Il Leone

Name: Il Leone
Address: 443 NJ-34 suite i, Matawan, NJ, United States, 07747-9506
Telephone: (973) 400-0263
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (112)

$31 to $50

Italian

443 NJ-34 suite i, Matawan, NJ 07747-9506

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

Il Leone: A Culinary Journey in Matawan

Il Leone is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. Nestled in the heart of Matawan, this farm-to-table haven celebrates the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, crafting each dish with passion and artistry.

Step inside and be enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The aroma of wood-fired pizzas mingles with the laughter of friends and family, creating a sense of community and joy.

The menu is a testament to Il Leone's commitment to quality and creativity. From hand-crafted pasta to succulent seafood, every dish is a symphony of flavors, showcasing the bounty of the region.

Indulge in the signature wood-fired pizzas, each topped with a unique blend of seasonal ingredients. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. Or embark on a culinary adventure with the chef's tasting menu, a curated journey through the finest flavors Il Leone has to offer.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(973) 400-0263
Website
https://www.illeonenj.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
443 NJ-34 suite i, Matawan, NJ 07747-9506
Neighborhood
Old Bridge
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Aranchini$14.00
forbidden black rice, monchego cheese
POLPETTE II LEONE$14.00
veal beef Waygu meatballs, tomato, homemade ricotta
LOCAL BURRATA$16.00
cherry tomatoes, roasted capers, basil, crostini
PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANA$14.00
Eggplant parmigiana
FRIED CALAMARI$18.00
With hot cherry peppers
BAKED CLAMS$16.00
Oreganata
ARUGULA SALAD$14.00
Roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, crispy walnuts, shaved parmesan lemon dressing
CEASAR SALAD$12.00
Baby gem, crispy capers, Parmigiano, crostini

Pizze

MARGHERITA$12.00
Pomodoro, fresh mozzarella, crispy basil
VODKA PIZZA$14.00
Spicy vodka, fresh mozzarella, parmesan
FUNGI BIANCO$16.00
Two river mushrooms, garlic
CREWS FAV$18.00
Spicy roni and hot honey

Pasta

SPICY RIGATONI$18.00
Spicy vodka sauce, Calabrian chili
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA$24.00
Bresaola, pecorino Romano creamy sauce
RIGATONI SICILIANO$20.00
eggplant, tomato, onion, capers
SPAGHETTI MEATBALLS$22.00
Pomodoro sauce
RISOTTO FUNGH$22.00
Truffled mushrooms

Secondi

PESCE DEL GIORNO
Chef’s daily preparation
POLLO MILANESE$26.00
Gem lettuce, pecorino, red onions, lemon dressing
WAGYU BURGER$22.00
Wagyu burger, american cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce & fries
CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH$22.00
chicken cutlet, roasted red peppers, arugula, burrata balsamic & fries
BRIANNA’S SKIRT STEAK SANDWICH$28.00
Roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella

Sides

TRUFFLE FRIES$12.00
BRUSSEL SPROUTS$12.00
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER$12.00
ZUCCHINI FRITTE$12.00

What 112 people are saying

Il Leone reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Middlesex
Best Service
Middlesex
Best Ambiance
Middlesex
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Il Leone offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the "delicious homemade pasta" and "friendly, attentive staff." The restaurant's charming decor and inviting atmosphere make it a perfect spot for special occasions. While noise levels can be high, the overall experience is "fantastic and worth returning."

112 Reviews

E
Elliot
New York City8 reviews
2.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I read previous reviews which stated that the place was loud...that is an under-statement! I was two feet away from my wife and couldn't hear a word she said. We had to shout to the waiter. We had to shout to the hostess our reservation. On the positive side, our first course of a pizza was outstanding...it was light and flavorful. My wife had salmon (a special at $48.00--a little pricey) and that was delicious. My chicken parm. was also great. The vodka sauce they used (instead of tomato base sauce) was flavorful with a little kick. I thoroughly enjoyed it (although the pasta was not al dente). The staff was extremely attentive; filling the water glasses as needed or cleaning the table. However, there were two minor issues: 1) My wife and I had different menus. Her menu had more main courses and mine had different prices on the appetizers. 2) I requested additional bread, but it never came. Overall, the noise level issue prevented me from enjoying the delicious food. The noise was so loud that I actually left the restaurant with a headache and my throat was sore from trying to shout to my wife, the waiter, and the serving staff. Based on that, we will no be returning Il Leone.
Il LeoneResponded 1 day ago
Thank you so much for your kindness. We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food, our kitchen team will be delighted to know their hard work stood out! We do apologize for the noise level during your visit. We know our lively atmosphere isn’t for everyone, but we like to think of Il Leone as a place where celebrations and laughter fill the air—sometimes a little too enthusiastically! We’re always looking for ways to improve the balance between energy and comfort, and your comments are invaluable as we work on that. Thank you also for pointing out the menu and bread issues; we’ll make sure our staff is more consistent moving forward. We hope you’ll give us another try on a quieter evening—maybe next time you’ll leave with a full stomach and a happy heart, but without the sore throat!
Is this helpful?
S
Sandra
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service - a must try! Everything was great - highly recommend
Il LeoneResponded 1 day ago
Thank you so much! We appreciate the love and support..
Is this helpful?
B
Brandon
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore2 reviews
3.0
Dined on July 12, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Very Loud in the restaurant- hard to have a conversation
Il LeoneResponded today
We’re sorry and actively working on the noise cancellation.
Is this helpful?
C
Cheryl
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another awesome experience. The service is outstanding, recommendations for food were spot on and everything was delicious! We will definitely be returning! Thanks for a great evening!
Il LeoneResponded today
Thank you so much Cheryl! We love hosting you..
Is this helpful?
S
Stacey
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on July 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our 3rd time there. Everything was great from food to service. Owners make you feel like your family.
Il LeoneResponded today
Thank you so much for the love and support!
Is this helpful?
D
Danielle VIP
New York City36 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food, service, ambience all impeccable. Food comes fresh made to perfection. Waiters were warm & friendly. I will definitely be returning.
Il LeoneResponded today
Thank you, thank you! We appreciate you.
Is this helpful?
m
mark VIP
New York City17 reviews
4.0
Dined on July 5, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was so loud, we couldn't have a normal conversation. Everyone kept saying "HUH, What did you say?"
Il LeoneResponded on July 8, 2025
Thank you for the feedback.. Sorry the noise level made your experience less enjoyable.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeremy
New York City9 reviews
3.0
Dined on July 3, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
First time going to IL Leone. Will not be back. Indicated we were there for my wife’s birthday - ignored. Funny how there were 3 other birthdays that were recognized by the staff. The batter on the fried calamari was like a fried chicken batter with zero flavor. We were brought the incorrect risotto and were told - we will bring you the correct one in 4 minutes. Well they brought out the correct one - mushroom truffle - in 12 minutes. Half the rice was uncooked. Impossible to make risotto from scratch in 12 minutes so I’m not sure how the kitchen attempted to correct the servers mistake but it was a comedy of errors. The decor is nice but the place is very loud. Tile floor and nothing on the walls or ceilings to absorb sound = shouting at each other from across table. Also there are too many tables - my chair was ran into more than 10 times by servers. Weird right? Anyway, the tiramisu was solid.
Il LeoneResponded on July 8, 2025
Thank you for your feedback and taking the time to write such a detailed review. We’re glad you enjoyed the tiramisu and it’s clear we missed the mark on several important areas during your visit. We apologize for overlooking your wife’s birthday. We definitely need to work on maybe getting some birthday hats. As for the risotto, you’re absolutely right it can’t be rushed, and we’re sorry for the confusion and the less than perfect result. Regarding the calamari perhaps our chef was channeling a southern comfort that night. We appreciate your feedback on the atmosphere and I’ll share all your comments with my Family and team..
Is this helpful?
H
Haley
New York City4 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ray was amazing! It was my boyfriend’s birthday & he was so amazing and accommodating! We will be back soon!
Il LeoneResponded on July 8, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the whip ricotta and Ray’s service. We look forward to welcoming you back soon..
Is this helpful?
R
Robert VIP
New Jersey14 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent -- would highly recommend the whipped ricotta appetizer !!! Also, service by Rene was impeccable !!! Overall, it was a great experience and will certainly return with others.
Il LeoneResponded on July 8, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are thrilled you enjoyed the whipped ricotta and Ray’s service. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon..
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Il Leone offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (973) 400-0263.

Il Leone is rated 4.7 stars by 112 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

443 NJ-34 suite i, Matawan, NJ 07747-9506

Additional information

Neighborhood
Old Bridge
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

Website
https://www.illeonenj.com/
Phone number
(973) 400-0263

Il Leone

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Antipasti

Aranchini$14.00

POLPETTE II LEONE$14.00

LOCAL BURRATA$16.00

PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANA$14.00

FRIED CALAMARI$18.00

BAKED CLAMS$16.00

ARUGULA SALAD$14.00

CEASAR SALAD$12.00

Pizze

MARGHERITA$12.00

VODKA PIZZA$14.00

FUNGI BIANCO$16.00

CREWS FAV$18.00

Pasta

SPICY RIGATONI$18.00

SPAGHETTI CARBONARA$24.00

RIGATONI SICILIANO$20.00

SPAGHETTI MEATBALLS$22.00

RISOTTO FUNGH$22.00

Secondi

PESCE DEL GIORNO

POLLO MILANESE$26.00

WAGYU BURGER$22.00

CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH$22.00

BRIANNA’S SKIRT STEAK SANDWICH$28.00

Sides

TRUFFLE FRIES$12.00

BRUSSEL SPROUTS$12.00

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER$12.00

ZUCCHINI FRITTE$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Il Leone offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Il Leone restaurant rated?

Is Il Leone currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information