11 Highest Rated Italian Restaurants In All Of New Jersey

I don’t know about you, but when I think of New Jersey, I don’t just picture boardwalks and traffic circles – I picture pasta. Handmade, saucy, carb-loaded perfection.

Honestly, the Garden State has earned its reputation as one of America’s top destinations for authentic Italian food, and I’m not mad about it.

From wood-fired pizza that makes you question every frozen pie you’ve ever eaten to pasta so fresh it feels like Nonna herself rolled it out, Jersey knows how to feed us right.

What I love is how every corner of the state has its own flavor. Bustling shore towns?

Check. Quiet suburban neighborhoods?

Check.

Each spot puts its own spin on the classics, and somehow, they all nail it. It’s like Jersey collectively decided, “We’re going to out-Italian Italy,” and honestly, they might be succeeding.

Now, finding the perfect place for your next Italian feast doesn’t have to feel like scrolling Netflix for an hour before giving up.

These eleven restaurants have climbed to the top of customer ratings in 2026, earning praise for food that makes taste buds sing, atmospheres that feel like home, and experiences you’ll want to repeat.

So here’s the real question: are you planning a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or just an excuse to eat way too much bread?

Whatever your answer, these spots deliver mouthwatering magic on every plate.

1. Cafe 2825, New Jersey

Atlantic City’s culinary crown jewel sits right on Atlantic Avenue, where Cafe 2825 has been wowing diners with its refined approach to Italian classics since opening its doors. The restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between special-occasion elegance and welcoming comfort, making every visit feel like a celebration worth remembering.

Executive Chef brings decades of training to every plate, transforming premium ingredients into artful presentations that taste even better than they look.

Signature dishes here showcase both traditional techniques and creative flair, with housemade pastas stealing the show alongside perfectly prepared seafood options. Service staff demonstrate genuine knowledge and enthusiasm, guiding guests through menu selections with helpful suggestions tailored to individual preferences.

Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends when both locals and visitors seek out this Atlantic City gem for memorable meals. The intimate dining room creates an atmosphere where conversation flows easily, enhanced by soft lighting and tasteful decor.

From appetizers through dessert, each course demonstrates why Cafe 2825 consistently earns top ratings from satisfied guests who return again and again.

Address: 2825 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

2. Scalini Fedeli, New Jersey

Chatham’s Main Street treasure has been setting the standard for exceptional Italian dining since Chef Michael Cetrulo brought his Michelin-starred expertise to New Jersey. Every detail at Scalini Fedeli reflects a commitment to excellence.

The restaurant occupies a charming space that feels both intimate and refined, where white linens and sparkling glassware set the stage for unforgettable culinary adventures.

Seasonal menus change to highlight the freshest ingredients available, ensuring that repeat visitors always discover something new and exciting. Pasta dishes demonstrate true mastery, with delicate handmade varieties paired with sauces that showcase pure, concentrated flavors.

Meat and seafood selections receive equal attention, cooked to absolute perfection and accompanied by thoughtfully chosen vegetables and garnishes.

The tasting menu option allows adventurous diners to experience the chef’s full creative range across multiple courses. Staff members exhibit professionalism and warmth, creating a dining experience that feels both special and comfortable.

Whether celebrating an anniversary or simply treating yourself to extraordinary food, Scalini Fedeli delivers moments that linger in memory long after the last bite disappears from your plate.

Address: 63 Main St, Chatham, NJ 07928

3. Viaggio Ristorante, New Jersey

Wayne’s Hamburg Turnpike hides a culinary destination that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy without requiring a passport. Viaggio Ristorante combines modern sensibilities with time-honored recipes, creating a dining experience that appeals to traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.

The spacious interior features contemporary design elements that complement rather than overshadow the real star: absolutely spectacular food that keeps customers raving.

Chef-driven specials rotate regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients and creative combinations that surprise and delight. The standard menu offers reliable favorites executed with precision, from creamy risottos to hearty osso buco that falls off the bone.

Portion sizes prove generous without feeling overwhelming, striking that sweet spot where you leave satisfied but not uncomfortably full.

Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that accommodates groups of all sizes, while couples find cozy corners perfect for intimate conversations. The bar area offers an impressive selection of Italian spirits and craft cocktails for those who enjoy pre-dinner drinks.

Prices remain reasonable considering the quality and care evident in every dish, making Viaggio an excellent choice for both regular outings and special celebrations throughout the year.

Address: 1055 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470

4. Zeppoli, New Jersey

Collingswood’s Collings Avenue boasts one of South Jersey’s most beloved Italian restaurants, where the BYOB policy adds to the casual charm that makes Zeppoli feel like a neighborhood secret. The compact space fills nightly with devoted fans who appreciate exceptional cooking served in an unpretentious setting.

Exposed brick and warm lighting create an ambiance that encourages relaxation and enjoyment, setting the perfect backdrop for meals that consistently exceed expectations.

Fresh pasta gets made in-house daily, forming the foundation for dishes that showcase both simplicity and sophistication. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that ingredients arrive at peak flavor and quality.

Appetizers deserve special mention, particularly the creative takes on Italian classics that start meals on a high note.

Chef Joey Baldino’s commitment to authentic techniques shines through in every bite, from perfectly al dente pasta to rich, layered sauces that coat without overwhelming. The knowledgeable staff guides diners through menu choices with genuine enthusiasm and helpful recommendations.

Despite the restaurant’s small size, the team manages to create a dining pace that feels relaxed rather than rushed, allowing each course to be savored properly before the next arrives at your table.

Address: 618 W Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08107

5. Catherine Lombardi, New Jersey

New Brunswick’s Livingston Avenue showcases a restaurant that honors its namesake while creating entirely modern dining experiences for today’s discerning guests. Catherine Lombardi blends classic Italian-American comfort food with refined techniques and premium ingredients that elevate familiar dishes to new heights.

The dining room exudes contemporary sophistication without feeling stuffy, making it equally appropriate for business dinners and romantic date nights.

Menu highlights include creative pasta preparations that reimagine traditional recipes through a modern lens. The wood-fired grill adds distinctive flavor to proteins and vegetables, creating char and smokiness that enhance natural tastes.

Seasonal ingredients drive menu changes, ensuring freshness and variety that reward repeat visits throughout the year.

The open kitchen design allows diners to watch culinary magic happen in real time, adding entertainment value to the dining experience. Cocktail offerings demonstrate equal creativity, with Italian-inspired drinks that complement the food perfectly.

New Brunswick’s vibrant downtown location makes Catherine Lombardi an ideal choice for combining dinner with theater visits or other entertainment options. The restaurant successfully bridges the gap between casual and upscale, delivering quality that justifies prices while maintaining an atmosphere where guests feel genuinely welcomed and valued.

Address: 3 Bayard St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

6. The Pasta Shop, New Jersey

Denville’s First Avenue treasure operates as both restaurant and specialty food market, creating a unique experience where diners can enjoy fantastic meals and take home ingredients to recreate magic in their own kitchens. The Pasta Shop embodies everything wonderful about neighborhood Italian restaurants, where familiar faces greet regulars and newcomers receive equally warm welcomes.

Casual comfort defines the atmosphere, encouraging guests to relax and focus on the seriously good food arriving from the kitchen.

Housemade pasta varieties change daily, offering options that range from classic shapes to creative seasonal specialties. Sauces demonstrate depth and complexity achieved through patient cooking and quality ingredients rather than shortcuts.

The market component allows customers to purchase fresh pasta, imported Italian products, and prepared foods for enjoying at home.

Lunch and dinner service both attract devoted followings, with different menu items shining at each meal period. Prices remain remarkably reasonable given the freshness and care evident in every dish.

The family-owned operation brings authenticity and heart to everything they do, creating experiences that feel personal rather than corporate. Whether grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely dinner, guests leave satisfied and already planning their next visit to this Denville gem.

Address: 132 Broadway, Denville, NJ 07834

7. Spano’s Ristorante Italiano, New Jersey

Point Pleasant Beach’s Arnold Avenue hosts a family-run establishment where traditional Italian hospitality meets fresh Jersey Shore ingredients in delicious harmony. Spano’s Ristorante Italiano has built its reputation on consistent quality and generous portions that leave nobody hungry.

The dining room radiates old-school charm, with red-checkered accents and family photos creating an atmosphere that feels like visiting relatives who happen to be exceptional cooks.

Seafood dishes naturally shine at this shore location, with daily catches transformed into Italian-style preparations that highlight natural flavors. Pasta entrees satisfy heartily, served in portions that often provide leftovers for next-day enjoyment.

The pizza oven turns out pies with perfectly charred crusts and thoughtfully balanced toppings that showcase quality ingredients.

Families appreciate the welcoming environment where children receive genuine smiles rather than tolerant glances. The location makes Spano’s perfect for refueling after beach days or serving as the centerpiece for shore vacation dining plans.

Prices reflect good value, especially considering portion sizes and ingredient quality. Service maintains a friendly, efficient pace that keeps meals moving without rushing guests.

Whether you’re a seasonal visitor or year-round resident, Spano’s delivers the kind of satisfying Italian meal that makes you understand why New Jersey’s restaurant scene earns national recognition.

Address: 713 Main St, Belmar, NJ 07719

8. Il Fiore, New Jersey

Collingswood strikes gold again with Il Fiore on Haddon Avenue, where intimate dining reaches new heights in a space that feels specially designed for memorable evenings. The BYOB format encourages guests to bring favorite bottles while keeping costs reasonable, though the restaurant’s carefully crafted food would justify much higher prices.

Dim lighting and close table arrangements create romance without sacrificing comfort, making every seat feel like the best in the house.

The menu focuses on regional Italian specialties prepared with meticulous attention to technique and ingredient sourcing. Handmade pastas showcase different shapes and textures, each paired with sauces that complement rather than compete.

Seasonal vegetables receive treatment that transforms humble ingredients into revelatory side dishes worth ordering extra portions to enjoy.

Chef-owner Nicholas Harary’s background in fine dining shows in plating and flavor combinations that demonstrate sophistication and restraint. Reservations prove essential, as the small dining room fills quickly with devoted regulars and curious newcomers drawn by glowing reviews.

The pacing of courses allows proper appreciation of each dish while maintaining momentum throughout the meal. Il Fiore represents everything wonderful about New Jersey’s restaurant scene: passionate cooking, reasonable prices, and genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel valued and special.

Address: 693-695 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108

9. Heirloom Kitchen, New Jersey

Old Bridge’s Route 516 surprises visitors with Heirloom Kitchen, where Italian culinary traditions meet farm-to-table philosophy in a restaurant that celebrates seasonal ingredients above all else. The menu changes frequently based on what local farms deliver, ensuring peak freshness and supporting regional agriculture simultaneously.

Rustic-modern decor incorporates reclaimed wood and natural materials, creating warmth that matches the food’s honest, straightforward approach to flavor.

Italian-inspired preparations highlight rather than hide ingredient quality, with simple techniques allowing natural tastes to shine through. Pasta dishes incorporate seasonal vegetables and proteins in combinations that feel both familiar and innovative.

The commitment to sourcing drives menu creativity, as chefs adapt recipes based on availability rather than forcing ingredients out of season.

Brunch service has developed its own devoted following, offering Italian-influenced morning dishes that provide delicious alternatives to standard breakfast fare. The beverage program emphasizes natural wines and craft cocktails made with seasonal ingredients that mirror kitchen offerings.

Prices reflect the quality sourcing and skilled preparation, though portions ensure good value for money spent. Staff members demonstrate genuine knowledge about ingredient origins and preparation methods, enhancing the dining experience through informed recommendations.

Heirloom Kitchen proves that Italian cooking principles adapt beautifully to modern farm-to-table dining, creating meals that satisfy both appetite and conscience.

Address: 3852 NJ-18, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

10. Fiore’s House of Quality, New Jersey

Hoboken’s Adams Street institution has been crafting legendary fresh mozzarella and specialty sandwiches since 1908, making Fiore’s House of Quality a must-visit destination for anyone serious about Italian food. The shop operates primarily as a market and deli rather than traditional restaurant, but the prepared foods and sandwiches rival sit-down establishments for quality and flavor.

Watching mozzarella getting made fresh daily provides entertainment alongside shopping, demonstrating craftsmanship that’s increasingly rare in modern food retail.

The sandwich menu reads like a greatest-hits collection of Italian-American favorites, piled high with premium meats, cheeses, and toppings on fresh bread that holds up to generous fillings. Fresh mozzarella comes in various styles and sizes, from delicate bocconcini to massive logs perfect for slicing.

Imported Italian products line the shelves, offering ingredients that allow home cooks to recreate authentic flavors in their own kitchens.

Counter service moves efficiently despite constant crowds, with staff members who balance speed and friendliness admirably. The no-frills atmosphere focuses attention where it belongs: on exceptional products made with care and traditional methods.

Prices remain surprisingly reasonable considering quality and the Hoboken location. Whether grabbing lunch to go or stocking up on Italian essentials, Fiore’s delivers experiences that connect modern diners with over a century of Italian-American culinary tradition in New Jersey.

Address: 414 Adams St, Hoboken, NJ 07030

11. Savini, New Jersey

Allendale’s West Crescent Avenue boasts a sophisticated dining destination where modern Italian cuisine reaches impressive heights without pretension or stuffiness. Savini combines elegant surroundings with approachable service, creating an environment where guests feel comfortable whether dressed up or keeping things casual.

The open, airy dining room features contemporary design elements that feel fresh and inviting, providing the perfect setting for meals that balance innovation with respect for Italian culinary traditions.

The menu showcases Chef Joseph’s creative vision through dishes that surprise and delight while remaining rooted in classic techniques. Pasta preparations demonstrate both technical skill and artistic sensibility, with flavors and textures carefully balanced in each bite.

Protein dishes receive equally thoughtful treatment, cooked precisely and paired with complementary accompaniments that enhance without overwhelming.

The bar program deserves special recognition for craft cocktails that rival the food in creativity and execution. Desserts provide sweet finales that complete meals memorably, from traditional Italian favorites to creative modern interpretations.

Whether celebrating special occasions or simply treating yourself to exceptional dining, Savini delivers experiences that justify its position among New Jersey’s highest-rated Italian restaurants, proving that suburban locations can match urban establishments for culinary excellence.

Address: 168 West Crescent Ave, Allendale, NJ 07401