The Jersey Shore may be universally famous for its boardwalk fries and summer ice cream, but the coastline is also a hot spot for authentic Italian meals. From upscale modern steakhouses to fiercely-guarded neighborhood secrets, we’re showcasing The 10 Best Jersey Shore Italian Restaurants.
Some of the spots on this list are no-brainers that have become legendary tourist attractions. Others are lesser-known gems that we’re pushing out into the spotlight. But whether you’re in the mood for veal chops, wood-fired pizza, or next-level raw bars and scratch-made pasta, you’ll want to check out The 10 Best Jersey Shore Italian Restaurants. Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
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The 10 Best Jersey Shore
Italian Restaurants
Anjelica’s Restaurant
Where: Sea Bright
Details: Anjelica’s offers upscale Italian dining in an energetic atmosphere. This year marks their 30th Anniversary, and continues their longstanding tradition of high-quality cuisine and gracious hospitality. Founder Ray Lena named the restaurant after his daughter, who was 10 at the time Anjelica’s first opened. Anjelica herself now operates the restaurant, continuing the family tradition. The seasonal menu at this BYOB spot features favorites like Rigatoni al Fabian (with lobster meat in a spicy blush sauce) and their signature Pollo Ripieno.
Brando’s Citi Cucina
Where: Asbury Park
Details: Steve Botta, chef/owner of Brando’s Citi Cucina, provides a fun and welcoming environment in this space. For instance, this functional time capsule plays classic gangster movies at the bar and Frank Sinatra on the stereo. They specialize in wood-fired pizza, as well as classic Italian pasta and meat dishes. Signature plates include the Veal Napoleon for dinner and Fried Tortoni dessert (vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted amaretto cookies). Patrons also love their wood oven Pizzettas like White Truflle and Prima Tartufi.
Buona Sera
Where: Red Bank
Details: Guests can count on having a “good night” at Buona Sera. That’s because the restaurant uses time-honored techniques and high-grade ingredients to create authentic Italian cooking from scratch. In particular, their brick oven pizza — made using premium Italian zero-zero flour — is some of the best around. Customers also rave about their veal and lamb chops, prime aged porterhouse steaks, and lobster mac & cheese. For special occasions, they provide mutiple tiers of family style menus.
Cafe 2825
Where: Atlantic City
Details: Cafe 2825 is located one avenue inland from the Tropicana Casino. Every meal here is a special event, particularly the tableside preparations of Cacio e Pepe and Burrata style fresh mozzarella. Other tableside experiences include “Polenta on the Wooden Board” and “Old World Caesar Salad” (they prepare the scratch-made dressing). In fact, just about everything on the menu is scratch-made in the kitchen. We recommend starting with the Baked Clams Oreganata and going with the Chicken Clemente for dinner.
Chef Vola’s
Where: Atlantic City
Details: Atlantic City’s longtime BYOB, cash-only hideaway supplies homestyle Italian fare with an old-school vibe. Chef Vola’s is so secretive, they don’t publicize their phone number or address. The restaurant is by reservation only, and we recommend booking at least 1-2 months in advance. What makes it so special? Their limited seating is due to being located in a private home in a residential neighborhood. Chef Vola’s has built a reputation on homestyle cooking and warm hospitality courtesy of Owner Louise Esposito and family.
Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse
Where: Red Bank
Details: Traditional Italian cuisine meets modern aesthetics at Gabriella’s, an upscale steakhouse known for quality ingredients and world-class service. The robust menu covers everything from family style dinner to lunch, dessert, and options for the kids. But it’s their raw bar and dinner menus that will charm the heart (and mouth) of any dinner date. For the ultimate indulgence, their Grand Tower showcases the best of their raw bar; including crab cocktail, a dozen oysters, a dozen clams, a half dozen shrimp, and a whole lobster.
Il Giardinello Di Bacoli
Where: Toms River
Details: The self-proclaimed “Best Place for Italian Food in Ocean County” sets the bar pretty high for itself. Though not the original owners, Gennaro “Gerry” and his wife Danielle Costigliola are committed to this same pursuit of excellence. Gerry was born and raised in Bacoli, Italy, and the menu reflects his favorite Neapoletan dishes from his youth. One popular entree is the Italian Trio, a mix of eggplant, meatballs, and sausage. For special occasions and corporate events, they offer both private or semi-private dining and catering options.
Spano’s Ristorante Italiano
Where: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: Chef/Owner Joseph Spano has been tantalizing taste buds with his flair for Italian fare since 1989. His mammoth portions, use of only the freshest ingredients, and general love of Italian cuisine shine through in every dish. This BYO spot curates the perfect atmosphere for date night, with a dinner menu that feels familiar yet new. Their fresh pasta is made in house daily, so we recommend trying one of their signature pasta entrees. For instance, their Seafood Fiesta plates shrimp, scallops, and lump crab meat over spaghettini.
Trama’s Trattoria
Where: Long Branch
Details: This Tuscan Italian eatery uses fresh ingredients to create a seasonally-inspired menu. Popular starters include the baby artichoke salad, eggplant parm, and Mama Trama’s Meatballs with creamy polenta and Parmesan reggiano. Meanwhile, their entrees include a number of fish options like Branzino, Fluke, Bluefin Tuna, and Salmon. Though Chef Trama is a New York native, he spent much time working with restaurateur Pino Luongo and visiting Italy. During this time, he served as Sous Chef at many of Pino’s Italian restaurants.
Viggiano’s on Sunset
Where: Cape May
Details: Viggiano’s is all about choice. For instance, they serve all entrees as either piccolo (for one) or Grande (for two). The restaurant also follows what they call “Great Grandma’s Rules” when it comes to their menu. One rule is that all meatballs mix ground pork, veal, and beef, made with spices and cooked in marinara sauce. Their signature dishes include Chicken Piccata, Chicken Cacciatore, Sauteed Veal and Shrimp, Eggplant Parmesan, and Grilled Salmon. But no trip is complete without ordering one of their homemade desserts like tiramisu.
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The Jersey Shore’s
Best Italian Restaurants FAQs
Anjelica’s Restaurant (Sea Bright) has spent 30 years perfecting upscale Italian cuisine with incredible signature dishes like Rigatoni al Fabian. Similarly, Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse (Red Bank) pairs modern aesthetics with premium steaks.
Spano’s Ristorante Italiano (Point Pleasant Beach) serves mammoth portions of scratch-made pasta in a BYOB setting. Anjelica’s Restaurant also provides an energetic, high-quality BYOB experience.
Cafe 2825 (Atlantic City) specializes in spectacular tableside experiences. Their masterful presentations include Cacio e Pepe, Burrata style fresh mozzarella, Polenta on the Wooden Board, and an Old World Caesar Salad where the dressing is made completely from scratch right in front of you.
Chef Vola’s is perhaps the most famous secret in the state. It’s a cash-only, homestyle Italian haven tucked inside a residential home. It requires booking months in advance, but the hospitality from Owner Louise Esposito and her family is worth the wait.
Brando’s Citi Cucina (Asbury Park) and Buona Sera (Red Bank) are both renowned for their pizza. The latter uses premium Italian zero-zero flour.) For phenomenal house-made pasta, Trama’s Trattoria (Long Branch) and Spano’s Ristorante Italiano are the places to be.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Il Giardinello Di Bacoli / Website
