50 Best Italian Restaurants near Fair Haven

“Amazing food that is always fresh. The team at Tavolo Pronto is top notch!“

“Super delicious Italian cuisine, excellent dessert menu, super ambiance, free parking and to top it all off; you can stroll the boardwalk to enjoy the cool sea breeze of the Atlantic Ocean.“

“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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“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!“

“Amazing food amazing service“

“While we were too early to try anything off the menu, I wanted to thank this business for opening their doors (and bathroom!) to the people at the Pride Parade. The gentleman at the counter was sunny and kind and let everyone in. Most other businesses did not. We already have this place earmarked for our dinner after our next beach day. Thank you for being excellent humans.“

“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 !“

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

“Great food amazing service and wonderful warm hospitality“

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

“This was my first time here. I'm visiting from Pennsylvania. It won't be my last. We ordered dinner to go. We had Chicken La Nonna, and Housemade Rigatoni. Everything was light fresh and delicious. The portions were large enough to have some for lunch tomorrow. Fresh bread was excellent. Now let me tell you about the Creme Brule cheesecake. I can't. It was so good that even I am speechless. I may have to go back tomorrow for another piece. Absolutely delicious. The staff was very friendly and the service was great.“

“Went here with some reservations; wasn't a huge fan of the former restaurant. However, Judy's is great! Amazing matzoh ball soup and a great steak, followed by the chocolate budino. Great Non-Alc drink selection as well. My husband had the fluke piccata and the salad. Cannot wait to go back!“

“Best meal ever, the duck was unbelievable as well as the carbonara. Our server Rob was the absolute best. Porcini has easily become one of my favorite restaurants!“

“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“

“Stopped by the newly opened Gigi’s in Long Branch on my way to the beach. First off, loved that they have a parking lot which didn’t stress me about finding a spot cause I was going to have that adventure when I headed to the beach. I ordered the grandma’s pie and garlic knots! The grandma’s pie had pesto on it and I am a s***** for pesto!! Love the crust style being crispy. Hands down the best garlic knots I ever had! Don’t sleep on this place. It’s 3 blocks from the beach, easy parking and they deliver. I look forward to some pasta dishes on my next visit! Other key likes of mine was the aesthetic, it’s beautiful Inside but decorated to make you feel outside. I was very impressed with the kid friendly atmosphere of the chalkboard wall, beanbag seats and they even have juice boxes on hand for the kiddos. They also accommodate our tweens and teens with a pizza wing mural for their insta! They really thought of everything. The whole staff were so accommodating and genuine. Thank you Tommy and Faye for a great experience.“

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

“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.“

“My favorite! Love their mushroom pizza! Always fresh! They use quality ingredients !“

“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.“

“Amazing food with wonderful service“

“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.“

“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.“

“A great local BYOB restaurant! Service was great and food is excellent! Give it a try!“

“Undici Taverna rustica is literally AMAZING. It expresses the passion and the food&wine knowledge of Vic. it has been unbelievable have a dinner there, 16 hrs of flying to enjoy one of the best pizza I have ever had, even better than a lot of pizza in Italy.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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 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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

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

“In town for a wedding and looked for a local Italian restaurant for our night before. Discovered Jimmy’s and after reading some reviews we were sold. Great local spot with wonderful ambiance and terrific food! Bernadette took care of us and did a wonderful job. Highly recommend!!“

“Old world Delicious Pizza. Home made Dough not processed. Highly recommended. Sooo good !“

“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 favorite local Italian deli is closed Wednesdays, so I went back to my 'old neighborhood' to order subs for a family lunch. So glad I did. Rosa was very helpful and gracious, she made suggestions when I needed to customize my order. My guests asked where the delicious subs came from and suggested we do it again next time. Thank you Ninos and Rosa.“

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

“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!“

“Love everything about your restaurant. The atmosphere, your staff is a delight , the food is absolutely delicious!! Love , Love Love ❤️ See you very soon again !!!“

“Nunzio's Pizza has seemingly been around since the beginning of time. It's one of those iconic spots in Long Branch that everyone has been to. The pizza is good and the service is pretty good too. It's not my favorite pizza in the area but I can't complain. The prices seem to be fine as well.“

“Food was good, service was great (Alex) . They charge you if you use your credit card and in my case my debit card. My biggest complaint is that the oysters were the size of my thumb nail, so skip the oysters.“

“Last night we came in before a show we were seeing! Our waiter Collin was fantastic he was nice and attentive and made sure that we had everything we needed. The pasta with the spicy sauce was amazing. Collin suggested the meatballs and they were honestly the best meatballs I ever had at a restaurant. We will be back for sure!“

“The food and the service was excellent very reasonably priced and a very nice atmosphere“

“I'm originally from New York so I am very judgy when it comes to pizza. This place brings me right back to home, great atmosphere, great people and delicious food. The owner Lewis is an awesome guy. Great place, great food, great people.“

“Great food! Lunch portion had me stuffed! I'll be back again!“

“Really enjoyed the pizza. Highly recommend the food, friendly service & great atmosphere!“

“i was there yesterday with my son and his girlfriend ( 5-10-2025 ) we had a very nice time waitress was great also the food ,is was my mothers day treat ( they came down from pa ) they have never been there i have i live in middletown nj thank you again“

“We went on Saturday for dinner...My wife had Eggplant Rollatini for an appy and Chicken Francese for dinner...I had the Sauteed Clams for an appy and the Seafood Fra Diavolo for dinner....Everything was Excellent....Next we will try the pizza...“

“I've been going to Brother's Pizza for YEARS! Best pizza around!!“