50 Best Italian Restaurants near Sea Bright

“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.“

“Delicious Authentic Pizza, Reminds me of NYC pizza in the 80’s. I will drive an hour again to have another slice of Heaven !“

“Just got my favorite, pizza, and it is the BEST!!“

“Amazing food amazing service“

“If you’re anywhere near Asbury Park, you definitely have to go to Judy’s. Know that this spot is two lovely spaces within the St. Laurent Hotel, Judy’s (the restaurant) and Harry’s (the lounge/bar). We walked in around 6:15pm on a Friday (off-season, but busy) and the FOH staff made a point to find space for us. Joe and Sarah took it from there and were outstanding. Sat at the chefs counter and loved everything that hit our table - latke and crab/shrimp lumache were true standouts. Come for the exceptional atmosphere, attentive service, delicious food or all of the above! 💕“

“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.“

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

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

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

“While we were too early to try anything off the menu, I wanted to thank this business for opening their doors (and bathroom!) to the people at the Pride Parade. The gentleman at the counter was sunny and kind and let everyone in. Most other businesses did not. We already have this place earmarked for our dinner after our next beach day. Thank you for being excellent humans.“

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

“Thank you for such a wonderful evening! We couldn’t have chosen a better place for Kelsey and Michael’s rehearsal dinner. Service was excellent, staff was so welcoming and accommodating ❤️ All of the food was delicious with beautiful presentation. Thanks so much!“

“Great food amazing service and wonderful warm hospitality“

“Beautiful atmosphere, attentive and friendly staff, delicious salads, soups, family style appetizers, meal choices, desserts and drinks - everything was perfect.“

“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.“

“Wow, what an amazing experience!
We came for a staff day out at work from Lakewood, and we had an unbelievable time. The food was excellent with generous portions, and the staff was so available, quick, and efficient even under pressure from our time crunch. The decor and ambiance was beautiful! We would definitely like to come back!

Special shoutout to David and Nico, who were a great team with awesome service!

-Shoshana“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

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

“Looking for a place to celebrate your birthday? Undici restaurant is the place! The food, service and atmosphere was fabulous. I was greeted with Happy Birthday when I checked in. The table was set with a Happy birthday card. After a splendid meal and a dessert with a birthday candle, we were treated with Champagne and Meletti. Thanks for making my birthday so spectacular!“

“Little Buca is a gem. Clubby atmosphere and very attentive staff...every detail attended to, including between course table crumb cleans! The food is excellent...artichoke appetizer is fantastic. Recently dad the lobster tail and parpadelle special which did not disappoint. Its a BYOB, which I personally prefer. Fair warning, it is cash only.“

“Highly recommended! This place is great!“

“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!“

“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!!!“

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

“Food was good, service was great (Alex) . They charge you if you use your credit card and in my case my debit card. My biggest complaint is that the oysters were the size of my thumb nail, so skip the oysters.“

“Dinner comes with salad. Chose ceasar dressing...excellent. bread arrived piping hot and fresh. Had both butter and oil to choose. Ordered crab cake appetizer. Large and lotsa crab. Only filler to keep together. Main course chicken and veal. Very tasty and generous size. Will return.“

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

“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.“

“Had the Tricolore Salad with grilled shrimp today and it was DELICOUS!!!! Dad has the poke bowl and loved it. Service and atmosphere were great!“

“Love everything about your restaurant. The atmosphere, your staff is a delight , the food is absolutely delicious!! Love , Love Love ❤️ See you very soon again !!!“

“I order from Nunzio’s at least twice a month. It’s always fresh, in large amount, and just as good as the last time! I went in for pickup once and everyone was so kind and the kitchen was very clean. Today, uber forgot an item and they personally drove to my house in a flash! I love it there!“

“Last night we came in before a show we were seeing! Our waiter Collin was fantastic he was nice and attentive and made sure that we had everything we needed. The pasta with the spicy sauce was amazing. Collin suggested the meatballs and they were honestly the best meatballs I ever had at a restaurant. We will be back for sure!“

“The food and the service was excellent very reasonably priced and a very nice atmosphere“

“I'm originally from New York so I am very judgy when it comes to pizza. This place brings me right back to home, great atmosphere, great people and delicious food. The owner Lewis is an awesome guy. Great place, great food, great people.“

“Perfect non boardwalk slice. Regular size but still takes up the whole plate. Great sauce and crust and cheeses is perfect. Thanks AJ and Tony.“

“Good food - great service.“

“Really enjoyed the pizza. Highly recommend the food, friendly service & great atmosphere!“

“i was there yesterday with my son and his girlfriend ( 5-10-2025 ) we had a very nice time waitress was great also the food ,is was my mothers day treat ( they came down from pa ) they have never been there i have i live in middletown nj thank you again“

“I've been going to Brother's Pizza for YEARS! Best pizza around!!“

“Great food! Lunch portion had me stuffed! I'll be back again!“

“This is a small restaurant with the most incredibly fresh, homemade Italian food in Monmouth County and it’s BYOB! I have been several times and never disappointed everything has always been so delicious but it is hard to get a reservation sometimes!“

“I recommend the roast beef kitchen club sandwich. And the rice ball filled with meat is the best in town. Yum!“

“Best pizza in Jersey. Fact!“

“Loved it! Best subs around. I'll be back for sure! Can't wait to try the pizza.“

“Best local Italian deli! Went in for brasciole and the owner made it fresh on the spot…DELICIOUS!!“