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.“

“During our short stay in the area, we chose to dine here as it was one of the few restaurants open on a Monday. We had an excellent meal, with starter and main course which were delicious. The staff were friendly, helpful and very caring towards my elderly mother. Thank you in particular to Adam for his help with organising the taxi for us .“

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

“Great staff and delicious food!“

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

“I love the Italian cookies the rice ball was delicious the sandwich was well constructed and I can’t forget the Italian twisted bread a must. Definitely recommend this place to all 👋👋👋“

“Amazinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn💯❤️“

“Amazing food amazing service“

“We are frequent diners at Piccola Italia. The reasons are: excellent food, excellent service, attentive staff & warm & welcoming atmosphere! Last evening's dinner consisted of a very creative pear & mushroom tart, a delicious beet salad, a perfectly cooked filet mignon served with a Gorgonzola cream sauce which was mind blowing & a black snapper marechiara with loads of clams. Delicious!!! We ended the evening with gelato ... vanilla, expresso bean & pistachio. The end to a delightful evening!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“Great food amazing service and wonderful warm hospitality“

“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!“

“Great food and nice place to be“

“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.“

“Amazing food with wonderful service“

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

“Best personal pies. awesome meatballs 😋 friendly atmosphere“

“We loved our dinner at Pasta Volo! You can’t beat the quality of food and speed in which they prepped it. Super friendly staff took time to explain everything on our first visit- big thumbs up from The Fantastic 4!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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!“

“I love their pizza. Great crust and toppings (sauce and peppers) Their White Pie is good. I got mine with Broccoli. The Broccoli pieces were big which I had no problem but if you prefer smaller maybe ask them to cut them smaller.I also got their Fried calamari, which I did not like too much because it was mix with Fried Octopus, I wish it had all ring Calamari .“

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

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

“Great food and service. Our waiter Tony was great“

“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.“

“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.“

“What a phenonomal restaurant! It's truly a hidden gem. Johhny is an amazing waiter and the food was nothing short of impeccable. If your a true foodie and want a culinary experience, you MUST dine here! You won't be disappointed!“

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

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

“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.“

“We recently have had Pastosa and Uncle Giuseppe’s open in our area and they are excellent but Nino Jr will always be my favorite. The employees are friendly and will go above and beyond to make me what I’m looking for, even if it is not in the case. Just a wonderful local business.“

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

“This is a small restaurant with the most incredibly fresh, homemade Italian food in Monmouth County and it’s BYOB! I have been several times and never disappointed everything has always been so delicious but it is hard to get a reservation sometimes!“

“What a find! This local Pizzeria is a gem. The quaint personalized interior is a combination of the owner's personality as well as a throwback to the 1950's when it first opened. The food is outstanding - Garlic bread - to die for!!! Verde Pie was unique and flavorful; and the naked meatballs taste like home. Our servers were attentive and friendly. Meeting the owner Christopher was the icing on the cake. He is a delightful young man that is bringing his own unique twist to the menu without sacrificing the status quo. I highly recommend and will be back soon..... Bravo“

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

“Beautiful outdoor dining.“

“Yo, yo, check it, we’re here to pasta the test,
A spot so fresh, put it to the rest,
Art Deco vibe, with that Roadhouse feel,
Bringing heat to the plate, that’s the real deal.

Chef’s got skills, classically trained,
Every bite hits, like a jazz refrain,
Menu’s got flavor, you won’t find it down the street,
Unique Italian dishes, bruschetta so sweet.

Pasta’s on fire, sauce in full swing,
Each plate’s a masterpiece, make your taste buds sing,
Small plates, big flavors, it’s a whole vibe,
Authentic Italian, no need to take a ride.

Owners putting heart in the dough, no doubt,
Every detail’s locked, they know what it’s about,
Warm service, cool ambiance, real smooth,
This spot’s got that rhythm, you’ll be in the groove.

Flavors so deep, they’ll have you in a trance,
Like a jazz solo, each bite’s got a chance,
Ravioli, you’ll be happy you came,
This place is fire, no shame in the game.

Hiku:
Flavors so sublime,
Art Deco and heart combined,
Italian dreams shine.“

“Our (gluten-free) family loves L’olivias, but tonight they blew us away with great food and great service with a large group for our daughter’s birthday. Not only did they make us great gluten free apps (you must have the calamari!), and great BIG gluten free pizzas (try the Route 33!), but they were all so kind and accommodating to our large party. I have never been to a restaurant where the staff all work together so well like a big team in the best interest of the diners as they do at L’olivia. It is so nice to be somewhere where you know you can ask anyone who walks past for something and they’re happy to help you and each other. If you are gluten free, know that our family has deemed this place celiac/cross contamination safe and it’s a must eat place not only for those GF, but any one who wants great food from great people 🙂 Thank you L’olivias!“

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

“Great staff and delicious food!“

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

“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 !!!“

“The service was amazing. Our server Tyler was so attentive and personable and the social media manager Tomas also made sure we were well taken care of. We ordered: apps: -Italian egg rolls -Burrata with arugula and balsamic glaze -arancini Mains: -thin crust pizza with goat cheese, baby arugula, fig jam and balsamic reduction -stuffed gnocchi with mushrooms in a cream sauce -7th heaven brunch plate Desserts: -Italian layer cake -mini cannolis -cappuccino -chai latte cappuccino -espresso We will definitely return to try more!“

“We had a marriage celebration luncheon at Blu Grotto this September and it was fantastic. Our guests could not say enough about how delicious the food was, how pretty the venue was, and what a great time they had. Guila made the day really special and it was a pure delight to work with her. The servers were professional and fun and everything was done to perfection. If I had to do it all over again, I would still pick Blu Grotto!! Thank you Guila, Chef James, and the delightful servers and bartenders.“