50 Best Italian Restaurants near Rahway

“Il Forno was a very pleasant surprise. The lunch specials exceeded my expectations. The food and the service was very good. I would recommend this restaurant to my friends.“

“I've only done indoor all 4 times bcuz it was winter months.....the food is so delicious...chicken parm, chicken franchise, chicken piccata, ricotta gnocchi, red sangria, waitress & waiters are so attentive, friendly & pleasant“

“I order pizza from here at least once a week and it never disappoints. The pizza is delicious, fresh, and not greasy, which I really appreciate. On top of that, the delivery guy is always so nice and friendly. Amazing food and great service!“

“Never heard of this place and didn’t know they were at their place. Got a slice and I’ll tell you I love thin pizza. This pizza was delicious. I would rate this pizza a 7.7. Great everyday pizza.“

“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.“

“Walked in without a reservation and were quickly seated despite the restaurant being very busy. Staff were super friendly and kind. Food was AMAZING. Like absolutely knocked it out of the park. The bread was warm and soft and delicious, serviced with a sun-dried tomato compound butter. The fried calamari was excellent, the lemon sauce thing amazing and the tomato thing also amazing. The winter salad was delicious. We got the caramelized onion cacio y Pepe, the shrimp bolo, and the truffle gnocchi. All were outstanding. The gnocchi were light as air and the sauce was divine. For dessert, the chocolate tort, carrot cake, and tiramisu were all decadent and perfect. We were truly impressed with how absolutely delicious everything was. Will definitely be back!“

“Excellent food, excellent service and excellent atmosphere. I promise if you try this place, you will be extremely satisfied and for sure you will go back again! This restaurant serves the best Italian food in Staten Island.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Had the pleasure of eating at Giorgio"s last night before a show at SPAC. Service was outstanding, menu explained and food was excellent. From our salad, entree and desert everything was outstanding. I highly recommend it but please not before a show I may now get a reservation again.“

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

“This place was such a great discovery! Beautiful interior and an excellent cocktail selection, both in taste and presentation. The Gin & Jam was fantastic, and the Coconut Espresso Martini is probably one of the best espresso martinis I’ve had.

We ordered the lamb chops, which were cooked to perfection, and the oyster mushroom pasta, both dishes were outstanding. Finished with tiramisu, which was also very good.

Lastly, the staff was incredibly kind and attentive! Definitely a great spot - will be back!“

“very attentive service without being intrusive. Our meals were absolutely delicious, so fresh and hot. Dessert was heavenly. Thank you for making our wedding anniversary perfect“

“First time here. Our waiter dropped the ball but food was good so might give it another chance someday. Valentine's Day so I get it was busy so not an issue with being sat 15 min past our reservation. Hostess was very attentive, taking coats and pulling our chairs. Water staff did provide water promptly but our waiter who passed us several times didn't greet us or take our drink order until after 20 minutes and after greeting a couple who was sat several minutes after we were. Still tipped 20+% but I'm a heavy tipper so when I round 20ish % it means service wasn't great. Maybe pick a wine next time because cocktails were off. Waiter left us hanging after dropping off dessert menu and I was about to change my mind on it and just take the check after waiting too long. Not sure what happened but someone else took over who was much quicker but maybe because it was getting closer to closing time? Happy I stuck around for dessert. The cheesecake was amazing and was the highlight of the evening for me.“

“First time visiting tonight! The dining experience was great and the food is delicious! The service was very friendly! I'd definitely go again and recommend to anyone in search of a good Italian restaurant! :)“

“"We planned a girls' dinner at ‘OSfizio and to say it exceeded our expectations is an understatement. The atmosphere and staff were welcoming and inviting, and the food was fresh and absolutely delicious. Gennaro was beyond attentive to our needs, recommending spectacular dishes and ensuring our plates and cocktails were full. We didn't feel rushed out at any point. We felt welcomed life family. If you're looking for great food, a warm atmosphere, and a fabulous staff, OSfizio is the place to visit. You won't be disappointed~ We can’t wait to go back!“

“I have always loved Bella Mamas,, and now it's has gotten even better, with the grilled pizzas , the new menu, the portion are huge and you are definitely taking left overs. very inviting atmosphere.“

“I have used catering from Mazzella's several times now and never disappoints! Food is always fresh and abundant. Guests always ask where I got the food. 👍👍“

“Just had a magnificent dinner at La Bottiglia! It was our anniversary and we wanted to enjoy a great dinner at a restaurant with great ambience and a quiet and cozy atmosphere. From the delicious hot antipasto to start our meal along with a delicious house wine and amazing cosmopolitan we knew we were in the right place to celebrate a momentous occasion. The hot antipasto was so delicious and plentiful along with warm, fresh bread and focaccia to spread the homemade caponata on. Off to a great start! We were now full! The chicken parmigiana that my husband ordered was great according to him, and he is a harsh food critic! My salmon Dijon with mixed vegetables was so good!! I order it every time I come here as it is so very delicious! The desserts are amazing! The cannolis are so good. Double espressos are so rich and satisfying! To top off the great meal is the hospitality of the entire restaurant staff. They are so professional and efficient with such a warm and welcoming attitude! I can’t say enough good things about La Bottiglia! You have to come and try it for yourself! You will be very pleased, I’m sure!“

“Had a great dinner! Always great service too!“

“I recently hosted my mother's 80th Birthday celebration at Casa Verde Restaurant, and I must say, it was a truly exceptional experience. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious; every dish was fresh, hot, and bursting with flavor. The service was impeccable, with staff treating us like family throughout the day. Drinks and cocktails were plentiful and well-crafted. Casa Verde went above and beyond to ensure that every detail was perfect for the occasion. If you're looking for a venue for your next party, Casa Verde is definitely the place to be. A big thank you to the owners and staff for making my mother's 80th birthday celebration truly unforgettable. Much love“

“What a great Christmas Party… The room was decorated beautifully with Christmas Cheer… The food was amazing…truly the best meatballs in the state ♥️ the staff was courteous friendly & attentive…Enjoyed the evening with friends…Thank you to Gilda & family for never disappointing ‼️“

“I was there when I was using a rollator.. super easy to get around inside for being disabled! The food was delicious!“

“We went just before closing time and the service was phenomenal! We have a person with autism and they were so patient; when we asked him how he liked his food his response was “the food is so good I feel like I am in Italy.” Thank you for a memorable evening.“

“We are Never disappointed eating at La Campagnola~ the Food is Amazing ~ the Service is always impeccable ~ love the Ambiance ! We Wish you were in Monmouth County ~ but the distance won’t stop us from returning again ~ We’ll be back Brian 🍝🍷👍☺️“

“We had a beautiful ladies luncheon at the restaurant and the food, service & ambiance was above & beyond.... Truly a gem !!!!!!! Thank you“

“Excellent sandwiches. I especially like their chicken cutlet ones. We pick up from here a couple times a month and have never been disappointed.“

“Wow what an AMAZING place. Service and Food were both outstanding. We definitely will return again. Thank you Giacamo for everything.“

“The food was delicious!!!“

“I hosted my friend’s 50th birthday here last week and it was great! Mike the owner was super accommodating and made sure everything was set up when we arrived. The staff was amazing and even with the multiple checks we had with people sitting all over the place, they still got everything right!!!! The food is great with huge portions and everyone went home with leftovers. This place is a gem and we will definitely be back with more friends and family!“

“Great service, food, and location.“

“Anticipation was that I am going to an old school Italian restaurant with 90 years tradition. And that was exactly what I encountered. Simplified old look, polite and hospitable workers, and good food. Portions are ridiculously large. One of the times I went was during their September Wednesday deals when you can order a pasta and get another one for 1$, and I expected due to promotion that servings might be slightly smaller. Since I ate one and brought the other one home, I measured it and it was 3.2 Lbs portion!!!

Oh yeah, it's BYOB, so bring some wine to complement your food“

“I had dinner here and it's the best ITALIAN FOOD I've had in a long time,SERVICE was great as well.“

“Everything is the best!!! ♥️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♥️“

“The hot dog & hot sausage combo with the works is the best!“

“Lasagna was amazing. Calamari was such a great appetizer.“

“This place is phenomenal, the ambiance, staff, and the food all hit the marks.

LK has a kale ceasar special that is among the best salads I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to have it for lunch tomorrow.

Thanks so much for being a great addition to the neighborhood.“

“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.“

“This place is second to none. They opened special for us on a Monday, the day they are closed ,to have our father’s repass. The food is AMAZING! All the dishes , with large portions were priced reasonably! The wait staff, bar staff & management were professional & accommodating. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting and would recommend Mulberry Street to anyone looking to go for dinner or to have an event . You won’t regret it!“

“Wow. Today we celebrated my grandson’s Christening at Enzzo’s. Perri and Dominique were amazing hosts for our party of 24. Service and attentiveness were amazing. It only gets better…. The appetizers and main dishes really steal the show. The Bruschetta, Antipasto and Garlic shrimp were exquisite. Then the Eggplant Rolatini, Penne ala Vodka and Chicken Perri were devine. GO YOU WON’T REGRET!!“

“Love this place. Food and staff are friendly. Outside seating. Definitely recommend!“

“Best Pizza in Union & Middlesex County HANDS DOWN! The Hot sandwiches, calzones, Stromboli’s all great! The dining area has that cozy home “cucina” feel. The serving staff are friendly and prompt. Whether it’s take out or dine in. Max’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is the only place that gets my money! Quality, Value & great food ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“New ownership and some of the BEST pizza in NJ you have to come try this place“

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

“Great food and Luis is very pleasant to work with when planning a party.“

“Excellent service , cozy atmosphere. Place is second to none !“

“Five star delicious takeout veal Parmesan and eggplant Parmesan. Very generous portions. Highly recommended!“

“Food is awesome, along with service .“

“Amazing Food and service !!“

“This restaurant serves excellent choices of food. Everything we ordered - from fish to steak to vegetarian dishes was cooked and prepared to perfection. The servings are generous that we were able to share with family members what we have. We all agreed to order a different dish since this is only the second time some of us have eaten here. \n\nThey also have live entergainment with the Trivia night - we went on a Thursday and our table won 2nd place and got a $40.00 coupon for our next dinner date!!\n\nWe will surely be back when visiting family here in Union, New Jersey!“