50 Best Italian Restaurants near Union Beach

“As a Union Beach Resident, I just have to give a shout out to this awesome local pub. Although I visit there often and it has become like a second home where you visit family when you enter, the NYE celebration last night was so fun! The pre fix menu was full of options and the pricing was so fair. The drinks are always served cold and well prepared. Renee and Courtney were up beat and on point and made the evening even more enjoyable. It would not have mattered though who was behind the bar as the rest of the team there are all amazing and professional! If you are in the Bayshore area and are looking for a place to visit stop by and check them out!! BTW, the burgers are really the best in the area !!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“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“

“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! :)“

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

“Went with 5 couples…party of 10! All the appetizers, meals and drinks were great. Very good service…would definitely go back!“

“My granddaughter had her graduation dinner here. It was absolutely fabulous. Lovely atmosphere, fantastic service & the food was amazing. Can’t say enough how great this restaurant is. I would highly recommend this restaurant to family & friends.“

“Grew up NJ, made a life and family in PA. My “brother” recommended this restaurant when we visited him in SI. So so good. Good Italian is difficult to come by. Restaurants try to duplicate the flavor but miss the mark with either poor, processed ingredients or poor ratio of seasonings. This place was on point and I was so pleased. Hope to return again in the future.“

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

“"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!“

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

“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“

“The food was amazing,the staff is friendly attentive and very professional“

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

“Apps and entrees are delicious...have eaten here 5 times and had something different each time...was never disappointed. Always have really good specials too...just don't ask for olive oil with your bread...I don't think it was even olive oil...very bad...otherwise is great.“

“Atmosphere is great ! Service is excellent!! Food is delicious!!! It’s an all around great place to eat with friends , family , etc.“

“The food never ever disappoints“

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

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

“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“

“La Cucina is absolutely delicious. Always fresh and VERY consistent. I have never ordered something that wasn’t superb! They have the best halibut over risotto I have ever had. If you have never dine here before then you are certainly missing out. Cucina is our go to! Best food in town by a long shot 🙌🏼“

“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.“

“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!“

“Had a Family Birthday Celebration Awesome definitely go back!!“

“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.“

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

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

“Food is excellent, amazing selection of specials and all that we had was so delicious! Pizza is by far the best pizza around! It’s cooked perfectly and flavors are just amazing! Staff were all terrific and make you feel like part of their family. Definitely returning and brining family and friends and letting everyone know about it!“

“They are truly a tribute to a neighborhood business. Outstanding food, and customer comes first atitude. Congratulations !!!“

“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.“

“Amazing food with wonderful service“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Excellent atmosphere, service and food. Best veal parm I've ever had!!“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“Hi. I recently purchased some stuffed breads - sausage and peppers - roasted vegetables They were amazing. Looking forward to trying other flavors!“

“it's a new local place and both the pizza and wings were delicious. we will be going back.“

“Been here a couple of times and the food quality is top notch. Huge menu menu and lots of specials as well. I don't live in Staten Island but I can tell that the standards for Italian food in Staten Island are very high. If this restaurant was located in the suburbs or another city, this restaurant would be rated with better reviews.“

“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.“

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