50 Best Italian Restaurants near Colts Neck

“Amazing food, great portions and quality for price, friendly and personal able staff, quick service, clean and warm atmosphere. Highly recommend. Definitely make reservations“

“My mother and law happen to come across this family owned establishment when we came into town for a doctors appointment. The food was AMAZING. We literally ate every piece of the delectable meal that was cooked for us. Our waitress was a family member who was the kindest person. If we are ever in town again we will definitely be stopping in!“

“We had a catered affair from Prima Pizza at our VFW Post. Food was delicious. The fettuccine carbonara was so tasty. Eggplant rollatini was cooked to perfection. Definitely 5 Stars.“

“BRAVO 👏🏼 I had the balsamic chicken slice & the hot-honey Sicilian! 🔥
Both we're delicious! Fortunately, I had the hot-honey second because it is true to the name, and the flavor stood with me for about 30 minutes afterward.
The bread/crust is absolutely perfect here. It indicates they know what they're doing, and it separates them from other pizza restaurants.“

“Owner should learn how to treat customers We were a party of four and we arrived on time for a 7:45 reservation. When we arrived there were many people waiting to be seated. We were told that the wait would only be 10 - 15 minutes. Fifteen minutes later we were told that the wait would be an additional 10 - 15 minutes. A half hour later my wife was told that the wait would only be another 10 - 15 minutes. After 45 minutes I requested to speak with the owner and I was told that I was speaking with the owner (at that point there was only one other group waiting to be seated). They informed me that a group of six with an 8:00 reservation was just seated. I said that it was not fair to make us wait 45 minutes since we did have a reservation and the people with a later reservation were just seated. I said that I may have something to say about it after the meal. The reply was "if you have something to say, say it now"! I replied that I would reserve my thoughts until after the meal. How insulting, imagine waiting over 45 minutes and then being told if I had anything to say I shouldn't wait till after my dinner, that I should say it now. I replied that I would wait till after the meal before I had any additional comments. With that we were refused service and we were told to leave. I am a 75 year old retired veteran and in my life I was never treated in this manner. When we grew up we had more respect for others. This is not how customers should be treated.“

“We highly recommend Patricia's of Holmdel. We have frequented this establishment with our immediate family of 12 for birthdays, celebrations, and more! The environment is warm and inviting through its modern decor, enjoyable music, lighting, and seating. Tables are covered with white clothes and seating is comfortable whether inside or out. The location is well maintained and clean. The pricing is average for fine dining. The entire staff is exceptional. We enjoy all pleasantries with the staff members. It is evident that care is placed in choosing the staff. Each is professional, personable, and thorough. They make us feel like VIP every time we go, especially when John N. is our server. John N. is extremely knowledgeable of the inner workings of this establishment. We have severe food allergies and dietary restrictions. John N. illustrates such compassion towards us. He is diligent in keeping us safe, and keeps open communication with the chef when we are present. He is so kind and fun, too, in such a way that he feels like a family member. While eating at Patricia's it feels as if we are transported to a family dinner in Italy. Between the welcoming ambience, pleasant staff, and delicious food, we (without hesitation) highly recommend Patricia's of Holmdel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“The BEST! Always a wonderful experience. Great food, great service and an amazing atmosphere. A feeling of being in Italy.🇮🇹 Our favorite place to eat. And the owners Mike & Ro are always so pleasant and accommodating.“

“Our favorite date night spot!! From the moment you enter- elegant atmosphere, warm faces and nice music set the tone for a wonderful night. Anthony the owner makes you feel like you’re the only diners there- making sure you’re enjoying yourself, getting your food in a timely manner and making it special. He is such a kind generous man. The servers Faith, Carson, and JoJo are absolutely incredible- they are knowledgeable about the food, friendly, and their work ethic is incredible for such young people. They truly made our night special! The food is the star- best rice balls we’ve ever had!! We have been dreaming of them ever since! The homemade burrata, meatballs and eggplant were also just amazing. We had the homemade gnocchi and chicken scarpiello- again the best we’ve ever had We are locals and try to get here as often as we can for date night- and we are always so amazed how it continues to be just 5 star every time. It’s a special, special place and we are lucky to have such a gem in our small town. Thank you Anthony & Heather!“

“Absolutely love this place! Our waiter was amazing and very knowledgeable on everything on the menu. Yes EVERYTHING!! I personally don’t like beets but everyone I was with said they were to die for. Meatballs were amazing. The tomato sauce was so yummy. Mushrooms I would label as vegetarian steak. Beautifully charred. The sausage and peppers pasta dish is my favorite thing on the menu. I love everything about it. Pasta is always perfectly cooked. I can’t say enough good things about this place!“

“Regularly a Brooklyn customer and tonight stopped in the NJ location. I really enjoyed the food as usual. Julia was a great server and would definitely go back when in the area. Rob“

“We had such a great dinner with friends. The food was outstanding and so was the service. We have never been disappointed when eating at this restaurant. I highly recommend for any occasion or no occasion.“

“Fun atmosphere, delicious food. Our waitress Staci was great! We will be back.“

“The perfect evening ! Food, service and atmosphere were all spot on! Chef Dimas Montalvo III your a true talent !“

“My granddaughter had her graduation dinner here. It was absolutely fabulous. Lovely atmosphere, fantastic service & the food was amazing. Can’t say enough how great this restaurant is. I would highly recommend this restaurant to family & friends.“

“Went with 5 couples…party of 10! All the appetizers, meals and drinks were great. Very good service…would definitely go back!“

“A fantastic family run Italian Restaurant with a nice atmosphere and consistently delicious food. Pizza is a classic, but when it comes to sandwiches I recommend the Montague (a breaded chicken and roasted pepper sandwich) and the meatball sub. All of the staff and the cooks are amicable and welcoming.

I recommend signing up for their benefits so that you can get discounts and coupons.

The restaurant has a decently sized menu and someone could likely find anything they want to eat.“

“This restaurant has amazing food and the waiters are very kind“

“Great food amazing service and wonderful warm hospitality“

“The food was amazing,the staff is friendly attentive and very professional“

“Never had a meal I didn’t love“

“Amazing food, amazing service. A bit pricy for the area and food but worth the go!“

“I am so glad my Dad found this place!! The owners are incredibly sweet, patient and friendly. The food is made fresh, and it's affordable. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!! Oh and the chicken parm to die for! Dessert even better!! Trying to add photos but not letting me. Place very clean!!“

“Held my daughter’s Bridal Shower here today and I can’t say enough wonderful things about it. The service and food was exceptional. Everyone was so helpful and accommodating. We were so pleased and I would highly recommend hosting your event here.“

“We have been getting food from here for years and it never disappoints. From the friendly delivery (our dog invites Bob in every time for pets) to the amazing pizza—you can’t beat it! Last weekend our son graduated college and we used Slices of Hope to cater our family party. Three of us, myself included, have to be gluten free which always makes getting catered food a challenge. I’ve always loved the gluten free penne with vodka here, so I went in and met with Eddie figuring I’d just get the three us the pasta and everyone else could enjoy the rest. I was so surprised when Eddie told us that he could make us everything I ordered for the rest of the party gluten free and would even keep it separate to avoid cross contamination! My mom (who has celiac) hadn’t had eggplant rollatini in 10 years and said it was the best ever! We had food for the entire weekend and I can’t thank you enough ❤️ Katy Kokolus“

“Always accommodating! Very close to work and convenient.“

“We were in town due to a medical procedure and after a long day, we needed to find a place to have dinner. We stumbled upon this gem and were so glad that we did! The food was spot on and the service was great! We will definitely come back when we have to travel here again.“

“La Cucina is absolutely delicious. Always fresh and VERY consistent. I have never ordered something that wasn’t superb! They have the best halibut over risotto I have ever had. If you have never dine here before then you are certainly missing out. Cucina is our go to! Best food in town by a long shot 🙌🏼“

“Yesterday we had a Luau/Pool party at our new Toll RegencyFreehold Community .. we explained to Frank we had a very bad experience with a previous caterer and he promised us we would be pleased and not to worry. Well, we weren’t just pleased, we were excited and we all felt DAngelos far exceeded our expectations. The compliments kept flowing during the party… the service, setup and food was AMAZING!! Thank you Frank for an awesome job! We can’t wait to call you for our next event!!“

“Great food and nice place to be“

“Absolutely outstanding!! Great atmosphere, great service, and fantastic food from appetizers to entrees to desserts! Have been to the original in Brooklyn many times over the years but this was our first time at Gargiulo’s in Tinton Falls and it did not disappoint. Spoke to Theresa at the end of the night and she was very welcoming and sweet. We will DEFINITELY be back! Not one negative thing to say about the entire experience.“

“Locale doesn’t just serve Italian food — it seduces you with it. The meal opens with a Margherita pizza that nails the holy trinity: blistered, leopard-spotted crust with a satisfying chew, bright San Marzano tomato sauce, pools of molten mozzarella, and basil that perfumes every bite. It’s simple, soulful, and executed with confidence — the kind of pizza that reminds you why restraint is the ultimate flex. Then come the pastas, each one richer than the last. A creamy spaghetti glistens under cracked black pepper and fine breadcrumbs, indulgent without tipping into excess — silk on the tongue, deeply comforting. The baked rigatoni arrives bubbling and bronzed, blanketed in béchamel and cheese, fork-tender and unapologetically decadent, finished with a rosemary sprig that whispers old-world charm. The seafood salad brings balance: crisp celery, briny sweetness, delicate citrus notes, and freshness that cuts through the richness like a perfectly timed palate cleanse. And just when you think you’re done, a golden, cheese-crusted entrée lands center stage — crackling on top, impossibly tender beneath, finished with olive oil and snow-like Parmesan. Rustic. Elegant. Completely crave-worthy. Ambiance? Warm, intimate, and effortlessly stylish. Wood tables, low lighting, the hum of conversation — the kind of place where time slows, wine flows, and every table looks like it’s celebrating something. Final verdict: Locale is the kind of restaurant you plan your week around — not flashy, just flawless. Come hungry, linger long, and trust the kitchen. This is Italian food done with heart, heritage, and serious skill.“

“Wonderful evening, food was amazing,service was excellent“

“Delicious food, wonderful staff and great music.“

“Had a Family Birthday Celebration Awesome definitely go back!!“

“The food and service was second to none. The staff very attentive not over bering. A comfy cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is BYOB this is a plus. The portions are perfect size. I can't find enough good to post.“

“Food is excellent, amazing selection of specials and all that we had was so delicious! Pizza is by far the best pizza around! It’s cooked perfectly and flavors are just amazing! Staff were all terrific and make you feel like part of their family. Definitely returning and brining family and friends and letting everyone know about it!“

“Been a customer for twenty years. Solid BYOB Italian restaurant with a veteran staff. Owner and general manager are always present. Ownership changed 9 years ago. Very good fresh pastas. I’m totally a fan of their main marinara sauce. Sometimes I’ve asked for it on the side. My wife and I have liked the seafood pasta panadora. I tend to order a lot of salads and I’ve tried most of them. My favorite is their chopped salad ($18). Sometimes I get it with the chicken option. I really like their own salad dressing. It’s a little different. The Greek salad is really good too. The braised slow cook short ribs are very popular; a long time specialty item. Their lunch menu is very reasonable. Surprisingly good burgers and sandwiches. I’m particularly a fan of their tuna sandwich, with several variations. I have found the service to always be excellent. I noticed their bread has been outstanding. Owner said they invested in a new ovens from Italy✅ Their homemade carrot cake is excellent, and I’m fussy when it comes to carrot cake, my favorite😀 Great location in downtown Red Bank on Wallace Street, which is not busy. There is municipal parking nearby. Keep in mind you generally have to pay in Red Bank unless you’re willing to walk a bit. Also, a special mention goes out to special events. They’re particularly good at parties. They scale well to what the needs of the event. It can be simple to full sit-down dinner or buffet.“

“Great food and friendly service. Local family atmosphere. Highly recommended 👌“

“STUMBLED UPON A THIS GREAT FIND. BEEN THERE MANY TIMES SINCE. EVERYTHING IS FRESH, TASTY AND VERY REASONABLY PRICED. IF YOU'RE IN THE AREA DON'T MISS OUT AND STOP BY. ONCE YOU TRY THE FOOD YOU'LL ALWAYS GO BACK. NEVER WRITE A REVIEW BUT THIS PLACE IS SO WORTHY OF ACCOLADES, I JUST HAD TOO.“

“I hosted a family event at Via Sposito. Everyone was very pleased with our server, Jessica and the dining experience. The food was amazing and plentiful. We have dined there a few times prior to this and were always pleased with food. At our event everything was family style and there was a variety of food. The pizza and zeppoles were also great. They worked within our budget and offered a lot of choices.“

“Highly recommended! This place is great!“

“Have been many times, but this was possibly our best experience to date! Josh is fantastic and always describes the menu and specials expertly. Parada appetizer was exceptional as was their tuna Crudo. The Roma pasta course is always cooked perfectly. The pork special for two won the night, however… Amazing flavor! Can’t wait to come back.“

“Great sandwich shop and good service. This team generally gets busy between 12:30 - 2 pm so if you’re in a rush, order earlier or wait later in the afternoon. I’ve never had any issues with my order or picking it up, and my sandwiches have always been made correctly. They use fresh produce and meats and you can tell. I recommend coming here.“

“We’ve been going to Illiano’s nearly 36 years. It’s been great since day 1. We usually do takeout and find the pizza, subs and garlic knots to be the best in Monmouth County. When we moved out of town about 3 years ago we tried to find something that was comparable and closer, but that didn’t work out so make the trip back just about every Friday night. We highly recommend them!“

“Award-winning food with a side of award-winning service. Cheers to you Jimmy and thank you as always!!“

“What a wonderful experience I had unexpectedly today stopping in here while shopping with my daughter. I
Didn’t expect to buy anything but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and the reasonable prices. I’m very discriminating when ordering at “Italian Specialty Shops “ because of working in the 5 boroughs of the City. This place is a family on gem with personable owners and workers ! I’ll will be back! Go here!!!“

“We went here yesterday before a show at the theater... Food was outstanding great service and great ambience“

“Last weekend we had my baby shower here & the staff, service & food was just exceptional. I will always recommend this place to anyone looking to have dinner OR a party. The staff was on top of everything. I did not have to worry about a thing they took care of everything. It was just a beautiful shower. Thank you aunt butchies we will be back for our next event!“

“Went there with a party of 10. Was very good. Went back the following week with my wife. Food is delicious. Interior very well decorated. Highly recommended.“

“Always great food and staff. I love the menu and can’t wait to go back again.“