Flat out fantastic Food great Service great Nice and clean and romantic Owner was super friendly read more

One of the best meals we had in Cape May, and definitely an experience we'll remember. From the moment we sat down, it was clear that Il Riccio is a restaurant that genuinely cares about the food and the overall dining experience. We started with several dishes to share: Burrata, Carciofo alla Giudìa, Gnocchi al Pistacchio, and the special mushroom ravioli. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and had its own distinct flavor. For our main course, my partner and I shared the Dover sole, and it was fantastic. The fish was beautifully prepared, delicate, and flavorful without being overworked. The accompanying side pasta was also incredibly tasty and ended up being a highlight in its own right. You can tell that there is a real emphasis on the quality of the ingredients and on letting the food speak for itself. The service was spectacular and really added to the evening. Everything moved at a comfortable pace and we never felt rushed or like we needed to hurry through our meal. It was the kind of dinner where you can actually sit back, enjoy the food, have a conversation, and take your time. The owner was also a lot of fun and brought a great personality to the restaurant. He was very comical, clearly very passionate about what he does, and you could tell how much pride he takes in the quality of the food. That passion comes through in the experience and makes the restaurant feel like it has a real personality of its own. Overall, a really memorable dinner from start to finish. Great food, excellent service, a relaxed atmosphere, and an owner who clearly cares deeply about what comes out of his kitchen. We left very happy and would absolutely return the next time we're in Cape May. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a good meal in town. read more

I don't even know where to start here. This was just a bizarre experience overall. The outside of the restaurant looked nice, but the inside where we were seated wasn't anything particularly memorable. One of the best parts of the dinner was that the restaurant had a cancellation, so we were able to move to a much more spacious table. The menu looked good, but it was definitely on the pricey side for the amount of food served. We also have a pet peeve when dining Italian , we feel a restaurant should at least provide bread. Here, you have to pay for it. They do give you olives, cheese, and Italian cookies. I ate the olives, which were okay. My husband ate the rest and, when I asked if he liked it, his response was basically, "It's okay." There were quite a few specials that the waiter went through with us. Personally, I think it would be more helpful if the specials were written down somewhere so you could actually read them and decide what interested you. I have a special diet, so I ordered the shrimp cocktail and sea bass. The shrimp cocktail was good, and I really liked the cocktail sauce. The sea bass was also good, but the portion was very small and there were very limited sides. My husband's pasta and Caesar salad were also good, but again, the portions were on the small side, especially considering the prices. At one point during dinner, the chef came over and told us we had to try the octopus, while the waiter was also showing the specials on a plate. Honestly, the whole thing started to feel more like a sales pitch than a dining experience. It felt very staged, and I didn't really enjoy that part of the evening. I gave the restaurant a generous 3 stars because I do think it could be very good with a few changes. Unfortunately, after I mentioned that I was still hungry, it became a whole thing that made me uncomfortable. Then, to top it off, there was a glitch and our OpenTable reservation was cancelled, and it still hasn't been corrected. Overall, I probably wouldn't go back. I do wish them the best of luck and hope they take some of this feedback into consideration. read more

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Well. I tried to make an honest review. But much like the table behind us that complained about their octopus, the owner has stepped in and made excuses as to why his food lacks flavor. Listen. I didn't ask for marinara. It isn't Applebees. But the food lacked flavor completely. You lost our reservation. After taking the deposit. And you told us so. We did have to wait. We ate the two breadsticks off the cheese plate before the picture was taken. They were the best part of the plate. A half a crab leg may be the portion you serve. But is it supposed to be empty??? The picture was taken upon the first bite. If you want to pay $8 for a bottle of Diet Coke and $110 for a half a serving of dry crabs. Or $30 for flavorless, dry calamari...with good service, in a tacky atmosphere, this is your spot. I personally would rather go to the Ugly Mug and get a lobster roll. At least it's good there. Update due to owner response: how could we possibly give you the wrong name? It's Mark Lynch. You LITERALLY said you couldn't find the reservation and we pulled up the deposit for our table on our phones! And as for you mentioning we took food to go, we did take the rest of the delicious prosciutto that I'm positive your restaurant doesn't make but imports. And we took the calamari that my husband didn't try. But he of course, didn't like it either. I'm not sure why you insist on arguing with people who had nothing rude to say about your business. I left an honest review. But now, I'll be sure to let everyone know not to come back here. You're unhinged! Good luck with your overpriced dive. Put some salt and pepper on the table. Maybe you'll get better reviews. read more

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Such a cute little Italian spot! The staff was so friendly, and I especially loved seeing the chef walking around, checking in on guests, and interacting with everyone. It really made you feel right at home. And the food was absolute perfection! Everything was delicious. Such a wonderful experience--we'll definitely be back! read more

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Amazing restaurant! We're celebrating our anniversary and they made it truly special. Such a wonderful experience. Service was superb, chef personally explained the menu and the specials. Food was outstanding, truly Amalfi coast quality. Complements to the chef! All our dishes were fresh, uniquely flavored and delicious. Definitely worth visiting, reservations are required. read more

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The pistachio gnocchi did not disappoint! The restaurant is so cute and the servers are very attentive. We have a great meal and can't wait to come back for the most perfect soft gnocchi I've ever had! read more

This was a disappointment. Flavorless, rushed, and overpriced. We won't be back. We had high hopes for this new Cape May entry. We ordered a seafood pasta, a seabass, and the signature Briaciole. The seafood was overcooked and rubbery. The pasta and briaciole were flavorless. We flew rushed. At over $200 at a BYOB, we were hoping to add a new winner to our Cape May experience. We were very disappointed and will not return.​ read more

The owners are straight from the Amalfi coast with food flown in from Spain regularly for quality and freshness. Quite an experience and taste and Service. Do not hesitate dining here while in Cape May. read more

This charming BYOB fits Cape May like an Italian driving glove: cozy, comfortable, elegantly casual. We had a memorable dinner at Il Riccio on a busy December night, when Christmas draws crowds to Cape May. We sat in a small room with a handful of other diners in the expansive Victorian manse. The food was excellent; we shared a whole fish, and some _frito misto_ before. A tasteful denouement: limoncello gratis. The service was professional yet familiar, and the busy service didn't keep the staff from keeping the pacing just right. read more

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This was easily one of the best meals and overall dining experiences we have had in years. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. They struck the perfect balance of providing an elevated, fine dining experience while also making us feel completely comfortable dining with our baby--a level of warmth and hospitality that is hard to find. We learned that the restaurant is family-owned and family-run (the chefs are from Napoli, and their adult children work there now), and every member of the staff was incredibly kind, friendly, and professional. Miguel (our waiter) was fantastic! The food was exceptional. The taste and quality of every dish reminded us so much of our prior trip to Italy. The grilled octopus is an absolute must-order. If you're looking for truly delicious food, outstanding service, and a memorable dining experience in Cape May, this restaurant is not to be missed. We will certainly return every time we're in town. read more

Il Riccio Cape May - Pistachio tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

Everything from A to Z was great. Love the space, the food is amazing and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Great work!

One of the best meals I've had in years. I wish there were more stars because I'd easily give this place a 10. The freshness of the food, the care in selecting ingredients, and the interaction with both the staff and the owner truly put this restaurant over the top. We started with stone crabs, followed by a risotto with Wagyu, sole over pasta, and a lobster ravioli for our mains. Every dish was prepared to absolute perfection, using hand-selected, high-quality ingredients. The owner personally came over to describe how he choose their products and craft each dish, which made the entire experience feel even more special. Exceptional food, exceptional service -- an unforgettable meal. Highly recommend. read more

Had the most wonderful birthday dinner celebration here. The food and service were exceptional. Do not skip on the pastas and the lemon cake for dessert! read more

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The service at a restaurant rarely registers with me unless it's so poor that it's almost comical. At Il Riccio, though, it stood out from the moment we walked through the door. The hostess was exceptionally warm, welcoming, and helpful. The owner stopped by our table twice to make sure everything was perfect, and our waiter patiently answered all of our questions and made excellent recommendations. The meal itself was the best I've had in years and may have just become my favorite restaurant in Cape May, knocking Primal out of the top spot after holding that title for the past three years. From the appetizers to the desserts, every course was outstanding. The restaurant was spotless, the atmosphere was inviting, and the location couldn't be better. I honestly can't wait to come back. Il Riccio exceeded every expectation and delivered one of the best dining experiences I've had in a very long time. read more

We shared the pistachio gnocchi with the winter truffles,. The chief came out and talked about the truffles and shaved us a generous portion, My wife had the sea bass with escarole. The fish was the sweetest and best we ever tasted, I had the rack of lamb medium rare and it was perfect. We shared the ice cream with the pistachio dome, Wonderful desert, The great service provided by our server Kelly, contributed to making the meal a delightful experience. A great place, read more

We ate here on Aug 31, 2025 and submitted a review on Opentable. Since it went missing on that site under this restaurant page, I'm resubmitting it here and revised the rating from two to one because cannot do zero. Over-priced. Cannot recommend for lack of value, flavor and average offerings. Mediocre antipasti and entrees and sides that are seriously under-seasoned. Tiny portions done up at top prices. It is almost criminal charging 100$+ for a special that is basically one king crab leg over pasta over marinara sauce. But the silver platter did elevate it truly and surely. (Sarcasm) There are many viable options here in Cape May and for us, this new all style no substance Italian restaurant is a one-off. read more

Il Riccio Cape May - Kumatoes at $4 a pop were firm and fresh. - Italian Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

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Amazing food and service. Appetizers were fresh and made with love. The octopus was outstanding and there aren't enough words to describe how good the risotto is. read more

We recently visited Cape May, NJ for the holiday season. An amazing experience from start to finish. We booked through Open Table which was beyond easy. We parked in the lot behind the restaurant and explored Washington Street Mall prior to this culinary explosion. Greeted with a smile and some burrata, I chose the Wagu A5 Gold Foil risotto. My wife had the season gnocchi and the kids spaghetti. The use of high grade ingredients was very evident. We ended the night with the most amazing gelato and tiramisu! Everything was fresh and delicious. Price was surprisingly reasonable compared to other staples in Cape May, we would 100% cone back over numerous local competition. Did I mention the tiramisu??? Un lavoro fantastico! read more

Il Riccio Cape May - Il Riccio's DELICIOUS Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

One of the greatest eating experiences of my life. Authentic Sicilian cooking using quality ingredients! Excellent staff saw to every need and treated us like royalty! You will without a doubt enjoy yourself yourself! read more

My fiancé and I had a great experience at this restaurant. The food and service is great. They pay attention to small details and make your special occasion unforgettable. read more

Beautiful restaurant. Made a 7p Rez. Arrived 7:05. Hostess seated us promptly at a nice 4-person table. The atmosphere is pleasantly decorated as the restaurant is in a Victorian home. The restaurant starts you off with complementary serving of very fresh ricotta, some Castelvetrano olives and just enough Italian bread drizzled lightly with olive oil and cut perfectly for dipping into the that fresh ricotta. We ordered the Caesar salad with a perfect amount of dressing. The Romain was lightly charred with gave it a grilled and very enjoyable taste, We then moved onto our main dishes, Sea Bass and the Nonno Sunday Pasta, both absolutely delicious. With some left on each plate we switched dishes as both of us wanted a taste of each. We finished with the lightest cream easy lemon cake from the dessert menu. It was tops! Rosario our waiter was great. Very attentive told some nice stories at our table. Made us feel like part of his family. The staff always had a smile and was quick in removing finished plates. A gem. You won't be disappointed. read more

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I found this place last summer and realized it's the best spot at the shore. Any chance I got on my night off I went to dinner here with my wife. We both love it. So couldn't wait to come back for this season we went last night and the meal was amazing. We got stone crabs the size of a babies arm, who need to go all the way to Florida. These were fresh and delicious. Out entrees were amazing wife had stuffed lobster ravioli with stone crab meat and langostinos on top wow!! I had gnocchi fra diavola with langostinos amazing. Desert we went with a double espresso and tiramisu trio all authentic homemade desserts. So make sure you go when you're down the shore. Place is always great and the owners bring authentic Italian to cape may. The owners work hard along with staff I appreciate the hard work from great people. Salute can't wait to come back again. read more

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The main reason I am hesitant to write this review is for the simply selfish reason of keeping this great gem a secret so we don't have a hard time getting another reservation in the future! With that said, this restaurant deserves it and I want to see it thrive! At about a year old, Il Riccio is a great addition to the Cape May dining scene. The food was on point, the service was excellent, and the ambience was nice. It's a great spot for a date night or special occasion. If you've frequented all of the nice Cape May restaurants recently and want to try something new, give Il Riccio a try and you won't regret the Sicilian olives, NZ Langostino, and homemade pastas. It's a BYOB at a level that one would be accustomed to find in Philly where we have many Michelin and James Beard award winners. Enjoy. read more

I dined here for the second time and I find the prices are so high they at the point of delusion. $135 for a 10oz filet mignon and $135 for Dover sole. I have dined at Le Bernardin in nyc hands down the best seafood you can get and Cote in nyc for the best steak and they don't charge these types of prices. Food is good here but not great. Prices don't align. Be prepared for a massive bill for ok food. read more

Fantastic food in a charming setting! From the moment we met Luca the owner, we knew we were in for a treat. His warmth and passion for high quality food was infectious. We had their signature polipo grigliato, dover sole over home-made pasta in a delightful sauce followed by a cacio e pepe risotto wagyu dish. You cannot leave without a piece of their moist & flavorful lemoncello cake!! Our server, Rosario, was attentive and charming. Do not miss this gem!! We loved every minute of our experience! Five stars in every way!! read more

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My husband and I went there this past wednesday.. felt like we were in Italy l!! Nolan was our server and Chef Luca did our amazing dishes. First off Nolan was so knowledgeable about all dishes and so passionate! Never had a server like this before! Amazing!! Chef Luca took the time to come out and explain every plating we had and made our experience exceptional!! read more

One of the best dining experiences I've had down the shore! The quality of the ingredients used was phenomenal. The service and the vibe was great as well. Cant wait to be back! read more

The food was amazing. Everything tasted fresh and the portions were perfect. The service was fast and our waiters were young but so professional and respectful. The ambiance inside was nicely modern/trendy. Also the location is right in the center so it was perfect to go out before and after. Also the family is right from Italy, so you know it's gotta be good and authentic. We loved our time here and can't wait to come back soon! read more

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First time trying this place and the remodel of the building was impeccable. We had raw oysters, mussels,the seafood salad, a pasta, the sea bass, and veal Everything was incredible! Owner was walking around and very nice! Staff was very attentive and helpful in our dinner selections read more

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Our server, Nolan, was attentive and sweet. Food was good, not quite as memorable as the $65 price tag should warrant. We had the bread service ($12) which was three slices of italian bread and some small breadsticks served with a wonderful pistachio butter, a small taste of caponata and some seasoned olive oil. For appetizers we had the grilled octopus which was a winner and burrata with grilled peach and heirloom tomatoes. For dinner, I chose the swordfish, which was a good portion served with sauce and no sides at $65. My husband ordered the squid ink gnocchi in a gorgonzola cheese sauce served with a whole prawn with all of its shell and a few pieces of lump crab (like 2-3) for $65. To us, it was not worth the spend- there are many other restaurants that provide great meals in this area. I expected it to be special, in either ambience, service or food but it wasn't. I'm not sure if it was the owner or the manager but there was a situation where this man berated two of his staff with a raised voice in the middle of the restaurant which just sealed the deal for me. He seemed like a bully and this distraction really took away from our experience. Next time, take your staff in the kitchen to coach them on whatever you blew up about. I would choose to spend my money elsewhere. read more

Il Riccio Cape May - grilled octopus - Italian Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

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Welcome to the Amalfi Coast and surrounding areas. I have been to Amalfi style restaurants including in Las Vegas but Il Riccio is the best and most authentic. We were taken care of by our server Luciano. Great service and very knowledgeable. We started with lightly fried Artichokes and grilled baby Octopus. Very flavorful and delicious. We split the Spaghetti Nerano. It is a local dish from Amalfi where we actually had it at the little seaside town of Nerano, Italy. It was excellent. Also ordered the Veal Milanese. Tender and lightly fried and very flavorful. Ended with the Ricotta Pistachio cake. Again very good. This is a great addition to the Cape May dining scene and will definitely be back. Next Week! read more

Il Riccio is an amazing experience from start to finish ! You are greeted as you enter this beautiful restaurant. All of the staff are so welcoming, friendly and professional. This is fine dining at its best and an experience you will not forget. The food is delicious and the portions are generous. Five stars !! Thank you so much ! read more

Celebrated my birthday with close friends. Luca, the owner, visited our table and sent green olives and a cheese that I can only describe as heaven! The peach Burrato was phenomenal and I greatly enjoyed my Bracciole. Looking forward to visiting again. read more

New place in Cape May. Our table enjoyed the following: pecorino with eggplant, provolone with olives, burrata, clams, oysters, sea bass (special), brachiole, and lobster risotto. Oh and tiramisu. Everything we ate was beautiful and delicious. Love the decor and seating is comfy. Emmanuela was our server, she was top notch and also very sweet. From Italy. Owners and chef also from Italy. Authentic!! Highly recommend. read more

Il Riccio Cape May - Lobster Risotto - Italian Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

If I could give 10 stars I would! Il Riccio provided an unforgettable experience for my husband and I. The restaurant is so beautiful and comfortable inside. The staff were so welcoming and attentive for the entire dinner. The owner checked in on us throughout as well and he was so helpful in explaining the dishes. And funny! We really enjoyed chatting with him. Most importantly though, the food was incredible. I will be dreaming about the risotto until I can have it again. All of our plates were empty after each course. Don't forget to get dessert, it's worth it! We cannot wait to visit again the next time we are in Cape May! Such a great experience. read more

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Beautiful restaurant with perfect service and delicious food. The menu is limited but the dishes are freshly made. We were seated immediately at a nice corner table for four. Greeted by Luca the owner who struck up a nice conversation. Starter wit the Burrata salad (enough for 2) the bread masked and sauces (also enough for two but should be shared) The dinner highlights were rigatoni ragu fresh made pasta and a delicious sauce, the Lobster risotto that came with a large lobster tail and a great flavor, and the breaded veal chop a large piece of butterflied veal lightly breaded and seasoned perfectly. Lots of food but save room for dessert. Limoncello cake and a chocolate cake were perfect and the affagnato and sorbet were delicious. Great BYO don't be scared off by the prices the quality and experience are worth it. read more

Let me tell you--every now and then, you stumble upon a restaurant so deeply rooted in love, culture, and hospitality that it instantly feels like home. Il Riccio in Cape May is that place. This isn't just a restaurant--it's a soulful journey through the Italian Mediterranean, guided by two of the most gracious hosts you'll ever meet: Luca and Stefania. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warmth and a kind of effortless charm. The décor is fresh and elegant--Mediterranean chic done right. Bright white walls, rustic textures, and curated artwork create an atmosphere that's both inviting and intriguing, like dining inside a well-loved seaside villa on the Amalfi Coast. And then Luca arrives--with his passion, knowledge, and undeniable charisma. He's not just serving food--he's telling stories, celebrating heritage, and making sure every guest feels like famiglia. He'll proudly walk you through the day's offerings, detailing the provenance of every olive, every slice of speck, every curl of pecorino. The meal begins with a delightful, unannounced parade: Sicilian olives, Tyrolean speck, and cheese to awaken the palate. Then comes the seafood tower--a towering tribute to Poseidon himself--sparkling with the ocean's freshest jewels. From creative insalate and soul-warming zuppe to thoughtful antipasti and seasonal standouts, each plate is a masterclass in flavor and restraint. And the pastas? Fatto in casa, naturally--al dente perfection, paired with sauces that whisper of the old country. Whole roasted fish, veal, a show-stopping prime rib, and a medley of contorni round out the savory symphony. But save room. Seriously--save room. The affogato, prepared with a "secret twist," is nothing short of alchemy. It's the kind of dessert that turns skeptics into believers. Il Riccio is BYOB, so bring that bottle you've been saving. Because trust me--this is the table it's been waiting for. The service is polished, personal, and passionate. In a town known for great food, Il Riccio is a standout--a love letter to Italian cuisine and the art of true hospitality. Best plate in Cape May. You'll be back. I know I will. read more

From the moment you enter Il' Riccio, the cool Italian coastal vibe is all around you. A very friendly hostess took us to our table followed by our server who welcomed us and promptly opened our wine. She offered us a variety of waters, informed us of the night's specials and answered all our questions pertaining to the menu. Two of us ordered the braciole with the rigatoni, another member of our party ordered the prime rib-eye with arugula and potatoes cooked as ordered and finally spaghetti with caviar. What more can I say but everything was delicious!!!!!!!! Not to be forgotten, the desserts were homemade and extremely decadent. This restaurant is a home run for Cape May's culinary scene. read more

The best octopus ever (saying that as someone who's had it many times in Portugal). Lobster ravioli A+. Fresh ingredients & skilled preparation from a real Italian chef, great fine dining BYOB with wine shop next door. Can't wait to return! read more