Espo's is a long time favorite in our household. They have THE BEST stuffed peppers around. But truthfully all of their food is great. They have a liquor license too! read more

Espo's never disappoints. Nick did a fantastic job keeping everything that was great in a fresh new atmosphere while adding great dishes to the menu! A favorite for decades to come. read more

You know what they say, if it's a crowded place, something's got to be good! Since Espos does not take reservations, we got there at 4:05 on a Saturday and there was already a few people waiting to get in when they open at 4:30. By 5pm, the place was a packed house! We started with the hotsy totsy shrimp and mozzarella with red peppers... YUM!! Followed by a house garden salad (comes with all entrees). The dressing was simple, but fabulous! We then enjoyed the veal parm, vodka rigatoni, hotsy totsy shrimp over linguini and the pork chop. Nobody said a word for 10 minutes while we all stuffed our face. A sure sign the food was fantastic! Espos was a family run establishment for many years that my family would frequent while I was growing up. A new owner stepped in and offers the same great food, but totally revamped the place for the better. Love how bright and airy the space is and also appreciate the car taken to keep some of the original details from the old space. Excited to come back!! read more

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We are so happy that Espo's is back in business and had to make it for the grand reopening weekend! My wife and I have been dining here regularly since we first started dating (early 2000's) and were devastated to hear that they had to close at the beginning of the year. Nick and his team have done an absolutely stellar job reopening and renovating Espo's while maintaining its small town vibe. The biggest thing is that the food is just a delicious as it was before, the sauce still tastes the same, menu and food pricing are near identical (with a few key additions), the chefs and servers are the same great guys and gals as before, and the new and improved atmosphere is an improvement on the original Espo's dive but with some modern amenities. I wish Espo's the best and plan on to return as soon as possible! read more

Espo's - Dining Room - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

Great old school Italian. Staff very accommodating. Part of my party got stuck in traffic and they let us hold the table even though very crowded.Get there early as there are no reservations. Food was presented from appetizers to entrees in a timely fashion Cocktails were spot on. We had Negronis and old fashioneds. The house made ricotta was amazing. Portions very generous. A little pricey but highly worth the $$. Even though it was crowded we were not rushed out and spent a nice evening with old friends. read more

I'm a picky person when it comes to Italian food but Espo's is legit! Hotsy totsy shrimp (get it with the vodka sauce), clams casino, Steak Parmigiana, pork chops with vinegar peppers, linguine and white clam sauce... I can go on and on, do yourself a favor and go! read more

I came here about a year ago. Holy crap this place is incredible! The food was to die for and the service was impeccable. The dimmed lights vibes throughout the whole restaurant made for a great lowkey and chill atmosphere. I would definitely come here again, just haven't had the time read more

Very hearty Italian good with large portions and very reasonably priced. And they have a bar! Service has always been great for me. The restaurant tends to be a bit noisy but there is outdoor seating that might be nicer in season. read more

The food is amazing! By far this is my favorite Italian restaurant to eat at. I love the stuffed shells with meat & cheese! No other place has ever offered this dish before! The sauce is also amazing! Dinner comes with bread & salad. You won't be disappointed! read more

Love Espos! Amazing food and atmosphere. The specials are spot on and the service is over the top.

Wow, no words!! This is the best I've ever had -honestly the hype is real. The vodka rigatoni is bomb, can't explain it! Order the eggplant parm and it was saucy and delish! It was my first time and you best believe it won't be my last! read more

Long time area standard. Never disappointed. Prices are average for the area. Everyone should try it once

Nick did a great job of preserving the atmosphere and menu. A lot are missed but we still have the heart of the company- George and Fil.

We yelped Italian food since we are not big on pasta when dining out. We came across this place which was great for a casual family dinner. The service was very good, small place so definitely make reservations. Food is good and the portions are huge. Definitely will have food for the next day. We ordered the calamari for appetizer and a few other things to taste. Everyone enjoyed there food. The vodka sauce is delicious, I would recommend getting a dish with it. The eggplant parmigiana with vodka was very good. read more

Best Italian food in the area! You feel like you're taken back into time to when having dinner was a fun and pleasurable thing! Espos does that for you! Go here and enjoy! read more

The food is good, but the portions have gotten really small and the prices, really large. I don't plan on going there anymore. Too expensive for too little food. read more

Fun, romantic, family, this restaurant literally fits every category! It's a quaint little restaurant in Raritan but this is a not so secret hidden gem. That doesn't take reservations! ‍So good luck during the holiday season. This establishment is truly what you make it. I have gone dressed up in the winter with my partner during the holidays. Also for a dressed up date night. Even, had a lazy day here and enjoyed everyone's company. It's a tight fit in here with a bar that sits on your right hand side filled with townies. A bit intimidating. But nothing you don't end up just melting into. I enjoyed the Antipasto Plate, Chicken Parm and Tartufo. Always lovely to visit here. Food was amazing and can't wait to go back! read more

So crazy how a restaurant tucked into a neighborhood off the main road can turn out to be such a gem! We came early and were able to get seated right away. I yelped this place before I came and took a few recommendations to get the hotsy totsy shrimp in vodka sauce and OMG WOW! No clue how they made the shrimp taste that delicious and look that cute! We got the specials for the night which were to die for and were unfortunately too stuffed for desert. I'm already planning what to order next time! read more

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Great place , for dinner thats all . Come on with the brunch prices for a taylor ham egg and cheese but dinner is the best

I was happy that they reopened and the place is awesome. Ordered the Steak with onions on top. Steak appears to be a bit thinner and smaller than I remembered and a bit more expensive. Understandable that the prices went up, but the quality of steak needs to be there as well. I will give it another shot . Another shot I gave! Another swing and a miss. Oh and by the way, you need to get rid of the guy telling people it's going to be 2-hr waits when you have empty tables open saying reserved and you don't take reservations?? I am less than thrilled with the service. read more

We had a wonderful meal at Espo's last week. We went there based on positive reviews in Yelp. We can confirm it was a positive experience. My veal parm was excellent. My wife had eggplant parm and she enjoyed it as well. The ambiance in the outdoor porch was very pleasant and our waiter offered quick and efficient service. We'll go back. read more

Our family hasn't been there for 25 years or plus. We booked a resi for Mother's Day randomly. Food and service were beyond excellent. Portions were humongous. Taste was out of this world. Well done. read more

I am not the type to leave a bad review because I know how much work it takes to run a restaurant! I was a server and bartender throughout college and for the last 10 years. Given my experience, I am fully aware of how much meat costs and of course how inflation has affected that as of recent. But what happened to us was 100% wrong and needs to be shared. My husband and I were seated outside, and I was blown away by the beautiful ambiance. We have dined at Espo's before (inside) and loved the food, so we were excited to be there!!! This time, my husband ordered the pork chop, and I ordered the hanger steak wedge salad (on the special menu - market price) because I was not that hungry. The hanger steak came as expected (on the tough side), since I order these types of steak salads quite often. I really didn't enjoy it and left most of the steak on the plate. I was BEYOND shocked when the bill came and saw that we were charged $50 for this SALAD. My husband and I frequent all of the steak houses in NY and NJ, so we know that this price was inaccurate for a hanger cut. I mentioned our grievances to the server as I was certain that this had to be a mistake and he confirmed that it wasn't. I explained to our server that this wasn't right and that I could have ordered a filet mignon for $48 at an upscale steakhouse, which I honestly would have MUCH RATHER preferred (and alone, without the salad, because it is a tender cut of meat). I am aware that meat is priced by the ounce, but the cut of meat and type of entree also needs to be considered. If you want to upsell hanger steak for $50, don't put it on a salad - at least give some sides with it. This was robbery! The bone in pork chop (with sides) was less money BY A LOT, how does that even make sense. I still want to believe that this was a big mistake. Be very WARY of what you order from the menu that is listed as MP !!!!!! read more

We had a wonderful experience for our wedding anniversary. Food was incredible and the staff all helped each other with everything. Great dining experience. read more

The best red sauce I've had in New Jersey. Was worried they changed the recipe after the original owner passed away, but it's the EXACT SAME bold punch of lustful flavor!!! Unbelievable and so happy that I get to be coming back here. read more

Phenomenal place !!! Great food great service!!!!!! .. We Will be going back on a regularly basis! Glad we found this place read more

Espo's - Cheesecake - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

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I cannot believe they can serve a steak this good for $30. Big, flavorful, perfectly char grilled. Rare was rare without being cold inside. Red "gravy" the best on earth. So good it's surreal. By the way, the steak is the most expensive item on the menu by far. The chicken cacciatore will make your toes curl. If you're looking for frisée or pork belly, go elsewhere. If you miss an honest drink, poured old school, have only one unless Uber is coming to you, or you can walk home in the delightfully old-school neighborhood. I'll go out of my mind when the owner retires. read more

We are so happy with the renovation and updated atmosphere. A terrific sign of respect to the Espo history and a great step to the future! New menu and special additions are great while keeping the old favorites awesome! Keep up the great work! read more

Owner is super! He is generous and kind. Food is good and we enjoy going there or ordering takeout!

Food is tremendous but portions are garbage. I've supported this business with my family and friends before and after the fire. I never leave bad reviews you can check my yelp. But I got exactly 20 pieces of rigatoni in my dish last order I had to count as it immediately looked ridiculous. Multiple times in a row it was noticeably skimped. They rarely skimp on the fries. But raise your prices and provide normal portions. What's going on? read more

Delicious! Lasagna is amazing. Can't go wrong. Lots of sauce. Can be crowded but things move quickly.

Don't really have much to say with words ! Everything from start to finish was just AMAZING!!!! From their food quality , atmosphere and portions not to forget their service was just an experience itself to make us want to go back a million more times with friends and family . The best time ever !!! read more

Espo's - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

The food is good. For that reason, we've eaten here a number of times over the last few years. However, the prices have gone up significantly and with all of the undisclosed upcharges, it has become grossly overpriced. Last night, the waitress asked whether we wanted caesar or house salad; after the first person in our party said caesar, we all did, but without having been told that at the end of the night we each would be charged an extra $3.50. We then ordered our entrees, and again the waitress told us we had a choice: Marinara or Vodka sauce. We each said Vodka -- again without being told that there would be a $4/person upcharge for that choice. With all of the upcharges, the meal became significantly more expensive. Last Sunday, I had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Times Square that was less expensive and better than this. For Raritan, NJ, this place has become too overpriced. read more

The restaurant used to be great to go out to. Not anymore. The prices are outrageous. Spaghetti and meatballs are $23. Veal parm is $28. I will mot be going there again. read more

This is my new favorite restaurant I found through word of mouth.It is off the beaten path in Raritan and if you blink you can definitely miss it. This place definitely has a neighborhood feel. This is a family run restaurant that does things the old fashion way which I love..... Espo's is very quaint nothing fancy. The dining room is dark, lit by candlelight. The walls are adorned with pictures and banners from Cornell University. From the minute I stepped through the front door I felt a warm welcome.. Every table was full except for two and you could see couples and families dining. What struck me immediately was the wonderful smell of Italian food coming out of the kitchen . This reminded me of my nona's cooking... The meatballs that are served here are the size of tennis balls. The veal parm had tons of melted mozzarella cheese on it. The linguine and white clam sauce was large and I could smell the fresh garlic. The potions are a very nice size, no skimping.. Espo's is not a big place by any means but the service, food and attention to details really added to my experience. There is a bar directly as you walk in. I sat down and two friendly bartenders greeted me and my friend. Our drinks were made perfectly and we were seated immediately. This place doesn't take reservations. Our waiter came over and asked if we were ready to order. There are no menus. Everything they serve is up on several blackboards strategically placed around the room. I started with fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers with pieces of fresh garlic. The mozzarella was creamy and the roasted peppers melted in my mouth. Fresh hot bread and butter was served along side with oil and vinegar for the roasted peppers... For my main course I ordered the steak . I chose to have it simply grilled and got hot peppers on mine. Another way they serve it is with melted mozzarella cheese and red sauce on top . My steak was cooked medium- rare and it was seasoned perfectly. Charred on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.Lettuce and tomatoes came on the plate along with a side of my choice of spaghetti, linguine, penne, or ziti with thick marinara sauce. I chose ziti. My pasta was cooked al dente.. If that wasn't enough I also was given a salad with choice of dressing. I could see my steak being cooked on the grill right at the bar... No joke, I had 5 different servers come over and ask how the food was. Did I need a drink refill or anything... Even in fine dining you don't receive so much attention ...Everyone and I mean everyone was extremely conscientious and friendly. I was full so I just ordered a coffee no dessert. After I finished my coffee a nice gentleman came over with two mugs and said since it was my first time here he wanted us to try Espo's house coffee. I was told to drink it with the fresh whipped cream that came on top... Boy was that ever delicious! I asked what was in it and I was told it was coffee with Tia Maria and fresh whipped cream. I savored every sip... I throughly enjoyed my dinner experience here at Espo's and can't wait to return and try some more homemade dishes...... read more

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My husband and I went to Espo's last night with friends and it did not disappoint. We had the vodka rigatoni, veal parm, pork and hotsy totsy shrimp over linguine as our entrees and everyone loved their meals. Even just something so simple as the salad that comes with every meal was delicious. I also had a side of the vinegar peppers and I wish I could have bought a jar to bring home. The service was incredible and everyone there was over accommodating and friendly. We will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu! read more

Espo's - Hotsy Totsy Shrimp over linguine up front and a very happy Alicia with her vodka rigatoni in the back! - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

GREAT EXPERIENCE - friendly staff and patrons - felt like walking into a "speak-easy" in the 20"s, friendly atmosphere - Great bar! Had Veal Parm - EXCELLENT! Same owner - cook - atmosphere for 30 yrs! Fun evening - 3 drinks, dinner, dessert $40 Including tip. Located in middle of blk On a back street so don't think you missed it - it's still there - and thriving!!!!! Bring CASH and good appetite. Enjoy! read more

Espo's - Italian Near Me - Raritan, New Jersey

A bit overpriced, waiter states several times "that's is an additional charge". The drinks are small and overpriced, The food is ok, they just cover serving with sauce. I will not be going back read more

Service was excellent the waiter. We had sorry don't remember his name was very friendly. Told us what to order knowledgeable on the food but most important food was excellent. Definitely going back. read more

We were interested to try Espo's with it's new management and we're so glad we did. The rigatoni vodka with chicken cutlet was sooo delicious, and the veal parm was excellent too. We're thrilled to have a great Italian place nearby! read more