With neighbors like the Soprano’s, it’s no surprise that some of the best Jersey Shore Italian food can be found in Ocean County. No matter what you’re craving – pasta, seafood, pizza, and sandwiches – these restaurants and markets not only have it, but they hit it out of the ballpark with classic flavors and ingredients.
Check out our list for Jersey Shore Italian Food in Monmouth County!
Chef Ken Deiner combines his passion for cooking with his culinary expertise to bring Manhattan Italian fine dining to the Jersey Shore. Returning to his Jersey roots, Chef Deiner’s talent is showcased at Capriccio By the Sea in Ortley Beach. Just one bite into his Chilean Sea Bass with a lobster saffron enriched risotto and you’ll be happy that the big city met this small beachside town. 2403 Route 35 North 1st Avenue, Ortley Beach (732) 793-7400
Established by pizza makers looking to live the American dream, the Denino family of Denino’s South Pizzeria in Brick stays true to their traditional pizza making roots. There’s really nothing more Italian American than eating a Margherita pie with a side of mussels. 869 Mantoloking Road, Brick (732) 262-1313
Consistently voted one of the best Jersey Shore Italian restaurants, Il Giardinello Ristorante in Toms River and their sister location in Normandy Beach is a favorite of locals. Maybe it’s because of their menu items that cover the wide range of tastes and flavors that Italy has to offer. However, we think it may just be because of their array of tasty pasta dishes. 1232 Route 166, Toms River (732) 286-9111
If you’ve lived in Ocean County for more than a few months, you know where to go when you’re looking for some homemade, mouthwatering Italian dishes and ingredients – no other place than Joe Leone’s in Pt. Pleasant Beach. They can always be counted on for fresh mozzarella, cheese breads, and dishes like Bucatini pasta with Pancetta and Uncle Eugene’s meatballs. 510 Richmond Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach (732) 701-0001 https://www.joeleones.com/daily_specials
At La Spiaggia in Ship Bottom you can always count on Chef Daniel to present inventive Mediterranean style dishes. Try any of their seafood dishes while your at “the beach” including their Gamberi Oreganato, a menu staple. However, we have to confess that after seeing their Red Snapper special, we may need to wander from our regular order. 357 W. 8th Street, Ship Bottom (609) 494-4343
Taking care of all of your Italian cravings, Mulberry Street Italian Food Center in Brick is a market where you can pick up dinner for one or 100. Stop by their gourmet deli for an Italian sub or pick up some of your favorite Italian comfort foods, just like your Italian grandma would have made. 474 Brick Blvd, Brick (732) 477-4520 http://www.mulberrystreet.net
Situated on Tuckerton Cove, this waterfront restaurant has way more than just stunning views from every table. Panini Bay in Tuckerton’s seaside Italian dishes take us right back to the Riviera. Try out their Salsa Di Vongole, a classic Italian dish with a taste of the Jersey Shore’s little neck clams. 101 Parker Road, Tuckerton (609) 294-4281
This Jersey Shore Italian restaurant is impressive, but if you’ve been to this Italian beachside retreat, then you already know that. For everyone else, get moving. We have a lot of love for Rockafella’s By the Sea in Ortley Beach, especially since they not only allow extra cheese on your pasta, but encourage it. 1855 Route 35 N, Ortley Beach (732) 793-2400
We don’t know about you, but when chefs combine food and alcohol, we tend to order it, which is why the Salome al Prosecco at Senza Cucina in Bayville featuring grilled salmon in a creamy Prosecco lemon sauce with vegetables is a favorite Italian Jersey Shore dish. 333 Atlantic City Avenue, Bayville (732) 503-4470
Just one of the popular restaurants along Arnold Avenue, Spano’s Ristorante Italiano in Pt. Pleasant Beach almost always has a wait, and believe us, it’s definitely worth it. They put their Italian spin on everything from fresh pasta to seafood and meat dishes. With their generous portions and great prices, you’ll be hooked from day one. 719 Arnold Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach (732) 701-1600
Tardis Ristorante
Part of the reason you’re still reading this is to find that hidden gem that you can brag to your friends about. Well, that’s Tardis Ristorante in Toms River. Inside the restaurant is decorated like an Italian countryside retreat, but the dishes are anything but ordinary. Fried Homemade Ravioli, Pecan Crusted Halibut, Prosciutto Wrapped Monk Fish… you get the idea. 931 Fischer Blvd., Toms River (732) 270-2111
The Tuscan Bistro Bar in Toms River does many things well, especially Italian comfort food. Dishes like their Italian Mac & Cheese with a blend of aged provolone, mozzarella, and sweet ricotta is always a hit with kids of all ages. Pizza, pasta, wine – three ingredients that they excel in. 1250 Hooper Avenue, Toms River (732) 797-2570 http://www.tuscanhousenj.com
Offering a selection of old world Italian dishes to innovative creations with lots of vegetarian and vegan options, Via Roma in Toms River is your next lunch and dinner spot, whether you’re planning to sit back and relax in the restaurant or your own dining room. And since you deserve it, be sure to throw in a cannoli. 2360 Lakewood Drive, Toms River (732) 364-1980 http://www.viaromatomsriver.com
In an unassuming location sits quite a find. Via Veneto, with locations in Brick and Manasquan, is a Jersey Shore Italian restaurant that has been serving up Mediterranean dishes like Grilled Octopus over cannellini beans to the very happy public. Just be sure to soak it all up with the Italian bread that’s delivered fresh everyday from Newark. 629 Brick Blvd, Brick (732) 477-2618 http://www.viavenetoristorante.com
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