This Hidden Gem In Neptune City Is A Must Try According To Locals
I love hearing about hidden gem restaurants. While I was reading some posts on one of my favorite food pages, NJ Shore Eats on Facebook, I came across a review from a guy named Ed Cook who lives in Brick, New Jersey.
Ed loves this one little hidden gem in Neptune City called, Il Posto, located at 1129 5th Ave, Neptune City, NJ 07753.
If that address looks familiar it’s because that building used to house Mom’s Kitchen, a Jersey Shore staple that opened in 1945 by Italian immigrants Nicholas and Letizia Aldarelli. The Aldarelli’s children took over after the pair passed away, and their grandson, Nicholas “Nicky”, aka “Snooky” took the reins after his parents died. Nicky knew his way around the kitchen because he had worked there since the age of 9.
Sadly, in 2016 after 71 years of serving the Jersey Shore, Mom’s Kitchen closed up shop and Il Posto opened its doors. According to the Asbury Park Press, Nicholas “Nicky” “Snooky” Aldarelli passed away last year at the age of 85.
Il Posto’s owner and chef carry on some of the traditions that made Mom’s Kitchen a regular go-to destination for locals. Like Mom’s Kitchen, Il Posto makes ravioli from scratch, just like the Aldarelli family did for over 7 decades. The chef also creates other handmade pasta, and I hear the meatballs & spaghetti taste just like Nona’s Sunday dinner.
Il Posto also has that old-school feel with a few modern touches. It looks homey and comfortable, a place that isn’t pretentious.
This Hidden Gem Has Great Specials Too!
Sundays: Football Menu at bar areas
Mondays: 1/2 Price Spaghetti w/meatballs and 1/2 Price Pizza
Tuesdays: 1/2 Price Appetizers, Happy Hour All Night
Wednesdays: Burger Night
Before we get to Ed Cook’s review, I dug up a review that was written soon after Il Posto opened back in 2016. Karen from Shark River Hills wrote:
Mom’s Kitchen Reincarnated
Il Posto is the reincarnation of the old Mom’s Kitchen and is wonderful. We have eaten there many times now, as a couple, and with friends, and have been consistently pleased. Food is home-made authentic Italian, fresh, and cooked to order. From pizza to more formal entrees, you won’t ever be disappointed. A favorite feature of ours is that many of the fresh and delicious salads, and pasta entrees, are available in full or smaller portions, and priced accordingly. Even the small salads are ample for 2 if you choose. The new decor is warm and welcoming and has jumped into the 21st century. Service is great, and we often eat at the bar. Steve, Chrissie, and Steve (yes there are 2) are fantastic and accommodating at the bar. If you haven’t tried it yet make a point of adding it to your to-do list, You won’t be disappointed.
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That would sell me on trying the place had I come across the review 8 years ago. Now on to Ed Cook’s review written on July 29, 2024.
Ed Cook’s Review
We have loved Il Posto (1129 5th Avenue in Neptune) since their previous incarnation as ‘Mom’s Kitchen’, and I have been eating there since I was a teenager in the mid-1980s. On Mondays, they offer a special for 1/2 off pizzas, and 1/2 off spaghetti and meatballs.
Shown here is a large pie with sausage and peppers, a large ‘Salad Supreme’ (which isn’t shown on their online menu), spaghetti and meatballs, and appetizers of artichoke hearts Francaise, meatballs with ricotta, and spicy garlic parmesan Taverna Wings.
The pizza has a thin crust, but not cracker-thin, and I love the ‘crunch’ when you fold the slice or bite into the crust. The sauce is that nice midway between sweet and savory that I enjoy. The Salad Supreme’ mixes familiar antipasto items (ham, salami, provolone, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, red onions, green olives, and black olives) over lettuce with a light Italian dressing, and a large is more than enough for 4 people.
Their spicy garlic parm wings are not overly spicy, with hefty amounts of grated parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top. The meatballs are big, juicy, soft, and virtually melt in your mouth, and the Pomodoro sauce that they use on them and on the spaghetti is very nice. Their artichoke hearts Francaise are the ones that I have enjoyed the most ever in a restaurant (because my Italian grandmother made the only ones that I have liked more than these.) The lemony sauce is heavenly, and I sopped up every last drop with their warm, freshly made bread.
Il Posto has a full bar complete with a variety of craft beers on tap. I hear it’s also a great place to watch the game during football season. They also have live music a few nights a week. Maybe one day we’ll meet up at this hidden gem serving old-world Italian fare and good wine.
