50 Best Italian Restaurants near Kearny

“Been going here since I was a kid and the restaurant was a small spot. Their food progressively gets better as time goes on. I love stopping in to visit, but I mostly order delivery. Their staff are kind and on point.“

“Great food, atmosphere is great with the new lay out of restaurant. Convenient to sit and eat.“

“Recently gave this place a try via Uber eats. The pizza was bomb. I’m pretty particular when it comes to pizza, not a fan of those hand made thick breaded pizzas from the big franchises or even the frozen ones you throw in the oven. But their pizza was really good. I actually ordered again for my fam a few days later after the restaurant sent me a coupon code after my first purchase. Win win.“

“Atmosfera e cibo top! Consigliassimo“

“Chef Waxman and his exceptional team gave my wife a birthday experience she will never forget. Not only did you provide exceptional service and amazing food but went above and beyond in every conceivable way to make her birthday the best one she has ever had. Best experience, food and service we have ever had. Thank you so very much.“

“Can I please give it 6 stars? I recently went there with a group of five family members while visiting New Jersey and we had a truly extraordinary night! As an investor in restaurants I'm very critical when visiting any restaurant and not often impressed even with well known critically acclaimed restaurants. It's very rare when a place has truly incredible food with every appetizer and entree as well as first class VIP vibes for service. You could literally taste the passion and care put into every plate with beautifully prepared flavorful abundant meals. In fact, it was the first time in almost a decade I brought home leftovers as the meal was delicious and easily sufficient for two people. Our entire table raved about their meals and the attentive but not obtrusive service was always there to refill our wine and assist without any of us having to look up for service. The food alone would have made for a great night but what truly made it memorable besides the great waitstaff was the manager, Eli. When was the last time a manager, GM or owner greated you at your table to share a polite, interesting and passionate conversation about the food and why they love sharing this experience with their valued customers? He made our entire table feel like VIPs and made perfect recommendations for wine and dessert. It felt more like we were in someone's home as we were there for close to 3-1/2 hours talking, eating, drinking and laughing. The ambiance is warm and unpretentious and the memories of a great experience will certainly bring us back again.“

“I hosted a baby shower here a couple of months back. Everything from dealing with the events coordinator to the day of experience was superb. The food, ambiance and service was exceptional. They delivered on everything and went above and beyond. If you are having an event consider this restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.“

“Stellar service! Will definitely be back.“

“Everything was beautiful , service food & decor !“

“Great food and service. .we went with a group of 10 people and everyone enjoyed their food .we been back many times and even had them do a party for us :)“

“On my visit to NY, I went to Brooklyn and discovered Bar Mario, a bar that has all the magic you're looking for, with excellent service down to the last detail. It offers a variety of drinks and delicious prepared dishes. The menu is incredible, I highly recommend it.
I will definitely be back
Thank you so much!!“

“Good food good service recommend you get a good pizza margarita“

“Fantastic!! So glad we came, by far the best Italian we’ve had….ever! Service from the outset was 1st class, very attentive team, could not do enough for you. Food quality was outstanding. Definitely worth the price tag.“

“Restaurante maravilhoso e muito acolhedor. Comida muito saborosa de extrema qualidade!“

“BUEN LUGAR EXCELENTE COMIDA MAGNIFICAS RECETAS GRACIAS VOLVEREMOS 🇲🇽💚🇮🇹💜🍀🎁“

“Place is a hidden treasure. Food is outstanding! The waiters were very welcoming, funny and very attentive without rushing us before we could ask for anything they were right there. The owner is super sweet with a beautiful personality. He makes you feel welcomed from the moment you walk in. The food was phenomenal every dish was seasoned perfectly and portions were plentiful. The prices very reasonable for the service and food quality they provide. This is so far our favorite Italian cuisine restaurant I'm so glad we live close by we will be back. If I could give a 10 star I would!“

“Made dinner reservations and we got an amazing family style table in this really amazing, rustic looking, happy vibes place! Noise levels were on the higher end and you had to speak loudly to hear the other person across the table!

José our server was friendly, attentive, and quick with his service. This is a very kid friendly place - so highly recommended for families with kids. At the same time, a great place for date night too.

An extremely well priced menu, with great options is how I'd describe their menu. Our order consisted of Crostini Misti ($10.50), Calamari ($18), Funghi di Prato ($12.50) - an excellent mushroom salad, for appetizers.

Mains included a very tasty (and slightly cheesy) Spinach Gnocchi ($18.50), Penne Arrabiata ($16), and Tagliatelle al Ragu ($18). Kids thoroughly enjoyed their butter pasta which they polished within a few mins!

Overall, we had a great time at this place, and I can clearly see Malatesta become our go-to Italian dinner place on weekdays or weekends. Great service, excellent quality food, and a very well priced menu! Can't ask for more.“

“I love food. I love to eat it. I love to cook it. But food to me has always been more than just something to eat. I like to study process. Fun to me is to be able to be in a restaurant kitchen and talk to the chef while he’s making a dish. I want to be able to see what he’s doing and ask about it. Why are you taking the dish off the fire so quickly? Why are you using canned peeled tomatoes rather than fresh? I want to know everything. To me, process can be just as exciting as being presented with the beautiful and delicious final product. This evening, I stopped at an unusual pasta restaurant - All' Assassina. https://www.allassassina.com/ They call themselves the killer pasta project. It’s different. It has an open kitchen. The small dining room is colorful – eye catching. You go up to the front and order your pasta. You decide what will be added in – mushrooms, capers, tomatoes, chicken, olives and more. And then the chef makes it right in front of you. The owner told me that not everybody watches. They’re missing out. This restaurant is offering dinner and a show. And the cooking here is a performance. You get to see what goes into your food and how it is made. It gives you an additional appreciation for what you are about to savor. All the senses go on alert. You could see it. You could hear it in the pan and you could smell it. If you are anywhere near Union, New Jersey, check out All' Assassina. But do not just order and walk away. Look. Listen. And learn. Not everybody likes to cook. But everyone should like to learn. The more you know about what’s in your food and how it is prepared, the more you’ll appreciate good food. The tastes, the textures. Wow. There was an avalanche of different flavors hitting my mouth all at once. It’s worth a trip. Go for the meal. Stay for the show.“

“Highly recommend supporting our local dinning. In fact, a party of seven was just booked after sharing a night of Fundraising at Giorgio's.“

“Uno dei migliori panini mai mangiati, e vengo da Napoli! Probabilmente nemmeno in Italia fanno panini così! Tutto spettacolare, e Carmelo é un signore in tutti i sensi! Anche il personale è super cortese, locale accogliente e vi sentite subito a casa! Complimenti per tutto !!!“

“Don’t let the appearance fool you. This place blew me away. Insanely friendly staff. Best fresh mozz I have ever had. Giant sandwiches. For the cost of one sandwich you get 4 meals. Homemade bread. Homemade mozz. Fresh chicken cutlets to order. Fresh sliced top of the line cold cuts to order. 10/10. We will go here every time I am around.“

“The atmosphere and food is always 5 ⭐️. Met Mario the chef fantastic !“

“Wonderful place! Food and service were exceptional! Great appetizers and entrees. A must try restaurant if you are in NYC Area!“

“It was a divine brunch in every way ! The service was exceptional and attentive. The Caesar salad was delicious and unlike any I have had before. The Pappardelle was a culinary masterpiece, truly and the tiramisu was beautifully designed. It was pure ambrosia, except for the whole coffee beans embedded inside. I could have done without those. Thank you for making my Sunday an unforgettable one. It goes without saying, that inside and out, Locanda Verde is an extraordinary restaurant !“

“Una excelente atención, bien acogedor, ricos los platillos de comida, grande el lugar de estacionamiento con personal de seguridad y una amabilidad tanto al ingresar como al salir, me llevó una buena impresión lo voy a recomendar. Gracias por todo“

“Perfect seamless reservation - plenty of parking even texted to let us know where to park. Inside wonderful atmosphere all the staff was friendly. The food was amazing -especially the Caesar Salad . A thank you card in my left over bag ❤️ the bathroom has a full changing station with supplies . Thoughtful touches throughout the experience that really make you feel the owners care -which makes me so happy I came here . I recommend definitely to anyone !“

“We had an amazing time with you and your awesome Restaurant the pasta dinners were just Amazing and the best Homemade dessert's we ever had thank you so much for taking care of us we will be back next time we are in town may God bless you and your family and Business..“

“Consistently delicious EVERY SINGLE TIME 👏👏👏 so grateful for great food, great service, and great ambiance. Our server tonight, Ron, was exceptional! His recommendations were spot on and he was so incredibly personable. We absolutely will be back, again and again and again.“

“Great food and wine! variety of cocktails, appetizers and entrées. Spacious place with chic decor.“

“We have been coming to Piccolinos Restaurtant in Bayonne for years. My father loved the veal and the great service our family received from the staff. It would only be fitting to host his repass there and when we called Byron to let him know he passed, he quickly helped my family with arrangements to host our family and friends in their private room. The food was cooked to order, absolutely delicious and the service our family and friends received from the staff was impeccable! Mostly everyone had to try the his favorite dish, the" veal martini" and loved it. The Wanko family would like to take this opportunity to send our sincere thanks to Byron, Jackie, Angelo, Juan Carlos, David, Yahir for their outstanding service to attention and delicious menu cooked to order on such a sad occassion. They truly made our friends and family know why we "love" Piccolino's and why this is surely the best Italian Restaruant and staff in Bayonne.“

“My bro brought me the Spicy Italian home. This was the best sandwich I have had in years. Authentic tasting. The bread was on point. And that cherry pepper spread was perfetto! Fantastic work!“

“Malaparte was awesome! Monday night of Labor Day we strolled in. Wonderful wait staff who greeted us with a big smile and were happy to see us. Awesome lasagna and salmon. A great peach and arugula salad. We topped it off with some Amara and two scoops of gelato. Heavenly. A perfect neighborhood spot. And with the garage doors open on to the street it was magic. Go!“

“everything !!! rice balls can’t be beat. vodka sauce the best“

“Matthew 's Restaurant is 1 of the best restaurants in North NJ if NOT The Best. The food is always Delicious & Service is excellent. Beyond that, the atmosphere or aviance is excellent. The vibe & energy is first rate positive fun & culinary enjoyment. I believe that this fine dining experience is also driven by the owner Matthew who is usually in the restaurant greeting guests & helping out. When you visit Matthew's you'll have a great time and it'll feel like you're on mini-vacation from the stress of every day life while seemingly enjoying the warmth of family. It may be a cliche but it's definitely true. 10 stars ⭐ out of 10.“

“They are rescuing Newark Ave. Absolutely the finast dinner. Those in the CourtHouse neighborhood should make Yub's 78 a regular stop.“

“I recommend everything! This place is a much needed gem to the neighborhood! Friendly and sincere owners, great service, amazing cuisine, pleasant and inviting atmosphere and chic decor. It really has it all!!!“

“Lovely atmosphere. The food was super tasty, fresh, and authentic. Staff was friendly and wonderful, and cocktails were top tier.(Loved the Terina Basil) From the food to the warm hospitality and the elegant designs. What really makes this elegant restaurant out is the service, and the owners/management came over to our table and introduced themselves and made us all feel welcomed. I will definitely be returning!“

“The Mootz ! Best around !“

“Had a great evening at Sapori. Started with enjoying a glass of the wine we brought while waiting for our table to be ready. Absolutely delicious food: filet mignon lasagna that was chock full of meat, octopus that was perfectly cooked, and meaty saffron mussels. Service from Julian was attentive. And we enjoyed lovely music from an electric violinist. Will definitely return.“

“I went at an unusual time, to late for lunch and to early for dinner. The service was excellent and my chicken piccata was wonderful, the portion was generous. Next time I will try the seafood risotto. The prices seemed far and I will definitely be back.“

“Overall a WONDERFUL experience...They never disappoint. Whether it's with their friendly, attentive service or specials which are culinary delights, they hit the mark! The staff is almost psychic in their attention. The chef makes this a local gem. Over time, I've become a 'regular'. I HIGHLY recommend. Frankly, the best in Union county..“

“Love the food, love the place, very attentive, don't walk run here, great!“

“I love coming here whenever I’m in the Heights because there’s always something new on the menu. If you’re grabbing a bite around lunchtime, you cant beat the focaccia and sandwiches– but the rotating soups/stews on the menu are like a hidden gem. If you come earlier, get one of their delicious cappuccinos and a sampling of pastries. Pictured is a brioche filled with fresh ricotta and lemon curd. Just perfect!“

“The best Italian restaurant in Rutherford. Huge portions and the fish dinners are incredible. If you see mahi mahi, snapper, cod or salmon on the menu, order it! You will not be disappointed! Friendliest service around!“

“Excellent food, excellent service and reasonably priced!“

“Loved everything about this place. The pizzas are so good. My favorite is the Funghi sooo delicious. We also tried the Bucatini Amatriciana and the roasted octopus from the menu and they were really good. Loved liked the casual atmosphere and the overall vibe of this pace. Highly recommend.“

“First time here and the food was delicious. The service was wonderful the people are all very nice.“

“We had our daughter's baby shower here and it was an exceptional experience. The food and service were outstanding. Highly recommend this wonderful venue.“

“Consistently excellent meals with a very attentive staff.“

“Excellent service and food. Accommodating for dietary needs. They even took our group earlier than our reservation which was much appreciated as we were all from out of town and heading home immediately following lunch. Roasted potatoes, chicken francese, eggplant parm and sausage with peppers all got rave reviews.“