin family dinner for 4 packages that come in four different flavors, in! To produce authentic Italian flavors with a variety of salad/pasta/entree combos formerly known best italian food in monmouth county. Menu includes both Northern and Southern Italian influences, and you can taste it in sip. 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