The food was excellent with large portions, staff was friendly, good ambiance and the wait time perfect. We left the restaurant and a short time later received a call from the owner. My girlfriend had left her purse . We returned and got the purse. He had gone to great lengths finding her phone number. Many thanks to good honest people who have great food as well!!! Highly recommend!!! read more

Once again we gathered at Branda's Italian Grill. Altho we've been here several times this past year, tonight was special, because it was with 30 friends and family. And again Ms Julia was our server . And again she was perfect. Hard working, good person. Tonight for me it was Chicken Parm. Crispy on the edges, perfectly cooked chicken, moist and delicious in the middle. Accompanied pasta was perfect, the mozzarella cheese covered my dish and it was melted to perfection. My entire family enjoyed all their meals, from the veal saltimbocca, to the grilled salmon with honey mustard. Loved them all. The appetizers of calamari fried and delicious, the charcuterie boards were plentiful, with salami's/prosciutto and the best sliced mozz I've had in a while. Once again I'll state this is a perfect casual Italian restaurant that happens to make and serve excellent pizza. Thank you Claude and Julia for another perfect night.. see you soon... read more

Branda's Italian Grill - Italian Near Me - Budd Lake, New Jersey

My family and I had a great Sunday lunch at Branda's Italian Grill. We started off with the fried calamari, spiedini, and long horn peppers for appetizers. Not only were the appetizers delicious, they were perfect to share with a large group. Our entrees did not disappoint. We loved the portion sizes! Several of us ordered the pasta primavera. The sauce was creamy with a decent amount of vegetables. Other entrees ordered were the Chicken Bella Luna, Veal Francese, and Scallops. Each family member loved their entree and the sides that came with it. The service was excellent and we enjoyed our Sunday together. Thank you for the great service and food! read more

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EVERYTHING on the menu is delicious! Dine in or take out you can't go wrong!!! Plan your next dinner there!!!

I have just read some reviews on here that I absolutely disagree with and don't understand. My husband and I have been going to Branda's for a few years now and we go at least 3-4 times a month. We have never ever had a bad dinner there. The food is consistently delicious every time and the portions are more than generous. We can be pretty picky because I can cook as good as any chef. The prices are very fair, especially when dinner comes with a salad and their own bread served with dipping sauces. All of the staff are more than accommodating, attentive and pleasant, if they weren't we would not go back. The owner is always welcoming every single time and makes sure that you enjoyed your meal before you leave. Don't base your decision to go there and eat their awesome dinners on a few negative reviews. You simply cannot please everyone, but to bash this place is very unfair...so please go and try it yourself and you will see how good it really is. Oh, and you should make a reservation if possible because they are always busy...guess it's for the awful food and service. Seriously, give them a try you won't regret it. Regards, Laura & Alex read more

We order about once a week and are always satisfied. Claude and his staff are friendly and helpful. This is the place I recommend to anyone that wants tasty Italian food. read more

Branda's Italian Grill - Chicken Piccata - Italian Near Me - Budd Lake, New Jersey

Monday night special was buy one entree get the second half price. I got the bill and then paid it and left. I later realized that I was cheated. I was charged full price for both entrees. Now, maybe lasagna is not considered an entree but at $22, it should be. The food is mediocre at best and we will not be back to this local establishment. read more

Branda's has been in the Budd Lake community for quite a few years now. It's a real comfort food restaurant with a very friendly staff. The pizzeria section is in the front, with sit down dining to the right. My wife and I stopped in for dinner and had entrees of eggplant rollatini and eggplant lasagna. The portions are generous. I wasn't crazy about the eggplant lasagna, but the rollatini looked delicious. I'll be having the leftovers for lunch today. When you check in with Yelp, you get a free dessert when you order an entree. read more

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Waitress was totally lost...a real train wreck. No knowledge of food or service. I felt like I was in a totally different place than the reviews I read on Yelp. A local pizzeria trying to put out "bistro" food and doing a horrible job. False menu descriptions..."Homemade...NOT" . I could go over specific menu items but that would be useless. If you like good food and ambience- go somewhere else. read more

Do not sleep on this tilapia entree! Love the texture and butter/garlic taste. Instant favorite among the dishes we had Unassuming location next to a post office, I was pretty surprised to see how nice this was walking in. Waitresses were very friendly - also: Mondays you get half off an extra entree! Every dish came in steaming and overwhelmingly good. Get ready for a pile of pasta should you order a pasta entree and highly recommend saving a portion for lunch the next day - unless you can't help but gobble it down while sitting (which is what happened with us and the tilapia) Very happy to have stumbled upon this one! Italian food in Jersey is lovely, but this knocks it out of the park. New favorite Italian restaurant in the state read more

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I have eaten here with my sister and her husband every other weekend for several years and the food is absolutely delicious. We were there last week and again they never disappoint, however, there is one thing that annoys us and really needs to be addressed. The gentleman who makes the pizza needs to stay off of his phone or at least consistently wash his hands immediately thereafter handling it. The bussing staff should also wash their hands after cleaning the tables before handling the bread for the tables. Again, the food is the best anywhere but this needs to be corrected. Working in the medical field really makes you aware of this. The reviews on here that have a negative reflection of the food is not true. I have never ever had a bad meal here at all...not a one! So, Kudo's to the Branda's! Please just have them wash their hands... read more

The owner/manager is very responsive to customer issues. He is very hands on and has good systems in place.

Pizza is great and its got a nice crust too. Staff is friendly and the space feels classic Italian restaurant. Chef knows what he is doing in the kitchen. Highly recommend stopping by for date night or picking up a pie! read more

Mixed feelings on this place. Entree's & the service are wonderful & the menu is large with a great selection. Calamari app was lightly breaded & tender, scallop app special came with a tasty delicate sauce over arugula, chicken marsala was nice & soft - can cut with a fork & eggplant rollatini is delish. However, don't bother with the pizza. No matter how you order it, the owner will make it the way HE likes it. Ask for thin crust - nope it does not come that way. Ask for crispy well-done pizza? Forget it. Usually pizza places can put the pizza back in the oven to crisp it up - not this place. I was told they don't have anything to put the pizza on to heat it up. REALLY? Got the pizza taken off the bill. Although they said they would make another, it was too late - everyone in my group was partially done eating already. Will never order pizza here again. Go for the tasty entree's & wonderful service. read more

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The pizza I just ordered and devoured was amazingly delicious. Pizza Di Roma which has fresh huge tomatoes, lots of garlic and fresh basil. read more

Branda's Italian Grill - Just an amazing pizza from Branda's Italian Grill. Pizza Di Roma - Italian Near Me - Budd Lake, New Jersey

Great food here. I order delivery for chicken parm and a Sicilian slice. Im definitely ordering here next time I'm in the area.

Had dinner here recently. Had great specials. The food is extremely tasty and comes in hefty portions. Service is great too! Have been back and will keep coming back! read more

Our go to favorite Italian restaurant. Claude with his son in the kitchen have it down to a science Been in little Italy many times and Brandas has them beat. Since remodeling after Covid we are there once a month and have never gotten a bad meal yet.I have tried various specials and one is better than the other. Seating is limited so make a reservation on the weekends. read more

We got catering from here for a birthday party and wow- the food was delicious and the price was great!! We got the baked ziti, chicken parm, antipasto, pizza, Italian sandwiches and mozz sticks and everything was phenomenal! The chicken parm was really good with a lot of flavor. The trays also came with a really good amount of food. Our guests were raving at how delicious everything was. They also have the option to have someone set everything up for you, which was so easy and convenient. Will definitely cater from there again! read more

The food and service is always spot on! One of the few places that actually care about their customers and takes pride in their dishes. Delivery is always faster than expected and the dining in atmosphere is just right. read more

Mmmm...OMG. These were the sounds and words spoken with each bite and taste. Even the broth of the mussels and clams was so good, that I asked our waitress, Keiko, for a spoon. Of course, Italians would sop it up with bread, but I didn't want to fill up on a carb and miss out on additional flavors. In addition to the M & C app, our entrees of Sausage w/ broccoli rabe over linguine, oh, and the bite size garlic, like we would all do at home, just put the dish over the top. My order of Scallops oreganato, let's just say, " Mmmm OMG". Even the smallest detail, with your salad, ask for the raspberry vinaigrette- your welcome. Met Claudio for the first time at the entrance. Forever on the phone, taking orders. Such a pleasurable man to meet; friendly, warm and genuine. This was my 1st visit. It won't be my last, even though I live in Keyport and drove over 50 miles. This is an absolute neighborhood GEM! If it were in a walkable neighborhood, like Keyport, they would have to put tables on the roof. The prices, for the Biden economy, very fair and reasonable. The quality of food makes it so. It may become more difficult, now, to get a table, but we'll worth it. Congratulations, Claudio, on all of your well deserved success. May it continue so that we may all enjoy your wonderfully tasteful creations. 01 ~Parker read more

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I was first introduced to Branda's through work lunches. Their catering was always delicious - I never would've guessed their location (right in front of the post office). I have a couple of favorites: the melon salad (seriously!) and the penne vodka (I know, simple but one of my faves). You really have to try the melon salad. As someone who didn't think they liked goat cheese, the melon salad really had me second guessing my tastes. The combination of candied walnuts, sultanas, cantaloupe, and the creamy raspberry vinaigrette, I regret passing this salad up on so many work lunches. The restaurant itself is small, unassuming, and perhaps a little too cozy. The staff was friendly and the food was still delicious in the restaurant. I'll definitely be returning, especially considering their weekday specials. :) read more

Incredible food and service. Found this while traveling. Very small place call for reservations

I would normally order takeout from here about once a month but the past several times the people who gave me my order had snippy attitudes and didn't even say "thank you." They just tell me how much I owe, take my money, give me my change and act like they're doing me a favor when I support their business. And wear a damn mask. Several people behind the counter who interact with customers don't wear masks. read more

Staff was great with the exception of the guy that toasts the complimentary bread that he handles repeatedly with his bare hands. Please get this guy some tongs. Entrees were good. Nothing that could not be easily be repeated at home, but a great choice if you don't feel like cooking. Nice little unpretentious place with pride of ownership, which goes a long way. read more

EVERYTIME I come from California, the 1st thing I look forward to is my family and 2nd is Branda's Pizza. I find myself dreaming of this pizza when I'm home in Cali. It's so awesome to get here, order it eat it and for it to taste just like it does in my dreams. Soooooo incredibly delicious. They brought pizza to my nieces softball game today and when I asked the lady who ordered the pizza where it was coming from she said Branda's and I was elated! 15 pies delivered, ALL were eaten. I also had a couple of pieces of an amazing sub sandwich. My goodness, you Jersey people are so blessed and lucky to have a local place like this. I'll always come back here and always look forward to it. read more

We ordered for delivery and everything is perfect! The food tastes great and everything we ordered came at the perfect temperature and texture. Nothing mushy, smushed, or soggy. Cannot believe how amazing our at home Branda dinner was! read more

Branda's Italian Grill - Penne Pasta Vodka, Homemade Gnocchi, New York Style Cheese Cake, Tiramisu, House Salad, and a Philly Chz Steak Wrap. - Italian Near Me - Budd Lake, New Jersey

Brandas is no joke. Delicious pizza. Tasty crust and they really shine when making multiple topping pies. Sauce is really good too. Classic NJ pizza at its best. read more

We started out with the bread! It looks like a giant pizza except it's 2 inches thick, the olives oil and red gravy that come with it are fantastic !!! read more

Branda's Italian Grill - Bread with dipping sauces!!! - Italian Near Me - Budd Lake, New Jersey

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I typically love the food at Branda's and the atmosphere inside the restaurant is great! Unfortunately, we had a terrible experience ordering through Door Dash/GrubHub recently (I forget which one). I'm not sure where the miscommunication was, but our delivery driver waited for our food at the restaurant for close to an hour. While annoying, I do understand this happens at restaurants. However, this negatively affected our poor driver, who wasted an hour of her work day waiting in a parking lot when she could have been taking other orders. She was super sweet and kept apologizing to us, when it was clearly not her fault but Branda's. When I called to discuss the situation with the restaurant and convey our disappointment/frustration, we were told (by I'm assuming the hostess) that they were "very busy" and we would get our food as soon as possible. It was frankly a dismissive, "deal with it" response. I just felt badly for our driver, who got the short end of the stick here. In the future, an apology would at least be appreciated, and is typically the polite thing to do in a customer-facing job. Hesitant to order (at least delivery) from here in the future... read more

Great good with wonderful owner and staff. I have had them cater an event for me and was thrilled with the quality, quantity and service. Highly recommend either for a catering event or night out for dinner! read more

By far and away the best Italian restaurant in the area. Every meal I have had there has been excellent. Claude and his staff provide an excellent dining experience. read more

I just picked up a mussels appetizer used to be fantastic the sauce was like soup and had no bread very

This little restaurant is a hidden gem! The food is excellent. Full of flavor, pleasing to the eye and generous portions. It has a warm , homey atmosphere. The staff and servers are friendly and welcoming as well as efficient. We are never rushed and allowed to fully enjoy our meals. We are always greeted with smiles when arriving and thanked as we leave. Highly recommended!!! read more

Delivering fine food for a good price spent my birthday at the restaurant good food and services

Great pizza, really enjoy it, dough is great. there are only 3 pizzerias in this area i love.

I have been ordering from Brenda's for a few years now. Their dinners are very good, I especially love the chicken parm and cheese ravioli. I love their Margherita pizza as well. The tiramisu is AWESOME! Also want to praise their delivery people who are very professional and are kind enough to bring my delivery to the apartment door because I can't carry it all up the stairs. Thank you to all the delivery people! :) read more

Branda's was a great spot for dinner. The spot is small, so I can see it filling up quickly on the weekends, but a colleague and I got right in for a late-ish dinner when we were in town. The staff was really friendly and let us debate the menu for a while. I do like the fact that this spot is BYO as well. Food was tasty (though I didn't love the meatballs - sorry!). I had the vodka pasta with shrimp and it was extremely delicious, though the portion size was about enough for four people. I could have gone with a bit less food, but if I hadn't been traveling, I could definitely eat this for a day or two more. The bread to start the meal was WONDERFUL! The starter salad that comes with dinner was solid, though nothing super special. Dressings were tasty. So, a good spot in this area - but don't forget to bring your wine! read more

Best Italian food in the area. The meals and the service always consistently first rate.

amazing! staff is very friendly, and the food is amazing!! pizza is delicious and pasta is yummy!