Best Authentic Restaurants in Matawan

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

MiddlesexMonmouthStaten Island

Neighborhoods

Colts NeckEast BrunswickEnglishtownFreeholdGreat KillsHazlet

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

66 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. A Salute

4.4

Awesome(534)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Matawan

Booked 6 times today

VOTED #1 FOR BEST ITALIAN FOOD ON THE EAST COAST BY BAYCITIZEN.ORG!!!A Salute is an Italian restaurant & full service cocktail bar located in an 1850 Church on Main Street in Matawan, NJ (Three minute walk from train station). The 170 year old building has kept its character and warmth to provide a comfortable setting for families and friends to enjoy a great lunch or dinner. Outdoor dining with a full service bar and oversized patio.Karaoke every Friday Night!Lunch Available daily from 11:30-3:30pm. Happy Hour daily from 3:00pm-6:00pm featuring 1/2 off drinks and select appetizers. Dinner begins at 4:00pm.We are now offering a $60 pp Family Style Dinner, 7 Days a week, incl. holidays. Minimum 2 ppl required. Kids 10 and Under Eat Free!

2. Il Leone

4.7

Exceptional(79)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Bridge

Booked 13 times today

Il Leone: A Culinary Journey in MatawanIl Leone is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. Nestled in the heart of Matawan, this farm-to-table haven celebrates the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, crafting each dish with passion and artistry. Step inside and be enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The aroma of wood-fired pizzas mingles with the laughter of friends and family, creating a sense of community and joy. The menu is a testament to Il Leone's commitment to quality and creativity. From hand-crafted pasta to succulent seafood, every dish is a symphony of flavors, showcasing the bounty of the region. Indulge in the signature wood-fired pizzas, each topped with a unique blend of seasonal ingredients. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. Or embark on a culinary adventure with the chef's tasting menu, a curated journey through the finest flavors Il Leone has to offer.

A photo of The Goat by David Burke restaurant

3. The Goat by David Burke

4.3

Awesome(999)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Union Beach

Booked 8 times today

THE GOAT by David Burke is a Wood Burning Italian American Cuisine Restaurant by Hazlet native, celebrity chef David Burke.We offer great food, drinks, and private event space.

A photo of Sofia's Taqueria - Old Bridge restaurant

4. Sofia's Taqueria - Old Bridge

4.4

Awesome(158)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • East Brunswick

Booked 17 times today

Sofia's featuresand an outdoor courtyard of carefully curated furniture and decor that create the perfect mix of authentic ambiance, playful sophistication, and an energetic vibe. Gourmet food, hand crafted cocktails, and over 100 tequilas and mezcals are the focus of our passionate and talented staff.Sofia's Old Bridge is hand curated with authentic decor, and a private event space.

A photo of Assaggini di Roma - Hazlet restaurant

5. Assaggini di Roma - Hazlet

4.9

Exceptional(577)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Hazlet

Booked 4 times today

Assaggini di Roma - Hazlet serves fresh Italian favorites made right on premises, with many items including sausage, parpadelle, and tiramisu. Reviews praise the food's freshness and flavor, with one reviewer even stating it's 'as good as my Italian grandmother'. The restaurant's friendly service, reasonable prices, and great atmosphere are consistently praised in reviews. The restaurant's authenticity is further confirmed by its regulars who have been coming for years.

A photo of Limoncello at Piazza di Roma restaurant

6. Limoncello at Piazza di Roma

5.0

Exceptional(32)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Matawan

Booked 2 times today

Since 1997 Piazza di Roma has been the Ultimate Space for amazing Weddings, Events and Corporate Functions. In 2020 Life Gave us Lemons & we created Limoncello at Piazza di Roma. A full service picturesque garden restaurant, featuring our own organic seasonal farm to table vegetables & imported Italian ingredients. Come enjoy our incredible authentic Sicilian/Italian cuisine and be transported to the back streets of Italy. Try our Nonna's traditional Bracciola, Veal Spiedini, or our popular Double Bone Stuffed Pork Chop and there is always room for Nonna's Sunday Sauce (not gravy). Full service cocktail bar available. Try our signature Limoncello Spritzer, Espresso Martini or Aperol Spritz. Seasonal outdoor dining available, first come first service based on the weather. But don't let the weather deter, indoor dining always available. We require a credit card to secure reservations. No shows or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to $25 per person c

7. McDonagh's Pub

4.8

Exceptional(197)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Keyport

Located in the Heart of Downtown Historic Keyport in a turn-of-the-century brick building near the bay, McDonagh's pub combines Old-World charm with modern hip cuisine. We offer an amazing menu of Irish Fare, bistro-style salads, home-made awesome soups, signature sandwiches, wraps, sautés, thin-crust pizza, fabulous fish and chips, daily specials and over 70 beers and lagers!

A photo of Peppino’s Restaurant restaurant

8. Peppino’s Restaurant

5.0

Exceptional(8)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marlboro

Booked 3 times today

We believe great ingredients are the foundation of a pleasurable dining experience. We use Faicco's Sausage of Brooklyn, wild-caught seafood (shrimp, cod, salmon) and other high-quality ingredients such as cold-pressed Californian extra virgin olive oil. Our dough is crafted in the Neapolitan tradition, fermented, and then proofed for 24 hours.

9. Oishii

2.1

(8)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old Bridge

Oishii Asian Fusion Cuisine is a vibrant restaurant located at 2280 U.S. 9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. This establishment specializes in a unique blend of Asian flavors, offering a diverse menu that features dishes inspired by various culinary traditions across Asia. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings, casual dining, or special occasions. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted meals made with fresh ingredients, along with a selection of beverages that complement the menu. Whether you’re a fan of sushi, stir-fries, or innovative fusion dishes, Oishii promises a delightful dining experience.Coming Soon!

A photo of Houlihan's - Holmdel restaurant

10. Houlihan's - Holmdel

4.8

Exceptional(610)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Holmdel

Booked 4 times today

Houlihan's in Holmdel is a gem for American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on quality ingredients, cooking from scratch, and good vibes. Customers rave about the 'consistent' food, 'fantastic' service, and 'welcoming' atmosphere. One reviewer highlighted the 'great cuisine' that 'never disappoints'. They also appreciate the reasonable prices and the friendly staff.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MichaelVIP
New Jersey •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Awesome meal for our first ever visit here. Service was excellent also.
More info
A SalutePrice: Expensive• Italian• Matawan
•
4.4
D
Dana
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Love everything from the food to the drinks to the service . Eddie was our server he was amazing
More info
The Goat by David BurkePrice: Moderate• American• Union Beach
•
4.3
B
Brittany
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Such a beautiful place and amazing food! Also everyone that works there is so nice! Will definitely be going back.
More info
Il LeonePrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Bridge
•
4.7
K
Kelly
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Food was delicious. Mark our waiter was great. Very polite and checked in with us continuously to make sure everything was ok and if we needed anything.
More info
Sofia's Taqueria - Old BridgePrice: Moderate• Mexican• East Brunswick
•
4.4
Y
yvette
New York City •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 13, 2025
Place is small, with the tight seating and the sound, hard to hear your conversation with the music and amongst others. Food was Delicious and enjoyed the flavors and freshness. Pricey, but that’s ok when the food is good but the protein portions are small for the prices like oxtail very small. I will revisit in the future. The service was friendly. Thank you.
More info
The Grotto Authentic Caribbean CuisinePrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Bedford-Stuyvesant
•
3.8

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