50 Best Italian Restaurants near Lincoln Park

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Review for Arca Restaurant Absolutely amazing experience at Arca Restaurant in Lincoln Park! From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with a warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service. The food is outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish we tried was cooked to perfection, with authentic taste and generous portions. The staff is friendly, professional, and genuinely cares about making your experience great. Whether you’re going for a casual dinner or a special night out, Arca delivers every time. Highly recommend—this is easily one of the best spots in the area! 🍽️✨“

“Yes..Staff, Service and Food always great! Have been dining here since they opened. We enjoy the Jekyll and Hyde calamari and the spiedini appetizers. Anton makes a great rack of pork and filet mignon. We ended with cappuccinos which hit the spot. 👍👍👍👍👍“

“Food was delicious despite the meat not being cooked as requested. The atmosphere & our server, Julian, were incredible! Julian found out at the end of our meal we had a celebration & went above and beyond to help us celebrate! Would definitely recommend & return (-:“

“Attended a baby shower. The food was the best I have ever had in a long time. Everything was delicious. I will be back really soon“

“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 !“

“Wonderful food. Nice attentive service!“

“Had my daughters wedding tonight at Il tulipano I give it a 5 stars Mario helped us so much Cocktail hour was absolutely outstanding our dinners was amazing the workers took such good care of us Thank you so much Mario and staff the Capozzi family“

“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.“

“Had my daughter’s bridal shower here Saturday. It was amazing. My friends all said it was one of the best bridal shower they have been to. A large selection of food and fabulous ambience. I highly recommend! You won’t be disappointed.😋“

“Teresa is lovely & welcoming & did a fabulous job with this Italian deli/restaurant! Delicious meatballs, great salads, spotless & cozy dining space along with pretty outdoor seating. I definitely recommend this restaurant.“

“Muy buena comida y buena atención un sitio agradable“

“Dante’s has truly transformed the old Alexis Steakhouse space with a modern, refreshing facelift and a fantastic menu to match. It’s the perfect spot for happy hour, a night out with family or friends, or even a business lunch. One of the standout features is their exclusive upstairs party room, which accommodates 75+ guests—ideal for baby showers, bridal showers, or business meetings. The space includes a flat-screen TV for presentations or party highlights, plus its own private bathroom and bar. Convenience is another plus: Dante’s offers plenty of parking and is located near all major highways (Rt. 46, Rt. 3, Parkway, Turnpike, and Rt. 80). The cozy bar area is great for catching a game, and their intimate lounge space comfortably seats up to 10 people with private wait service—perfect for small gatherings. I’ve enjoyed Dante’s for everything from meeting friends and business lunches to happy hours and private lounge get-togethers. The food never disappoints: the prime burger is massive and made with quality prime rib, the tuna tartare is fresh and loaded with avocado, and their homemade chips are addictive. The clams casino are packed with flavor, the steak sandwich features premium cuts, and the pear salad with grilled chicken is a delicious option if you’re looking for something lighter. Check it out—you won’t be disappointed!“

“Oh man… where to start. The service was phenomenal, great recommendations, great atmosphere, the owner, Ms. Dana greeted us with a smile, Nikki the manager was great to deal with. Now the food… I had the special, “The Gobbler” and it was unbelievably tasty. The crunch from the toasted bread, the flavors all together were a symphony on my taste palette. My gf got the “Toni Ann” and she couldn’t talk while we were eating together because she wouldn’t stop stuffing her face. After she said the chicken cutlet was cooked perfect, mozzarella was fresh, peppers were exquisite. Overall experience was just mind-blowing. I’d recommend Ferraro’s to any person, local or travelers, you NEED to stop and eat here.“

“The best pizza in NJ“

“Excellent food, excellent service and reasonably priced!“

“If I could give it six stars I would. I judge all others based on this restaurant. It’s a well oiled machine that never disappoints. Only bring your best clients here, and those that you truly love.“

“From the moment we walked in, the host greeted us like old friends and walked us right to our table — I instantly had a good feeling, and I was right. Our server was awesome — super friendly, knew the menu inside out, and was on top of everything all night.

The menu is classic Italian but with a twist — way more interesting than your standard North Jersey Italian spot. The ossobuco was fantastic (if I had to nitpick, I’d say the risotto could’ve used a touch less water and a heavier hand with the parm). The clams were fresh and baked to perfection, and my son devoured his ravioli. For dessert, the bread pudding was absolutely unreal — honestly worth the trip alone.

Safe to say we’ll be regulars!“

“ALWAYS.. fantastic Italian food. The very best!! Been going there every Saturday night since they opened. Unbelievable Italian cuisine, great service & Frankie and Jen are concerned & attentive to their customers.“

“Here’s my review that I’ve been meaning to leave for a while! Overall, I’m really happy this place opened in the neighborhood and we’ve already been back several times.

Location/atmosphere: Unbeatable. Such a great addition to the Walnut Street area, and I’m a huge fan of the fast casual setup. It makes eating out with kids SO much easier. The patio is also amazing and has quickly become one of those places you naturally gravitate toward with kids or on a beautiful day.

Food: Really great! We’ve enjoyed the pastas, salads and pizzas. The menu is very pork-heavy, and I do hope over time they consider adding a few more options that make the menu accessible to those who don’t eat pork, including Muslim and Jewish diners. That said, I understand the menu is very authentic to the specific region of Italy the owners are from, and I genuinely respect that they’ve stayed true to that rather than watering it down. Hopefully there’s a way to preserve that authenticity while adding a little more variety over time.

Accessibility: The patio is wonderful, but the main entrance has a step, which can make getting in with a stroller or wheelchair a tad stressful. There is a flat entrance along the side, as well as a side door, but both have generally been blocked off when we’ve visited. I’m sure there’s a reason, but I’d love to see that reconsidered, it would make the restaurant much more accessible and stroller-friendly!

Service: The wait staff are fantastic. Everyone we’ve interacted with has been incredibly kind, patient and genuinely great at what they do. My one piece of constructive feedback is regarding one of the owners (glasses/slicked-back hair). On a few visits, I’ve found his demeanor a little dismissive or unwelcoming, whether asking questions about the menu or dining with our extended family. It’s hard to pinpoint and certainly not enough to keep us from coming back, but there have been a few interactions where I’ve walked away feeling like we weren’t quite as warmly received as other customers. I’m mentioning it because everything else about this place makes us want to keep supporting it, and a little more warmth in those interactions would go a long way.

Overall, a really great neighborhood addition with delicious food, an amazing outdoor space and a wonderful staff. We’ll absolutely continue coming back!“

“This is one of my Fav. Italian Restaurants. The Food is Delicious. The Hostess’, Servers & Staff are friendly & attentive. Many Friends & Family have been coming here for years. Each visit we enjoy the whole atmosphere!“

“Very fun social vibe, special Birthday ritual, food was excellent, I practically licked my plate, service was attentive and the manager very active.“

“Great food, excellent service!“

“Todo excelente, lo recomiendo“

“Seasonal dishes fresh and beautifully presented! Friendly and helpful team with excellent dish recommendations :)“

“Celebrated my daughter's
50th Birthday at Sear House Grill this past weekend. The entire experience was Outstanding! From the beginning with coordinating the details,
with Louie, the manager, to the actual celebration,
everything progressed
smoothly. The service was impeccable, the food
was exquisite in flavor,
variety & presentation.
Thank you to our server,
Holti (hope I spelled his correctly), you were exemplary! The staff were warmly welcoming, as we entered the restaurant.
I will certainly
coordinate another event
at Sear House Grill!👏🏾“

“A true gem of restaurants in Livingston, NJ. The delicious food reminds me of the fantastic food we tasted in Italy. This is very different from most Italian restaurants in America. The presentation of the food is superb and the food is amazing. Be prepared for an epicurean feast followed by delectable dessert. Prices are very reasonable, in addition.“

“Fabulous food, excellent service, wonderful restaurant !!!“

“We had my daughters baby shower here yesterday. The food was absolutely amazing! The manager Sam was extremely easy to work with long distance (I live in Pennsylvania). The wait staff were very friendly and attentive . I would highly recommend this place for a private party.“

“Excellent food and service always an enjoyable evening at Michael Angelo’s in Fairfield“

“Came here with my husband for our anniversary. The garlic spread on the bread with scallions was so good! Then the homemade bread was so fresh out of the oven! The mozzy sticks and marinara were delicious! Crispy and cheesy. The sauce was wonderful. The potatoe croquettes were also so good and the sauce was amazing!! The soup was one of my favorites. Just right. I loved the thin noodles. The salad was ok but my husband enjoyed it. The chicken skillet with bruschetta was AMAZING! Very generous portions. The sauce was so flavorful. I added mushrooms and best mushrooms ever! The spinach was a little salty but great! And the bruschetta mixed was a wonderful mix! I truly did love it. The calamari was okay but not my thing. The pasta was amazing! And all homemade. My husband liked the calamari but didn’t realize it wasn’t breaded. The cookie and Ice cream were great! I liked the cheesecake! Very light! Highly recommend and would come back. Service was wonderful and I enjoyed how they spaced out the food.“

“My husband and I love Primavera. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner of 65 people here in June 2025 and the owner/chef, along with all the staff were so friendly & accommodating. Guests from our rehearsal dinner still talk about the meals they had that night and the amazing atmosphere of the restaurant.

My husband and I now try to go to Primavera at least once a month as a date night and the staff still remember us and are so attentive. The food is very delicious and the different specials each night you can tell are thought of with intention and care. We highly recommend if you want a date night there or a private party!“

“Monica‘s restaurant is a great place to eat delicious food. Very friendly professional, hard-working staff.“

“The best thin Sicilian pizza I have ever had in my 56 years of life. Recommended 100%.“

“Excellent food & service!“

“We live in Wanaque. First time here. So happy to have this great local restaurant for get togethers with friends. Loved the veal chop milanese. It was huge, and will be lunch tomorrow. We shared appetizers, and the zuchini fries were my favorite. Love the bright, white, open decor. Attentive service was just right.“

“First time at Divina yesterday…definitely not my last. It was a bridal shower event.. and it was more than perfect…Divina served a delicious meal, desserts and wine, at least three appetizers…and the service..spot on..waiter always ready to assist…highly recommend. 10⭐s“

“I highly recommend this restaurant. Service and food are excellent.“

“Back in October, we had a surprise 30th birthday dinner for my daughter with a party of 22 people. The waitress was spectacular. The staff and owners were veryaccommodating and the food was delicious. They allowed us to come ahead of time to decorate. The event turned out wonderful!!!“

“The food is always great. Fresh and diverse and the specials are always interesting The brick oven pizzas are just the right size and are always piping hot. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Very well priced for the sized meals that you receive. Very ie atmosphere. And it’s B.Y.O.B. CANT MISS PLACE TO DINE“

“We enjoyed a gorgeous dinner at La Rocca Osteria, on the corner of Midland Avenue and Portland Place (a block south-east of Valley Road and a block north-east of Bloomfield Avenue), this week. The food was brilliant - fresh, flavorful and great portion sizes. I was thrilled with my choices of the buratta salad, crabmeat-stuffed lobster tail with mashed potatoes and a chocolate mousse cake. My fella demolished the mussels and clams in a white wine and garlic sauce, lasagne (he thought it was so delicious that he even bought a second portion to give to his dad) and cheesecake. I almost wish I’d taken photographs, but I was more interested in the experience than documenting it. The service was fantastic as well - friendly, calm, organized and reliable. Parking nearby wasn’t difficult either. It’s the second time we’ve eaten there; the first was on our first date. It was just as lovely then too.“

“Casa Nostra in Caldwell is our new go-to Italian spot. Kelly and I had dinner there last weekend and everything was outstanding — the food, the service, the whole vibe.

The best part was meeting Nicola, the owner/chef, and his wife Rosa. Nicola's Sicilian and came out to chat once he heard I'm Sicilian too (on my grandmother's side) — he got a kick out of it since I don't look it at all. Super warm, genuine people.

We just moved to the area and this is exactly the kind of neighborhood staple we were hoping to find. We'll be back regularly.“

“Amazing food every time. I went last night with friends for dinner and had, what may just be the best pasta dish, I ever had... but you'll have to see for yourself. And the Eccola Martini is another fave. Cheers!“

“The food is Absolutely AMAZZZING. The most delicious mussles,pizza, ribeye, pasta, salad, and the staff is Great. My family and I eat here once a week, heck sometimes twice a week. This is the best restaurant in town.... hands down.. Great Great Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!“

“EVERYTHING was outstanding. That in a nut shell is putting it mildly!! Four of us went to dinner on a rainy, rainy Thursday night. You would think the restaurant would be empty because of the torrential rain,nope. They had a wonderful dinner crowd. We started with the stuffed or artichoke that was outstanding.Our entrees were Barramundi , two of us had lamb chops and the other Nino‘s pasta. Trying all three dinners I couldn’t tell you which I like the best. Yes, I can. It was my pasta that I haven’t had in years from them. Needless to say the service was outstanding we just miss seeing Amy. Don’t worry we’ll be back. SOON… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Service was impeccable. Sat at the bar and ate there. As you can see from the pictures everything was spectacular. Generous portions too! Had enough for lunch the next day lol. Be sure to try their pizza as an app. Their bartenders are the best!“

“Absolutely love this place! I’ve been going for about 4 years now and I love the food! Anytime we have guests visiting I always take them here for a unique experience!“

“Came for my birthday -first time there-everything was awesome -stuffed zucchini flowers, caprese salad . soft plolenta w/short rib ragu and pistascio gelato-soooo good, can't wait to return.“

“Beautiful place, great food, great service and they don't rush customers out. The lemon butter fillet of sole was absolutely delicious! I will definitely go back. 👍💯“

“This is some of the best Italian food I have had in a very long time and it is honestly underpriced for the quality but that is how you know it is a good Italian place. We are visiting from out of town and I would recommend this for anyone looking for some amazing Italian food! Give this place a chance, you will not regret it!“

“Tried familia pizzeria for the first time. Did not disappoint! Food was absolutely fantastic and the service was excellent! Highly recommend this spot!“