I'm gonna try to make this review crystal clear for people that might've tried early on. I've heard from a few some things from their experience. In my opinion you cannot rate any establishment in the first couple months of business by trying one time. I went two times this week and also referred five other friends last Saturday night. All three times were exceptional. The atmosphere is cool and hip. The food was delicious. Everything was clean and new which is also nice. The Bolognese is the way it should be meaning Brown, not Red Ragu. It's a meat sauce. I've had the lobster mac & cheese which was also top-notch. And the hardest to please is meatballs which I've had and their meatballs definitely were delicious. Unless you have a large party sitting at the bar they are on top of you and you get the best service and your food comes out piping hot. Love the place overall. I used to take my children when they were little to Rivoli's which was in the same building. Brought back great memories. Enjoy. read more

Joebellas - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Toms River Twp, New Jersey

Food is delicious. Service good. Always packed. Make a reservation for sure! Will go again.

First off, i have been craving to go to Joe Bellas because i see there Instagram page and amazing menu updated there daily! Finally made it it with Reservations on a Friday night Right away I knew the place was gonna be outstanding. The hostess was very polite and courteous, the bar was right out front and just decorated so nice and the atmosphere was warm. Overall the food, appetizers, dessert and drinks were 10 stars I would give it more if i could. For the price and the portions was very well worth it ,never alone you're paying for the flavor because they put so much love into their food and drinks highly recommended we'll be back!!! read more

Both my husband and I went fir dinner. Had veal milinese, was horrible. Veal over cooked, and dry as heck. the best part of our dinner was the salad, our wine, and our waitress, totally a waste of money. Will NEVER go there again nor will I refer anyone. read more

The atmosphere is intimate and cozy. I truly enjoyed that. Nicole was our server, and was attentive and easily available if we needed something. We ordered the Zuppa de clams for an app and were very disappointed. The clams were the size of a grain of sand and nothing short of tough and chewy. That said, the wine sauce was very tasty. The entree I ordered was the linguine with a creamy lobster sauce. It was AMAZING. Perfectly seasoned, not too heavy and wonderfully large chunks of fresh lobster. Dessert was both creme brulee and tira misu, both of which were delicious. I would definitely go back, but not for the apps. :) read more

Tried a few courses tonight - the Eggplant pancake appetizer had a texture like a potato pancake, very tasty. Second course was roasted pear salad which was flavorful. Third course of pappardelle with bolognese sauce and ricotta was as delicious and authentic as dishes I had in Italy. The service with server, Brooke L, was outstanding friendly service! Definitely going back. read more

atmosphere, bar, outdoor seating, staff was all great the food was not the best as on the other hand the martinis and desserts were to die for. Their Zeppoli's are the best in Ocean County. I would go here for a drink and dessert but not dinner again. read more

Was not what we expected. Complete confusion and misinformation. Waited over an hour past our reservation time and finally gave up. Completely unapologetic as to why this was happening. Management was nowhere to be found. There are many other choices that are run the right way. read more

Fabulous food, great service. We tried the summer special drinks, also awesome. Food was perfect, exactly what we ordered, and delicious. Try this place, you will not be disappointed, I live in Toms River, NJ and apparently the service had me living in Ca. Not so ~! read more

Food was delicious and service was quick. Large portions too! Will definitely be returning.

Very nice meal. Interesting and good drinks. Food portions were substantial. My wife got 2 full meals out of her braised short rib and the goat cheese salad was fantastic. Only reasons for the 4 were that the mashed potatoes were under seasoned and the wine by the glass choices were limited. read more

We called early on a Friday night to make a take-out order. They gave us the specials, I and we said grat we will call you right back. It was an easy take-out order, everyone wanted the same thing and the same appetizer. I called back 10 minutes later, they told me sorry, we're not doing take-out tonight...... Ummmm, what happened? You lost a good customer. We're quiet and order a good meal. Just happens we wanted to do take-out tonight. read more

I visited this place for my friend's bachelorette dinner and had an amazing experience. Our server was absolutely wonderful. The food was delicious and portions were huge. At the end of the night they brought us out a sparkler to celebrate our bride to be. Would definitely visit this place again! read more

Hello, I usually do not write reviews but I felt as though this was necessary. My husband and I and another couple went to Joe Bella, and we go there often but we will most likely never go back. We walked in and were greeted and given a table. The atmosphere is beautiful and the vibes are great. We received bread but it was stale. The menu had a good variety. 3 out of the 4 people at our table ordered the halibut and the other ordered the pork chop. All 3 people who ordered the halibut left it on the plate because it was dry and bland! It looked like they boiled it or simply just threw it in the microwave. I do not recommend the halibut. As for the pork chop it was quite simply burned. I asked for medium rare and I received medium well. I had to cut off the burned sides and was left with less then 4 ounces of pork chop. They need a new chef because the food was definitely disappointing. As other reviews say, the prices are a little expensive but I do not mind paying the money for good food. But to spend that kind of money and be disappointed is not right. The server was okay, she told our order but did not come back other then that. Overall, I will not be going back and the other couple as well. It's a shame because we truly loved that place. read more

This place is absolutely beautiful and the staff was so nice but they still have a lot of kinks to work out. The appetitzer portions were on the small size for the price. Probably the saddest charcuterie board I've ever seen considering it was listed under " For the table". The calamari was really good but like I said portion was on the small side. Our dinners came out while we we're still eating our appetizers which I hate. My entree was delicious! I had a pasta dish in a cream sauce with mushrooms and shrimp and it was perfect! For dessert I had a cocktail called the fluff enuff and that was also delicious. The Zeppoles however were a disappointment. Tasted like a fried chicken finger so they must use they use the same fryer for multiple things. Overall it wasn't terrible and just the atmosphere alone I loved. read more

Food wasn't good do you feel like that was all burnt on the bottom I was eating bread crumbs at the Veal was paperthin my wife had a skirt steak steak was ok what they put on had no taste terrible nobody enjoyed your meal to waiters kept bothering you coming back in fourth They did not work good Together one take your drink order five minutes later the other waiter would come to take your drink water it was annoying and we sat there and waited to get the bill wouldn't recommend this place to no one read more

The restaurant is very nicely done and staff is very friendly and on top of things. The food on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired. The meatballs were dry and sauce was tasteless. Pasta with escarole and beans, no flavor and sitting in a lot of water. Pork chop was pink and cold. Halibut was good but the potatoes and broccoli rabe were in a sauce that made it sour. They need a new menu or chef. One and done. read more

Ate at this place today 07/23/2022 - My husband and I were really being rushed - We couldn't even enjoy ourselves - They must over book - At one point my husband sat back a sec and the person was going to take his plate - I had to tell them he wasn't finished - The item I ordered was inedible definitely not al dente and it was not good - The bread was stale -The waitress did offer to get me something else but I said no - Disappointed to spend $$$ and not enjoy the food and the ambience. read more

Wait staff was wonderful, food was OK but for a high priced restaurant, they miss the fine points of dining. We had to ask for bread, but were never given plates, no salt or pepper on he the table & our cappacinos had no stirrers. t's the little things. When we called for reservations, said they had 2 times, 5:15 or 7, we took the 5:15. 2 tables by us never had anyone & there were empty tables in the other rooms too & no one dining outside. I think they need some more training. Will give it another try in maybe a year. read more

First time at the restaurant tonight. Service was excellent. Many staff members to make sure everything was good. Excellent menu with many options. Fresh pasta was delicious as was the pork chop. All around a great experience and will be back. read more

Went there Saturday evening for dinner. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and very welcoming. The food however is just okay. I ordered the pistachio crusted salmon and my wife the short ribs. Food is a bit pricey, and potions are on the smaller side. Happy hour menu looks good and most likely will give it a try, but probably won't go there for dinner again. Oh, ordered Zapolies to go, and was shocked when I opened the bag at home. Six "tiny", and I mean "tiny" zapolies cost $10.00. That was a rip off. read more

I would like to give them another chance. I LOVE the Four Seasons Diner and had high hopes for this restaurant. It wasn't bad...it just wasn't great. We ordered the appetizer of meatballs and it came out 2 minutes later. I don't know if it was the meatballs or the sauce but it was SUPER salty. Our entrees came out five minutes later, I felt so rushed! I had the tagliatelle with mushrooms and it just tasted like a quart of heavy cream was dumped over the dish. It didn't have a taste it was just heavy. My husband had the bolognese and it was too creamy and not enough meat. Bolognese shouldn't be creamy. We are locals and want this place to succeed but it wasn't impressive. read more

I was at Joe Bella on Sunday Mother's Day w 10 other people. The service was incredible and the food was Fabulous. I am so glad that my family and I finally have a restaurant that had all of the above. From the minute you walk in you see a Beautiful decorated decor, plenty of staff to ensure excellent customer Serv and the food was prepared and made to perfection. I wish I could give them 10 stars. Definitely worth going to. read more

We were excited to try this new restaurant but unfortunately left somewhat disappointed. It wasn't crowded, as a matter of fact I almost believe there were more servers than patrons so there isn't excuse for the slow service. Waitress took our drink order and later came to ask how we were doing and we gently reminded her we were still waiting on the drink order she placed for us over 20 minutes. She apologized saying they were backed up but clearly embarrassed when she glanced at the bar and it was practically bare. Our food was so-so at best. read more

Everything I about this place was great, the food was on point and so was the service...We will be returning!!

The drinks were terrible. They definitely need a new bartender who knows what they are doing.

Simply put.......food is horrible. I can write a long review but I won't. If you're looking for Italian, you're better off going to Olive Garden. read more

My husband & I tried it as it was my birthday, we were never so disappointed, food was served in such small portions & had no taste. I am not complaining about the high prices if food is good I will pay whatsoever but not worth the money! read more

A group of 10 of us ate there last weekend, the inside is very nice and the service was excellent. Unfortunately, the food was subpar. 8 out of 10 of us thought thought the dishes were average, one disliked theirs and one said he liked it. Not a good batting average. Besides the food being average the portions were ridiculously small. The highlights of the evening were the lobster Mac and Cheese and cocktails. read more

I don't usually write reviews, but they need to know, first time there, place looks great, waiter was good, bread was stale, appetizers were small for the price, glass of wine was very very small pour, tuna was not fresh and no taste, halibut was bland bland like it was boiled not seared or baked and what ever it came with wasn't good, I asked for some kind of sauce like piccata and waiter brought back melted butter and said thats what the chef had ready in the back. Wow some chef he is, crème brûlée was good , 5 pieces of zeppole were not good and $10. Entrees were overpriced and I also understand food prices have gone up but not to that extreme. Ohh did I mention I've been in the restaurant industry for 43 years. They need to listen to what the people are saying and make the proper adjustments, only way to better yourselves. I will not be going back cause for that kind of money I expect to leave happy. Sorry read more

My date and I went to Joe Bella's Kitchen & Bar for dinner tonight. I'm not sure where to begin regarding the food. I will begin at the beginning, we each ordered a glass of wine, which should have been called a shot of wine. The pour was so poor that we could't help but simultaneously comment. We shared an arugula salad that was swimming in vinegar. We weren't even finished with our salad when our entrees we brought out. I ordered rigatoni pomodoro with San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella. My date ordered their special burratta pesto pasta, rigatoni in a creamy pesto sauce topped with burrata. My entree was missing the one ingredient that I was most looking forward to, the mozzarella. Where o' where was the mozzarella?? (Postive note; tomato sauce was good). We had to flag down our server who brought more mozzarella and agreed that the dish didn't look like it ought too. Sadly, the pasta was cool when the mozzarella came out and didn't melt or get soft when mixed in. My dates pesto pasta was covered in balsamic vinegar and the piece of burratta was certainly not enough for the pasta in the bowl, the dish was swimming in cream and the pesto was insipid. If it didn't have a green tinge you wouldn't have known that there was pesto. The rigatoni is claimed to be "fresh" pasta cooked al'dente, that's an under statement. We both like our pasta al'dente, just no so chewy. Also, we over heard a waiter explaining to another customer that fresh pasta takes longer to cook then boxed and that was why his pasta was al'dente. I have made from scratch and cooked fresh pasta many times, and in fact it cooks quicker. Unfortunately, we will not be returning to Joe Bella's again. Such a disappointment. We loved this restaurant when they first opened, not any more. read more