50 Best Italian Restaurants near Forked River

“Cannot rave about Giardino Sul Mare enough! Excellent service all around from the staff members. If you want delicious Italian food in the area, 100% check them out!“

“My wife and I took my sister-in-law and niece out for lunch today to 3 Flags Grill & Restaurant because it is one of their favorite restaurants. We reside in Montclair and always felt that we are surrounded by some very good restaurants. We were in for a pleasant surprise, our meals at 3 flags were EXCELLENT, this will be our favorite dining spot when we visit our south Jersey relatives. Jerry and Arlene Zecker“

“The Chicken Scarpiello and Chicken Giovanni pasta dishes are absolutely amazing! Today was our first visit. We will be back. Our son recommended this place. We see why. Friendly staff and excellent service.“

“I got to say for sorrows is good real good quick delivery times they're honest if they say a certain time they're there but you got to be careful because when it shows up it is real hot real hot and really good food excellent“

“Pies on 9 South catered our wedding this past weekend…. 10/10 recommend! The food was absolutely amazing! Almost a week later, we’re still hearing from guests about how delicious everything was. Brandi was so easy to work with—kind, attentive, and her portion recommendations were spot on. The entire experience was smooth from start to finish. We’ll definitely be ordering from them again for any occasion we cater in the future!“

“The worst pizza ? ever had!!!“

“I took my friend out to dinner for her birthday. We had the most amazing experience at Tardis! The food was absolutely incredible and the service was wonderful! This is most definitely a 5 star restaurant in every way! Highly recommended!“

“food was was amazing ambience is wonderful, beautifully done for the holidays. the chicken scarpiello is top notch. I would def suggest to all my freinds for great dinner date out with freinds and family“

“The best restaurant in the area the guys go every Tuesday nite u won't be disappointed. 5 stars.“

“Love it! The best! Feels like family. We send all our guests here. Walkable from the house!“

“Tonight was my second time doing happy hour at JoeBellas. The Fig and Pear martini is straight up divine. The happy hour menu is fun. I had no problem eating Parmesan Truffle Fries for dinner LOL so so yummy. My husband and I brought his cousins last Saturday for a beautiful sit down dinner and as we were being seated we saw our neighbor's from two houses over! Bought them a round of course. Everyone was very happy with their meal. What a fun local restaurant. You'll wait in the summer time of course, totally worth the wait but now that we locals have it back I'll be frequenting more often. I happen to bring a friend tonight who is now a loyal fan. #lovejoebellas“

“Absolutely amazing! Ordered cavatelli and broccoli rabe, clams, mini rice balls, penne vodka, etc and everything was a 10/10 😍😍♥️“

“We have never been disappointed with a meal at IL Giardinello's. Always excellent food & excellent service.“

“Thank you to Ellen and her associates for making our vow renewal amazing. Food was amazing and wonderful to work with!“

“Generous, kind family owned businesses. Fabulous food. Imbedded within our community, year after year. To which, you will feel part of OUR COMMUNITY…. Most of all their family love..“

“We recently celebrated our son's first birthday with catering services provided by Zanos, and the food was exceptional. However, it was devoured all too quickly. Note to self: increase the order quantity next time. Thank you, Zanos!“

“Great food - both the pizza and dinners. Salads are great too - a lot in them including hard boil eggs, roasted peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, green & black olives, onions, and of course lettuce - delicious! We highly recommend it!“

“Wonderful staff. Great atmosphere and DELICIOUS FOOD!“

“Della Cucina in Toms River is an amazing restaurant. Not only is the food amazing, the bread fresh, and the staff kind - the entire organization is supportive of the community. Della Cucina donated to my nonprofit event, and everyone loved the food. We are so grateful for community supports like Della Cucina. Thank you for your generosity and kindness!“

“We stopped in here after our last evening of training at OCBJJ and the staff was super friendly. The owner made our pizza and was very hospitable. I would rank the pizza we had in my top 5 pizzas of my life. Was huge, and very delicious. If local or visiting you need to do yourself a favor and stop in for the best pizza in Jersey!“

“Our waitress was very friendly and efficient. The food came quickly and was hot and delicious.
The amount of food with each meal was generous. One member of our party ordered soup and salad. They were able to try multiple soups. Great experience all around.“

“excellent service and value.“

“The best decision we have ever made was to have Joe and his staff at Touch of Elegance cater our wedding! Joe was totally hands on from day 1. Our tasting was a phenomenal experience! Joe answered every one of our questions and even gave us information we didn’t even think to ask. When the wedding got closer he was so amazing with working with me to help me chose everything for our wedding. And the food- AMAZING! It was so amazing that we used him for our wedding and rehearsal dinner. I cannot say enough about our experience with Touch of Elegance, Joe, and the rest of his staff. We had the wedding of our dreams because of him and the Brant Beach Yacht Club! Our guests can’t stop talking about the food! And the amount of food we were sent home with?? Insane! Thank you Joe for EVERYTHING!“

“Great food I will definitely be ordering again!“

“Personable staff and delicious food. Definitely recommend this place for a delicious Italian meal.“

“Went there last night for dinner. Had the pickled vegetable, the romaine salad and the clam pizza. This was more than enough for 2 people. Everything was good and it’s nice to have another year round option in Barnegat Light“

“Ordered from here when we were down 2 weeks ago. By far the best pizza in Seaside. Wish they delivered to central PA. Will be the only pizza we get while down the shore.“

“Today was Our first time at Pondrelli’s … honestly from the second we walked in Luigi was so warm and welcoming he even went over every slice and sandwich with my daughter and I. Which was amazing because I didn’t feel forced to choose something quickly like you do at most places. While we waited Luigi and Anthony both hung out and talked to my daughter and I. (We frequent pizzerias often and NO ONE does that.) They are very down to earth and nice people. Lol Even as we walked out my 10 year old was like that was super cool of them. Another plus all of the food we order was amazing!! We will definitely be back and recommending!“

“We had Kate & Ally’s cater a party at our local community center for 100 people. Everything from securing the date, choosing the menu, the food, and the service was top notch! I am so happy we were able to provide such high quality and creative food, but also, to have had the opportunity to just enjoy the party while the Kate and Ally staff handled it all from set up to clean up! Huge thank yous to Dianne, Lindsay, Janet, and Rich for all their hard work to help make my event special!“

“Pies Place is the best! I have been meaning to leave a review after my son’s birthday party. We ordered a ton of food and had to decrease our order by a lot last minute because of this spring weather. Our party was rained out so we didn’t really need anything. Chris was incredibly sweet and stated although they started making some of our order he would donate what we didn’t need. Not only was the pizza delicious, it was such a nice gesture all around. 10/10 recommend 😋👌🏼☺️“

“I just wanted to reach out & thank your staff on duty from Friday 8/18 Especially Rod/Ron the Manager (my apologies I don't remember his name exactly) for outstanding customer service! We were at the restaurant Friday evening. It was the last night of our family Seaside Vacation and our first time dining at The Sawmill. We were seated promptly(young hostess with curly hair and an air cast), drinks & food orders were taken very quickly(female server with dark curly hair and an accent). Our beverages came out in a flash, and our appetizers were moments behind. When my teenage son reached across for some tasty pretzel bites...he knocked his full orange soda into his lap (and shirt) , onto the floor, & even onto me! We sent him to the restroom to try and clean himself up while we motioned for help, we didn't want anyone to slip on the wet floor! Within seconds your staff responded in the best possible way. Your manager was mopping up the floor, our server was bringing a replacement soda, one of the ladies bussing tables hustled over with towels. By the time my son returned from the restroom my husband and I were discussing how to proceed (Run back to the house to change or by new clothes on the boardwalk) when Rod/Ron appeared on bended knee next to my son with Sawmill t-shirts in tow asking his size so he could change his shirt. My son initially refused because; it was "all his fault & he didn't deserve it" but; Rod/Ron persisted and convinced my son that these kinds of things happen to everyone. A point I was just making to my child, when my son heard this he accepted. The way your staff responded in the moment took what could have been an awful end to our vacation into a very bright spot because of how attentive and supportive your staff was. It means more than you will ever know. Please take a moment & thank your staffers on our behalf. Thank you, Monica, Andy, & AJ Mossey“

“Best restaurant ever love the food. Everyone is friendly very popular. I love this place.“

“My 3 year old is autistic and will only eat certain foods which are usually chicken fingers and fries, I recently ordered myself penne in vodka sauce with chicken and to my absolute surprise my son tried a piece of the pasta and ate a whole bowl!! The food is always so flavorful and delicious! Our favorite pizza so far is the Lucy Special! The bread is so light and soft and the meatballs are to die for!! I’ve lived in manahawkin for 3 years and you guys are always our first place to recommend and order from! Their desserts always taste so fresh and those cannolis and cheesecake are to die for!!!! Sincerely, Tackle Ave!“

“Great thin crust pie & amazing cheese calzone. I asked for extra mozzarella in calzone & it was perfect! Sauce very good. Our first time & will now try their famous Grandma Pie. Definitely our new go to! Thanks guys!“

“Kept driving by this place and finally got to try it out last week. As a Chicago native, I can tell you this is what I've been looking for the past 3 years of living here. The crust does not explode in your mouth like a bunch of tiny little splinters, it's softer and doughy. The ingredients and cheese are not skimped out on either, they are fresh ingredients and plentiful at that. The only thing I would change is more sauce, but I can do that myself next order on my own. Leftovers microwaved is a no go but air fried it's just like it came out of the oven all over again. In a Jersey full of Luigi's, pick Marios, you won't be disappointed. I suggest adding the wings into your order as well, best take out wings I've had from a pizza shop, super crispy breading and juicy interior.“

“Everything was delicious. Priced great. Nice atmosphere. Great waitress“

“Awesome food and friendly staff!“

“Pretty sure we’ll never get pizza anywhere. So amazing to see a restaurant take “gluten free” seriously. Their gluten free pizza came on its own baking sheet to avoid cross contamination in the oven. They also didn’t cut it but instead delivered w w a plastic pizza cutter. Best part was the taste 💕. Kid approved. Thank you so much. Ordering again tonight !“

“We had another great vacation eating pizza at our favorite pizzeria on the Boardwalk!“

“Wow! What a nice surprise! Great food and hospitality that's rare today. Authentic delicious made-to-order food and exceptional service. As first-timers, we were treated to a taste of their outstanding penne vodka and a creme-filled zepole. Wowee! We'll be back for sure. BYOB ???“

“I have been going to Marchioni’s for years! Actually the first restaurant I fell in love with from moving from California way back in the day. The chicken Marsala was always my go to favorite and now it’s my sons! My husband loves the homemade stuffed shells and now I’m in love with the salmon piccata and the pizza is always perfect! Yum, now I am thinking about it that’s going to be dinner tonight! The owners are amazing and so is the staff, one thing that stands out is the customer service, I recently came to pick up my order and the driver noticed I forgot my bag with salads and brought it to my house without me prompting it ( didn’t even know it was missing yet- and then it hit me to leave this long way overdue review) He made it to my house before I did! I really love love love Marchionis for the food but also for the amazing people making it all happen! Thankful to have them in our community! Andiamo Mangia!“

“Great food and service and prices! Can’t wait to go back!“

“We love this place! The employees are so appreciative, the food has been consistently deliciously, the prices are great and the delivery is quick. What more can you ask for?“

“This hidden gem never disappoints. it is the only restaurant where everyone consistently likes what they ordered. The Seafood Mediterranean is the best I've ever had anywhere and that's due to their sauce. Son always gets seafood paella, husband seafood broccoli rabe. Good service and they also do take out. This place is a must try.“

“Amazing food! Very authentic and delicious“

“Capones definitely family friendly!! Top tier White Pizza anything on the menu is the best at the shore“

“loyal customer for years but the order takers need to pay more attention to the orders over the phone.“

“I ordered a sandwich and wings yesterday and unfortunately by a pure accident my sandwich had the wrong peppers on it. I called just to let them know and with no hesitation they offered to make me a new sandwich. I wasn’t able to go back yesterday because of the time but they honored it today. I am so grateful and my sandwich is delicious. Friendly staff and great food. Definitely recommend!“

“Great experience overall. Friendly, helpful service. Placed the order over the phone, and it was ready earlier than expected. Price was good. We got a sub, canzone, mac & cheese, and zuchinni sticks. Always hard to compare when you're taking it home and not eating it in the restaurant, but the food was good. Sweet sauce. Would order from here again!“

“From start to finish they NEVER disappoint. The shores greatest gem!!!“