New Jersey Restaurants Locals Love And The Food That Keeps Them Coming Back For More

Billy Edwards from the Jersey Warrior’s Facebook page has a real connection with one restaurant from his childhood that evokes happy memories of sitting around the table with family eating good food.

In fact, many of us can probably name at least one eatery from our past that ignites blissful recollections of dining with people we love and having a good time.

For Billy, that place is Vic’s Italian Restaurant on Main Street in Bradley Beach. Vic’s has been around since 1947. Currently, the 4th generation of the Giunco family is happy to serve hungry friends and patrons from near and far the same authentic Italian food created from recipes that traveled to America from Genoa with Vic and his wife Carmella over 75 years ago.

During an online conversation, Billy had this to say about Vic’s, “ Vic’s has been a staple in my life for the last 40 years! It has brought back so many wonderful memories. It was my mother’s favorite restaurant and it became mine too. I love to go there and start off with a pizza, it’s a great appetizer. My wife loves their manicotti and I love their baked ziti! I have gone there for special occasions as well as just going out for a quick bite.”

Billy was one of many people who responded to the question, “What’s your favorite restaurant in town and what’s your favorite dish on the menu?” There were just a few responses that mentioned deep emotional connections like the one Billy has to Vic’s.

This article wasn’t supposed to be about restaurants that have a sentimental effect on people, but thanks to Billy, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic.

Let’s get to the restaurants the locals love and the food that has them coming back for more.

I had to start with Vic's!!
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Jenn D. mentioned Capone's and it immediately sent me back in time to my very first visit nearly 2 decades ago. Thanks for the memories Jenn. Oh, Jenn loves the meatball & onion pizza, veal marsala, and their luxurious fettucine Alfredo.

Joanne T, loves the tender filet mignon or the beautifully prepared salmon.

Michael T. says he has to leave his town to get good food. I am definitely not telling you what town Michael hails from. Michael suggested a place I dined at back in October. Michael and I both agree that the Chicken Parm melts in your mouth.

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I usually only use one suggestion per person, but I'm breaking my own rule by included another suggestion from Michael, the guy who has to leave town to get good food. Again, we both agree that the "Carolina Burger" with frizzled onions and barbecue sauce is what dreams are made of. I also need to mention the "Oklahoma Onion."  A double-stacked griddle smashed ground beef patties, paper thin onions, American cheese, &  pickles.  You'll need lots of napkins.

Louie D. doesn't have a favorite dish. He loves the huge breakfast and lunch menu and always has something different when he visits.

Lou P. and the "Sicilian Cyclone" from the Wednesday Warriors love this place. Lou is all about the  cold seafood cocktail and the salad, loaded with lots of fresh Bleu cheese.

Vinnie C. tells us that he loves The Sunday sauce, zuppetta, and steak Montebianco. Vinnie clearly eats well.
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Christine W. wrote: I love everything on the menu lol. My favorite appetizer is the fried calamari. My favorite entree is the chicken Martino. Generous portions!

Elevated plates and creative cocktails are front and center at this lovely establishment. I can see why Wanni R. likes this place.

Tom S. suggests we order the Chilean Sea Bass. Maria S. highly recommends the stuffed artichoke. If they taste anything like Nonna Guiseppina's, I'll be right  over.

Mary S, says, "It has to be Captains Inn in Forked River 100%. Their service is stellar! Debbie and staff go above and beyond to create a truly great experience."  Mary doesn't name a dish, but plenty of other folks including B.J have mentioned this place. They singled out the She crab soup with sherry. I have that every time I eat there, good choice.

Kelsey told me to check out the martini list and every sushi selection on the menu. She also said not to pass on the creamy mac & cheese. South Jersey, I'll see you soon.

Lots of Toms River folks were all about this  place. I haven't been here since the new owners  took over. Jimmy R. was the first to mention Riv's and said his favorite food to order are the garlic beer clams, cheese steak egg rolls and thier burgers. I've heard plenty of good things about the burgers.

According to Don and Alisha, this place has the absolute best Mexican street corn and Birria tacos in the area.

Lorie C. Let it rip with her love of this place. She wrote: On the Deck in Atlantic Highlands has an outstanding deck with beautiful views of the city. The sunsets are spectacular as well as the food and drinks and staff .I don’t think we have ever had a bad meal. Lots of great specials and Happy Hour  Lorie loves the shrimp tacos, nachos, and the decked out burger. 

This is my personal pick. It's everything a good restaurant should be. It's great for a family gatherings, friend get togethers, or a romantic night out. The service is impeccable and Chris, the owner takes so much pride in the food he serves his customers.  The broccoli rabe fritatta is out of this world. The veal chop Milanese is probably my favorite entree. I never had a bad  meal or a bad experience here. After dinner is over it's hard to leave.