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  5. Asbury Park
Piccola Italia, Ocean Township, NJ

Piccola Italia

4.7
4.7
617 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary Italian
At Piccola Italia, chef and owner Brian Gualtieri offers his unique take on classic Italian dishes, fusing fresh Mediterranean flavors with the traditional regional styles of Italian cooking. Our menu features the highest quality seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. Piccola Italia has received high Zagat ratings year after year and with its elegant full bar with an extensive wine list, patrons will not be disappointed.

ALL MENUS AT WWW.PICCOLAITALIANJ.COM

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (732) 493-3090
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Brian Gualtieri
  • Catering
    Chef Brian Gualtieri and his team will redefine your event expectations by fusing classic Italian dishes with fresh Mediterranean flavors to create innovative menus customized specifically for you and your event guests. <br /><br />
  • Private party facilities
    Whether your event is for a business function or an intimate personal celebration, Piccola Italia is the ideal event location to host a group of any size. We work with clients to custom tailor event menus & help to create memorable dining experiences for clients. We also cater off premise events.
  • Private party contact
    Robyn Janssen: (732) 493-3090 ext. 2
  • Neighborhood
    Asbury Park
  • Cross street
    Route 35 and West Park Avenue
  • Parking details
    Private parking lot available on site
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 617 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Contemporary Italian

617 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Too much sauce on entree food speaks for itself don’t need to ruin it

    Is this helpful?

  2. MicheleC

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Really outstanding - wonderful menu and appropriate, friendly staff.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Christine

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, everything about our evening was perfect! The entire staff is warm and welcoming, the wine was spectacular, and the food was delicious! Thank you for a lovely evening!

    Is this helpful?

  4. DanW1231

    New York Area

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always this restaurant does the trick of taking care of hunger. Always deliciuos!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. VitoG

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was excellent as was the service. Great experience! Suggestion-not to be”picky”BUT take home food/dessert in a Chinese food like container doesn’t really add to the very enjoyable dining experience. We will return.

    Is this helpful?

  6. MichaelB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Recommend this place for a good meal. Service was good and they were busy.

    Is this helpful?

  7. JosephP

    New York Area

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food and service as usual. Our server Mark was friendly, patient and knowledgeable. One of our favorite go to local restaurants.

    Is this helpful?

  8. ChiefNeal

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience, the minute you enter the restaurant, they treat you as if you are their only customer. Entire staff polite and professional, food was awesome and the portions just right. Drinks were outstanding as well. Definitely will be back!!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. DebbieA

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The eggplant rollatini was very flavorful with just the right amount of sauce, ricotta filling & mozzarella. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the veal ragout over gemelli homemade pasta. The pasta was served al dente topped with the delicious veal ragout & capped with fresh ricotta. I had the shrimp Fra Diavolo over homemade pasta in a light tomato sauce topped with fresh basil. I asked for the 'heat of the peppers" to be removed because I can't have the hot peppers. My request was accepted without difficulty, which was greatly appreciated. It too, was tasty! The food is always served hot & the portions are plentiful! We topped off the evening with a delicious hot apple crumb cake with vanilla gelato. Double YUM!! This is our second visit & we will continue to return & tell our friends about this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food and experience each and every that time we visit this restaurant. We have never been disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  11. waynew

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall3food1service1ambience4
    This restaurant came highly recommended. All 4 of us were very disappointed. Chicken Parmigiana was terrible. Chicken taste like grizzle. Waiter was very unfriendly. Drinks were fine. Ambiance was very nice. Would not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent from the help to the food!!! Staff was so friendly and accommodating. Loved everything we ordered from apps to dessert! Great place would highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious find while down the shore! Make plans to enjoy

    Is this helpful?

  14. NJDiner

    New York Area

    70 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very nice restaurant. Food was excellent. Service was even better. Right size portions. Some typical items such as the Caesar Salad were a bit different than normal so the chef adds his own touch... but very good. Meals artfully prepared with care. Very good, but again not typical, wine options by the glass. I would go back.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Stacey

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Consistently very good food with excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

  16. HectorV

    Tampa

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Food was cold and I waited 45 minutes for it. I have had better food at a Pizza shop would not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  17. LaurieH

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    HIGHLY recommend this ‘secret’ Italian spot we just discovered while down at the beach! It may be a bit of a drive from where we were at the beach, but so we’ll worth it. Has a beautiful edible garden surrounding you at a nice outdoor table. Very nice inside, great service, a bar, and the food is phenomenal- authentic housemade, one of the best Italian meals we’ve ever had!

    1 person found this helpful

  18. SusanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time to Piccola Italia and will NOT BE OUR LAST! We had an amazing server named Keaton, she was informative and very helpful/ smiled the whole time while serving us! Our artichoke appetizer was delicious and our meals of chicken parm and shrimp with rigatoni were outstanding - the very generous portion sizes were very complimentary to their price. Thank you for making our birthday celebration a memorable one!

    1 person found this helpful

  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The specials, appetizers, and entrées were impeccable and presented nicely. Delicious and chef did a wonderful job. My only complaint is bring a sweater because it’s very cold and our waiter was definitely a little bit slow for service

    1 person found this helpful

  20. DonaldG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just enjoyed another delicious dinner at Piccola Italia! Highly recommend!

    1 person found this helpful

  21. DanW1231

    New York Area

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As always! Fantastic! The Lobster Risotto was the Best I’ve ever had! The menu has had some very nice and needed changes also! The special halibut dish encrusted in crabmeat tasted like a crab cake atop of the tender, moist halibut. As always the side accompaniments in all of the dishes compliment beautifully. Our server Mariette, and all the servers and owners are very passionate about their work. It shows in the care they take with each customer mentioning us by name and being very attentive when drinks are running low. We highly recommend this place!

    1 person found this helpful

  22. JosephP

    New York Area

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As Always another delicious meal - never disappointed. Great staff and the best food.

    1 person found this helpful

  23. Scott

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was Delicious and Fresh, lovely and seasoned beautifully! Service was great! Nice atmosphere. Nice surprise

    1 person found this helpful

  24. JayO

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food with outstanding service! You must go!

    1 person found this helpful

  25. JanineM

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    excellent service and ambiance ! great value for our meals. nice size portions! We will be back!

    1 person found this helpful

  26. Vanceman

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Piccola Italia is, by far, our favorite restaurant. Whether we go for just a regular meal out... or are celebrating a significant event in our lives, we always go to Piccola Italia. Last night was no exception. My brother and his partner were in town and we had to go. Carolina greeted us at the door. She is just a lovely human being...and sets the tone for the entire meal. We started with Eggplant Rolatini, Panzanella Salad and a special appetizer, Goat Cheese and Granny Apple Streudel. All were fantastic. For main courses, I had a Mahi Mahi special, my wife had Piccola Italia Chicken Parmesan- Herbed Ricotta Cheese, Melted Mozzarella, Filetto di Pomodoro, Over Linguini, and my brother and his partner both had Perciatelli Carbonara with Wild Mushrooms, Pancetta, Peas, Black Pepper Cream. They both raved about the dish, with my brother even saying it was the BEST pasta dish he ever had. The Chicken Parmesan was HUGE and delicious...it easily could have fed all four of us. I just can't say enough about Piccola Italia. The entire experience is world class. Brian and Carolina are a power couple...in the BEST possible way!

    1 person found this helpful

  27. Cpops

    New York Area

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorites for years. Totally underrated dining experience! Food is excellent, thoughtfully and purposefully conceived and prepared. We ordered way too much because we couldn’t decide what to eliminate and it was all delicious, right down to the desserts and fresh coffee! Great job Piccola Italia!

    1 person found this helpful

  28. Luvtoeat

    Charlotte

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic! Food was delicious! Tender flavorful filet. Salmon likewise tasty. Service attentive & friendly. Interesting wine glasses! Overall superb experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Been living right down the street from this place for years and never thought of going in until recently. Now it’s my favorite Italian restaurant on the jersey shore. A true hidden gem.

    1 person found this helpful

  30. Ilocegolf

    New York Area

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Way overpriced wine! Charged 68 dollars for an 18 dollar Bottle of wine. Are usually do check the price on my Total Wine site so shame on me but I trust the waiter. Good news is I will be buying this one again as it was very good but for $18 not 68.

    Is this helpful?

  31. FrankM

    Miami

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Piccola Italia has been on our list of Favorites for years. The food is excellent as is the service. The Chef is very talented no matter what he serves it looks perfect on the dish and tastes great. The service is very professional and bartenders always happy to please. Go if you haven't been there. Plenty of parking and close to Highways, Parkway, Rt 18, etc...

    2 people found this helpful

  32. DominickD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food and service are always good. My wife and I have eaten there many times, and are never disappointed. There's a special cocktails menu with some great drinks there in. They also offer special fund raisers and wine walk arounds.

    1 person found this helpful

  33. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    My friends and I go to Piccolo Italia several times during the year and always love the service, ambiance and food. There is one comment I have about the new banquette tables in back dining room. It is good for 4 people, but not six. We were six and it was uncomfortable getting into the end seat, could talk well to the person in the end seat . We were lined up, men facing women…3 on each side. The next time I will have to request a round table. I know they say they can’t guarantee, but this table was not a good dining experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  34. Pd077

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Server Kristan ( i may have spelled her name wrong ) was excellent , meals and quality very good , this will be another go to for me

    Is this helpful?

  35. BethC

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always amazing! My husband and I love this restaurant. The food is impeccable, the ambiance is warm and the service is terrific. Brian and Caroline are wonderful hosts. I highly recommend dining at Piccola Italia. Whether it's date night, family night, or couples get together, you will not be disappointed.

    1 person found this helpful

  36. joehock27

    New York Area

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Enjoyed a great meal with friends. Solid menu and nice list of specials. Friendly service. A good “go to” spot.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a fabulous meal as we always do! Brian, Carolina and their staff do a great job! We loved every dish. Be sure and save room for the apple crumb cake dessert! DG

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite Italian place in the area. Menu and cocktails are always creative

    Is this helpful?

  39. drlkat50

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have never had a bad experience at this hidden gem. The staff are accommodating and friendly. The food is exquisite. My wife and I love this restaurant and are always looking forward to a return dining experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. Richard

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    we requested a substitute for the vegtables and were not told there would be an extra charge of 15-16 dollars. the food was delicious but the tab was a surprise. we should have been given notice.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Piccola Italia offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 493-3090.

Piccola Italia is rated 4.7 stars by 617 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Piccola Italia

837 West Park Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Route 35 and West Park Avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Asbury Park
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private parking lot available on site
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Brian Gualtieri
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (732) 493-3090
  • Catering
    Chef Brian Gualtieri and his team will redefine your event expectations by fusing classic Italian dishes with fresh Mediterranean flavors to create innovative menus customized specifically for you and your event guests. <br /><br />
  • Private party facilities
    Whether your event is for a business function or an intimate personal celebration, Piccola Italia is the ideal event location to host a group of any size. We work with clients to custom tailor event menus & help to create memorable dining experiences for clients. We also cater off premise events.
  • Private party contact
    Robyn Janssen: (732) 493-3090 ext. 2
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