IL RICCIO CAPE MAY

Il Riccio gets five stars from my wife and I and it deserves it. It was our first time there. As soon as we walked in we were warmly greeted by a gentleman (we found out later he was the owner with his wife.) He seated us at an oversized table for two which we're usually not used to while we're in shore towns (can't guarantee everybody will get a large two top but it definitely set the mood for my wife and I). Luciano our waiter came over and introduced himself with a big smile. He asked if we ever dined there before. Since we hadn't. He gave us an overview of the philosophy of the restaurants dishes and motif. He took our wine (BYOB) and left us to mull over the menu options after a few suggestions. When he came back I told him I wasn't sure if I wanted the signature sea urchin pasta dish or the inky black gnocchi. He went in detail about both dishes to help me decide. We started with the shrimp cocktail which were so fresh and a bowl of lobster bisque. A few minutes after we finished our appetizers Luciano brought over my inky gnocchi langostino and my wife's 7-year aged risotto lobster (who knew risotto could be aged?) Trying my wife's aged risotto was an experience like no other. Plus, the dish had a whole lobster in its shell on top and chunks of lobster in the risotto sauce too. I thought my wife's risotto was special, but my black gnocchi just melted in my mouth & and we're so flavorful. They were so velvety soft & light. Surprisingly, we were too full for dessert, but my wife and I shared a lemon sorbet which helped our digestion. During our dinner the owner came over twice making sure we were satisfied with the service and the food. Our diner truly seemed like a Michelin star experience and it's right around the corner from Congress Hall the historical section of Cape May. If you're in this area of NJ, this is truly worth going to for the food experience.

I had a wonderful dinner at Il Roccio with my boyfriend, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and truly inviting. The service was attentive and friendly. Most importantly, the food was absolutely delicious—rich in flavor and authentically Italian. I would highly recommend this amazing restaurant to anyone visiting Cape May. If you’re searching for genuine Italian cuisine, Il Roccio is the place to go.

From the appetizer to the main course, everything at Il Riccio in Cape May, New Jersey was absolutely amazing. The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The attention and service were exceptional — truly the best dining experience I’ve ever had. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Cape May!

No wonder this restaurant got highest rating in Cape May area, you should not miss it!! Of course make a reservation first, we tried to walk in but it’s fully booked. They gave very detailed and enthusiastic introduction to every dish and even recommend the order to enjoy the food most. Every dish is very delicious and special in some way. It was an unforgettable dining experience!

We had a wonderful dinner with friends last night at Il Riccio. The owners/hosts were warm and welcoming. Our waiter, Biagio, was very attentive, and the food was outstanding!! We loved the Wagyu risotto, but honestly, every dish was perfect. There is not a bad selection on the menu.

We had an amazing experience thanks to our waiter, Biagio. He was incredibly friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down. His menu recommendations were excellent, and his professionalism and positive attitude truly stood out. Biagio made our meal in Cape May memorable—service like his is hard to find!

Had a great time for our anniversary, they had made a placard made for us on our arrival. Incredibly nice of them. Staff was all warm and welcoming. Ordered the sea bass and lamb. It’s truly an authentic Italian restaurant. Can’t recommend it enough

We came in Sunday 10/26/25 for lunch and were delighted by the most incredible 3 course meal. The food was absolutely fantastic and the service was second to none. The staff treated us like family and you could tell they love what they do. We will be back.

A gem of a place. My husband and I went here for my birthday and we had an unforgettable dining experience. Luca greeted us with such warm hospitality, and the entire team was professional and attentive from start to finish. We got a little ambitious with our order—starting with the lobster bisque and cioppino, followed by the squid ink gnocchi and the spaghetti with sea urchin and lemon zest. Let me start with the lobster bisque: hands down the best we’ve ever had. The depth and complexity of flavor were exceptional. The cioppino was equally impressive—a very generous portion with every ingredient fresh and perfectly cooked. The stew broth was absolutely to die for. Both pastas were phenomenal, but I think squid ink gnocchi will appear in my dreams. The earthy flavor of the squid ink was beautifully balanced with creamy mascarpone and delicately tender langostino. And if they happen to have pistachio gelato on the menu, don’t miss it. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a wonderful meal.

An unforgettable Italian gem in Cape May! Absolutely blown away by this place! From the warm welcome to the incredible food, everything about our experience was five-star. The atmosphere is elegant yet inviting — the perfect coastal-meets-Italian vibe. The lobster risotto was creamy, rich, and packed with flavor — hands down one of the best dishes I’ve ever had. The grilled swordfish was perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned. The octopus was out of this world! Honestly, every dish that we ordered was cooked perfectly! This spot is a must-visit in Cape May! Can’t wait to go back!

So happy to have found this spot in beautiful Cape May! Il Riccio gives you Amalfi coastal vibes and a taste of Italy. Loved all of our dishes. Fresh seafood and beautiful presentation. Staff is warm and welcoming and decor is cozy and elegant. Perfect place for a date night or family get together. You will not be disappointed. Our family enjoyed the restaurant time and when finished the restaurant is in the perfect location to take a walk around the stores or stop by Congress Hall for a cocktail. Will definitely be our new spot in Cape May!!! Can’t wait to return.

Spent a week in Cape May with the fam, this restaurant was across the street from our Airbnb. Decided to try it and was so impressed that I made the rest of my family go 2 days later. They loved it! We had the bread course served with Speck, Caponata and pistachio butter, West Coast (Kumamoto) and Local East Coast oysters. The seafood salad, Lobster risotto, squid ink gnocchi with Langostine, frito mixto and Ribeye. Ended the night with Affogato! Delicious and sorry that I live 3 hours away 😢

Tasty Italian in a small intimate setting. The tangible presence of the kind, proud, hospitable owner elevates the experience to a delightful evening. Special A5 Wagyu risotto was excellent. Delicious tiramisu.

Newer place in Cape May! Owner is from Italy and the hospitality was elevated and warm. We tried the octopus (10/10), burrata w grilled peaches, il riccio pasta (sea urchin), and the candele w ragu. Genuinely amazing. Like savor every bite amazing. I definitely recommend for any occasion casual or celebratory. So whenever you’re in the mood for a taste of the Italian seaside in the classic town of Cape May, NJ… it’s worth making that next reservation.

Had the pleasure of dining in this lovely spot with my family on our last night in Cape May. I can honestly say, everything was exceptional! From the service, to the ambiance, to the fresh, clean, authentic creations, they hit all the marks! Food was absolutely amazing! If you only have one night to spend in Cape May, make your reservation at Il Riccio. Emanuela is the embodiment of Italian hospitality! You will not be disappointed,

Incredible food. So good that we had to come back again the next night. The Gnocchi, Veal, and Candele with Braciole were so tasty. One of best Italian restaurants in the states that I’ve been to. Can’t leave without getting the Affogato. They are still ironing out some kinks with only being open 3 months, but still worth it.

This is a family-run gem in Cape May! Highly recommend for anyone looking for fine Italian dining, quality seafood, and AMAZING service. We’ve never felt as welcome or cared for in a restaurant—from the expert recommendations to the friendly stories of time in Italy, this truly feels like being served in your best friend’s Italian villa. I know how corny this sounds but their generational story and passion for excellence is so genuine and worth every penny. Highly recommend the risotto, ragu, gnocchi, zucchini spaghetti, swordfish carpaccio, scallops and DEFINITELY the tiramisu!!!

My family and I have been nonstop talking about this restaurant ever since we left last night. The food was absolutely amazing. The pasta must be homemade, and unlike any other pasta we’ve tasted. The bread was refreshing and came with smoked prosciutto, pistachio butter, olive oil to dip and an amazing eggplant antipasto on the side. The service was next level. Every waitress/waiter was 10/10 professional, friendly, and extremely attentive. It is so hard nowadays to get great service, but this restaurant blew it out of the water. This choice for dinner was on a whim, but now will forever be a number one choice for us when we come to Cape May.

From the service, to the food, to the atmosphere—everything was absolutely magnificent! We had a last-minute change of dinner plans, and I’m so grateful we did, because from the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were welcomed with such warmth and care. The kindness shown by the owner, Luke, and his daughter, Valeria, made the experience truly special, and our waiter Rob provided outstanding service throughout the night. The food was spectacular, and the entire evening felt like a gift. I would 1000% recommend this place to anyone looking for not just a great meal, but a genuinely memorable dining experience!

An Authentic Southern Italian Treasure! This restaurant is an absolute must-visit if you’re in Cape May! From the moment we walked in, we could tell that time, passion, and authenticity went into every detail—from the warm atmosphere to the stunning, spotless interior design that perfectly set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The food was beyond amazing—truly authentic Southern Italian flavors, crafted with the best ingredients, many of them imported straight from Italy. Every bite was rich, flavorful, and a beautiful reminder of traditional Italian cooking done right. The owner and staff were not only incredibly friendly and welcoming, but they went above and beyond to make our anniversary dinner special—even setting our table with roses. That personal touch made the evening even more memorable. This is without a doubt a fantastic addition to Cape May’s already impressive dining scene and will absolutely be a staple in our yearly visits. We can’t wait to come back and share this gem with all of our friends. As my husband says—Forza Napoli Sempre! 🇮🇹❤️

We had a fantastic meal with outstanding service. The food is authentic and delicious. I had the Lobster risotto which was amazing. This was our 4th time at Il Riccio and have booked our reservation for the next time with 6 of our friends. Each time we went it was an excellent experience. Definitely our favorite restaurant! We highly recommend this restaurant! Saverio

Outstanding meal to conclude our trip to Cape May. Service was excellent and the food was even better. The squid ink gnocchi was hands down one of the best meals I have had - not to mention the grilled peaches appetizer was also divine! A must stop for anyone visiting.

An absolute standout in Cape May. Il Riccio delivers an authentic Italian dining experience that feels like you’ve stepped right into your Nona’s kitchen. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, perfect for a relaxed night out — and the fact that it’s BYOB makes it even better. The food is exceptional — fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with passion. From the handmade pasta to the incredible seafood, every bite was memorable. We brought a bottle of wine, settled in, and savored every course. Highly recommend for anyone looking for true Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting. A must-visit!

Little hectic to get a seat at 8:00 pm but once at the table the experience is great. Super friendly staff, paid extra attention to sitting arrangements and wine accommodations. Food is out of this world… local fish prepared high end Italian style is definitely memorable dinner experience. Felt like a Broadway show - all elements at the proper time and place.

Exceptional food meets exceptional service! The freshest ingredients create delicious dishes. New to the Cape May scene, Il Riccio is here to stay!

Last night we had an amazing dinner at Il Riccio in Cape May! Luca and his staff could not have been better! Beautiful atmosphere! Worth the trip from anywhere! Look forward to our next visit!

I had the best dining experience at Il Riccio in Cape May this week! The food was amazing. The Spaghetti Nerano main dish and the Carciofo alla Giudia appetizer was delicious. I tried the pistachio tiramisu and the affogato for dessert, both were delicious. In addition, the wait staff was very welcoming and accommodating to our parties needs. I can’t wait to come back to Il Riccio on my next trip to Cape May!

Absolutely fantastic experience all around! The owner and staff are amazing. They truly make a simple task like eating dinner feel like special experience. The most welcoming and warm environment! The food is spectacular. After 5 years of visiting Cape May, we think we found our new favorite spot. A must visit spot. 5 star experience!

The best food my wife and I had since Italy. Incredible! Rosario and Nicola were especially wonderful and kind. It was a Valentine’s Day we’ll remember forever. Felt like home. Can’t wait to go back - Pasquale e Kelsey

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Il Riccio and had the best meal we've ever had in Cape May. From start to finish, everything was outstanding. We shared the grilled octopus, raw oysters, and Caesar salad—all beautifully prepared. My husband’s crabmeat pasta special was perfection as was my rack of lamb. Our server, Dan, was attentive and professional. We especially appreciated that he mentioned the prices of each special while describing them—a nice touch that reflects the restaurant’s honesty and attention to detail. Owners Luca and Stefania are warm, gracious, and clearly take great pride in what they’ve created. Their hospitality and passion shine through in every aspect of the dining experience. Il Riccio is truly a gem—we can’t wait to return!

A small restaurant where they focus on premium ingredients and amazing food. We had such a wonderful experience! The service was amazing too; our server Biagio was really helpful and fabulous, and several other folks stopped by to see how we were doing, including the owner who was clearly passionate about creating the best restaurant in town. Ask him about any of the dishes and he will tell you about the origins of every ingredient and what makes them special. And wow the food was good! And in addition to being a VERY good restaurant it was also relaxed and friendly- I was surprised that a restaurant of this calibre was open for lunch in addition to dinner. Every detail stood out, and every part of our meal was a memorable experience. It’s BYOB, too, which is a popular decision in Cape May; if you forget to bring a bottle of wine with you, there’s a liquor store next door.

Enjoyed the most delicious romantic dinner in early September we just had to return to il riccio on Sunday with our family. We were not disappointed. The food is always fresh, especially the grilled octopus, calamari and the bread, we could not get enough of it! Service outstanding and the owner and staff couldn’t be nicer. This is our go-to restaurant in Cape May, hands down. We’re already planning our next visit just for this restaurant! Thank you il riccio for a wonderful experience, feels like home!

A Wonderful Italian Dining Experience I had the most wonderful dinner at Il Riccio during my stay in Cape May. The atmosphere is elegant yet warm — a perfect blend of Italian charm and coastal sophistication. Every dish tasted like a piece of Italy, beautifully presented and full of flavor. Our server, Biagio, made the evening truly special. A true Italian gentleman — gracious, attentive, and effortlessly classy. His recommendations were spot on, and his kindness added such a personal touch to the experience. If you’re looking for an authentic fine dining experience with impeccable service, Il Riccio is absolutely the place to go. I can’t wait to return! — Anna P., visiting from Napoli

We chose this place simply because it was busy in Cape May on this cold Saturday night and they had parking! I did not want to walk, looking for a restaurant. What a meal!!! The Chilean Sea Bass was delicious! Our server, Nolan, was attentive and knew the menu well. We will be coming back here again very soon, I think it’s our new favorite place!

I found this dining establishment to be masters at their craft. The food was outstanding and service was impeccable. What a fantastic dining experience. It is BYOB so take note and pair as best you can for authentic Italian cuisine. A special thanks to Rosario for the best service I have experienced in 40 years! Buon Natale!

An authentic corner of Italy in the heart of Cape May! Every dish is crafted with care, using the freshest ingredients and true Mediterranean flavors. Service is impeccable—warm, professional, and genuinely attentive. The ambiance is elegant yet welcoming, creating the perfect setting to enjoy fine Italian cuisine by the sea. Highly recommended for anyone looking for real Italian taste and heartfelt hospitality. 🇺🇸🍷

I’d consider myself a foodie—I’ve dined at some of the best restaurants in New York City—and this place is an absolute must when you’re in Cape May. Between bringing our own great wine (BYOB), the incredible service, the hands-on owner, and the food itself, you truly can’t beat it. We’ve been coming to Cape May for over 10 years, and this restaurant is now right up there with our all-time favorites. Pure homemade goodness from start to finish.

Spectacular but overpriced Dover sole at $135, exquisite fried artichokes and amazing pistachio pie. Very mediocre lobster ravioli; the tail was dry and the ravioli itself was bland. Excellent service and outstanding atmosphere.

wanted so badly to love this place. The vibe? Cute. The staff? Lovely. The food? Decent. But the prices? Straight-up comedy. Tell me why I just paid $70 for a risotto with a sad little lobster tail perched on top like it was doing me a favor. The whole menu is giving “look at me, I’m fancy” energy, but when the plates hit the table it’s like… that’s it? It’s less fine dining, more fine trying. You’d honestly think you were in Manhattan with the way they’re charging, but without Manhattan-level food to back it up. If you want to drop a paycheck to say you ate somewhere “elevated,” go off. But if you actually want your money’s worth, this spot will leave you full of regret instead of food.

Dinner reservation was 7pm on Sunday evening. They tout that all ingredients are fresh and organic. My husband ordered the cioppino, they were sold out. He then ordered the swordfish and was told all sold out. Finally, he ordered the salmon special which was also sold out. The seafood order would arrive tomorrow we were told. A restaurant in Cape May by the sea and no seafood??? By 8pm, we still did not have our entrees. In the meantime, an argument ensued between our server and the busses over bread service. A knife was dropped and cheese was delivered twice to the table. Lots of apologies, especially after we were charged for the cioppino on the bill.The server’s parting comment was that we unfortunately came the wrong night!! We have dined all along the Jersey shore from Rumson to Cape May. For a $180.00 meal, we should be wowed, not disappointed.