The 2025 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. But with so many options for Italian food in NJ, it’s tough to find the best ones. That’s why Best of New Jersey happily curates an annual list of The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey.
From scratch-made pasta and family recipes to seasonal wine pairings, these restaurants turn an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. Our list includes white tablecloth fine dining and casual family-style restaurants alike, so there’s something for everyone. But what separates these restaurants from the pack? In most cases, New Jersey’s best Italian restaurants balance reverence for tradition with confident innovation. So guests can enjoy something familiar, or indulge in a brand new experience that tastes like a vacation to Italy.
Quick Click Guide: Select a Region below to find The Best Italian Restaurants nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Featured from Bergen County:
Fiorentini
Where: 98 Park Ave, Rutherford
Details: Fiorentini goes above and beyond to make each experience memorable. They do this in a number of ways, the first of which is by introducing a new menu each season. They source locally whenever possible, import certain essential ingredients from Italy, and invest in top-quality farm to table produce. The menu always includes a mix of shareable plates, handmade pasta, fish, chicken, steak, and homemade desserts. Previous dishes include lamb-truffle croquettes, spinach gnocchi, NJ Farm chicken breast, and Portobello mushrooms. Their Chef’s Table experience offers a unique chance to get to know Chef Antonio, owner and head chef of Fiorentini. This 7-course blind tasting takes up to four guests on an exquisite culinary journey across the Italian countryside. The Chef’s Table at Fiorentini is perfect for intimate special occasions with a small party or an unforgettable date night. Saving room for dessert is a must at this spot, as they offer housemade gelati and sorbet. We also recommend the seasonal Lavender Creme Brulee.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-721-3404 |
Casa Bellisima
Where: Sparta
Details: The cuisine at Casa Bellissima is effortlessly stylish to match the casual polo and jeans atmosphere. The menu takes classic Italian favorites and gives them a modern twist. Executive Chef Michael Penaranda diligently curates signature dishes that leave guests thinking about their meal long after they leave. Menu favorites include the lobster ravioli, blackened salmon, chicken rollatini (stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella), and veal marsala. Sitting at the bar? Try the Parmesan truffle fries and seasonal burger.
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 cusine. 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. Stop in regularly to see what’s new.
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
Where: East Hanover
Details: Luigi’s is a popular spot for homecooked Italian dishes, offering lunch and dinner for either indoor or outdoor seating. Owner Luigi Viola hails from the Puglia region of Italy, and his menu reflects the old-world specialties he grew up eating. Rather than try to infuse modern flavors into the menu, Luigi’s proudly relies on generations-old recipes. That’s because, as Luigi puts it, there are some things that require no improvement at all. Menu highlights include the Homemade Cannelloni, Pollo Nonna, and Zuppe Di Pesce.
Luigino’s Parmigiana
Where: Montclair
Details: As the name implies, Luigino’s Parmigiana is a go-to spot for unforgettable Italian parm dishes. This of course includes their signature chicken parm dish. At Luigino’s they thinly pound chicken breast before breading it and adding fresh mozzarella and basil with marinara on top. Luigino’s also offers a number of pasta dishes, from soft polenta and Tagliatelle to stuffed gnocchi and Carbonara. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dessert (we suggest saving room for either the Bombolini or Tiramisu).
Mama’s Cafe Baci
Where: Hackettstown
Details: Mama’s is a two-for-one, combining the restaurant Mama’s with their cozy Cafe Baci. The restaurant is popular for their Pizza, calzones, and strombolis as well as their authentic pasta dishes. Popular classic pastas include cheese tortellini alfredo, baked ziti, and lasagna. In addition, they serve specialty pastas like Pear & Gorgonzola, Champagne Palma, and Vesuvio. The latter combines penne with mushrooms, peas, and bacon in a creamy rosa sauce. Besides dine-in options, they sell DIY pizza kits and have a wine and beer takeout menu.
Rosie’s Trattoria
Where: Randolph
Details: Patrons head to Rosie’s Trattoria for homemade pasta, steakhouse-quality meats, and fresh seafood. Menu highlights include Veal Chop Parm, Whole Bronzini, Homemade Rigatoni Bolognese (with or without ricotta) and Chef Giuseppe’s Muscle pots. Both Chef Giuseppe and Rosaria (Rosie) Inchiappa were born in Italy and came to America at a young age. As a result, many of their signature dishes are inspired by Rosie’s childhood in Naples. The restaurant even uses her family recipes for Tiramisu and pasta Fagioli.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
Where: Clifton
Details: Locals come to Spuntino for prix fixe lunch, weekend brunch, and perfect wine pairings. They serve a two-course lunch every weekday from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm that includes a starter and entree. (We recommend the Grilled Shrimp Scampi Bruschetta starter with the Margherita Pizza or Spaghetti Carbonara entree.) Their signature wine experiences are the perfect way to enjoy new and exciting pours. Previous events include an Orin Swift Wine Dinner, weekly special pours from select Magnum bottles, and blind tastings at the bar.
Il Villagio
Where: Carlstadt
Details: Il Villagio has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for 45 years now. The cozy dining area feels perfect for date night or to celebrate a special occasion. The dinner menu features popular starters like Oysters Rockefeller, Alaskan king crab legs, stuffed mushrooms, and Filet Mignon Carpaccio. However, it’s their standout pasta dishes that really shine, from the Gnocchi Gorgonzola with toasted walnuts to the Linguine Malafemmina. The linguine pairs shrimp and lobster tail in a white clam sauce with garlic & parsley.
Central Jersey
Featured From 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. Beyond dinner dates, the intimate, rustic yet modern design makes the restaurant perfect for any occasion. Chef Andrea pays homage to his Ischitani roots with signature dishes like the “Luca”. This linguine dish combines shrimp, colossal crabmeat, scallops, roasted tomatoes, capers, and asparagus in a creamy white wine sauce. Another favorite is the “Coniglio,” broccoli rabe orecchiette rigate in slow-cooked red wine ragu made with braised wild rabbit. He also serves classic dishes like Branzino, Marsala Arrosto, 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.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Order Online / Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Call 732-297-7676 |
Featured from Middlesex County:
Dolce Pizzeria & Restaurant
Where: 432 New Brunswick Ave, Fords
Details: Exciting things are happening at Dolce later this year, so stay tuned for future updates! Dolce lives up to both the pizzeria and restaurant parts of its name. Italian dinner menu highlights include the eggplant rollatini, gnocchi vodka, calamari, veal Francese, shrimp scampi, and popular Chicken Parmigiana. Their affordable Family Special feeds 4-5 and comes with choice of chicken, pasta, salad, and garlic bread. In addition, Dolce caters special ocassions — they’ll help plan the entire menu — and also offers dine-in hosting packages. 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. Just be sure to save room for dessert, because both the cannolis and Nutella zeppole are simply must-trys.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Buy Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-738-0666 |
Cattani Catering & Kitchen
Where: Ewing
Details: This “modern take on Grandma’s kitchen” boasts a bevy of ways to enjoy their cooking. Besides lunch and dinner, they also have a selection of pre-made and grab-and-go options. This includes soups, salads, fresh pastas, sandwiches, and desserts. As for the kitchen side, popular items include their Arancini of the Day and selection of Mac and Cheeses. The latter comes in options like Truffle Mac, Crabby Mac, and Chicken Diablo Mac. But don’t sleep on their sandwiches or paninis, including Parmina’s Meatball Sandwich and the Pulled Pork Grinder.
Jessica’s Restaurant
Where: Fanwood
Details: This Italian/French fusion restaurant serves a seasonal lunch and dinner menu, along with frequently changing specials. Popular menu items include the crab meat crepe with lobster sauce and milk-fed pork chop. As for lunch, the menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches like soft shell crab, and entrees like wagyu skirt steak. Every meal at Jessica’s Restaurant is made to order, and they only use top-quality protein, giving a homemade taste. In addition, all of their desserts are homemade, including the popular Apricot Bread Pudding and Caramelized Banana Split. The restaurant can also host events, from corporate business meetings to family gatherings and special occasions.
Mangia Toscano
Where: Metuchen
Details: Fans of fine Italian dining and wine pairings will want to visit Mangia Toscano. The restaurant curates an award-winning selection of imported wines. Of course, they pair these wines with entrees like their 18oz Florentine grilled NY Strip Steak or rack of lamb. We also recommend their homemade four cheese gnocchi. Even the dessert menu offers authentic options like Tiramisu, Ferrero Rocher (hazelnut sponge cake), Panna Cotta, and “Torta Della Nonna”. The latter is a traditional Tuscan pie with custard cream and pine nuts.
Mario’s Tutto Bene
Where: Union
Details: The menu at Mario’s Tutto Bene fuses old-world Italian cuisine with modern culinary creations. Which means whether guests are looking for familiar cooking or hoping to try something new, they’ll find both options here. For instance, Mario’s serves traditional shrimp scampi and Tuscan salmon as well as unique dishes including Vinegar Pork Chops and Cacio E Pepe Chicken. The latter is boneless chicken breast crusted with cracked black pepper, Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano topped with peppercorn cream sauce.
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. There’s no bad choice on the menu for dinner or dessert, but we recommend trying the Baked Manicotti.
Vincenzo’s Ristorante
Where: Middlesex
Details: Vincenzo’s promises fine Italian dining for lunch or dinner, and is a great option for warm weather patio dining. The restaurant walks a fine line between high-quality cuisine and reasonable prices, all while cultivating a relaxing, family atmosphere. Highlights from the starters menu include Clams fra Diavolo, Mushrooms Giovanna (with crushed hot peppers), and artichokes Francese. Meanwhile, main dish must-haves range from homemade Gnocchi Portobello and Shrimp & Scallops Aurora to the Chicken Mona Lisa.
Jersey Shore
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.
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.
Patricia’s of Holmdel
Where: Holmdel
Details: This BYOB spot is celebrating its 10-year anniversary for 2025. Their spacious dining room offers ample space for the whole family, with a menu that follows suit. Patricia’s serves classic Italian dishes for lunch and dinner, including favorites such as chicken milanese and Filet Mignon medallions. They also have unique pasta dishes like their popular Money Bags. This money bag-shaped pasta is filled with mushrooms and pancetta and served in a pink cream sauce. Stop by on Sundays and experience Nonna’s Sunday Sauce.
Sapore Italiano
Where: West Cape May
Details: Attentive service, locally-sourced ingredients, 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. For dessert, we recommend the Tiramisu Ladyfinger.
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
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.
South Jersey
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 as well as cocktails ranging from the Frisky Lady (moscato with berries and limoncello) to the S’mores Espresso dessert martini. It’s not easy, but so worth it to save room for homemade desserts like Caramel Banana Bread Pudding.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Facebook | Call 856-768-4177 |
La Campagnola
Where: Shamong
Details: Not to be confused with the La Campagnola in Central Jersey, this Shamong restaurant offers Fine Italian dining. The menu features favorites like calamari fritti, stuffed shells, linguine in white clam sauce, and pepper crusted yellow fin tuna. But they are most famous for their signature pasta dishes. For instance, we recommend the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo, which cooks sauteed chicken and broccoli with house made Alfredo sauce. Ask about their soup of the day, because they always make their own soup from scratch in-house daily.
DiPaolo’s Restaurant
Where: Penns Grove
Details: DiPaolo’s hangs its hat on trusted, four-generations-old family recipes. Their authentic Italian cuisine is touted by locals and critics alike as being among the best in the state. (And that’s not just based on Italian restaurants, but all restaurants in New Jersey.) Their daily multi-course lunch and dinner specials are popular for offering fine dining cuisine at reasonable prices. For special occasions, we recommend either the Center Cut Filet Gorgonzola or the Whole Rack of Domestic Lamb. Otherwise, the classic Chicken Parmesan is a go-to favorite.
Ella’s Mama Mia’s Restaurant
Where: Salem
Details: The family recipes at Ella’s Mama Mia’s make every dish on the menu taste homemade. The restaurant is committed to fresh, high-quality ingredients and never uses boxed pasta or bagged sauces. Each dish is made from scratch, making every trip to the restaurant as good as Sunday dinner at Nonna’s. Fan favorites from the menu include the Gnocchi Capri, Veal Scaloppini, and Chicken Ciao Bello. The latter features chicken with lump crab meat, mushrooms, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, and fresh garlic basil white wine sauce.
Filomena Lakeview
Where: Deptford
Details: Filomena Lakeview is named after the owner’s mother, Filomena, who came to the US from Italy. Thankfully, she also brought along generations of homemade recipes with her. It is these exact recipes that fill the menu at Filomena Lakeview today. They include the rich and flavorful Penne Bolognese, Veal Parmigiana with linguini, Eggplant Rollatini, Shrimp Vestito, and Filet Mignon. Regular patrons can take advantage of the Filomena Lakeview VIP Club membership to access secret menus, discounts, and more.
Fratelli’s
Where: 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. Locals love their fair prices, top notch service, plus easy takeout and free delivery options. 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. Their famous thin crust tomato pie is a one of the county’s most precious exports.
Limoncello Ristorante
Where: Sewell
Details: The owners of Limoncello in Sewell are no strangers to Italian cuisine. The restaurant is part of the A Modo Mio Group which includes La Finestra (Sea Isle) and il Posto (Avalon). As a result, the menu offers a mix of unique dishes and favorites plates from other A Modo Mio restaurants. This includes their famous Pappardelle a Modo Mio with short rib, mushrooms, and creamy ragu. Other popular picks include their breaded Veal Parm and signature Chicken Al Limoncello. The latter comes with shrimp, lump crabmeat, and cherry tomatoes.
Toscano Ristorante
Where: Bordentown
Details: Primarily known as a steakhouse, Toscano is a great special occasion spot for fine Italian dining. Everything is elevated on the menu, even the housemade bread. For instance, their Pane Toscano is a stuffed baguette with mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and EVOO. Favorites from the entree menu include Housemade Cavatelli, Lobster Mafaldine, and the Chicken and Shrimp Fra Diavolo combo. Of course, the headliners of the menu are the in house dry-aged steaks and Allen Brothers Signature Steaks.
NJ’s Best Italian Restaurants FAQs
What Defines a Great Italian Restaurant in New Jersey?
A truly standout Italian restaurant in New Jersey balances old-world tradition with inventive modern touches. Take Fiorentini in Rutherford, for example, where each dish is elevated by local farm-to-table ingredients and a seasonal, chef-driven menu. From handmade pastas to indulgent desserts like Lavender Creme Brulee, Fiorentini embodies a celebration of Italian heritage and creativity.
Where Can I Find High-Quality Italian Food that’s Still Family-Friendly?
For those dining with kids or extended family, Dolce Restaurant in Fords is a top choice. Their menu combines upscale Italian entrées with approachable options for little ones. Dishes like chicken parmigiana, eggplant rollatini, and shrimp scampi are paired with a kids’ menu featuring penne or ravioli. The relaxed environment and thoughtful service make it an easy go-to for families.
Which NJ Italian Restaurants Offer Something Unique Beyond the Classics?
If you’re looking for inventive twists on Italian tradition, Graziano’s Ristoranti in Chesilhurst delivers in spades. Their Pasta Flight includes house-made options like asparagus-stuffed gnocchi and prosciutto sacchetti with vodka sauce. Their drinks are just as playful, from the Lavender Mint Lemonade to their S’mores Espresso Martini. The whole dining experience feels fresh, exciting, and distinctly New Jersey.
What’s a Hidden Gem Italian Restaurant with Truly Authentic Roots in NJ?
Luca’s Ristorante in Somerset is a gem tucked inside an unassuming strip mall that surprises diners with extraordinary flavor. Chef Andrea Di Meglio draws from his Ischitani heritage to craft handmade pasta dishes like the 50-layer Cinquanta lasagna. Everything is made from scratch, reflecting his deep-rooted culinary background.
Which NJ Italian Restaurants are Best for Date Night or Special Celebrations?
Casa Bellisima in Sparta is an ideal choice for date nights. Executive Chef Michael Penaranda puts a modern spin on traditional dishes like lobster ravioli, blackened salmon, and veal marsala. The restaurant’s relaxed polo-and-jeans atmosphere makes it a welcoming spot for date nights or casual celebrations. It’s proof that top-tier Italian cooking doesn’t always need white tablecloths.
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Top Photo: Luca’s Ristorante / Website