The Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey, From Classic to Modern
New Jersey is synonymous with incredible Italian cuisine, from old-school red-sauce institutions to modern, chef-driven kitchens. Across the state, standout restaurants are recognized for their commitment to authentic ingredients, house-made pasta, and award-winning culinary excellence. Many have earned accolades from platforms like OpenTable, Yelp, and regional “Best of NJ” lists, reflecting both critical praise and loyal local followings.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best Italian restaurants in New Jersey, organized by region and listed alphabetically.
North Jersey
Bici, Ramsey
A cozy BYO in Ramsey, Bici has become a standout in North Jersey for its creative yet comforting Italian dishes. Frequently featured in “best of NJ” roundups, the restaurant is praised for its handmade pastas and seasonal menu that blends tradition with innovation.
Bici
61 E Main St
Ramsey, NJ 07446
Fiorentini Restaurant, Rutherford
Often ranked among the top Italian restaurants in the state, Fiorentini is known for its refined, seasonal approach and elegant atmosphere. Its chef’s tasting menus and scratch-made dishes have earned it recognition as one of New Jersey’s premier Italian dining destinations.
Fiorentini Restaurant
98 Park Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070
Luigino’s Parmigiana, Montclair
A must-visit in Montclair, Luigino’s has quickly gained attention for its beautifully executed Italian classics and modern presentation. Widely praised in local and national food coverage, the restaurant’s focused menu highlights perfected dishes like carbonara and Roman-style pizza. BYOB.
Follow the link to read our full feature on Luigino’s Parmigiana.
Luigino’s Parmigiana
173 Glenridge Ave
Montclair, NJ 07042
Scalini Fedeli, Chatham
An upscale favorite, Scalini Fedeli delivers a refined Italian dining experience with impeccable service and elegant tasting menus. Frequently cited in top restaurant lists, it is known for its fine-dining approach and special-occasion atmosphere.
Scalini Fedeli
63 Main St
Chatham, NJ 07928
Sofia, Englewood
Sofia blends modern Italian cuisine with a stylish, lively setting. With seasonal menus and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, it has become one of North Jersey’s most talked-about Italian restaurants.
Sofia
36 Engle St
Englewood, NJ 07631
Central Jersey
Amalfi’s Kitchen & Bar, Lawrenceville
A staple in Lawrenceville, Amalfi’s Kitchen & Bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with a menu of classic Italian favorites and contemporary dishes. Known for its consistent quality and community following, it stands out as a go-to destination for both casual dining and special occasions.
Amalfis Kitchen & Bar
146 Lawrenceville – Pennington Rd
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Catherine Lombardi, New Brunswick
Celebrated for its comforting, family-style Italian fare, Catherine Lombardi has earned recognition as one of the best Italian restaurants in New Jersey. Its homemade mozzarella, classic pastas, and welcoming ambiance make it a longtime favorite.
Catherine Lombardi
3 Livingston Ave
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Il Dono Italian Restaurant & Bar, Hamilton Township
Il Dono offers elevated Italian cuisine with a focus on refined flavors and artistic presentation. Frequently highlighted in top restaurant lists, it delivers a fine-dining experience that blends tradition with modern technique.
Il Dono Italian Restaurant & Bar
812 NJ-33
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Luca’s Ristorante, Somerset
A longtime favorite, Luca’s Ristorante is known for its authentic Italian recipes and dedication to scratch-made dishes. The restaurant has been featured in major “best of NJ” lists for its traditional flavors and consistent excellence.
Luca’s Ristorante
2019 NJ-27
Somerset, NJ 08873
South Jersey
DiPaolo’s Italian Ristorante, Penns Grove
A South Jersey institution, DiPaolo’s Ristorante has built a decades-long reputation for traditional Italian cuisine and warm hospitality. Frequently cited in regional “best of” lists, it is especially known for its classic red-sauce dishes and loyal local following.
Di Paolo’s Italian Ristorante
28 Broad St
Penns Grove, NJ 08069
Filomena Lakeview, Deptford
Filomena Lakeview pairs scenic waterfront views with classic Italian cuisine. Known for generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere, it has built a strong reputation among South Jersey diners.
Filomena Lakeview
1738 Cooper St
Deptford, NJ 08096
Mare Monte, Haddonfield
A refined BYOB in the heart of Haddonfield, Mare Monte is known for its house-made pastas and modern Italian dishes. The restaurant has earned multiple OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards, along with strong critical and customer reviews for its intimate, upscale dining experience.
Mare Monte
1 Kings Hwy E
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Sapori Trattoria Italiana, Collingswood
Sapori Trattoria offers a refined yet approachable dining experience with a focus on Northern Italian cuisine. Its attention to detail and authentic flavors have made it a local favorite.
Sapori Trattoria Italiana
601 Haddon Ave
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Zeppoli, Collingswood
Zeppoli is widely regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in South Jersey, specializing in Sicilian cuisine. Its intimate setting and seasonal menu have earned critical acclaim and a loyal following.
Zeppoli
618 Collings Ave
Collingswood, NJ 08107
Jersey Shore
Anjelica’s Restaurant
Anjelica’s in Sea Bright is a standout Shore dining destination known for its elegant, contemporary Italian cuisine with a waterfront view. Guests rave about the fresh seafood, house-made pastas, and seasonal specialties, all served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Anjelica’s is ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
Anjelica’s Restaurant
1070 Ocean Ave
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse, Red Bank
Combining steakhouse luxury with Italian tradition, Gabriella’s is known for its upscale ambiance and indulgent menu. It has earned praise for both its food and overall dining experience.
Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse
447 NJ-35
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Il Riccio, Cape May
A standout in Cape May’s dining scene, Il Riccio offers a refined take on coastal Italian cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. Consistently highly rated by diners, the restaurant is known for its intimate setting, thoughtful wine list, and beautifully executed dishes like house-made pasta and seafood specials. Its reputation for quality and attention to detail makes it a must-visit for anyone dining at the Jersey Shore.
Il Riccio Cape May
311 Mansion St
Cape May, NJ 08204
La Mondina, Brielle
La Mondina is a chef-driven BYOB that has quickly become one of the most talked-about Italian restaurants on the Shore. With a focus on handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and modern Italian techniques, it offers a refined yet intimate dining experience. It’s frequently praised in regional dining guides and has earned a reputation as a must-visit spot for food-focused diners near Manasquan and Brielle.
La Mondina
110 Union Ave
Brielle, NJ 08730
Talula’s, Asbury Park
Talula’s has earned widespread acclaim for its wood-fired cooking and commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. While known for its inventive pizzas, the menu extends into creative Italian-inspired small plates and seasonal dishes. It stands out for its modern, artisanal approach and consistently strong reviews.
Talula’s
550 Cookman Ave #108
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Vic’s Italian Restaurant, Bradley Beach
A historic staple since the 1940s, Vic’s is beloved for its classic Italian-American fare and old-school charm. Its longevity and consistency have made it a Shore institution.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant
60 Main St
Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
FAQs About Italian Restaurants in New Jersey
What makes New Jersey Italian restaurants so special?
New Jersey’s Italian restaurants are known for blending old-world recipes with modern techniques, often using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and family traditions passed down for generations.
Which region of NJ has the best Italian food?
Every region offers standout options. North Jersey leans toward upscale and modern dining, Central Jersey balances tradition and innovation, South Jersey offers cozy neighborhood gems, and the Shore features historic favorites.
Do I need reservations for the top Italian restaurants?
For many of the top-rated spots, especially fine-dining restaurants like Scalini Fedeli or Chef Vola’s, reservations are highly recommended and sometimes required.
Are there good Italian BYOB restaurants in NJ?
Yes, New Jersey is known for its strong BYOB culture. Restaurants like Bici and many others offer high-quality dining experiences where guests can bring their own wine.
