The Jersey Shore is a culinary treasure trove, especially when it comes to Italian cuisine. From bustling boardwalk bistros to elegant seaside eateries and charming downtown trattorias, our beach towns boast a variety of Italian restaurants that serve up everything from classic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas to expertly crafted steaks and fresh seafood entrees. The Jersey Shore’s wide array of Italian dining experiences has something that caters to every palate, craving, and dietary restriction. Read on to learn more about the best Italian restaurants at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park
Brando’s Citi Cucina | 162 Main Street
Brando’s Citi Cucina serves soulful Italian food with classic and updated fare. Brando’s fresh pasta is made in small batches and is imported directly from Italy weekly. Gluten-free and whole wheat pasta are available upon request. Brando’s is a fine dining experience that requires business casual attire for guests. During the warmer months, outdoor patio seating is available. There is no dedicated parking lot for Brando’s Citi Cucina but metered parking is available on the surrounding downtown streets. Fun fact: Brando’s was the location of Teresa Guidice’s surprise bridal shower as seen on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey during Season 13, Episode 13.
Read More: The Best Pizza Spots at the Jersey Shore
Dolce Fantasia 4 | 521 Cookman Avenue
Dolce Fantasia on Cookman Avenue dishes out northern Italian and French flavors with an exciting menu featuring everything from homemade pasta to gluten-free desserts. Dolce Fantasia’s homemade gnocchi, squid ink pasta, and pistachio creme brulee are just a few of its stand-out menu items. The vibrant eatery is a great spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Outdoor sidewalk seating is available during the warm weather months. Dolce Fantasia 4 is a BYOB restaurant.
Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant | 1405 Asbury Avenue
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When it comes to traditional Italian food, Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant is a landmark in Asbury Park. The restaurant was founded in 1982 by the late Jimmy Marrucca and his wife Diane so that they could have a place to eat without having to go into New York City. Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant provides guests with a range of familiar dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Its menu includes imported pasta, gourmet pizzas, chicken, veal, pork, and seafood entrees, as well as homemade desserts. Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant has free valet parking on the property.
Porta Asbury Park | 911 Kingsley Street
Porta is a spacious and vibrant pizzeria across the street from The Stone Pony that serves Neapolitan pies, pastas, salads, cocktails, and craft beer. Porta has seasonal brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night menus. Reservations can be made online and guarantees an indoor table. Walk-ins are also accepted at all times.
Atlantic City
Chef Vola’s | 111 South Albion Place
Chef Vola’s is a family-style Italian restaurant in a private home nestled in a residential neighborhood in Atlantic City. The unsuspecting, BYOB hideaway serves up traditional homestyle Italian fare in a charming setting. Reservations are required to eat at Chef Vola’s and the restaurant does not take walk-ins. Reservations must be submitted by phone with a valid credit card to hold a reservation and parties must receive a confirmation. Parking is available via street parking or paid lots in the surrounding neighborhoods. The sea bass with macadamia nut crust, veal parmigiana, and chilled banana cream pie are just some customer favorites off of its extensive menu.
Atlantic Highlands
Christine’s Italian | 42 First Avenue
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Christine’s Italian provides a warm and welcoming “Sunday dinner” atmosphere every single night of the week. Chef and owner Ron Marino recreates the food and vibes from his Long Island upbringing at the Atlantic Highlands eatery. Christine’s menu features many familiar favorites as well as unique dishes, such as its signature Italian egg rolls and veal gnocchi. The shabby chic eatery is calm, romantic, and BYOB.
Bay Head
Theresa’s South | 530 Main Avenue
From spinach gnocchi with braised short rib to a warm rocky road brownie with cappuccino gelato, a meal at Theresa’s South is fabulous from start to finish. The charming restaurant is located just one block off the beach in Bay Head and has outdoor patio seating. Theresa’s is not a certified gluten-free kitchen, but does have gluten-free options available on its menu.
Belmar
La Dolce Vita | 400 Ocean Avenue
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La Dolce Vita is where traditional Italian cuisine meets the casual charm of Belmar beach. The oceanfront restaurant has a variety of classic Italian favorites, from homemade pastas and savory pizzas to delectable seafood and hearty meat dishes. La Dolce Vita has an extensive drink menu featuring everything from martinis and sangria pitchers to craft beers and wine.
Bradley Beach
Vic’s Italian Restaurant | 60 Main Street
Vic’s is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated Italian restaurant that has been serving the Jersey Shore since 1947. The longtime, family-run restaurant is famous for its delicious thin-crust pizzas with homemade dough. Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports visited and gave Vic’s traditional bar pie a score of 8.3.
Brick
Tuscany Restaurant + Bar | 1490 Route 88
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Tuscany is a family-operated casual dining restaurant whose menu features delicious Italian and American seafood, steak, pasta dishes, and wine. It is a cozy establishment with free parking and large food portions. Menu favorites include seafood pescatore, a crock of baked onion soup, and the cajun filet mignon.
Brielle
Due Amici | 420 Higgins Avenue
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Due Amici — which translates to “Two Friends” — serves Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting environment right in the heart of Brielle. Stand-out menu items include pasta fagioli and ricotta cheesecake. Due Amici has take-out, curbside pickup, and delivery.
La Mondina | 110 Union Avenue
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La Mondina is a rustic Italian experience and food destination with a menu that celebrates fresh and vibrant flavors. From the grilled octopus appetizer to the lemon artichoke risotto — every option on the menu is unique and fabulous. The thoughtfully prepared Italian dishes are paired with a carefully curated list of wines and craft cocktails. La Mondina’s menu has gluten-free and vegan options.
Cape May
A Ca Mia | 524 Washington Street Mall
A Ca Mia is a northern Italian and contemporary American cuisine restaurant in the heart of downtown Cape May. From antipasti to handmade pasta, meats, and flavorful vegetarian options, each dish at A Ca Mia is a celebration of Italian culinary traditions. The kitchen is under the direction of Chef Todor Videv. The restaurant opens every April and closes for the winter season at the end of the fall.
Icarra Italian Bistro | 315 Ocean Street #4
Icarra Italian Bistro is a cozy Sicilian eatery featuring seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. Its menu features vegetarian and allergy-friendly options. The early bird menu is served daily between 4PM-5PM. Free parking for Icarra is available in The Washington Commons Shopping Center.
Lanoka Harbor
Biagio’s Trattoria | 509 US-9
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Biagio’s Trattoria serves up authentic and fresh Italian cuisine in large portions at great prices. Plus, all menu items can be made gluten-free. The restaurant is BYOB with outdoor seating, weather permitting. Reservations are recommended due to its limited capacity.
Long Beach Island
Isola Italian Trattoria | 1901 Long Beach Boulevard
Isola Italian Trattoria is a new, modern Italian restaurant on Long Beach Island serving Neapolitan pizza, homemade pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and more. The restaurant is BYOB and has outdoor seating. Be sure to check Isola’s website and social media for off-season hours of operation.
Roberto’s Dolce Vita | 12907 Long Beach Boulevard
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Roberto’s Dolce Vita is Long Beach Island’s premier Italian dining experience. The family-owned and operated restaurant, located in Beach Haven Terrace, has been serving the community since 1994. The BYOB restaurant serves classic Italian pastas, meat, and seafood dishes. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
Manasquan
Antonio’s Trattoria Cucina Italiana | 2420 NJ-35
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Antonio’s Trattoria Cucina Italiana serves up home-cooked Italian cuisine in a cozy and comfortable environment. The BYOB eatery has exquisite food, a delightful atmosphere, and wonderful staff. The menu has a wide assortment of large dishes ranging from pizza and pasta to meat and fish entrees. Most items on the menu can be made gluten-free.
Lubrano’s Trattoria | 2439 NJ-34 South
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Lubrano’s has been serving classic brick oven pizzas, steaks, and Italian entrees in a casual restaurant environment since 2000. Chef and owner Domenico Lubrano strives to take customers to the kitchens of his childhood back in Naples through his dishes. The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored recipes ensures a delightful dining experience that keeps patrons coming back.
Via Veneto Ristorante | 2410 NJ-35
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Via Veneto Ristorante in Manasquan provides a sophisticated dining experience with its exquisite Italian cuisine and elegant ambiance. It is spacious and quiet with friendly service and delicious food. Its menu includes everything from rigatoni vodka to veal sorrentino. Via Veneto is a memorable setting for both special occasions and casual meals.
Point Pleasant
Graziano’s Italian Restaurant | 3119 NJ-88
Graziano’s in Point Pleasant is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves up authentic Italian dishes made from scratch. The Graziano-Muolo family has owned and operated Graziano’s Restaurant since 1966. The laid-back eatery serves pizza, pasta, and other delicious homemade, old-school Italian and American dishes. Stand-out menu items include pizza pretzels, meatball sliders, penne vodka, cavatelli with broccoli, and veal scaloppini marsala — just to name a few.
MonAlyssa Italian Restaurant + Pizzeria | 1635 Bay Avenue
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MonAlyssa is a family-owned joint serving Italian-style pastas, entrees, and vegan options. The restaurant is popular for its authentic Italian dishes and casual, family-friendly atmosphere. MonAlyssa is a BYOB eatery with live music nights and outdoor seating. Its menu features gluten-free and vegan options.
Spano’s Ristorante Italiano | 719 Arnold Avenue
Spano’s is a quaint BYO spot with traditional Italian seafood, meat, and pasta dishes located right in the heart of downtown Point Pleasant Beach. The menu highlights a variety of traditional dishes, including rich pasta recipes, flavorful seafood, and delectable meat options, all crafted with fresh ingredients. Spano’s dining is reservation-only for all party sizes.
Red Bank
Birravino | 183 Riverside Avenue
Birravino is a brewery-meets-trattoria where rustic Italian cuisine pairs with house beers and wines. The restaurant’s concept was created by Vic Rallo, host of Eat! Drink! Italy! on Create TV. The menu features innovative but classic takes on Italian cuisine. Customers rave about everything from the burrata pizza and mezzo rigatoni to the delicious cocktail options.
Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse | 447 NJ-35
Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse is a modern and unique dining experience featuring premium steaks, a fresh raw bar, and classic Italian dishes. Gabriella’s has an extensive selection of wines and beers along with a unique cocktail menu. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are noted on the menu.
Seaside
Breakin’ Bread on the Boulevard | 115 Boulevard
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Breakin’ Bread is a BYOB Italian restaurant with a charming outdoor patio located one block in from the Seaside Heights beach and boardwalk. The restaurant is family-owned and operated and customers can tell that the food is cooked with love. Its menu includes decadent pasta dishes such as ricotta gnocchi and linguini with clam sauce as well as Berkshire pork chop Giambotta and eggplant parmigiana.
Toms River
JoeBella’s | 781 Fischer Boulevard
JoeBella’s is a rustic Italian restaurant and bar that uses farm-to-table ingredients for all of its exceptional dishes and menu items. Being that the restaurant is located in Toms River, JoeBella’s has access to the freshest and most delicious local seafood, guaranteeing high-quality seafood appetizers and entrees. Customers can look forward to homemade pastas, sauces, and desserts, as well as handcrafted cocktails. Gluten-free options are available.
See More: The Must-Try Pasta Spots in Jersey City
Wildwood
Little Italy | 5401 Atlantic Avenue
Little Italy is an Italian restaurant and bar with a piazza-inspired ambiance serving pasta, seafood, and wood-fired steaks. The BYOB eatery is known for its excellent meals and generous portions. The penne al forno, lasagna, and chicken parmesan are just a few of the favorites off of Little Italy’s menu. Be sure to check the Little Italy website for off-season hours.