Best Italian Restaurants at the Jersey Shore
From classic red sauce joints to upscale BYOB trattorias, discover authentic Italian dining at the shore.
14
Top Italian Spots
9
BYOB Restaurants
3
Fresh Pasta
4
Shore Regions
Jersey Italian Dining Tradition
New Jersey has one of America's richest Italian dining traditions, shaped by generations of Italian-American families who brought their regional recipes and opened restaurants throughout the state. The shore is no exception.
What makes Jersey Shore Italian special? First, the BYOB culture means you can pair exceptional Italian food with your favorite wines without restaurant markup. Second, the proximity to fresh seafood means outstanding seafood pasta dishes featuring local clams, mussels, and fish.
From red sauce joints serving legendary meatballs to upscale trattorias with housemade pasta, the shore offers Italian dining for every occasion. Many restaurants are family-owned with recipes passed down through generations.
Atlantic City
Historic Italian restaurants and casino fine dining
Girasole
$$$$Fresh PastaElegant Italian fine dining with sophisticated preparations, extensive wine list, and refined service.
Signature dish: Homemade pasta with seasonal truffle
Cafe 2825
$$Neighborhood Italian institution with generous portions, family recipes, and old-school charm.
Signature dish: Legendary meatballs
Tony's Baltimore Grill
$Atlantic City institution since 1927. Classic thin-crust pizza and Italian-American favorites in an old-school setting.
Signature dish: Thin crust pizza
Angelo's Fairmount Tavern
$$Neighborhood Italian landmark with classic preparations and loyal local following since 1935.
Signature dish: Veal parmigiana
Monmouth County
Upscale BYOB trattorias and neighborhood favorites
Ama Ristorante
Sea BrightUpscale Italian BYOB | Upscale intimate BYOB
Intimate BYOB with seasonal Italian menus, fresh pasta, and sophisticated preparations.
Try: Homemade ravioli
Reservations neededAntonio's Trattoria
ManasquanClassic trattoria | Family trattoria
Family-owned trattoria with classic Italian-American dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
Try: Chicken marsala
Reservations neededBuona Sera
Red BankClassic Italian | Lively classic Italian
Red Bank Italian institution with lively atmosphere, classic dishes, and consistent quality.
Try: Osso buco
Reservations neededLabrador Lounge
Asbury ParkItalian-American comfort | Casual comfort
Casual Asbury Park spot with Italian-American comfort food and laid-back vibe.
Try: Spaghetti and meatballs
Cape May & Wildwoods
Victorian charm meets Italian BYOB tradition
Sapore Italiano
Cape MayUpscale Italian BYOB | Romantic BYOB
Upscale BYOB Italian in the heart of Cape May with refined preparations and romantic setting.
Try: Lobster ravioli
Reservations neededGodmother's
Cape MayItalian-American BYOB | Cozy Victorian BYOB
Charming Cape May BYOB with classic Italian-American dishes in a cozy Victorian setting.
Try: Pasta primavera
Reservations neededA Ca Mia
WildwoodFamily Italian | Family-style casual
Family-owned Wildwood Italian with generous portions and homestyle cooking.
Try: Eggplant parmigiana
Reservations neededLong Beach Island
Casual beach Italian and BYOB gems
Stefano's Restaurant
Beach HavenUpscale Italian | Upscale LBI dining
LBI Italian favorite with classic preparations, extensive menu, and elegant dining room.
Try: Veal piccata
Reservations neededLa Spiaggia
Ship BottomCoastal Italian | Casual beach Italian
Casual LBI Italian with seafood-focused pasta dishes and beachy atmosphere.
Try: Linguine with clam sauce
Reservations neededVilla Maria
Surf CityItalian-American | Family Italian
LBI institution with classic Italian-American dishes and family-friendly atmosphere.
Try: Chicken parmigiana
Reservations neededItalian Dining Tips
BYOB Is Your Friend
Many Italian restaurants are BYOB with no corkage fee. Bring a nice Chianti or Barolo and save significant money on wine.
Ask About Fresh Pasta
Quality Italian restaurants often make pasta in-house. Ask about daily fresh pasta specials for the best experience.
Try the Specials
Daily specials often feature the freshest ingredients and the chef's creativity. Don't skip the specials board.
Save Room for Dessert
Italian desserts like tiramisu, cannoli, and panna cotta are worth saving room for. Many restaurants make them fresh.
Go Early for Sunset
Many Italian restaurants get busy during summer. Make early reservations (5-6 PM) to avoid waits and enjoy sunset.
Sunday Gravy Tradition
Some restaurants offer Sunday gravy (slow-cooked meat sauce) as a weekly special. It's a Jersey Italian tradition.
Wine Pairing Guide
Since many Italian restaurants are BYOB, bring the perfect bottle to pair with your meal.
Seafood Pasta (clams, mussels)
Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Gavi, Soave
Red Sauce Pasta
Chianti, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Sangiovese
Cream-Based Pasta
Chardonnay, Arneis, Falanghina
Meat Dishes (veal, chicken parm)
Barbera, Dolcetto, Nero d'Avola
Special Occasion
Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone
Foodie Insider Tips
Get restaurant recommendations, BYOB deals, and dining guides.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Italian Dining FAQ
What are the best Italian restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
Top Italian restaurants include Girasole and Cafe 2825 in Atlantic City, Ama Ristorante in Sea Bright, Talula's (Italian-influenced) in Asbury Park, and numerous BYOB trattorias throughout Cape May and Long Beach Island. The shore has strong Italian dining from casual red sauce joints to upscale trattorias.
Are there BYOB Italian restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Many excellent Italian restaurants are BYOB, which is perfect for pairing your favorite Chianti or Barolo with pasta. Notable BYOB Italian spots include Ama Ristorante in Sea Bright, numerous trattorias in Cape May, and casual spots throughout LBI. No corkage fees mean you can bring quality wine without markup.
Where can I find authentic homemade pasta at the Jersey Shore?
Several restaurants make fresh pasta daily. Girasole in Atlantic City, Ama Ristorante in Sea Bright, and Tre Famiglia are known for their housemade pastas. Many smaller BYOB trattorias also offer fresh pasta specials. Ask about daily specials for the freshest preparations.
What is the best Italian restaurant in Atlantic City?
Girasole is widely considered the top Italian fine dining in AC, with elegant presentations and an extensive wine list. Cafe 2825 is beloved for classic red sauce Italian with generous portions. For casino dining, several properties have upscale Italian options, but the off-boardwalk spots often offer better value and authenticity.
Do I need reservations for Italian restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
Upscale Italian restaurants like Girasole definitely require reservations, especially on summer weekends. Casual red sauce joints and pizzerias typically take walk-ins. For popular BYOB trattorias, reservations are recommended on weekends. During peak summer season, book 1-2 weeks ahead for popular spots.
What Italian dishes are most popular at the Jersey Shore?
Classic favorites include veal or chicken parmigiana, linguine with clam sauce (using fresh local clams), lobster fra diavolo, and classic pasta dishes. Many restaurants offer special seafood pasta dishes showcasing local catches. Sunday gravy (meat sauce) is a Jersey tradition at many family-style spots.
Are there good pizza places at the Jersey Shore?
Absolutely! Jersey Shore pizza is legendary. Manco & Manco in Ocean City, Maruca's in Seaside Heights, and Tony's Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City are boardwalk institutions. Each shore town has local favorites serving thin-crust Jersey-style pizza. Check out our separate Best Pizza guide for detailed recommendations.
What wine pairs best with Jersey Shore Italian food?
For seafood pasta, try Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Gavi. Red sauce dishes pair beautifully with Chianti, Montepulciano, or Sangiovese. For heartier meat dishes, Barolo or Brunello are excellent choices. Since many Italian spots are BYOB, you can bring exactly what you love without markup.
Related Guides
Buon Appetito!
From classic red sauce to upscale trattorias, the Jersey Shore serves Italian done right.