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Iconic Ortley Beach Restaurant Reinvents Itself As An Italian Market

For many locals and vacationers alike, the news earlier this year that Rockafellas By The Sea was closing it doors brought a wave of foodie sadness. However, today marks a…

Italian Meats

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

For many locals and vacationers alike, the news earlier this year that Rockafellas By The Sea was closing it doors brought a wave of foodie sadness.

However, today marks a rebirth of sorts for the former beloved Italian eatery. The restaurant, at 1855 Route 35 North on the Seaside Heights/Ortley Beach border, has transformed into The Market At Rockafellas! The plan is for it to be a state of the art Italian Market with an old school "from scratch" feel. The Market will have a large selection of imported Italian specialties, such as fine olive oils, vinegars, sauces, and pastas.

Meanwhile, the Palermo family still has their successful new restaurant, Piccolino Italian Kitchen up an running at 1177 Fischer Boulevard in Toms River. The new Market will be carrying many of the restaurant's favorites. These can be taken to go, or enjoyed at their outdoor seating area. Moreover, the market will be a full service Italian Deli. Nothing like grabbing a real Italian sub on the way to or from the beach, with authentic ingredients!  Additionally there will be assorted cold salads, prepared appetizers, sides, and desserts to complete a homemade Italian feast.

The Market At Rockafellas will be open 7 days a week from 10am until 6pm.

Their phone number is 732-793-2400. More info at their Facebook page in the coming days and weeks. 

The former restaurant on the location was opened in 1997. For a quarter century it was the go to destination not only for locals, but for thousands of Summer vacationers. Many who would eat at "Rocks" every night of their stay at the Jersey Shore. Unfortunately, the changing economy forced a change in strategy, and so while Rockafellas By The Sea may be no more, vacationers and locals alike can still enjoy some of the great food and memories too at The Market At Rockafellas.

As we find out more info about this exciting new enterprise, we will be sure to share them.

Believe it or not, Jimmy’s first job was overnights at a Christian Radio Station. He claims he got into radio because like Rocky Balboa once said, “cause I can’t sing or dance.” Jimmy loves to write about all local happenings, especially around his town of Toms River. Favorite Pastime (other than masturbation, of course): Cheering for the Yankees, and crying for the J-E-T-S!!! Favorite Food: Hot Sauce…I collect ’em! Favorite Drink: PRUNO…look it up, if you dare! Favorite Movies: The Exorcist, Planet of The Apes (the original), To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie Hall, and of course GF 1 & GF 2…I heard that’s how the real fans refer to them. Favorite Movie Line: easy…Murry-Caddyshack-“big hitter, the Lama”…f#$*in’ riot! Best Rat Rock Bands: STP, VH, ZEP, PEARL JAM, FOOS, PEPPERS,AC/DC Favorite New Bands: Glorious Sons, Rival Sons, Dirty Honey Most Embarrassing Moment: the moment my mother reads this shit! Best Day: I know a lot of folks say this, but it’s true: the day my little girl Jynell and my boy Big D were born! Next to that, it would have to be the day I was baked on earth day in Central Park and met Keefer Sutherland…baked too, I believe.