I was hesitant to write a review because it might mean i’ll have to fight for a reservation next time. Best restaurant in NJ. A hidden treasure. Amazing food and I plan to try everything on the menu at least once. BYOB is another plus as there is a great liquor store a few feet away in the same plaza. Go, you will love it and the chef ans staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L Becker
The food at Il Gusto was excellent and the waitstaff was truly top-notch attentive, friendly, and professional once we were seated. Unfortunately, the reservation experience significantly impacted our evening. We had a confirmed 7:45 PM reservation but were not seated until almost 8:45 PM.
While we waited, multiple parties who arrived after us without reservations were seated ahead of us simply because they were parties of two while we were a party of four. I understand that table availability can sometimes dictate seating order, but watching roughly ten guests without reservations be seated before a party with a reservation felt inappropriate and poorly managed. Two smaller tables could easily have been combined so we could sit and enjoy dinner as a family rather than wait an additional hour.
The food and service once seated were outstanding, which made the long wait even more disappointing. With better reservation management, the overall experience would have matched the quality of the meal and the excellent staff.
Unfortunately, based on the reservation and seating experience alone, I don’t see myself returning in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ted g
Great dinner and portions.. a lot of help but no one understands english and eggplant rollatini appetizer so ridiculously small that everyone actually laughed when they saw it. Gotta do better on that one guys
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
karen senario
While the Puttanesca was a good choice, the chicken sorrentino was a big disappointment laying thin slices of chicken on top of mashed potatoes (ouch) and with hardly any sauce, basically no taste at all, I must mention that dropping those free rice balls with sauce on them onto the table makes me want to play tennis to get them as far away as possible….today i had lunch at Portabello in Oakland and the swordfish with chopped eggplant peppers and mushrooms sauce was out of this world tasty so was the blackened Salmon with salad, going back here for more lunches priced at 16-18 dollars but it is not byob.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Dawn Marie
Absolutely delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Cappello
My very first time at this restaurant and it was an amazing experience. Everything about this place was fantastic, from the service to the food and the atmosphere ! I will definitely go back real soon ! Thank you so much for a great evening !!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vivian King
If you are looking for a nice relaxing dinner with amazing food, this is the place to go. Food is delicious, right down to the salad dressing. Service is top notch and the fact that they don't rush you out is a game changer. I had the veal milenese and it was melt in your mouth delicious. My husband had the halibut which was so flaky. Our son had the rib eye special. We will definitely go back. Run don't walk cause I sense reservations will be needed next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Vogel
Decided to take my wife here for her birthday as she’s been wanting to go. We were not disappointed. We had the calamari and the stuffed mushrooms for appetizers. Calamari was crisp and tasty. The stuffed mushrooms were nice and flavorful.
Ordered the Chicken Marsala for myself as an entree and it didn’t miss. My wife ordered the salmon and had no complaints either. Staff was friendly and attentive. Ready to go back and explore the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Nancy D
Had our Valentines lunch there today. Food and service were exceptional.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arta V.
Dining here was an experience that blended comfort,, and exceptional flavor in a way that’s hard to forget. From the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere felt intentionally crafted warm lighting, thoughtful décor, and a sense of intimacy that makes every table feel like the best seat in the house. The service was outstanding. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely welcoming. It’s clear they take pride in creating a memorable experience for every guest. The food was the true highlight. Every dish arrived beautifully presented and full of rich, balanced flavors. You can taste the quality of the ingredients and the care behind each recipe. Portions were generous, and everything from appetizers to dessert felt crafted rather than simply prepared.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a meal that feels elevated yet comforting, this restaurant delivers on every level. A place worth returning to again and again.
I discovered Il Gusto by accident looking for a place for lunch. Excellent food, nice atmosphere, attentive staff., great value. This place is a winner. Bonus they make their bread and pasta from Italian wheat which does not have the glyphosate that US wheat has, is not hybridized for high gluten, and has twice the protein.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jess S
So excited to have a new restaurant like this in town! I ordered the chicken francese and it was sooo good! The chicken was perfectly thin and the sauce was amazing, light, and full of flavor. They also give you complimentary rice balls, which were a really nice touch and honestly delicious. On top of that, it’s really nice inside. Definitely a place I’ll be going back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Donohue
My husband and I dined here last night for the first time. Food was delicious with a “no rush” approach which is perfect for a date night. Everything we had was fresh and amazing! Penne vodka was exactly what I was craving. Service was great despite the restaurant being packed to capacity. Definitely make a reservation if you’re to visit. We will definitely be back again! An amazing add to the Wanaque area.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susan Flemming
I don’t think there are enough words to describe how fabulous this restaurant is. The food is not only amazing the presentation is elegant The atmosphere is chic and welcoming with wonderful service to match. My husband and I eat out quite often and this is by far our new favorite. !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N Marri
We had a delicious dinner with friends. Great staff, elegant and modern atmosphere, parking lot & BYOB. We'll be back!
I was hesitant to write a review because it might mean i’ll have to fight for a reservation next time. Best restaurant in NJ. A hidden treasure. Amazing food and I plan to try everything on the menu at least once. BYOB is another plus as there is a great liquor store a few feet away in the same plaza. Go, you will love it and the chef ans staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food at Il Gusto was excellent and the waitstaff was truly top-notch attentive, friendly, and professional once we were seated. Unfortunately, the reservation experience significantly impacted our evening. We had a confirmed 7:45 PM reservation but were not seated until almost 8:45 PM.
While we waited, multiple parties who arrived after us without reservations were seated ahead of us simply because they were parties of two while we were a party of four. I understand that table availability can sometimes dictate seating order, but watching roughly ten guests without reservations be seated before a party with a reservation felt inappropriate and poorly managed. Two smaller tables could easily have been combined so we could sit and enjoy dinner as a family rather than wait an additional hour.
The food and service once seated were outstanding, which made the long wait even more disappointing. With better reservation management, the overall experience would have matched the quality of the meal and the excellent staff.
Unfortunately, based on the reservation and seating experience alone, I don’t see myself returning in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great dinner and portions.. a lot of help but no one understands english and eggplant rollatini appetizer so ridiculously small that everyone actually laughed when they saw it. Gotta do better on that one guys
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
While the Puttanesca was a good choice, the chicken sorrentino was a big disappointment laying thin slices of chicken on top of mashed potatoes (ouch) and with hardly any sauce, basically no taste at all, I must mention that dropping those free rice balls with sauce on them onto the table makes me want to play tennis to get them as far away as possible….today i had lunch at Portabello in Oakland and the swordfish with chopped eggplant peppers and mushrooms sauce was out of this world tasty so was the blackened Salmon with salad, going back here for more lunches priced at 16-18 dollars but it is not byob.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Absolutely delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My very first time at this restaurant and it was an amazing experience. Everything about this place was fantastic, from the service to the food and the atmosphere ! I will definitely go back real soon ! Thank you so much for a great evening !!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you are looking for a nice relaxing dinner with amazing food, this is the place to go. Food is delicious, right down to the salad dressing. Service is top notch and the fact that they don't rush you out is a game changer. I had the veal milenese and it was melt in your mouth delicious. My husband had the halibut which was so flaky. Our son had the rib eye special. We will definitely go back. Run don't walk cause I sense reservations will be needed next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Decided to take my wife here for her birthday as she’s been wanting to go. We were not disappointed. We had the calamari and the stuffed mushrooms for appetizers. Calamari was crisp and tasty. The stuffed mushrooms were nice and flavorful.
Ordered the Chicken Marsala for myself as an entree and it didn’t miss. My wife ordered the salmon and had no complaints either. Staff was friendly and attentive. Ready to go back and explore the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Had our Valentines lunch there today. Food and service were exceptional.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dining here was an experience that blended comfort,, and exceptional flavor in a way that’s hard to forget. From the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere felt intentionally crafted warm lighting, thoughtful décor, and a sense of intimacy that makes every table feel like the best seat in the house.
The service was outstanding. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely welcoming. It’s clear they take pride in creating a memorable experience for every guest.
The food was the true highlight. Every dish arrived beautifully presented and full of rich, balanced flavors. You can taste the quality of the ingredients and the care behind each recipe. Portions were generous, and everything from appetizers to dessert felt crafted rather than simply prepared.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a meal that feels elevated yet comforting, this restaurant delivers on every level. A place worth returning to again and again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I discovered Il Gusto by accident looking for a place for lunch. Excellent food, nice atmosphere, attentive staff., great value. This place is a winner. Bonus they make their bread and pasta from Italian wheat which does not have the glyphosate that US wheat has, is not hybridized for high gluten, and has twice the protein.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So excited to have a new restaurant like this in town! I ordered the chicken francese and it was sooo good! The chicken was perfectly thin and the sauce was amazing, light, and full of flavor. They also give you complimentary rice balls, which were a really nice touch and honestly delicious. On top of that, it’s really nice inside. Definitely a place I’ll be going back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I dined here last night for the first time. Food was delicious with a “no rush” approach which is perfect for a date night. Everything we had was fresh and amazing! Penne vodka was exactly what I was craving. Service was great despite the restaurant being packed to capacity. Definitely make a reservation if you’re to visit. We will definitely be back again! An amazing add to the Wanaque area.
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don’t think there are enough words to describe how fabulous this restaurant is. The food is not only amazing the presentation is elegant The atmosphere is chic and welcoming with wonderful service to match. My husband and I eat out quite often and this is by far our new favorite. !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a delicious dinner with friends. Great staff, elegant and modern atmosphere, parking lot & BYOB. We'll be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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