50 Best Italian Restaurants near Avenel

“Dinner after my daughter’s Confirmation was so good! I have had 3 christenings, 3 communions and now 2/3 Confirmation parties here. We love the food here and I grew up coming here. Their party package CANNOT BE BEAT. Includes choice of entree, potato, vegetables, appetizers bruschetta, cold antipasto, HOT antipasto, pasta course & salad! The best food and the best value for a party anywhere around. Frank and everyone there are so nice and will do everything needed to accommodate you and your guests. Can’t wait until my next party!“

“We love the cozy atmosphere of D'Italia in addition to the delicious food. The service is always excellent!“

“Best Sandwiches, salads, specials, Amazing meatballs, high quality ingredients. Do yourself a favor and try this deli, you will be hooked!!!“

“I LOVE THIS PIZZA PLACE!! I LOVE THE PIZZA THE FOOD AND THE PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE!!! I HAD ASMALL PARTY AT MY HOUSE AND ORDERED 9 PIZZAS! ALL WERE DELIVERED HOT AND MY GUESTS LOVED THEM!! THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE TO ORDER PIZZA! IN THE WOODBRIDGE AREA!“

“I LOVE their grilled chicken w/sautéed broccoli and cheese 😍 Everywhere else I tried was horrible until I had it here . Their food is amazing , the guys that work there are always super nice and polite . If your looking for a delicious dinner after a long day of working reasonably priced , I woul totally recommend giving this place a try . You don’t be disappointed!“

“Can I please give it 6 stars? I recently went there with a group of five family members while visiting New Jersey and we had a truly extraordinary night! As an investor in restaurants I'm very critical when visiting any restaurant and not often impressed even with well known critically acclaimed restaurants. It's very rare when a place has truly incredible food with every appetizer and entree as well as first class VIP vibes for service. You could literally taste the passion and care put into every plate with beautifully prepared flavorful abundant meals. In fact, it was the first time in almost a decade I brought home leftovers as the meal was delicious and easily sufficient for two people. Our entire table raved about their meals and the attentive but not obtrusive service was always there to refill our wine and assist without any of us having to look up for service. The food alone would have made for a great night but what truly made it memorable besides the great waitstaff was the manager, Eli. When was the last time a manager, GM or owner greated you at your table to share a polite, interesting and passionate conversation about the food and why they love sharing this experience with their valued customers? He made our entire table feel like VIPs and made perfect recommendations for wine and dessert. It felt more like we were in someone's home as we were there for close to 3-1/2 hours talking, eating, drinking and laughing. The ambiance is warm and unpretentious and the memories of a great experience will certainly bring us back again.“

“Walked in without a reservation and were quickly seated despite the restaurant being very busy. Staff were super friendly and kind. Food was AMAZING. Like absolutely knocked it out of the park. The bread was warm and soft and delicious, serviced with a sun-dried tomato compound butter. The fried calamari was excellent, the lemon sauce thing amazing and the tomato thing also amazing. The winter salad was delicious. We got the caramelized onion cacio y Pepe, the shrimp bolo, and the truffle gnocchi. All were outstanding. The gnocchi were light as air and the sauce was divine. For dessert, the chocolate tort, carrot cake, and tiramisu were all decadent and perfect. We were truly impressed with how absolutely delicious everything was. Will definitely be back!“

“Giuliano’s Restaurant is a place where the food is absolutely fantastic. I’ve never ordered something that I didn’t love. The staff are all wonderful. From the first time you walk-in the doors they make you feel like you’re part of their family. I highly highly recommend this restaurant.“

“Excellent food, excellent service and excellent atmosphere. I promise if you try this place, you will be extremely satisfied and for sure you will go back again! This restaurant serves the best Italian food in Staten Island.“

“Great place to have delicious food at good prices . The waitstaff was sooo friendly“

“I love food. I love to eat it. I love to cook it. But food to me has always been more than just something to eat. I like to study process. Fun to me is to be able to be in a restaurant kitchen and talk to the chef while he’s making a dish. I want to be able to see what he’s doing and ask about it. Why are you taking the dish off the fire so quickly? Why are you using canned peeled tomatoes rather than fresh? I want to know everything. To me, process can be just as exciting as being presented with the beautiful and delicious final product. This evening, I stopped at an unusual pasta restaurant - All' Assassina. https://www.allassassina.com/ They call themselves the killer pasta project. It’s different. It has an open kitchen. The small dining room is colorful – eye catching. You go up to the front and order your pasta. You decide what will be added in – mushrooms, capers, tomatoes, chicken, olives and more. And then the chef makes it right in front of you. The owner told me that not everybody watches. They’re missing out. This restaurant is offering dinner and a show. And the cooking here is a performance. You get to see what goes into your food and how it is made. It gives you an additional appreciation for what you are about to savor. All the senses go on alert. You could see it. You could hear it in the pan and you could smell it. If you are anywhere near Union, New Jersey, check out All' Assassina. But do not just order and walk away. Look. Listen. And learn. Not everybody likes to cook. But everyone should like to learn. The more you know about what’s in your food and how it is prepared, the more you’ll appreciate good food. The tastes, the textures. Wow. There was an avalanche of different flavors hitting my mouth all at once. It’s worth a trip. Go for the meal. Stay for the show.“

“food was amazing staff and our waiter was the best great atmosphere definitely will be back that veal chop melted in my mouth 😋“

“very attentive service without being intrusive. Our meals were absolutely delicious, so fresh and hot. Dessert was heavenly. Thank you for making our wedding anniversary perfect“

“We had tomato herb soup, crab cakes, caesar salad, pounded veal parm, pappardelle bolognese, carrot cake & coffee ice cream for dessert and it was all excellent!!!!! The staff service was without flaw!!!!!! Thank you for a wonderful dinner experience! Sincerely, Craig & Karen“

“First time visiting tonight! The dining experience was great and the food is delicious! The service was very friendly! I'd definitely go again and recommend to anyone in search of a good Italian restaurant! :)“

“"We planned a girls' dinner at ‘OSfizio and to say it exceeded our expectations is an understatement. The atmosphere and staff were welcoming and inviting, and the food was fresh and absolutely delicious. Gennaro was beyond attentive to our needs, recommending spectacular dishes and ensuring our plates and cocktails were full. We didn't feel rushed out at any point. We felt welcomed life family. If you're looking for great food, a warm atmosphere, and a fabulous staff, OSfizio is the place to visit. You won't be disappointed~ We can’t wait to go back!“

“I have always loved Bella Mamas,, and now it's has gotten even better, with the grilled pizzas , the new menu, the portion are huge and you are definitely taking left overs. very inviting atmosphere.“

“I have used catering from Mazzella's several times now and never disappoints! Food is always fresh and abundant. Guests always ask where I got the food. 👍👍“

“What a great Christmas Party… The room was decorated beautifully with Christmas Cheer… The food was amazing…truly the best meatballs in the state ♥️ the staff was courteous friendly & attentive…Enjoyed the evening with friends…Thank you to Gilda & family for never disappointing ‼️“

“Had a great dinner! Always great service too!“

“Il Forno was a very pleasant surprise. The lunch specials exceeded my expectations. The food and the service was very good. I would recommend this restaurant to my friends.“

“We are Never disappointed eating at La Campagnola~ the Food is Amazing ~ the Service is always impeccable ~ love the Ambiance ! We Wish you were in Monmouth County ~ but the distance won’t stop us from returning again ~ We’ll be back Brian 🍝🍷👍☺️“

“I was there when I was using a rollator.. super easy to get around inside for being disabled! The food was delicious!“

“We had a beautiful ladies luncheon at the restaurant and the food, service & ambiance was above & beyond.... Truly a gem !!!!!!! Thank you“

“Excellent sandwiches. I especially like their chicken cutlet ones. We pick up from here a couple times a month and have never been disappointed.“

“Wow what an AMAZING place. Service and Food were both outstanding. We definitely will return again. Thank you Giacamo for everything.“

“The food was delicious!!!“

“I hosted my friend’s 50th birthday here last week and it was great! Mike the owner was super accommodating and made sure everything was set up when we arrived. The staff was amazing and even with the multiple checks we had with people sitting all over the place, they still got everything right!!!! The food is great with huge portions and everyone went home with leftovers. This place is a gem and we will definitely be back with more friends and family!“

“Great service, food, and location.“

“The hot dog & hot sausage combo with the works is the best!“

“Lasagna was amazing. Calamari was such a great appetizer.“

“Everything is the best!!! ♥️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♥️“

“This place is second to none. They opened special for us on a Monday, the day they are closed ,to have our father’s repass. The food is AMAZING! All the dishes , with large portions were priced reasonably! The wait staff, bar staff & management were professional & accommodating. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting and would recommend Mulberry Street to anyone looking to go for dinner or to have an event . You won’t regret it!“

“Best Pizza in Union & Middlesex County HANDS DOWN! The Hot sandwiches, calzones, Stromboli’s all great! The dining area has that cozy home “cucina” feel. The serving staff are friendly and prompt. Whether it’s take out or dine in. Max’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is the only place that gets my money! Quality, Value & great food ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Wow. Today we celebrated my grandson’s Christening at Enzzo’s. Perri and Dominique were amazing hosts for our party of 24. Service and attentiveness were amazing. It only gets better…. The appetizers and main dishes really steal the show. The Bruschetta, Antipasto and Garlic shrimp were exquisite. Then the Eggplant Rolatini, Penne ala Vodka and Chicken Perri were devine. GO YOU WON’T REGRET!!“

“Love this place. Food and staff are friendly. Outside seating. Definitely recommend!“

“My Step Dad Recently had went for his birthday dinner, with my mom and my step family and wanted to share they recommend this place(they don’t have social media). They had a big party of like 20 people. Food was delicious, servers and service were amazing. Everyone got their food at the same time. They were extremely happy with the restaurant.“

“We had a wonderful family dinner at Lava. The food was excellent and the service was outstanding!! We can’t wait to return!“

“Excellent service , cozy atmosphere. Place is second to none !“

“Food is awesome, along with service .“

“Amazing Food and service !!“

“This spot is a hidden gem. I’ve been living in the area for about 15 years now and just randomly tried this place one day, and let me just say it not only exceeded my expectations but blew them out of the park. The food is absolutely delicious and the service is nothing short of simply the best. I would highkey recommend trying their freshly house made pizzas, they’re finger licking good as well as their pastas which are chefs kisses. I’m genuinely amazed at how not many people know about this restaurant. The owner is the sweetest woman I’ve ever met, we talked for 15 minutes just about her business it was 2 minutes before they closed and she offered me all of the left over pizza they hadn’t sold that day FOR FREE. I’ve found my new favorite go to Italian spot.“

“I just had my son’s 21’st surprise party over the weekend , and it was amazing! They allowed me to go in the morning and decorate, they help me to do in fact, the food was delicious as always and the service was perfect , we even had live music as a surprise as well and my son and guest where all happy ! Definitely coming back !“

“This restaurant serves excellent choices of food. Everything we ordered - from fish to steak to vegetarian dishes was cooked and prepared to perfection. The servings are generous that we were able to share with family members what we have. We all agreed to order a different dish since this is only the second time some of us have eaten here. \n\nThey also have live entergainment with the Trivia night - we went on a Thursday and our table won 2nd place and got a $40.00 coupon for our next dinner date!!\n\nWe will surely be back when visiting family here in Union, New Jersey!“

“Excellent atmosphere, service and food. Best veal parm I've ever had!!“

“Loved this place so much ❤️ The environment, costumer service and food is wonderful !!!“

“Aunt Butchies has outstanding food and an amazing atmosphere. They never disappoint. The service is always impeccable. Always my place to go for a surperb meal and cocktail.“

“good.service.and.good.food...happy.place“

“I love family style dinner and enjoying an evening with my other half“

“Five star delicious takeout veal Parmesan and eggplant Parmesan. Very generous portions. Highly recommended!“