50 Best Italian Restaurants near Ocean Grove

“Tino's Artisan Pizza Co. is a gem for those with dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free and dairy-free options like their delicious cauliflower crust pizza. The menu is "diet restriction" friendly, and the food is made with clean and wholesome ingredients. This small business serves exceptional pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, and has a friendly wait staff. Suitable for kids, with free parking available, Tino's is a great spot to visit, especially during the off-season when wait times are shorter.“

“Skratch Kitchen is a restaurant known for its excellent food and outstanding service. The menu features delicious dishes, including unique takes on classics like Caesar salad and meatballs, as well as fresh seafood and tasty pasta sauces. The staff is friendly, attentive, and considerate of dietary needs. Skratch Kitchen is a great spot for a family dinner or a special occasion.“

“Spano's Ristorante Italiano is a highly recommended Italian restaurant that offers delicious and authentic dishes. The staff is warm and welcoming, making guests feel like family. The menu is extensive and varied, with a reason to return for every item on it. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, reminiscent of a traditional Sunday lunch. While wait times may occur, the owner's personal touch and apologies make up for the delay. Dishes such as Sicilian pizza, meatball appetizers, and flounder oreganato are standouts, and the restaurant's classic New Jersey Italian charm has earned it a loyal following.“

“Trama's Trattoria is a restaurant that offers delicious food and drinks. Upon arrival, guests are promptly seated and welcomed by the friendly waitstaff. Popular dishes include the Ceasar salad, Rigatoni pasta, octopus appetizer, and Sea Bass entree. The affogato is a must-try for dessert. Although there may be a wait and seating can be tight, the food consistently receives high praise. The bar area offers a quieter and more spacious experience for smaller parties. Overall, Trama's Trattoria is a standout restaurant, and repeat customers recommend it for its delicious and varied menu.“

“Dolce Fantasia 4 offers really delicious traditional pasta dishes, like the quatro formaggi, in a lovely atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a cool café in Rome. The servers are awesome, and the owner truly cares about ensuring a great experience for everyone. Guests are blown away by the amazing food, service, and hospitality, with the owner being gracious and kind, even offering complimentary crème brûlée. A highly recommended spot for a date night or family dinner.“

“La Mondina is an upscale restaurant known for its exceptional quality and consistency. The chefs meticulously craft their dishes, including a signature eggplant appetizer and a special of double rack of lamb chops. The servers provide top-notch service, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or to impress guests. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian and dietary-friendly options, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.“

“Corbo & Sons Osteria offers a great dining experience with friendly and helpful service. The restaurant is clean and has a pleasant atmosphere with creative and classic dishes. The menu features a range of options, including unique flavors and fresh ingredients. Standout dishes include Fried Calamari, Bolognese Pasta, and seafood options such as Seafood Fra Diavolo and Octopus. The prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food, and the bread is also delicious. Overall, Corbo & Sons Osteria is a top-notch restaurant with something for everyone.“

“Cordi's Italian Gourmet is a lively restaurant with an "old school" character, complete with a crooner singing Sinatra and Tom Jones. The atmosphere is festive, and the service is super-friendly. The menu offers a range of options, including escargot, gnocchi bolognese, caprese, and linguini with clams, all of which are expertly prepared and presented. The Chicken Frangelica is a popular choice, and the portion sizes are plentiful. The owners, Dominick and Nikki, are hospitable and proud of their establishment, making guests feel like they're in their home. While prices are a bit high, the quality of food and atmosphere make it worth a return visit.“

“Birravino offers a great ambiance and attentive service, serving fresh homemade pasta and risotto dishes. The restaurant is known for its homemade gluten-free pasta options, which customers have praised. While the meals may be on the pricier side, diners have noted the quality and taste of the food is worth the cost, especially for a special occasion. The restaurant also serves delicious espresso martinis, adding to the overall dining experience.“

“Federici's On 10th is a popular spot that offers a consistently excellent dining experience. The restaurant serves delicious food, including its signature dishes such as the house salad, Jim's salad, cauliflower crust pizza, and chicken parm. The bar-style pizza is also a standout, with a perfect balance of sauce to cheese and a crispy crust. The staff is always friendly and efficient, making takeout and sit-down dining a breeze. With a wide range of options to choose from, Federici's is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a great meal.“

“Lubrano's Trattoria is a restaurant known for its delicious food, ranging from sea bass and veal rolatini to spicy shrimp and chicken lubrano. The desserts are generous and tasty. Some visitors may choose to avoid credit card fees, while others have experienced varying levels of service. It is recommended to arrive early or make a reservation due to the popularity of the restaurant.“

“Piccola Italia Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers an exceptional dining experience. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with friendly service, including attentive bartenders and accommodating servers. The menu boasts a range of delicious options, including the mouthwatering porterhouse steak, lump crab with bucatini-type pasta, and homemade rigatoni with sausage and shrimp. Don't forget to try their impressive appetizers, such as the fresh burrata with prosciutto and roasted red peppers. The restaurant's atmosphere is warm and inviting, with white tablecloths and soothing music, making it perfect for a quiet evening out. Be sure to save room for dessert, with options like warm apple crumble cake, bread pudding, and sea salt caramel gelato. With its wonderful vibe, excellent food, and great drinks, Piccola Italia Restaurant is a must-visit destination that will leave you wanting to return again and again.“

“Mangiare Tu at the Jersey Shore is a favorite Italian restaurant known for its amazing food and excellent service. The owner Lana ensures a top-notch experience with traditional yet elevated dishes. The cozy atmosphere and special events like disco and comedy nights make it a must-visit spot. With personal attention from Lana and a five-star menu, guests keep coming back for more.“

“Gigi's NY Style Pizza and Restaurant serves delicious soups and pizzas, including specialty options like the General Tso's and Money Pie. The restaurant is kid-friendly, offering a unique make-your-own pizza party option. Their pizzas boast a perfect crust, balanced sauce and cheese ratio, and a subtle sweetness. With a wide variety of options, it's hard to go wrong at Gigi's.“

“La Lupa di Roma is a cozy spot for delicious Italian food. The staff is friendly and attentive, making the experience enjoyable. The Pizza Diavola is a favorite among customers, with just the right amount of toppings on a thin crust. The mussels and meatball parm sandwich are also highly recommended. The garlic knots are a must-try, as well as the spaghetti and shrimp. The owner goes above and beyond to accommodate preferences, even customizing dishes. The atmosphere is cozy, with minimal tables, but the food quality makes up for it. Overall, La Lupa di Roma is a hidden gem for those craving authentic Italian cuisine with excellent service.“

“Flavia's Cucina Romana offers an exceptional dining experience. The warm and welcoming ambiance, combined with attentive and helpful staff, makes for a memorable night out. Savor their outstanding vegan gnocchi and other sublime dishes, reminiscent of Italy. Perfect for special occasions, Flavia's consistently delivers five-star service and cuisine.“

“Cipriani's Italian Restaurant serves generous portions of delicious food, including their signature garlic bread, veal chop, chicken Marsala, and shrimp & scallop dinner. With friendly waitresses and unbeatable prices, this restaurant consistently delivers a great dining experience, ensuring customers will return for more.“

“New Corner Ristorante Italiano is a beloved local Italian restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey. Reviewers praise the restaurant's homey and warm decor, as well as the authenticity and flavor of the dishes, including chicken parmesan, spaghetti, and Zuppa de Pesci. The staff is described as accommodating and friendly, and the pizza is particularly acclaimed. Customers express their loyalty to the restaurant, noting it as their go-to Italian spot in the area and highlighting their intention to return.“

“Posillipo Italian Restaurant & Bar offers a delightful dining experience with excellent food and great service. The menu features a variety of Italian classics, such as the Seafood Fra' Diablo and the Shrimp Scampi over linguine, which are praised for their fresh ingredients and perfect execution. The restaurant also serves top-notch drinks, including the renowned Dirty Martini. Customers appreciate the ample portions, fabulous bread, and reasonably priced dinner specials. Despite the slightly dated ambiance, the restaurant is clean, and the staff is attentive, making it a hidden gem worth revisiting.“

“Johnny Piancone's is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Long Branch, known for its authentic cuisine and great atmosphere. The staff is professional and attentive, making sure your dining experience is top-notch. The Veal Parmesan Chop and Halibut dishes are highly recommended, as well as the delicious Calamari appetizer. They also offer a fantastic happy hour menu with a variety of small plate options under $10, including favorites like Mezza Rigatoni and Artichoke Hearts Francaise. The sauces on all dishes are divine, and the overall experience at Johnny Piancone's is enjoyable and welcoming. Don't miss out on this gem for a delicious Italian meal.“

“Antonio's Trattoria Cucina Italiana is a vibrant restaurant serving excellent Italian cuisine. The staff is great, providing exceptional service. The food is delicious, with generous portions and fresh flavors. The cheese ravioli and focaccia bread are standouts. Gluten-free options are also available, with many dishes able to be modified to accommodate dietary restrictions. While the music can be loud, the overall atmosphere is lively and inviting.“

“MonAlyssa Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria is a gem with a soothing ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious food. The dining room is enjoyable, and the servers are excellent, polite, and patient. The menu offers a variety of dishes with distinct tastes, including great marinara sauce, and huge portions at great prices. It's a BYOB establishment, and although the dining room can get a little loud, it's a great spot to visit. With outstanding food and service, MonAlyssa is a highly recommended "go-to place" that will leave you wanting to come back.“

“Tuscany Restaurant and Bar offers an impressive culinary experience, serving a blend of Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features dishes such as Poached Pear salad with grilled chicken, chicken marsala, and baked potato. Guests can expect generous portions and fresh wine. The staff provides exceptional service, accommodating dietary restrictions and offering personalized suggestions. A great choice for a variety of occasions.“

“Pagano's Uva Restaurant offers a welcoming family-run atmosphere, with a proud display of family photos throughout the establishment. The lunch buffet is a popular choice, providing a wide variety of delicious food at reasonable prices. The upstairs room can accommodate large groups and features a private bar and bathroom. The menu and wine selection have been praised for their quality. Standout dishes include the calamari, meatballs, stuffed artichoke, and gnocchi salsiccia, all of which showcase the restaurant's family recipes. The service is generally friendly and attentive, although there may be occasional delays during busy periods. The restaurant is recommended for its food, but there is a suggestion for more staff during large events to improve service.“

“Mancino's Pizzeria & Pasta is a must-try place with delicious homemade raviolis and shrimp parm sub. Their pizza is fantastic, especially the White Pie with broccoli. The friendly staff and excellent customer service make the dining experience even better. The vodka sauce and crust are highlights, and the menu offers a comprehensive selection that rivals even North Jersey and New York pizza. A top-notch spot for pizza lovers.“

“Pasta Volo is a restaurant that serves delicious and fresh food with a warm welcome and friendly style. The menu offers a variety of options, allowing customers to mix and match different combinations. The garlic bread is a standout, and the portions are generous and filling. The restaurant also offers gluten-free pasta and vegan options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. With its affordable prices and home-style cooking, Pasta Volo is a must-visit for pasta lovers in the area.“

“Slices of Hope Pizza & Restaurant is a fantastic place with quality food, offering excellent pizza with fresh ingredients and a Detroit pizza with a thick crust. The menu is top-notch, with vegan cheese available and a variety of options, including great kids' meals. The service is friendly and above average, with a local vibe and a helpful staff. The location has a nice big dining room and is easy to access. Customers appreciate the attention to dietary restrictions, like gluten-free options. The plain pie and focaccia deep dish style pizza were both fantastic, making it a new favorite spot for those seeking delicious food.“

“Buona Sera is a special ristorante known for its delicious Italian cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere. The place is ideal for a fine meal before a show or a celebratory event. Portions are generous, and the food and drinks are consistently praised as outstanding. The service is attentive and accommodating, making for an enjoyable dining experience.“

“Gargiulo's Tinton Falls offers consistently great food at a good value, with a family-oriented atmosphere. The Sea Bass special, pork chop dish, chicken scarpariello, and sole francese were perfectly prepared. The staff, including the owner, were awesome, considerate, and fun. Service was excellent, with knowledgeable servers and solid drinks. While portions were slightly small, the stuffed chicken and steak were delicious. The robust wine and spirits menu, along with scrumptious bread and graham cracker gelato, make this restaurant a must-visit for a delicious meal.“

“Marandola's Restaurant in Bradley Beach offers delicious food, with standout dishes like Red Snapper, Pork Chop Giambotta, and Rigatoni specials. The meatballs are a must-try, described as "out of this world." The decor is simple yet elegant, though the space can feel a bit cramped with tables close together. The service was a mixed bag - while the waitress was initially attentive, she became scarce once the meals arrived. Despite this, the food was excellent, with the Tuscan Shrimp & Beans appetizer and Pork Chop Giambotta receiving high praise. The Linguine & Clams was good but not exceptional, with a few clams having sand. The Affogatos for dessert were tasty but pricey at $14 each. Overall, the restaurant was enjoyable and worth a return visit, though improvements in service consistency and pricing for desserts could enhance the experience.“

“Benny's Pizza & Restaurant offers delicious food, including chicken, calamari, stuffed shells, chicken piccata, penne ala vodka, and a variety of pizzas. The service is excellent, with friendly phone assistance and on-time, hot deliveries. The restaurant is a great stop for both dining in and taking out, even for long-distance travels.“

“Mia Restaurant is a family-owned gem located in Oceanport, highly recommended for travelers. The food is phenomenal, with standout dishes like pasta fagioli, warm spinach and mushroom salad, chicken dishes, and shrimp on angel hair pasta. Prices offer great value, and the atmosphere is quaint, making it perfect for both family dinners and date nights. The restaurant is BYOB, and the staff is friendly and engaging. Nonna and Nonno's cooking, served by their grandson Giovanni, will leave you delighted. Soft music and dimmed lights contribute to a cozy and romantic ambiance.“

“Joe Leone's Italian Specialties offers delicious food for catering or gift boxes. The sausage and peppers Bianca is a standout dish, with perfectly cooked veggies and great sausage. Ordering is easy, with clear instructions and helpful staff. While some dishes like the meat lasagna may have inconsistencies, the stuffed breads are tasty. Customer service is responsive and accommodating, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly. Overall, Joe Leone's provides fresh and tasty Italian food that is sure to please, with a reputation for quality and flavor.“

“Via Sposito is a highly recommended restaurant known for its delicious and fresh food, including the Caprese salad and Nonna pie. The pizza and pasta dishes, especially the gnocchi Sorrentino, are also popular. The staff is professional, friendly, and attentive, providing a comfortable dining experience. The bread is freshly made on-site, and the interior is cozy without being too loud, making it an excellent place for conversations over great food.“

“Patrizia's of Red Bank is an Italian restaurant known for its family-style meals and excellent service. The menu offers fresh and delicious dishes, such as Vongole clams and Pasta Bolognese. For special events, the restaurant can accommodate specific meal requests, and the owner is praised for their attentiveness. The restaurant also participates in Jersey Shore Restaurant Week, offering a variety of appetizing options. The venue is described as rustic and charming, making it an ideal location for both casual and special occasion dining.“

“Vic's Italian Restaurant offers delicious and reasonably priced Italian cuisine, with good portion sizes and excellent service. Popular menu items include lasagna, linguini and meat sauce, as well as pizza with thin and crunchy crust. The chicken parm sandwich also received positive feedback, although it was noted that the pizza was particularly exceptional. The restaurant has parking available in the rear, although street parking may be necessary if the lot is full. During peak times, the restaurant can get crowded, resulting in a higher noise level. Staff are attentive and accommodating, as shown by their quick replacement of an incorrect order.“

“Due Amici is a kid-friendly neighborhood restaurant that offers a warm atmosphere and great food. The veal chop with veggies and lemon butter sauce, as well as the Veal Parmigiano, are standout dishes. The owner is friendly and welcoming, making an effort to chat with customers. While the service can be a bit inconsistent, the servers are generally friendly and attentive. The restaurant gets a good crowd and often features entertainment. It's a great spot to stop by, even on a whim, and is sure to please with its delicious meals and pleasant atmosphere.“

“Molinari's is a casual and welcoming restaurant that offers a unique BYOB experience. The staff is friendly, and the food is delicious. The menu features a variety of tasty options, including the popular eggplant parm, which is highly recommended. Pizza and wings are also notable dishes. While the restaurant has a nice atmosphere, with flowers on the tables, it's worth noting that there may be bugs present. Additionally, soda refills are charged at $3.50 each, so it's best to order only one.“

“Rella's Italian Tavern is a rustic, upscale casual restaurant with a comprehensive classic Italian menu. The atmosphere is cozy and lively, with a vibrant bar scene for sports. The staff works hard and food prices are fair. While the food is above average, some dishes may be bland or lacking seasoning. Portion sizes can vary. The restaurant offers weeknight specials and promotions, making it a dependable choice in the Manasquan-Sea Girt-Spring Lake area.“

“Il Posto is a hidden gem that offers an excellent dining experience. The food is fresh and delicious, with vegetarian options like pasta, eggplant, and several appetizers available. The service is attentive and respectful, with a mom-and-pop atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. The prices are reasonable, and the restaurant offers delivery and a quiet atmosphere that is suitable for families with young children. The music adds a lovely touch, and the staff are friendly and welcoming.“

“Capitoline, a restaurant that stands out for its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, offers a revamped menu and inviting indoor space. The marinated tomatoes, kale caesar salad, and eggplant parm sandwich are highly recommended, and vegetarians will appreciate the option to add crispy eggplant to various dishes. While pizza at Capitoline is top-notch, the menu has much more to explore, making it a must-visit destination for any food lover.“

“Illiano's Italian Restaurant is a small, established eatery known for its delicious food and exceptional pizza. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients and a touch of love in every dish, creating a mom-and-pop atmosphere. Ideal for families, Illiano's offers a kid-friendly environment, with the owner often giving free garlic knots to young guests. Generous parking and enduring friendliness make this classic Italian restaurant a must-visit.“

“Little Buca Restaurant is a hidden gem known for its exceptional food and service. The staff, including waiters like Johnny and Josh, are attentive and welcoming, creating a warm and professional atmosphere. The menu features authentic and delicious dishes, such as mussels, tuna with risotto, and crusted fluke, with flavors that are out of this world. Diners can enjoy a bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) experience. Overall, it's a perfect spot for a date night or anyone seeking a top-notch culinary experience.“

“Illiano's Café is a nice, classy restaurant with excellent food and service. They offer generous serving sizes, with dishes like Chicken Alfredo and Chicken Parmigiana standing out. The atmosphere is friendly, attracting an older crowd who enjoy bringing their own wine. They still serve bread and salad with dinner, a rare find nowadays. The Italian Cheesecake with a hint of lemon is a must-try, along with the Cannoli. Overall, a decent place with good food and service, perfect for a pleasant dining experience.“

“Skipped Breakfast this morning so that we could visit a new to us Pizza Joint. Once again sampling another Big Mac Pizza!!! As the Medium Big Mac Pie was made and baked, we tried a Plain and a Grandma slice. Both Kit and I enjoyed those slices. The Big Mac came out and looked delicious, this one had the sesame seed sprinkled on top of the pizza, not baked in the crust like John's Crackle Barrel in Neptune, NJ. The chop meat on this pie appeared to have been crumbled cooked beef patties, the lettuce, onions, American cheese, chopped pickles and the special sauce once again replicated the taste of a Big Mac. Here they also had added a little mozzarella cheese in the blend. This overall added to the taste and was a delight!!!“

“Nino Jr's Italian Specialty is a beloved local business that serves exceptional food in a professional environment. The staff is friendly, courteous, and willing to go above and beyond to meet customers' needs. The pasta e fagiole soup is a standout, with generous and delicious portions. The restaurant is known for its high-quality subs and warm atmosphere. With years of loyal customers, Nino Jr's has established a reputation for excellent service and delicious food.“

“Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is known for its attentive service and pleasant atmosphere. The staff is accommodating to minor changes and the food is generally well-received. However, there have been instances of slow service and forgetful waitstaff. The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options such as eggplant parm, ravioli, vegetable soup, bread sticks, and appetizers. While the food is typically good, the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the quality of service can vary.“

“Graziano's Italian Restaurant is a family-owned establishment serving authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers no-frills atmosphere at affordable prices. Servers are charming, and the sauces are flavorful. The menu features cheap chicken parm and pasta specials during weekdays. A must-visit for many, the restaurant has sentimental value for some, with great memories made there. The homemade ranch dressing is a standout, and the chicken marcello with fries is a popular choice.“

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“Brando's Citi Cucina offers a delightful and authentic Italian dining experience. The service is welcoming, and the cuisine is magnificent, with standout dishes including authentic Italian pasta, filet Mignon, and an eggplant appetizer. Generous portions, flavorful food, and impressive plate presentation make for a memorable meal. Don't miss out on their pistachio ice cream cake for dessert. The ambiance is reminiscent of an Italian mobster hangout, adding to the unique character of this highly recommended restaurant.“