The 2024 Edition of The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey is written by Vinny Parisi.
If there were four pillars of New Jersey Dining, they’d be represented by Bagel Shops, Diners, Pizzerias, and Italian restaurants. The Garden State has so many incredible Italian eateries that it’s hard to narrow down our favorite ones; but that’s exactly what we did to create our list of The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey.
Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, pizza, or more inventive Italian fare, these Italian Restaurants are the best around. Plus, these options range from white tablecloth fine dining to casual family-style restaurants, so there’s something for everyone. In fact, our statewide list features restaurants from every county in NJ, so great Italian food is never far.
Quick Click Guide: Select a Region below to find The Best Italian Restaurants nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Acquaviva Restaurant & Bar
Where: Hamburg
Details: The easiest way to tell Acquaviva is an old-school Italian restaurant is that they don’t have a website. They do, however, have a Facebook page where they promote upcoming events, holiday menus, and unexpected closures. While they serve plenty of classics, they also have some unique options including Roasted Duck on the menu. From family dinner to wedding receptions, this restaurant can handle all group sizes and please every palate.
Bici
Where: Ramsey
Details: Bici presents Modern, high-end Italian dishes from Co-owner and Chef Anthony DeVanzo. The name Bici, which is short for bicicletta (bicycle in Italian), is meant to prepare guests for a culinary ride. This BYOB spot offers daily specials, but their tried-and-true menu is more than enough for most regular patrons. For instance, their selection of house made pastas, including Fettuccine, Strozzapreti, and Potato Gnocchi, are always a hit.
BV Tuscany
Where: Teaneck
Details: Owners Benny and Vicky Balidemaj — The “B” and “V” behind BV Tuscany — are no strangers to Italian cuisine. Their restaurant specializes in traditional Tuscan dishes such as the Gamberi Toscana. This dish wraps pan-seared jumbo shrimp in prosciutto over broccoli rabe with Tuscan white beans and plum tomato sauce. The decor, landscape artwork, and overall ambiance are also meant to match the feeling of being in the Tuscan countryside.
Corto
Where: Jersey City
Details: The menu changes seasonally at Corto, depending on what fresh ingredients the chef has access to. But no matter the time of year, patrons are always in for an exotic take on Italian cuisine. Previous menu options include Chicken Liver Toast, Monkfish, and Pork Shoulder Stracotto. The menu always offers some pasta options as well, including rigatoni, tortellini, spaghetti, and fusilli. But the exact pasta dishes will change to include anything from local mushrooms to Calabrian chili.
E & V Ristorante
Where: Paterson
Details: Locals have been raving about E & V for nearly 50 years now. Since opening in 1967, the restaurant continues to impress regulars and newcomers alike with an array of signature dishes. Menu highlights include the Fusilli Amatricina, Chicken Cacciatore, Eggplant Parm, and Seafood Risotto. For groups of 10 or more, they also offer family style dining, which they call “The Italian Abbordanza Table”. (Translation: Expect to leave with a full stomach.)
Laico’s
Where: Jersey City
Details: Originally owned and operated by the Laico family in 1972, Laico’s is a go-to spot for Italian food. Locals know they can expect tried-and-true Italian classics, a cozy atmosphere, and homemade cooking. The restaurant even makes their own cocktails, desserts (a menu which rotates regularly), garlic bread, and salad dressing. Popular picks include the Shrimp Fra Diavole, Veal Rollatini, and Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana special combo.
LuNello Restaurant
Where: Cedar Grove
Details: Classic Italian staples plus inventive dishes featuring locally caught seafood combine to make LuNello a winner. All the pasta is homemade, including the Papardelle Porcini (which we highly recommend). This fresh, Tuscan-style flat pasta comes with porcini mushrooms and a hint of cream. Likewise, their Insalata di Mare is a mouthful, with calamari, octopus, shrimp, celery hearts, red onion, EVOO, and herbs. Seafood fans, take note: they fly in fish daily from all over the world.
Matthew’s
Where: Clifton
Details: Owner Matthew Tyahla has a fascinating story. It begins with getting his first job at 14 years old; and continues with purchasing his first restaurant with his own hard-earned money at age 26. Putting his life savings on the line, he opened Matthew’s, and the community has loved it since day one. The chic, clean spot fuses sophistication and comfort to create a unique ambiance. Popular menu picks include the housemade rigatoni with chicken, and filet Mignon.
Nonno’s Italian Restaurant
Where: Sandyston
Details: Sometimes Nonna needs a break, and that’s when Nonno’s steps in to take over the kitchen duties. This classic Italian restaurant serves chicken arrabiata, lamb shank, veal sorrentino, shrimp fra diavolo, and more. Pasta lovers will find plenty of reasons to return, with options like lobster ravioli, linguine in clam sauce. But we recommend either the portobello mushroom ravioli in vodka cream sauce or gnocchi di sorrentino with eggplant and mozzarella.
Rosie’s Trattoria
Where: Randolph
Details: The menu at Rosie’s features Southern Italian cusine, and more specifically, Sicilian and Neapolitan fare. Owners and husband-and-wife duo Guiseppe and Rosie Inchiappa serve as head chef and front-of-house, respectively. In addition to daily specials, the restaurant is popular for its selection of mussels. They serve these mussels in either Fra Diavola, Truffle cream, or with oil and garlic lemon zest. Meanwhile, meat lovers will find an assortment of chicken, pork, steak, and more.
Toscana Trattoria
Where: Hackettstown
Details: The Fettuccini Bolognese is a standout at Toscana Trattoria, with a scoop of ricotta cheese topping the dish. In addition, they serve classic Italian restaurant options like pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and beef. There’s also an Arugula Salad with sliced pears, cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, and a honey white balsamic vinaigrette. They can easily accommodate many dietary needs, from vegetarian and vegan diets to whole wheat options.
Verde Ristorante
Where: Morris Plains
Details: Verde has lofty ambitions, aiming to be “the epitome of culinary excellence” among so many incredible Italian restaurants. In order to achieve this, they serve an elevated twist on classic dishes, from pasta and pizza to dessert. For something a little different, try the Panko Crusted Meatballs starter. Popular entrees include the Linguine and Clam Sauce, Veal Sorrentino, and 8oz Filet Mignon. Dessert, offers a choice between NY style cheesecake, tiramisu, or cannoli.
Central Jersey
Best in Somerset County:
Luca’s Ristorante
Where: 2019 NJ-27, Somerset
Details: Luca’s Ristorante Owner/Chef Andrea Di Meglio has been offering authentic, mouthwatering Italian fare for 3 decades now. Located in a small, unassuming strip mall, the menu boasts flavors and cooking styles native to his homeland, Ischia. Andrea pays homage to his Ischitani roots with signature dishes like the “Luca”. This linguine dish combines shrimp, colossal crab meat, scallops, roasted tomatoes, capers, and asparagus in a creamy white wine sauce. Another favorite is the “Congilio,” broccoli rabe orecchiette rigate in slow-cooked red wine ragu made with braised wild rabbit. He also serves American-Italian classics like Chicken Parmigiana, Pappardelle Bolognese, and Cinquanta (a 50-layer lasagna!). Everything is made from scratch at Luca’s, from the table bread and 100% organic pastas to the desserts. To end the night, their creme brûlée uses raw sugar and Madagascar vanilla bean.
Why I Like it: The intimate, rustic yet modern design makes the restaurant perfect for any occasion.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Order Online / Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Call 732-297-7676 |
Best in Middlesex County:
Dolce Pizzeria & Restaurant
Where: 432 New Brunswick Ave, Fords
Details: Dolce lives up to both the pizzeria and restaurant parts of its name. But for the purpose of this list, we’ll stick to the latter menu. Menu highlights include the eggplant rollatini, gnocchi vodka, calamari, veal Francese, shrimp scampi, and Drunken Chicken Parmigiana. The latter combines a chicken parm cutlet with penne pasta in a vodka sauce. But even the Dolce Salad is a hit, with its strawberries, walnuts, and goat cheese over mixed greens. Dolce can also cater events — they’ll even help plan the entire menu — and offers dine-in hosting packages, too. Customers love the high quality ingredients at affordable prices, attentive service, and how Dolce is child-friendly. For instance, their kids menu features penne with butter, chicken fingers and fries, cheese ravioli, or spaghetti with a meatball. But beyond the menu, the service staff is great with kids and the whole restaurant has a family vibe.
Why I like it: Those with a sweet tooth simply must try either the cannolis or Nutella zeppole.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Buy Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-738-0666 |
Antimo’s Italian Kitchen
Where: Hopewell
Details: Patrons come to Antimo’s for casual and family-friendly dining. The seasonal menu always focuses on fresh ingredients. For example, their summer specials include Grilled Peach Caprese and Drunken Mussels using fresh Prince Edward Island mussels. They also offer a three-course prix fixe meal every Monday through Thursday. This special menu provides a salad course (three options), entree course (7 options), and homemade cannoli for dessert.
La Campagnola
Where: Kenilworth
Details: This spot combines a restaurant, bar, and lounge, offering patrons a place to eat, drink, and socialize. La Campagnola is coming up on 25 years in business, a major milestone for the fine Italian dining spot. Meals typically start with either hot or cold appetizers, salad, or soup. For pasta lovers, we recommend the Vodka Scaffatone With Sausage; it’s homemade ground Italian sausage in a vodka cream sauce with melted goat cheese, and it’s a must-try.
Rosemarie’s Cucina
Where: Clinton
Details: This family-owned spot is a triple threat restaurant, bakery, and catering service. The menu mixes brick oven pizza, classic Italian dishes, and seafood with both sweet and savory baked treats. In fact, Chef Paul Liscio — who some may know as the former owner of La Casa Bianca — prepares every meal. Meanwhile, Owner Marie Reres bakes signature goods such as homemade cannoli, strudel, and three-layer cakes daily. We say to try the Baked Manicotti.
Vidalia Restaurant
Where: Lawrenceville
Details: Owner and chef Salvatore Scarlata was born and raised in Italy, bringing authentic cuisine to NJ. We recommending starting with a Vidalia Loaf for the table. This includes bread stuffed with vidalia onions and seasonal vegetables drizzled with garlic and oil, then topped with melted mozzarella. Vidalia has excellent pasta entrees on the menu, plus other exotic starters. Plus, this BYOB Italian restaurant has both indoor and outdoor garden patio dining.
Jersey Shore
Brando’s Citi Cucina
Where: Asbury Park
Details: Steven 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 dishes include the Veal Napoleon for dinner and Fried Tortoni dessert (vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted amaretto cookies).
Joe Italiano’s Maplewood
Where: Hammonton | Mays Landing
Details: This popular spots comes from humble origins and has grown into a New Jersey juggernaut. Founder Joe Italiano named the restaurant after a maple tree on their property because of its strength and beauty. Though the tree is no longer there, the restaurant has grown into three locations. The menu is slightly different at each location, but all of them feature classic Italian fare. This includes the popular Uncle Nino pasta, with lobster, shrimp, dungeness crab, and clams.
il Nido
Where: Marlboro
Details: Visitors of the Willow Point Shopping Center are in for a pleasant surprise when they visit il Nido. For instance, they serve budget-friendly spirits, wines, and artisanal cocktails. As for the menu, some standout dishes include Black Spaghetti with calamari, Wagyu Short Rib, and Summer Squash Caponata. But don’t leave without trying the Maple Brulee Cheesecake. This signature dessert uses gingersnap cookie, cranberry orange blossom coulis, and pecans.
Sapore Italiano
Where: West Cape May
Details: Attentive service and decadent dishes are the marquee qualities of Sapore Italiano. The restaurant is built in a beautifully restored Victorian home, offering a unique dining experience. We suggest starting with the classic Bruschette alla Sapore, or the Arugula Salad. As for the main course, there is plenty to choose from with pasta, seafood, risotto, chicken, and veal options. A rotating soup of the day and other daily specials keep the menu fresh for patrons.
Senza Cucina
Where: Bayville
Details: No trip to the Bayville Commons shopping mall is complete without dinner at Senza Cucina. The Gramaglia family has been serving traditional Italian cuisine for over a decade at this no-longer hidden gem. Their menu offers chicken, veal, and shrimp any way patrons want it, from parmigiana and Francese to Marsala or scampi. But we recommend the Pollo Cardinale, an egg battered chicken scaloppini topped with Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and roasted peppers.
Viaggiano’s
Where: Cape May
Details: Viaggiano’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.
South Jersey
Best in Burlington County:
Fratelli’s
Where: 1414 US-130, Burlington
Details: A true family-owned small business, Fratelli’s is as authentic as it gets. Owner Ivan Gonzalez has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years, and uses that experience to enhance Fratelli’s. Locals love their fair prices, top notch service, plus easy takeout and free delivery options. The menu here is huge, with a full dinner menu plus over a dozen pizza pies to choose from. Traditional menu highlights include the classic stromboli, chicken parm sub, grilled Toscani panini, and baked ziti. Meanwhile, their selection of gourmet pizzas includes the Buffalo Chicken Pizza and Grilled Chicken Fajita Pizza. But regulars rave about their high quality seafood dishes. Popular picks include shrimp scampi, white mussels, red linguine clams, and Scallops Monte Carlo. The latter features fresh scallops sauteed in olive oil and garlic white wine sauce. It’s finished with mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes over capellini.
Why I Like it: It’s probably a crime to visit Burlington without trying the county’s famous thin crust tomato pie.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-773-8278 |
Best in Camden County:
Graziano’s Ristoranti
Where: 400 White Horse Pike, Chesilhurst
Details: Traditional meets trendy at Graziano’s, an Italian dining experience that pairs authentic recipes with modern flavors. Folks travel quite a distance — from Atlantic City to Philadelphia — just to order some of their signature menu items. This includes their rotating selection of weekly specials, which always include something unique. One example is their Pasta Flight: Asparagus-stuffed gnocchi in white wine cream, smoked mozzarella ravioli, tomato pesto, and prosciutto-stuffed sacchetti in vodka sauce. Popular menu staples include the Crispy Beet Fries, Eggplant Parmigiana, Pittsburg Angus Sirloin Steak, Chicken Pizzuto, and Provolone Baked Shrimp Fra Diavolo. Their drink menu boasts a fun mix of mocktails like Lavender Mint Lemonade or Sparkling Blood Orange. Likewise, their cocktails range from the Frisky Lady (moscato with berries and limoncello) to the Cookie Dough dessert martini.
Why I Like it: It’s not easy, but so worth it to save room for their must-try homemade desserts.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Facebook | Call 856-768-4177 |
DiPaolo’s Restaurant
Where: Penns Grove
Details: The DiPaolo’s team has a lot going on. In addition to serving authentic Italian meals from their restaurant, they also own and operate Maria’s by DiPaolo’s. The latter is a luxurious banquet hall that hosts weddings and other special events for up to 250 guests. As for the restaurant, they offer seasonal specials, lunch specials, and a daily dinner menu. Popular items include their Signature Lobster Bisque, Trio Seafood Ravioli, and Grilled Whole Rack of Lamb.
Gia Nina’s Pizza
Where: Woodbury
Details: Gia Nina’s is known for giant portions at reasonable prices. The cozy yet casual restaurants boasts Italian American favorites including steak sandwiches, stromboli, classic Italian sandwiches and, of course, pizza. Their pizza menu features everything from the classic Italian Tomato Pie to the Downtown Philly Cheese Steak pie. For something a little different, try the Cajun Pizza. This includes chicken, hot peppers, onions, tomato, mozarella, and cheddar with a Cajun crust.
Green Olive Restaurant
Where: Bridgeton
Details: Families can visit Green Olive Restaurant with confidence knowing the menu includes something for everyone. The Italian-American menu features classics like Chicken Marsala, Veal Parma, and Filet Mignon Tips. But they also offer options like roast turkey over cranberry apple bread stuffing as well as hamburgers for kids. Other favorites include stromboli, over 16 different pizza pies, and a vast selection of pastas. They even have a mix of Italian and American sandwiches.
Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti
Where: Sicklerville
Details: Patrons come to Luna Rossa for authentic Italian cuisine in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. They serve both lunch and dinner, with popular options like Eggplant Parmigiana and Sausage & Peppers. For seafood lovers, their Shrimp & Clams Fra Diavolo is a must-try. This dish sautees imported white shrimp and fresh littleneck clams in a spicy fresh plum tomato/marinara blend over linguine. Note: The restaurant now has a bar, and is no longer BYOB.
Osteria 545
Where: Paulsboro
Details: This Italian kitchen and bar has a concise menu of starters, salads, and entrees. Osteria 545 also has a popular Happy Hour on weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. During this time, they offer discounts on popular bites like calamari, fried ravioli, and shrimp scampi. In addition to dinner six nights a week — they are closed on Mondays — the restaurant also hosts monthly events. For example, they host a Limoncello workshop where guests learn how to make their own bottle.
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The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey FAQs
Best of NJ curates a statewide list of The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey. We have selections from every region of the state, including Corto in Jersey City and Senza Cucina in Bayville. The list includes both casual family restaurants as well as fine dining Italian cuisine.
Some of the most popular classic Italian dishes include Chicken Parm and Eggplant Rollatini. Of course, many of them — including Dolce Restaurant in Fords — also specialize in pizza with various toppings and sauces.
Best of NJ’s list features both casual restaurants and fine dining options, so the price range varies. For more casual restaurants, families can expect to pay $15-$25 per person. However, patrons can spend between $50-$100 at fine-dining restaurants such as Luca’s Ristorante in Somerset.
Many Italian Restaurants in New Jersey can accommodate both groups and private events. However, for particularly large groups, it may be most comfortable to select a spot that offers family style dining. E & V Ristorante in Paterson offers “The Italian Abbordanza Table,” family style dinner for groups of 10 or more.
Toscana Trattoria in Hackettstown not only offers vegetarian and vegan dishes, but can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Other Italian restaurants with vegan options on our list include Cenzino’s, Axton’s by Chef Anton, and Ferraro’s in Westfield.
Top Photo: © Dolce Pizzeria & Restaurant / Facebook
