50 Best Italian Restaurants near Sparta

“I absolutely recommend Pizza1! Beat pizza I’ve had in YEARS! They also cover the ENTIRE pie with mozzarella and I never bite into dough and sauce! FINALLY a pizza place that is not a con or CHEAP and uses ENOUGH Mozzarella! Their pies are also 16 inches,but it’s the biggest 16 in pie I’ve eaten! At least you can fold a slice of pizza from this place. Definitely get your next pie from this place! Hopefully they stay consistent!!“

“I like La Vita. It’s a nice option amongst a town full of franchise pizzeria restaurants.
We get sliced meats there and love the beet salad with hazelnuts. I hope this is taken constructively and not as harsh or overly critical:

When I get one arancini I’m always offered one very small side of marinara and never have been charged for it. It’s about a tablespoon of sauce in a small condiment cup. Now two weeks in a row I’ve gone in and asked for four arancini. Last week I was given two cups ( or tablespoons ) for four large risotto balls. Didn’t realize it till I got home. Today I asked for four arancini and was asked if I’d like marinara, said yes and was given one cup. I said I’d like one for each risotto ball and was told it would be extra.
That makes no sense. One condiment cup for four large arancini. Said I’d pay but explained my point.
Why not just increase the price 25-50 cents per ball and automatically include the sauce… and give a fuller cup of sauce ? It saves the unnecessary up charge which doesn’t make me feel good having to explain. Don’t know if I was charged because no receipt is ever given.

Also, the Caesar salad dressing has no flavor, it seems like no anchovy, lemon or garlic. Caesar dressing is a specific recipe and thought would be honored in such an establishment. Just offer authentic dressing and an “ lighter “ option.
Also, when I ask for it to go why is it dressing is on the side? It’s like romain lettuce from the supermarket in a box instead of a cellophane bag… just at a higher price.

And the porchetta meal I had recently-
while delicious was mostly fat and not much meat or fennel. Not a lot for the price.

Finally, I had asked for a caprese sandwich but said focaccia was too much bread and was offered a hero and said yes.
I know, I know… Hero’s are huge and I wasn’t thinking because I said focaccia is too much bread. But I said I didn’t want a lot of bread. So, a hero wasn’t a good alternative- and without olive oil or balsamic on the bread makes for a very dry sandwich even though the arugula was dressed nicely and the ingredients fresh and tasty. It’s too much bread for a tomato mozzarella and arugula sandwich. I ate everything except the bread. Was there a better option? Communication.“

“Just moved here from NH. Got it to go. My husband and I loved the food for such a reasonable price. We live in Sparta and this place is only 2.5 miles from our new home! Yea!!“

“We recently hosted a birthday part? W Franks pizza catering it .hoagies and sev platters everything came out perfect..very reasonably priced totally recommend for catering the chicken and padta dished..deluscious!(Thanks Franks for a great party!)“

“We just had a wonderful experience with Anthony Franco in Sparta. From start to finish! They made everything so easy! That's huge! The Food and service was great! Our server Brooke was really great! They made our special gathering really nice and very easy!“

“Our family had a Memorial Luncheon on July 2, 2022 and experienced world class service by our server, Suzie and the busboy, Ryan. The cod, chicken rollatini and tiramusi were absolutely delicious - rave reviews by all from our party of 30. Suzie and Ryan were courteous, friendly, efficient and very professional. Both are a credit to the restaurant - job well done! We will definitely be returning soon.“

“Service and food were fantastic…we will be back again. Recommend to everyone I know“

“ordered a tomato pie and Italian sub, the pizza was fantastic and the sub had fresh quality meats and the roll was terrific. I would highly recommend this place to any one who enjoys authentic Italian food. Nice job.“

“On Friday 4/26/24 my husband and I had a rehearsal dinner for our son and daughter in law at Milano's. We had 32 people at the restaurant. The service was fantastic. The amount of food was crazy. The restaurant met all our needs. We would highly recommend Milano's. It was a great night before the wedding at Mountain Creek.“

“Had dinner there last night. Service was great with special notice to out server Denise. Tipped her accordingly. Other staff removed used dishes in a timely manner. Meals arrived hot and portion size was perfect. This was our 4 visit to them and always had great dinning,“

“My only complaint about Dominicks is the pizza is always cold when you pick it up! Tonight we had to wait for the salad to be made, making the pizza cold!!! Great Grandmother’s pie but pull it together! Thanks“

“We were there several times. It was great. Service was great as well.“

“This was our favorite restaurant for years when we lived in NJ. We were in area last week (after 15 years). WOW - the menu, the food, the cocktails, the service and effort put into everything is still FABULOUS! Our dinner on Friday was so good, we ate there again on Saturday night. Thank you Dan and your entire team.“

“4 of us went there last night not knowing reservations are recommended. We were able to be seated at 5:30 but told (not so nicely) that there was a reservation coming at 7 for this particular table! I almost walked out after that comment was made. Other than that, the food was delicious and our waitress was great!“

“Little Nicki’s was wonderful. The food was delicious and presentation was beautiful…wonderful atmosphere very friendly. Victoria gave us great service. And the owner Dom was delightful. Will be back real soon…“

“My wife and I loved our dinner. Looks like we’ll be regulars. Highly recommend eating here. Friendly staff too!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Visited this restaurant with our friends, Eddie & Kathie, who live in the area and we had a marvelous time. Cocktails, wine, main meals and dessert were great as was the ambiance and the hospitality of Dina, who we met, her sister and the entire staff. We live about 50 minutes away but we will make it a point to return in the not so distant future.“

“Always good food…soup is always fresh, they carry great empanadas too!“

“Excellent food and service“

“Food is always excellent. Best pizza in town! The Grandma Pie and Eggplant Sorrentino Pie are especially fabulous! Mangia!“

“Ron's did our banquet of 160 people and everyone said the food was excellent. We found the staff on time with the food, extremely helpful, fairly priced and very generous with amounts. We will be using Ron's going forward. Thanks so much, Ron, it was great!“

“Simply the best ,I eat there everyday there open great food great service and trust me I'm a fuss pot when it comes to my food but they have never disappointed me in the years I have been going there“

“we at Lennon's House ,have a special place for our group meetings and its Anthony's! WE EVEN BUY PIES FOR THE LOCAL POLICE STATION & AND THEY SAY it's their favorite! We love the spinach soup ! Eggplant franchise is amazing! All the pizza is so fresh ,whatever they make goes because it's a hot spot and as soon as they make it , it goes ! We Love Anthony's!“

“The best pizza in town Love this place. Authentic pizza and even custom made. It’s simply perfect 👍“

“Finally had a chance to order. The food was phenomenal, but not for the price. I was really disappointed with the "lack" of food in the container for $22. There may have been 1 cup of that if rice in the container.“

“I have had two bridal showers at Portofino in Oak Ridge, and not only did everyone love the food, but Nancy and the entire staff is outstanding. They go above and beyond to help you in any capacity that they can. I highly recommend Portofino either for lunch, dinner or any kind of event you have whether it is big or small. You can't go wrong with Portofino, I can't say enough great things about the staff and restaurant!“

“Crystal Springs Bistro exceeded our expectations. Trent out server was amazing and offered the best service, he was able to give recommendations and was warm and welcoming. Brian the bartender made our tables drinks and made the best espresso martini I have ever had!! It was a great experience at Bistro!! We most definitely will be back!!!“

“Thank you so much for honoring our Nurses during Nurses week! We appreciate you! The food was delicious 😋“

“i adore this place and the workers. everyone is so kind and the food is SO good. prices are totally reasonable! i frequent this place not only because it is local for me, but i am happy to eat it. come here if you have a chance, i’m sure you won’t be disappointed :D“

“They catered our party this weekend and did a fantastic job! Lou is great to work with, the food was delicious and the server was on point! Definitely recommend!“

“Grabbed both breakfast (BEC PK) on a roll and then lunch (Sausage, Peppers and Onions) today, both were great. The breakfast sandwich was layered perfectly between the meat, 3 eggs and cheese that it came with. It wasn’t greasy and it also wasn’t falling apart when you were eating it. The Sausage, Peppers and Onions sub came on some really fresh bread, had a ton of flavoring and again, not greasy. Definitely would recommend if you are in the area and want to try something delicious on the go.“

“Food was on point, The Tower appetizer would be better if the eggplant was fried, and crispy though. The outdoor area overlooking the lake was beautiful on a summer evening.

The outdoor seating isn't particularly comfortable, and it get a bit loud. Still, it was an enjoyable dinner.“

“Ordered form catering menu. Very happy. Food was delicious. Delivered on time definitely recommend for your catering needs.“

“The food here is outstanding & delicious! You must try the Sicilian Grandma's Pizza. The crust was amazing as is how they make a Sicilian slice of pizza. It's the right balance of crust and fresh ingredients without it being overpowered with dough. The salad we had was delicious too. Everything so far we had here is just phenomenal as is the customer service, staff & owner. Definitely go and check it out!“

“I ordered Mike’s Special Pizza yesterday, and it is amazing! Reminds me of a combination of their Chicken Aurora Dinner (which I love) and their Grandma Pizza (so so good.) My kids also love the burgers here. I look forward to ordering again!“

“A Hidden Gem in Wharton That Keeps Getting Better!

This evening we had a truly wonderful dinner at Reno’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Wharton, NJ. From start to finish, everything about our visit was top-notch. Our server, Shirley, was incredibly attentive—friendly, prompt, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. What really stood out, though, was that Reno himself came by to check in and ensure we were enjoying our evening. It’s not every day you see that level of care and pride from an owner, and it absolutely elevated the experience.

We started with two fantastic appetizers—the eggplant rollatini and little neck clams in marinara sauce. Both were delicious, fresh, and beautifully prepared. For entrees, we chose the mahi mahi in mango sauce special and the shrimp scampi over linguini. Each dish was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. Compliments to the chef—truly excellent work in the kitchen!

We ended our meal on a sweet note with the mini cannolis, which were perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor.

Although Reno’s (formerly Maria’s) has been a staple in town for some time, their recent expansion into a charming sit-down dining area has added so much to the local dining scene. It’s cozy, welcoming, and a perfect spot for a relaxed and satisfying dinner. Reno’s is a real asset to Wharton, and we’ll definitely be back! (PS It's BYOB!)“

“Buffalo Chicken pizza with Blue Cheese drizzle was delicious. Great, friendly service...“

“Best pizza in the area! Incredible freshness!“

“Best pizza around! I used to work at an award winning pizza place and since moving to Oak Ridge have not found pizza that I love until Pintos. (I'm picky) BUT not only is the pizza good but the guy (who I think is the owner) making the pizzas is SO friendly. Always has a smile and makes sure to say hello and goodbye to everyone.“

“Carmine's is our go to place whenever we crave Italian or a cheesesteak. Husband and I were there yesterday for late lunch. Excellent pasta fagioli soup, huge slices of pizza, and overstuffed, cheesesteak. Great service and reasonable prices. We were informed there is an extra charge if you're not paying cash. This is becoming a common practice and we were informed of it. Server was excellent and made us feel welcome. I was asked if I knew of any pizza parlors served gluten free and of course I recommended Carmine's.“

“Everything about this experience was wonderful! This was hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had in a LONG time. Unfortunately, I inhaled my food before I thought to take a picture of it. Just believe me when I say it looked appealing and tasted great!“

“Muy buena comida me encanta la pizza y las alitas de pollo con picante“

“Absolutely love it here! We come very often and always enjoy.“

“We had my daughter's sweet 16 catered by RJ's. The food was absolutely delicious, I mean all of it. There wasn't one dish that wasn't amazing. Everyone at the party raced about the food. I highly recommend RJ's to cater your party“

“excellent food especially the pizza and deserts. Generous portions, and they give you extra items for FREE! Very friendly staff...an all-around great place to eat (reasonable prices too!).“

“Brian is a gem, great service and Drinks. Some of the other should take tips from him, not as good but overall service and food is very good. There should be uniformity in cooking, for example the pastrami sloppy joe has been in 2 pcs ,grilled and other times it's 3 pcs toasted, other times it's not grilled or tosted and served sandwich style, 2 pcs. White bread!! Great food and drinks overall, no matter how it's served. Try them and you'll become a regular patron!!

Parking: Parking is very good whole parking lot

Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly, try em you'll see for yourself!!

Wheelchair accessibility: Very accessible by wheelchair, from parking to restaurant, whether diner or tavern.“

“Always fresh great service and fast delivery“

“Amazing food and service ! I ordered a crispy chicken salad and it was fresh and enough for two meals! Our server was very attentive!“

“Picked up a pie half plain half mushroom and onion. The crust was crumbly like an ingredient was missing or something. Very wierd first time I've ever had this experience with pizza ,anywhere. Have had food here before and although I was never like," that place is the best". This was my first disappointment with the food.
Editing review:
Giving them 4 stars as I received a quick response from the owner regarding our review and disappointment with the pizza. They offered to make the situation right and stated they value our business. We will give them another try. It's clear they care about their customers.“

“Pepperoni pizza is a flavorful masterpiece, with a perfect balance of toppings on a deliciously crispy crust. The service is friendly and efficient, making every visit a pleasure. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this pizzeria is a must-try for authentic Italian pizza lovers.“