La Lupa

I’m not one to ever leave reviews for places, but I feel inclined to after the meal we had. My boyfriend and I dined here last night for the first time and it was absolutely a stand out. The food was absolutely incredible—you could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the attention to detail was evident. Chad, our server, was phenomenal—his recommendations did not disappoint. The sweet corn pasta was one of the best dishes we’ve ever had, anywhere—if you see it on the menu, it’s a no brainer. The pizza was also delicious, and the porterhouse was cooked to perfection. We cannot recommend this place enough and we will definitely be back!

My boyfriend and I absolutely LOVE this place! The food was 10/10! Loved the fact that everything on the menu is pretty much shareable between at least 2 people. These rice balls were by far the best rice balls I ever had at a restaurant. I appreciate the owner coming around to talk to us! You don’t always see that at restaurants and It was nice to hear from him! I definitely recommend La Lupa! We consider It an Italian steakhouse! This restaurant may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a 10/10 from us. We want to go back to try the pizza!

I have nothing but great things to say about La Lupa. It’s truly a gem in Monmouth County from start to finish. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels special—the lighting, the music, and the people all come together to make it one of a kind. The food speaks for itself; every dish I’ve tried has been excellent. As a vegetarian, I really appreciate the variety of options available, and each one has been outstanding. The desserts, especially the brownie and cookie, are also a highlight. I truly applaud the team behind La Lupa for creating such a wonderful experience and wish them continued success. I can’t wait to come back.

Not 1 complaint. First time here, and it’s top 3 restaurants I’ve ever been too in my life. Service is top tier. Food was authentic Italian, fresh ingredients, healthier. The place is very small, so you might feel crowded. But it’s dim lighting, fancier vibe. Absolutely LOVED it.

This place has been on my list for a very long time, and it has been nothing short of spectacular! I went once a few years back when they first opened, but I had to give it a second try for a birthday dinner! Everything was absolutely incredible, immaculate service, and some truly crazy appetizers! I had the fried chicken, and the focaccia, which were both phenomenal. I shared them with someone and we cleaned our plates! Also, had some crazy ravioli with fresh balsamic glaze on top! Not only was it delicious, but it was such a fantastic show, you can tell the pasta is handmade with love and care. For dinner, we had the Kansas City, and, of course the famous snake river skirt steak. I am anti-lemon, but when I tell you, I put a little of lemon with that olive oil it tasted like heaven! For dessert, I picked out a brownie, and they put a candle in it for my birthday, truly amazing experience I will absolutely be back to try the rest of this delicious menu!

If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate an intimate occasion, this Italian restaurant is a must-visit. While its small size means reservations are mandatory and walk-ins aren't allowed, this exclusivity adds to its charm. The limited seating is actually a good thing, as the restaurant creates an atmosphere perfect for a personal, unforgettable dining experience. The menu is just the right size—not overwhelming, yet offering enough variety to satisfy every palate. What sets this place apart is its ambience. Dimly lit, with most of the light coming from flickering candles on the tables, the interior feels almost magical. The décor, made up of lush plants and fresh flowers, seems to fuel your appetite. Dining here is more than just eating; it's an experience. Although the restaurant is small and the tables are close together, the lively atmosphere, with the hum of conversation and soft music, never detracts from the overall enjoyment. The service is phenomenal. The servers go above and beyond to ensure you understand the menu, explaining traditional Italian dishes and suggesting options tailored to your preferences—especially helpful for vegetarian guests. Their attentiveness makes you feel well taken care of throughout the meal. As for the food, it’s everything you’d expect from authentic Italian cuisine—and then some. Every dish is flavorful and beautifully presented. I highly recommend the Roman Gnocchi; it was a standout for us. One of the servers even took the time to explain their innovative approach to making gnocchi, which added a personal touch to our dining experience. With free parking and an ambiance that makes you feel like you're dining in a hidden oasis, this restaurant is perfect for a memorable evening with a small group. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just looking for a unique dining experience, this spot is a true gem.

Gone at least 5 times now and every time is better than the last. Service/staff is 10/10. They always speak to you like friends or family. Food is always incredible. The Roman gnocchi, skirt steak, any/every pasta dish, and the brussels are always our go-tos. The market fresh crudo is always out of this world, too! End it all with a 1 scoop cinnamon 1 scoop vanilla affogato and you’ve got a dream meal.

My husband and I tried la lupa for the first time the other day and it was delicious. The food was fresh, prepped beautifully and had so many great options! I can’t wait to go back and try more things. The service was also excellent we were attended too the entire time and had great recommendations throughout each course. Highly recommend trying the fresh tuna appetizer I am still thinking about it!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Lupa Restaurant, an experience that instantly evoked a wave of nostalgia. Nearly a year ago, I had the fortune of visiting Italy, and stepping into La Lupa was akin to being transported back to that beautiful country. The decor and ambiance of this intimate restaurant are truly enchanting, offering a sensory journey that should be experienced firsthand. Upon being seated in this cozy establishment, our waiter’s passionate descriptions of the dishes had me smiling from ear to ear. Throughout our meal, I felt as though I was embarking on a culinary adventure. The food was nothing short of extraordinary. We indulged in the Tuscan fried chicken, which was exquisitely tender, a freshly prepared pizza that was both flavorful and satisfying, and a perfectly pan-seared halibut. We concluded our meal with the dessert of the day: a decadent brownie served with ice cream. La Lupa Restaurant is a hidden gem that I wholeheartedly recommend. If you're seeking an authentic taste of Italy and an unforgettable dining experience, look no further.

Hands down the best restaurant in Monmouth County. Always a special experience with great service, exciting food, and a fun playlist. The steaks and pasta dishes are unmatched. Also love that it’s BYOB.

PHENOMENAL FOOD. Literally worth all of the hype. We did not have one bad bite here everything was exceptional. Was not expecting to get pizza but the Lupa pizza was amazing. Cannot wait to come back. The restaurant is very cute inside and definitely does not feel like you are in a strip mall when you are in there. The only complaint was just that we were basically sitting with another group and would have to move when they needed to get in or out. Totally worth it but just know it is close quarters.

We are foodies. We go to NY just to have dinner and we live more that an hour south in NJ. We have had food in many Italian places. La Lupa Is one of the best Italian restaurants in tri state area. Food, service and atmosphere is top notch. Amazing amazing amazing. Pizzas, Pastas, Desserts all outstanding. We came again and this place has gotten even better. Special thanks to our amazing server Fiona for the amazing service

10/10 Everything. Every bite is immaculate, service is perfect and the vibes are just right.

Service was amazing, our waiter was great!! (I unfortunately forgot his name). The food was AMAZING, it all tasted so fresh and savory. Cole came to my table a couple of times introducing himself and asked how our dinner was going, even gave us a special fried chicken imported from North Carolina as a kindly gesture. The atmosphere was lively! La lupa made my anniversary dinner so special!! My boyfriend and I loved it :)

Been here multiple times & it’s always better than I remembered. The service is always above and beyond. Every plate is executed perfectly and the vibe is off the charts. The owners are incredible people as well as the rest of the staff. The best of the best!!!! My favorite restaurant in NJ by far.

1000/10. From the fresh ingredients to the hospitality this might be the best restaurant in New Jersey. The Clam Pie pizza is out of this world. The homemade pasta was so delicious and I didn’t feel bloated after. The seafood they use has to be top notch the lobster pasta was some of the best lobster I’ve ever had. And the blue fin tuna crudo. I’ve never had crudo before and was nervous to try but that might have been the freshest tuna I’ve ever eaten. My experience was incredible. Justin was my server he was so informative and knew exactly what we were looking for in our experience. Cole and Michael at the front greeted us with such class. The old school hip-hop is also a nice touch to probably the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever been too. Will be back next week.

Our second time there. Both times the music is loud rap which doesn't match the vibe or clientele. All the different meals we tried were very flavorful, although salty. There were a couple tables with loud screaming children and I'm surprised they didn't kick them outside onto the streets

La Lupa is a premier dining destination in New Jersey and is definitely a spot everyone must go to. The menu changes seasonally and is filled with beautiful, robust flavors executed to meticulous perfection by their team. The pizza dough and home made pasta are a labor of love and are what dreams are made of, and their perfectly cooked steak over a yakatori grill and topped with olive oil is absolutely spectacular. My favorite items include the crudo, Roman gnocchi, vongole pizza, any pasta (the corn caramelle is especially memorable however), the Brussels sprouts, the waygu skirt steak, and the gelato with honey, bee pollen, and fennel. Run, don’t walk, to grab the next reservation!

I will just say this is one of if not the greatest experiences I have had in any restaurant I have been to. We had a 4pm reservation on Tuesday and didn’t know what to expect. Let me just say between the food, the service, and the atmosphere the hefty price was well worth it for an Anniversary dinner. I mean how can you go wrong with 90’s hip hop paired with some of the best food NJ has to offer? Our server Willem is probably the most knowledgeable person I have ever met at any fine dining establishment I have been to. All of his recommendations were nothing short of amazing. I actually feel regretful that I didn’t order every single dish he recommended. Everything we had was a hit. For me The Roman gnocchi and their take on the clam pie are a must order. Brussel sprouts, rice balls, steak were fantastic. My wife and I hate Brussel sprouts but we wouldn’t mind eating these every day. The steak was as good as an American Wagyu skirt could get…Plus the creme brûlée and olive oil cake were to die for! If I had to be critical about anything it would be that the Carbonara was a bit on the salty side…. However, it’s still far better than most places. We will definitely be back to our now favorite restaurant.

I waited weeks for this reservation, it was Well worth it, the staff is Amazing, the food was very good. A little too loud for older people, but I enjoyed it. Strongly recommended.

When you’re looking for a good local Italian place La Lupa is it. A small intimate BYOB restaurant with delicious food. Because it’s a small restaurant it’s important to make reservations but once you’re their to dine the staff is attentive and you don’t feel rushed. Which is great. While I had the pasta dish during my visit I can’t wait to go back for their brick oven pizza 😍.

I gave La Lupa 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What do you call an American Wagyu steak dish in an Italian restaurant? An impasta!😅 All jokes aside , the Snake River Skirt Steak was absolute perfection, and it did have Tuscany olive oil drizzled on it! On to my review... Pizza rating: 30 Dough 10/10 Sauce 10/10 Cheese 10/10 Pros: • Fresh and clean fragrance in the restaurant, which sets the tone for a fantastic meal! • Decor is impressive, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere • Every dish made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection • American Wagyu Skirt steak from Snake River Farms cooked just right, with amazing flavor and tenderness! • Pizza scores a perfect 30 out of 30 points! • Hot honey is available upon request! 🍯 • Seasonal butternut squash tortellini is fresh and so delicious! • Chocolate brownie with pistachio gelato and hazelnut topping is on point! • Service is class act, with a manager who clearly cares about customer experience • Bathroom gets a thumbs up for thoughtful touch, like installing a high hook for long coats to not drag on the floor when hung. And for being clean! • BYOB policy! Cons: None! Every aspect of the experience was pure perfection! 5 stars and can't wait to come back! Gem status! 💎 Follow me on Google for more ❤️

This place is probably one of the top 5 restaurants I’ve eaten at in my life. It’s truly phenomenal is every aspect of dining. They are clearly very serious about food and it was worth the drive out there. Literally wanted to try everything on the menu. Service was as if we were the only people in the restaurant. If you are a foodie it’s a must. Definitely lived up to the hype. Dying to go back.

GEM IN MANALAPAN! I’ve dined here lots of times already, and I absolutely love this restaurant! Not only do I love the food here, but I love the vibe it has here as well. It’s unique from all the other restaurants in NJ. They play old school rap in the background, and I like it. I read other reviews that some people didn’t like that, but I do. When you order they bring one dish at a time as this place is made for sharing. My favorite appetizers so far are the rice balls, the fried chicken, and the Roman Gnocchi. I also love the beet salad with strawberries and tangerines. My favorite pasta dishes are the rigatoni carbonara and the Jersey corn caramelle. All the pasta dishes are home made, and they are all FANTASTIC! When they first opened they made the pasta dishes too small, but now they are a good size. That turned me into a weekly customer because I love fresh pasta for dinner. The strip steak is OUTSTANDING! It’s up there with the best steaks I ever had! It is priced at $95 which is kinda of high, but it is worth trying. The best side dish is the cacio e Pepe potatoes! They are AMAZING! They also make an excellent halibut as well. Everything here is amazing from appetizers, seafood, steak, and dessert. My favorite dessert is the chocolate chip cookie in a skillet. Tonight it was nice and thick with melty chocolate chips just how I like it. The olive oil cake can range from ok to excellent depending on the night. Some days it’s moist, and some days it can be a bit overcooked. One of the best desserts they had was banana bread, but it hasn’t been on lately. Hopefully, they will bring it back. They can use a few more dessert selections on the menu, and add a chocolate Gelato. Another thing I’d like to see on the menu is a filet mignon. The owners and waiters are all really nice here. They don’t try to rush anyone out the door which is nice. They give everyone plenty of time to enjoy their food, and the company they are dining with. P.S. Make your next reservation before you leave! I HIGHLY recommend dining at La Lupa!

A Culinary Masterpiece at La Lupa: A Hidden Gem in Manalapan, NJ I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Lupa, the hidden gem everyone's been talking about in Manalapan, NJ. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance and warm welcome set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. To start, I ordered the Tonnarelli Carbonara – a rich, creamy delight that was cooked to al dente perfection. The harmony of flavors and textures was truly divine, making each bite an indulgent experience. Next up was the showstopper – the Snake River Farms Skirt Steak. This Gold Label American Wagyu was, without a doubt, the most delicious steak I've ever had. The marbling was incredible, and the tenderness and flavor were unparalleled. Every slice of this juicy, tender steak was a testament to the quality and preparation that La Lupa is known for. The skirt steak was worth every penny, leaving a lasting impression of culinary excellence. To complement our main dishes, we also enjoyed some crispy fried potatoes. They were cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of crunch and seasoning, adding a delightful contrast to the other dishes. Finally, we indulged in the classic Crème Brûlée for dessert. This velvety, smooth custard was topped with a beautifully caramelized crust that broke with a satisfying crack. The balance of flavors and textures rounded off the meal perfectly. La Lupa has truly earned its reputation as a must-visit dining destination. The exceptional dishes, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere have made it a memorable experience I can't wait to relive. Due to its popularity, it's advisable to make a reservation when planning a visit to this hidden gem in Manalapan, NJ. Trust me – you won't be disappointed!

We came out as a family this evening and honestly the experience, food, service , vibe was 5 star. Scott was super awesome with the kids, Chad made sure everyone was happy and well taken care of. Pizza is amazing, wife had the halibut and honestly the best dish. Not a fish person but wow!! We’ll be regulars, thanks for the experience La lupa, we’ll be back!

I dine out frequently, and this was the best food I’ve eaten in years. Carbonara was 10/10, Roman gnocchi appetizer was incredible. Skirt steak was cooked to perfection. Service was fantastic. Highly recommend this spot.

First things first; if you get a reservation for La Lupa, skip breakfast & lunch, & bring your appetite because you’re going to want to try every single dish on the menu. La Lupa in Manalapan just delivered one of the most memorable meals I've had in years—phenomenal doesn't even begin to cover it. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality set the tone. Shoutout to hostesses Mikey and Cole, who weren't just welcoming but true experts: they broke down every dish with insane detail, from the sourcing of premium cuts for the steaks to the fresh ingredients in the handmade pastas and even thoughtful wine pairings (BYOB here, so plan ahead). Their passion and knowledge elevated the entire experience, both were insanely personable & made us feel like we were guests in their mother’s kitchen. The food? Insane. Every single plate exploded with bold, balanced flavors—perfectly crafted dishes that were filled with flavor beyond anything I’ve had ever experienced, not to mention top-tier steaks that rival the best steakhouses. The pastas were al dente perfection, sauces layered with depth, and the overall quality of ingredients shone through in ways words fall short of describing. My stomach couldn’t fit a single forkful more but my tastebuds craved for another taste of perfection. To be honest, we fully embraced the suggestions set forth by Mikey & Cole and were not disappointed one bit. Now, the vibe: If you're expecting a quiet, old-school Italian red-sauce joint with opera playing softly, this might not be your scene. But for those who appreciate a lively, modern twist (like a Soho spot transplanted to NJ), it's electric and fun—perfect for date nights or a lively group night out; especially given the attention & guidance provided by the hosts. La Lupa is top of list Monmouth County cuisine, & a definite contender amongst NJ’s best: elevated cuisine, genuine hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels lively yet homy. Younger crowds will love the energy; us "elders" will respect the masterful execution on the kitchen.

We really enjoyed our dinner at La Lupa. After just returning from Italy, this place blew everything we ate there out of the water. Our waiter recommended the chicken appetizer which was good. Bucatini pasta, wagyu skirt steak and Brussel sprouts were wonderful. Unfortunately they do not give any table bread which was a disappointment and they do rush you and try to turn the tables over. Understandable because it is a very small place, but if you’re looking for a night out to sit and enjoy wine and dinner this is not the place. Service was good and they were very helpful making menu choices. Would definitely return for the food.

La Lupe is a charming, boutique-style restaurant with a limited number of tables, so be sure to book in advance. The menu features Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and steak, all crafted with seasonal and regional ingredients. We ordered family-style and shared everything at the table—each dish was absolutely delicious. The flavors were incredible! My personal favorites were the crudo, the ribeye, and the brownie with Galateo.

I am a foodie, and eat at all the best restaurants locally and in the city. I have only had the best service, best steak, the best sides and pizza when I come here to dine - it’s in a class by itself - A++++ If you haven’t been - ITS A MUST GO !!! Tuna app, clam pizza, fried chicken, Strip Steak, homemade pasta 😉 - you’ll thank me later

I had the privilege of dining at La Lupa and while I heard amazing things from friends, I wasn't expecting this to become the best dining experience I've ever had. From the moment we walked in the vibes were immaculate, think Gothic type vibes with beautiful floral arrangements and impeccable lighting and really cool music. We were greeted by the manager who was so friendly and immediately said we would be seated soon but in the meantime would we like him to open our wine. I proceeded to talk to him for a while and when I tell you this man spoke so passionately about the menu and the ingredients used that I could have listened to him talk much longer. He explained that ingredients were locally sourced and some internationally sourced. He was so friendly. Then it was time to be seated and we met our waiter, Bryan. Bryan was friendly and very informative about the menu and he patiently answered any questions we had. We ordered the Roman gnocchi, a spicy vodka pizza with prosciutto, the strip steak and bucatini amatriciana and the Brussel sprouts. For dessert we had the Biscoff gelato and the olive oil cake. I can't wait to come back again to experience this again. I have never received the high level of service that La Lupa staff gave to us and to top it off with the beyond delicious food, how could it not become the best dining experience I've had. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation. Thank you to the staff for being so great!

After apple picking at Battleview Orchards, my future daughter in law made reservations for party of 4 at La Lupa. Nicely decorated as we walked in. Cozy dinning area with extremely dim lighting. Street parking Our Server Fiona was great. Introduced us to the philosophy of La Lupa. Fresh made pasta. Light pizzas. She encouraged family style and sharing. She proceeded to tell us about the specials. We placed our orders. Calamari was good. My future daughter in law and I decided to order pizza and tortellini to share. Pizza was light, flavorful. Hot pepper oil was served on side at my request. Tortalini was tasty, rich cheesy sauce. Small portions- I had about 5-6 tortalinis. My husband ordered the JERSEY CORN CARAMELLE- tasty, but small portion. My son’s entree the fresh fish of the day- halibut was the only entree size meal. The pastas were appetizer size or small plate size. I would expect double the amount of pasta for the price. Little deceiving when it was suggested family style to share- expecting entree size, not appetizer size entrees. Fiona read off the desserts- Brownie, warm cookie and a variety of gelatos. It was a bit noisy with the music and conversations, I didn’t hear one of the dessert items. Coziness and darkness- table next to us on the left, knocked over the water bottle, landed on my son’s foot. Bottle did not break- thankfully. I stood up to use the restroom, almost bumped into a Server. Servers were bumping into the tables. My eyes had to adjust to the light when we left. Maybe lower the music, increase the lighting and remove a table or 2 to get less cozy seating. Food was tasty and Fiona was awesome!!

If you are searching for really great food, like the exquisite food found in NYC, this restaurant is on that level. The food is fresh, thoughtfully curated, and delectable. The staff are polite, knowledgeable about the menu, and very attentive. However, there are a few details to be aware of when choosing this restaurant: one, the atmosphere, while lovely and fun, is very dark, like, can't see your plate dark; the music was loud, making it difficult to hear conversation with your date; and the food, while amazing without question, does not come to you in mass American portion sizes, but small portions at a range of $14-$50 prices. While less can be more, don't come here starving.

We had a 6pm reservation & didn’t get seated till 6:40 because of the size of the restaurant. It seems like that was the case for everyone who came in so be prepared for that. Andrew the host was amazing, he offered us a complementary appetizer, cleaned our table so we could be seated faster & refiled my drink! he was great!

Decided on this establishment based on a recommendation, however that recommendation did not meet our expectations. FYI: You have to make a reservation, no exceptions based on their website information. Anyway, it’s a cramped restaurant where everyone is either in your business or you are in their’s, it wasn’t a problem since our party was placed in a corner by the front window for a 6 top. I didn’t capture photos of all the dishes, it was that cramped and the others in our group weren’t interested in taking photos, so my review will be lacking with sufficient photos. A Vongole pizza was ordered, pretty good and it came with a side of hot peppers in a bowl and broth. That broth drizzled on the pizza really improved the flavor, otherwise it would have been lacking. Also had the Tuscan fried chicken and their fried calamari (can’t remember what they called it). The chicken was not a hit with anyone, think most of it was thrown away and the calamari was below average at best, even with the hot pepper sauce that came with the Vongole pizza. A pasta dish, Pesce Del Giorno (crab meat and shrimp I believe) was not edible to one of our guests. They barely touched the dish and refused to take anything home. The Anolini Di Parmi was cold and lacked any flavor, total disappointment. Continuing with dishes that were cold was the Jersey Corn Tortelli, although having a unique flavor, the pasta was hard and dried out as it must have sat in the window forever! I’m probably forgetting a ton, it was a group of us, however the food did not live up to the hype. The service was great which is the only reason I am rating it a 3 star review, it wasn’t because of the food. I won’t be back. Don’t believe the hype, overpriced for subpar food.

Reservation made for our anniversary, arrived a few mins early and were told people were finishing up. There are about 9 tables squeezed into a small narrow area. No place to sit to wait, stood in doorway for about 15 mins. Seated, and could barely hear the waitress with the loud music and people chattering. Hard to have a conversation in that setting. It's also very dark. The food was very delicious. Rice ball app was perfect, focaccia bread was good, I had carbonara and my husband had cowboy ribeye with potatoes. He asked for the steak to be medium rare and it was definitely rare. We didn't complain since we would rather a steak under than over cooked. I feel as though the price of the steak was a little outrageous. $180. No prices on menu for those items. We had a nice dinner, the food was tasty but, probably not going to return anytime soon.

Food was excellent - that must be said. Wouldn't change a thing about the creative, perfectly prepared food. Portions were great. Service was kind and very attentive. They were very apologetic when they had to tell us they ran out of one of their entrees we had ordered. HOWEVER - the ambiance is too try-hard. It’s in a strip mall next to a Dunkin drive-thru. It’s dark, very loud (thumping house music with very loud bass made it difficult to hear), very very tight seating - expect to get up when else someone at your table needs to; maybe lose a table or two? - very warm; and in the single restroom, you can hear EVERYthing the service spoke: “did table eleven leave a tip?” “How many halibut are left?” La Lupa staff - make sure you don’t want your customers hearing anything bad you might say! All that to say, the food is truly fantastic. Just be aware of the whole experience - it’s tiny, single unit in a strip mall - it’s not as elevated as it could be. AND IT’s BYOB!

I'm in the minority, but I don't really understand the high reviews here. It's in a strip mall on a highway next to a Dunkin'. The food is good, but I wouldn't put it much above other good Italian restaurants. The prices, though, are well above other restaurants - one of the the steak specials was $215, and 3 of 4 pasta specials were over $90... granted, there were truffles grated on the pasta... by the time we ordered a special at 6pm for our 5:45 reservation, they were sold out of it ("Yeah, we just 86'ed that one"). No poultry or seafood secondos on the menu, only beef, save one scallop special. The litany of the specials recitation (7 of them) was about 5 minutes long, with details ranging from the provence of all the ingredients down to their level of digestibility. We were warned that the menu changes every 8 to 10 weeks, so if you see something you like on the menu, "...get it because it might not be here next time." Hip-hop was the music of choice, and at 70 decibels according to my cell phone, you can just manage a conversation over the noise. Every waiter is cut from the same aesthetic cloth, and someone in sweatpants, sweatshirt, and a ski cap came to check on us a couple of times. It's overwhelmingly "bro," very instagrammable versus comfortable, and pricey.... but hey - you might like it, lots of people do, apparently. Just not me.

I honestly can’t understand the hype about this place. Our experience was just not that great. I’ve been to nearly every Italian byob in Monmouth, this is bottom 10%. First of all, $14 for bread? Haha okay. We sat at 6:30 on Friday, which I would imagine is effectively the beginning of a restaurant’s week, but 3/6 entrees were sold out? Bizarre. I figured it must get better from here, but then all of our apps and entrees came out at the same time…what is this olive garden? To top it all off I wouldn’t say the food was anything special. I’ll admit the fried chicken was fire, but also just kind of odd for an Italian restaurant in the first place. Lastly, I’m a big fan of rap, I’m listening to it as I write this, but I was not expecting it to be blasting over our romantic dinner. To each their own I guess. I think these guys have people fooled. My two cents is check out one of the many other great byobs around here.