50 Best Italian Restaurants near Middletown

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

“Amazing food with wonderful service“

“Amazing food will go back“

“Excellent food for my backyard party!“

“Ordered 2 large trays of Chicken Parmigiana and Chicken Francese last week for my husband’s birthday party. Both trays were plentiful and delicious. Leftovers were frozen in individual packs that we enjoyed all week. Delivery was free Par excellence for Naples in Belford“

“Absolutely LOVE this place! Been going since I was a student at brookdale and now that I live in Lincroft I order here at least once a week. The entire staff is so nice. If you like good pizza and a family atmosphere, this is a great spot for you!“

“I stop in regularly for a couple of slices to get my fix. There are some people that make this place great beyond the food. And their names are Juan and Lars. I look forward to seeing them as much as I look forward to the great pizza. Love me some Pasquale's“

“The food is always amazing at Pizza & Pasta Factory, and we order all of the time- especially their wings! Thank you to an exceptional owner George, who patiently sat down with me to plan out my event. When other establishments declined my idea, George was so accommodating to accept! Not only is the food amazing the ownership is top notch! - Jamie Clemente (New Monmouth Elementary School teacher)“

“Giuliano’s Restaurant is a place where the food is absolutely fantastic. I’ve never ordered something that I didn’t love. The staff are all wonderful. From the first time you walk-in the doors they make you feel like you’re part of their family. I highly highly recommend this restaurant.“

“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.“

“We highly recommend Patricia's of Holmdel. We have frequented this establishment with our immediate family of 12 for birthdays, celebrations, and more! The environment is warm and inviting through its modern decor, enjoyable music, lighting, and seating. Tables are covered with white clothes and seating is comfortable whether inside or out. The location is well maintained and clean. The pricing is average for fine dining. The entire staff is exceptional. We enjoy all pleasantries with the staff members. It is evident that care is placed in choosing the staff. Each is professional, personable, and thorough. They make us feel like VIP every time we go, especially when John N. is our server. John N. is extremely knowledgeable of the inner workings of this establishment. We have severe food allergies and dietary restrictions. John N. illustrates such compassion towards us. He is diligent in keeping us safe, and keeps open communication with the chef when we are present. He is so kind and fun, too, in such a way that he feels like a family member. While eating at Patricia's it feels as if we are transported to a family dinner in Italy. Between the welcoming ambience, pleasant staff, and delicious food, we (without hesitation) highly recommend Patricia's of Holmdel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“The BEST! Always a wonderful experience. Great food, great service and an amazing atmosphere. A feeling of being in Italy.🇮🇹 Our favorite place to eat. And the owners Mike & Ro are always so pleasant and accommodating.“

“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!“

“Amazing food amazing service“

“Regularly a Brooklyn customer and tonight stopped in the NJ location. I really enjoyed the food as usual. Julia was a great server and would definitely go back when in the area. Rob“

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

“food was amazing staff and our waiter was the best great atmosphere definitely will be back that veal chop melted in my mouth 😋“

“The perfect evening ! Food, service and atmosphere were all spot on! Chef Dimas Montalvo III your a true talent !“

“thank you to the owner and staff I came here to day with my family to celebrate my mom 65 birthday we had great night food and drinks were amazing“

“Great food amazing service and wonderful warm hospitality“

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

“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.“

“Amazing food, amazing service. A bit pricy for the area and food but worth the go!“

“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“

“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!“

“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.“

“We were in town due to a medical procedure and after a long day, we needed to find a place to have dinner. We stumbled upon this gem and were so glad that we did! The food was spot on and the service was great! We will definitely come back when we have to travel here again.“

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

“Great food and nice place to be“

“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.“

“Locale doesn’t just serve Italian food — it seduces you with it. The meal opens with a Margherita pizza that nails the holy trinity: blistered, leopard-spotted crust with a satisfying chew, bright San Marzano tomato sauce, pools of molten mozzarella, and basil that perfumes every bite. It’s simple, soulful, and executed with confidence — the kind of pizza that reminds you why restraint is the ultimate flex. Then come the pastas, each one richer than the last. A creamy spaghetti glistens under cracked black pepper and fine breadcrumbs, indulgent without tipping into excess — silk on the tongue, deeply comforting. The baked rigatoni arrives bubbling and bronzed, blanketed in béchamel and cheese, fork-tender and unapologetically decadent, finished with a rosemary sprig that whispers old-world charm. The seafood salad brings balance: crisp celery, briny sweetness, delicate citrus notes, and freshness that cuts through the richness like a perfectly timed palate cleanse. And just when you think you’re done, a golden, cheese-crusted entrée lands center stage — crackling on top, impossibly tender beneath, finished with olive oil and snow-like Parmesan. Rustic. Elegant. Completely crave-worthy. Ambiance? Warm, intimate, and effortlessly stylish. Wood tables, low lighting, the hum of conversation — the kind of place where time slows, wine flows, and every table looks like it’s celebrating something. Final verdict: Locale is the kind of restaurant you plan your week around — not flashy, just flawless. Come hungry, linger long, and trust the kitchen. This is Italian food done with heart, heritage, and serious skill.“

“The food and service was second to none. The staff very attentive not over bering. A comfy cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is BYOB this is a plus. The portions are perfect size. I can't find enough good to post.“

“We had a wonderful family dinner at Lava. The food was excellent and the service was outstanding!! We can’t wait to return!“

“The food was absolutely delicious. I definitely will be back.“

“STUMBLED UPON A THIS GREAT FIND. BEEN THERE MANY TIMES SINCE. EVERYTHING IS FRESH, TASTY AND VERY REASONABLY PRICED. IF YOU'RE IN THE AREA DON'T MISS OUT AND STOP BY. ONCE YOU TRY THE FOOD YOU'LL ALWAYS GO BACK. NEVER WRITE A REVIEW BUT THIS PLACE IS SO WORTHY OF ACCOLADES, I JUST HAD TOO.“

“Been a customer for twenty years. Solid BYOB Italian restaurant with a veteran staff. Owner and general manager are always present. Ownership changed 9 years ago. Very good fresh pastas. I’m totally a fan of their main marinara sauce. Sometimes I’ve asked for it on the side. My wife and I have liked the seafood pasta panadora. I tend to order a lot of salads and I’ve tried most of them. My favorite is their chopped salad ($18). Sometimes I get it with the chicken option. I really like their own salad dressing. It’s a little different. The Greek salad is really good too. The braised slow cook short ribs are very popular; a long time specialty item. Their lunch menu is very reasonable. Surprisingly good burgers and sandwiches. I’m particularly a fan of their tuna sandwich, with several variations. I have found the service to always be excellent. I noticed their bread has been outstanding. Owner said they invested in a new ovens from Italy✅ Their homemade carrot cake is excellent, and I’m fussy when it comes to carrot cake, my favorite😀 Great location in downtown Red Bank on Wallace Street, which is not busy. There is municipal parking nearby. Keep in mind you generally have to pay in Red Bank unless you’re willing to walk a bit. Also, a special mention goes out to special events. They’re particularly good at parties. They scale well to what the needs of the event. It can be simple to full sit-down dinner or buffet.“

“Excellent food and service. A hidden gem.“

“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.“

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

“They got beautiful stuff. I wish I could go in there and buy some, but I can’t because I have food stamps!! And they don’t take food stamps. What a shame but there chicken patties are delicious so when I have money, I’ll go by my chicken patties“

“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.“

“Aunt Butchies has outstanding food and an amazing atmosphere. They never disappoint. The service is always impeccable. Always my place to go for a surperb meal and cocktail.“

“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.“

“Highly recommended! This place is great!“

“Have been many times, but this was possibly our best experience to date! Josh is fantastic and always describes the menu and specials expertly. Parada appetizer was exceptional as was their tuna Crudo. The Roma pasta course is always cooked perfectly. The pork special for two won the night, however… Amazing flavor! Can’t wait to come back.“

“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!“

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

“What a wonderful experience I had unexpectedly today stopping in here while shopping with my daughter. I
Didn’t expect to buy anything but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and the reasonable prices. I’m very discriminating when ordering at “Italian Specialty Shops “ because of working in the 5 boroughs of the City. This place is a family on gem with personable owners and workers ! I’ll will be back! Go here!!!“

“We went here yesterday before a show at the theater... Food was outstanding great service and great ambience“

“Old world Delicious Pizza. Home made Dough not processed. Highly recommended. Sooo good !“