I really never order lasagna anywhere and ordered from here to try...was pleasantly surprised and think it was one of the best I've ever had! I would highly recommend! Would definitely have it again! portions are plentiful and took home enough for another meal! read more

Sunday afternoon Dinner with my Wife and Mother in Law. Our server Jesus was very attentive and carefully explained the menu and daily specials. Our meals came out and everyone enjoyed them, no issues Ended with coffee and a desert which we ended up taking to go Ps. I initially was hesitant to go here after reading some of the recent reviews, but we were very pleased with the service and the menu options. We will return again read more

This place has great authentic Italian food and creative specials. Wonderful atmosphere. Attentive professional service.

We was there last night for thanksgiving.The service was terrible.We waited forty minutes for the check. We ordered calamari, and it was so tough. My son had to spit it out. We also all do the laguini with clams and shrimp, and the shrimp was so strong . Never again worst experience ever ! read more

For my birthday dinner this year, I really wanted braciola. Unfortunately I live in Southern California, where Italian restaurants don't generally live up to my NY/NJ upbringing & standards. The only place near us that offers the dish stuffs it with a fungus, so dealbreaker. Fortunately, I was headed back to the Jersey shore where my Mom suggested Villa Amalfi. OMG - the braciola there is AMAZING! Stuffed with "normal" ingredients and, lucky for my birthday, accompanied with sacchetti (freshly made) stuffed with pear & gorgonzola & topped with walnuts. The sauce was heavenly. Absolutely to die for! My Mom had a daily special, which was zucchini wrapped grouper (or something like that - I'm not a seafood or zucchini person) accompanied with a tasty risotto. Delicious bread was served while we waited for dinner and we finished with a scrumptious cannoli. The mocktail sangria was also very good. Service was fast & friendly. I loved all the windows, so check plus for ambiance. I'm already making plans to go back next year for my birthday to have this dish again! read more

Villa Amalfi - Italian Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

Had a very nice dinner at Villa Amalfi while in Toms River. We didn't have reservations but it was early so we were able to sit down. They have a nice wine selection to choose from. Too many to list. The salad and food was very good. The Chicken Parmesan was so tender - a definite treat that night. I was pleased that it wasn't very loud while dining. I enjoy going to dinner where I don't have to raise my voice to talk with who I am with. We had an excellent waiter. Very attentive and provided excellent service. read more

See all

We went there last week for dinner, a party of 4. Food and service were ok, nothing special. What I do not understand is you are supposed to be a nice Italian restaurant, not a chain or fast food place, if your diners are requesting that their food be boxed up it should be the wait staff doing it, not the client. Covid is long over no excuses, particularly at the prices you are charging. In case you need reminding this is a hospitality service industry that you are in. Customers do not HAVE to go to your restaurant they should WANT to go to your restaurant; this whole experience was such a turnoff I should not be pouring my pasta into a container at the table it's very gauche and classless. What we could not get past though was the horrific smell upon entering the restaurant. It was worse than any Duane Reade mixed with old moldy food stained carpet, the offensive smell permeating the air was not the Dead flowers in the lobby because the smell emanated everywhere as we walked to our table in the main dining room. The bathrooms could use a coat of paint new stall doors and generalized updating plus a deep cleaning for starters The prices have gone up but the quality has gone down. The place could use a major cleaning up and overhaul, there was paint peeling off every window sill, the walls and moulding. Do better Villa Almalfi you could have a very good dining establishment if you put some effort into it read more

In my opinion, one of the better Italian restaurants in the area. Lena (owner) is always warm & friendly, the atmosphere is calm and relaxing. As for the food - prices have gone up, but that's everywhere, but the portions have gotten smaller so i can deal with one or the other but both takes the value away from the price of the meal. The food is very good - Veal Parm., Oso Buco (my favorite) is the best of ANY restaurant to ever make it (ask for it w/ Parmesan Risotto), Clams Oraganato is always excellent. This is not the BEST Italian in Ocean county (See my review of Fiore Russo) , but very good none the less.... read more

The food was excellent. I had the shrimp scampi and my husband had a stuffed chicken pasta dish. So delicious My husband and I really enjoyed our Anniversary Dinner there .. the wine was delicious too read more

Have driven past for years and have always wanted to try. Made a reservation and finally went. The food was great and service was very good. Many food options will have to come back. read more

See all

Too expensive food is average at best I don't recommend the restaurant you're getting sub par food for high prices

My wife and I recently had the occasion to dine at Villa Almalfi. It was the first time we ventured out since COVID, and I was greeted with a few surprises. While the quality of the food hadn't changed since my last visit and was still fairly good, I found that food portions had been drastically reduced and the menu prices increased significantly. In addition, the focaccia slices that had traditionally been served as a complementary offering were now offered for a fee on the appetizer list. The wine list, similarly, had seen a reduction of available choices. However, the 300% markups on the average vintages, again, were somewhat disheartening. At the end of the evening, to add insult to injury, a 4% surcharge had been added to my check, for the use of a credit card. This fee came as an unexpected surprise since it was added without any prior notice. No one mentioned it to me when I made the reservation nor when I arrived at the restaurant. Since I am not in the habit carrying large amounts of cash, I had no choice but to pay it. Fortunately, I have found there are better options available for the money in Monmouth County where a credit card fee is not the norm, so I will be spending my money there in the future. read more

Based on my experience at Villa Almafi I am surprised for only three stars. You can go dressed up or down as there were all types of patrons. However, there are white table cloths so I would go with the more dressed up look, but that's just me! We were a party of 8 and had early dinner reservations. We were seated promptly to our table. Drinks were taken and delivered to the table quickly. The waitstaff was good and attentive. We are a hard bunch to please and often ask for many accommodations. I like to give extra credit to the waitstaff who attends our table. We ordered a bunch of apps, calamari, sea food dish, and avocado toast. All were really delicious. A few of my family members ordered salads which were largely portioned and enough to share. For dinner I ordered the shrimp and crab meat special as asked for an accommodation (no sauce) which the chef agreed too. The dish was heavy but I am a light eater and still enjoyed it very much! If you're trying to stay healthier I would order something NFG else but if you're not concerned about calories or fat, great choice! The service was a little slow for a an early reservation but it was a nice to not feel rushed out of a restaurant, especially when you're a large party. I would definitely go back with my family or for date night. read more

Villa Amalfi - Crab shrimp entree. SO GOOD - Italian Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

Had an ok meal with friends last evening. Place not busy. We were greeted and seated quickly. The water was ok but did not seem happy we wanted 2 checks. Both couples had the stuffed mushrooms appetizer. Quite good. Only as we were about to order from menus did we hear about the nightly specials which caused me to change. Glad I did. Had the sea bass which was prepared perfectly. It was served with risotto. Two of my friends had the chicken parmigiana. Both enjoyed and had to use takeout containers. My other friend had flounder franchese which he enjoyed also. My friends enjoyed their wines which were California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Overall decent food but pricey. My sea bass special was $46. Service was ok. I left not feeling wooed. My sense is that the facility could use a facelift at least internally. By the same token I know they survived the Covid impact on business so kudos to the owners for surviving. Many restaurants didn't make it. Finally they add a hefty 4% surcharge for credit usage. There is a small sign by the front desk but it does not specify the 4%. It is not referenced on the menu or on their website. read more

We came here for a family event and thought the service and food were excellent. They have a great wine list and full bar. For food we tried their pasta, chicken and veal specials, tiramisu. Everything was delicious. I would definitely come back here for lunch or dinner. read more

Love Amalfi! My family has been coming here for years. We have spent major holidays and it is a true staple in the area if you are looking for good Italian food. The family that runs the restaurant is wonderful and we have always had a pleasant experience. Thanks to Villa Amalfi for YEARS of beautiful family memories. read more

The ambiance was very old school Italian which I love! The service was great! The chicken parm was amazing! I'm very picky with marinara sauce and I loved theirs! read more

Hadn't been there in years. Moved back to the area so we went for dinner. It is not the same as back in the day sorry to say. Boy how things have changed there. We didn't like the food and the serve was just Ok. read more

Outstanding experience on Sunday March 24, 2024. My wife and I were in the Toms River area and decided to visit after not being there for several years. Wonderful decision. Classic "old school" restaurant that seems to have "gone with the wind". Lovely venue with a roomy dining room... linen covered tables and napkins; "conservatory type" large "atrium style" windows completed the ambience with appropriate uniformed staff to assist. Every diner that afternoon seemed to be having a delightful meal. My wife is of Italian descent and rarely chooses an Italian restaurant for dinner out. When she does ... it's because they have items on the menu that she doesn't prepare. Today ... not seeing Zuppa di pesce on the menu... she asked our server Antonio, if it was a possibility. He answered, "I'll ask the chef ... if he has the ingredients, he probably will make it". Fortunately he did. As meals are prepared to order... the wait was worth it. (39$ which included baby lobster tails) We had warm semolina bread and appetizers of baked oysters and a beet salad with wonderful bourbon manhattans while we waited. (BTW craft cocktails were $11.50 each. Robust glasses of Ruffino Chianti at 8.50 each... Thank you). Entrees did not disappoint; in quality, quantity and price. I had broiled rack of lamb, (4 "medium temp" meaty chops) served with a "nice portion" of mashed potatoes and vegetable medley: (broccoli, squash, zucchini and baby asparagus) 41$, which didn't disappoint. Cappuccino and double espresso with a suggested snifter of sambucco (with 3 coffee beans) was a nice finish. Thank you. We'll be back!! read more

Absolutely disgusting! Do not bother extremely dirty environment. My wife had the salmon it was old and frozen. Completely over priced and overall a total waste. Sever was very nice and hopefully finds a better establishment to work in. The place was completely empty and I can see why. read more

A lovely restaurant with a nice ambiance and delicious food! Second time I am here for my anniversary this time. Reserved a table last minute with no issues! Great service, delicious meals and a wonderful experience overall! Highly recommend!!! Got a lamb, eggplant rolletini, stuffed crab mushrooms and a tiramisu! read more

Save yourselves and your money. The food was subpar and then the chicken entree came out. How do you mess up chicken? They did... it was bad. Also, the woman (aka, crazy person) at the desk was unbelievably obnoxious with people holding open the door for others... I witnessed it several times... one person even called her a jerk to her face as he was holding the door for an elderly woman who was 3 feet away from the door... if she is the owner... good luck with "keeping the doors open" there as this is an extremely subpar place and please! If she is not the owner, oh man, the owner lost any returning business yesterday!!! We will never set foot in the door again. I've seen her replies to others... scary!!! Videos?? Go look at the videos of yourself you looney. read more

I scheduled a repast for Saturday, 5/6/23 at 12:30 PM for 50 - 60 ppl. I confirmed the date, choose the $27 pp luncheon menu, and gave my credit card for a deposit. I was called a couple of days later and told the luncheon menu wasn't available, only the dinner menu would be open; it starts at $39 pp. The month of May happens to coincide with the Catholic Church's Holy Communion time frame. Why couldn't I order from the luncheon menu at lunchtime? I feel I was bumped for someone who was willing to purchase the dinner menu at lunchtime. So I advised them to go ahead and accept their better offer because I would be declining. Buyer beware. read more

Gave this restaurant another shot. Brought another couple with us. Since we are seniors we asked for separate checks. Waiter said no can do. Ok. I am not much of a meat eater and allergic to shellfish and noticed there was one pasta dish on the menu. Ok. So I asked if they can make a pasta dish for me and I will take it with chicken instead of the shellfish. He replied NO substitutions. Really??? Had to order the one pasta dish which was Penne Vodka which I am not a big fan of. How is this place still in business? read more

Tried their special Takeout for Two dinner. Ordered the grouper and zucchini. It was really delicious. Very pleasant staff at front desk for pickup. They have a limited menu now but ensures freshness. We will be going back. read more

My family and I had to worst experience with this restaurant. We booked the restaurant for my grandmothers repass and we were all yelled at by the lady who was in charge of our party. Not only did she yell at a group of our children for sitting down at a table (the oldest was 15 and the youngest was 6) by themselves, but she yelled at EVERYONE else for sitting down as well. She was so rude, telling people that they have to sit at certain tables, and when she was told that we want to sit according to our immediate families, she kept going at us. She told us that we had attitudes, when we were in mourning for losing our beloved grandmother. Our family was in such disbelief about how we were treated, that we kept talking about it all day. We all had the same experience from this rude woman. The food was barely decent and all the glasses had spots or were dirty. There is MUCH better Italian food in the area. AND MUCH BETTER SERVICE!!!! You were warned! read more

Villa Amalfi - This was the rude lady from my review. AWFUL service and terrible attitude. - Italian Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

Pretty expensive for the amount of food. The food was good though. Gnocchi was solid, my veal cutlets were tiny but not bad. Good cheesecake, good service and nice people. I'd go back again and try something different. Just pricey... read more

Our experience started at the greeting. We had a party of five that was simply looking for a place to eat. We came across the restaurant and were greeted as I could only describe as somewhat hostile about not having reservations when asked. The hostess or assuming possibly owner was rude as hell and TMI on reprimanding us. It set the tone for the whole dinner. I was taken aback and said we could leave and didn't have to eat there. She said they had a table but then proceeded to again tell us that we were lucky and how another patron had cancelled. I could care less about that!! The food was horrible by our standards. Had Clams Oreganato and it seems they must have been frozen. Slightly off-putting smell and very watery. Coating was also exactly uniform. They were not fresh! The sauce was very plain. Had a good tomato taste but wasn't seasoned much if at all. Also had the veal parmigiana and again, did not seem fresh to me. I believe they were frozen as they just seemed too uniform and was not seasoned well. We won't go back. read more

Nice atmosphere, the food was ordinary Italian. A nice family restaurant. But kind of expensive.

Everything was good, the service, the food and the ambiance were good until the check was handed to us. Two of the parties had gift cards that they were planning to use BUT the restaurant would not except them. It clearly states on the gift cards they do not accept them on MAJOR HOLIDAYS , since when is Valentines Day a Major holiday. The only thing it's famous for is a massacre. Needless to say, we will not be returning there and will be passing the word not to dine there read more

Ish don't think so. Went here for a Christmas even dinner and I get that it will be incredibly crowded but they pack you in like sardines and it makes for an unpleasant experience with no wiggle room. Not only that, the food took so long to get to us, over an hour (again I know a long wait is expected on a holiday but don't OVER PACK your restaurant). I am totally fine with waiting for my food if it's worth it and this was so not. Everything came to us room temperature to cold. The food itself was not good. There were 5 of us and not 1 of us liked their meal. I have nothing good to say about this place or the food. The stuffed shrimp I had were particularly flavorless and cold. We were seated in the basement (which felt more like a nursing home basement) and it was awful. I don't recommend this place to anyone and I will never return. read more

Villa Amalfi has certainly not aged gracefully. We made a reservation for a party of 9 and our friends had an even bigger party.. I was there first and to say the owner (female) was less than cordial. It seemed like I was interrupting her afternoon. Pardon me as I am about to spend, between the two parties over $1,500. We were supposed to be served family style appetizers which ended up being 3 separate apps on 3 different plates and we were charged for 9 appetizers which defeated the purpose. Seafood salad, one of my favorite dishes was simply, TERRIBLE. The color was off, looked grey and when I took my first bite, the taste was "old" and the texture was hard. There was no "dressing" and it was eating week old seafood. My wife ordered a $60 filet mignon. Quality of the meat was worse than Outback and the mashed potatoes tasted like instant. The owner aggressively told me they were not. Jury still out on that one. My in-laws each ordered a salmon dish. It was not supposed to be salmon sushi, get my point! Yes, raw in the middle. I did call the owner and spoke about the experience. The gentlemen understood and said he would do "something". 4 days later, the female owner called and was less than friendly. Basically she said she will do NOTHING to rectify the situation. If I could give less than one star I would.. Advice, stay away.. Not only for the less than quality food but the also the unpleasant and rude customer service. read more

The only reason it's getting three stars is because if the service. I ordered rack of lamb. The reason why I ordered rack of lamb is because the menu said rack of lamb. Instead I got lamb lollipops. It was horrible. The place used to be good, but like every other place it looks like they just got lazy. read more

I had been here once a few years ago and remembered it was great so I took my Mom here the evening before Mother's Day, when we arrived at 5:30, the restaurant was nearly packed, by the time we ordered, it was at capacity, I heard they were opening the banquet area to open more seating. As busy as they were, the food and wine were fresh and delicious and the wait staff were on point! I often saw the owners walking the dining room to make sure everything was running smoothly. This is an exceptionally run restaurant, inviting decor and priced accordingly! Mom had the stuffed mushroom appetizer and stuffed shrimp entree, I had the burrata special and the stuffed rigatoni. Dessert I had a lemon torte, Mom had the pistachio tatufo, both were excellent! read more

Called on 12/30 for a table for new years eve,.Lenna ( owner) stated she would try & get me a table and call me back. 2 hours later I received a phone call with the table for 4 for 5:00 p.m. which was perfect. Arrived 10 minutes early seeded to our table immediately server was there to take our drink water within 2-3 minutes, service was fantastic. Fried calamari was the most tender I have had in ages. Wife had stuffed a artachoke appetizer big stuffed and very flavorful. Son had chilean sea bass an dau had the gnocci. ,.both were greatm I had s special of Veal Lascala(pic) which was huge!! Tender pounded veal cutlets with a veal chop in a brown sauce. Never had a dirty dish in front of us nor an empty glass for our drinks. This was our 1st time there and I will definitely be back again. Hats off to Joshua our waiter for the recommendations he gave us he did he job very . read more

Villa Amalfi - Italian Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

Enjoyed an evening out with friends and came to this venue for the first time. The surroundings were lovely. The waiter greeted us promptly to take a drink order. His attention was equally as attentive throughout the evening. I ordered the lobster bisque as a starter. It really was delicious with large chunks of lobster. For dinner I ordered the short ribs over polenta. They were very tender and flavorful. My husband ordered a pasta bolognese which was slightly disappointing. We are used to a sauce, heavy with meat and to our liking it was scimpy on the meat. But perhaps a matter of taste. Our friends seemed very pleased with their meals, so perhaps when in Toms River, we will try it again. read more

The WORST SERVICE EVER!!! DO NOT EAT HERE. When the specials were recited, it was very hard to understand Marco because of his heavy Mexican accent. I ask him to slow down his speech, but he ignored me. I ask him to repeat the Chilean Sea Bass special and he described served with Mussels and clams the exact same way twice. One person in our party likes sea bass but not the shellfish so she didn't order it for that reason. When it was served there was no shellfish. The other people at the table asked me why I didn't get the shellfish, I had forgotten about it. I asked and a different server said the special we were told was incorrect. It doesn't come with shellfish. The owner then comes to the table and tells me that sea bass is never served with shellfish. The server NEVER came and apologized for his mistake and the owner blames me for misunderstanding, when everyone at the table heard exactly what I heard. When the bill cake we were charged for everything. Nothing was comped because of the error. And there was never an apology. If you want bad service and a rude owner in your face then go to this restaurant, but I will never again and I will tell everyone this is a HORRIBLE restaurant! read more

I don't know how anyone could give this restaurant a bad review. Granted it was our first time. Our friends invited us to Amalfi for lunch today. From the service to the food I definitely would give it a two thumbs up. I had the linguini with broccoli rabe and it was really really good. I grew up on this food so I would definitely be critical if it were not up to par. My husband had a rib eye and was done medium rare just the way he likes it. Both my friends had cavatelli with broccoli! I have nothing but good things to say. We will definitely be back read more

Went to Villa Amalfi's for the very first time last evening - 12/22/18. What an incredible experience. Service was so accommodating - the place was decorated so beautifully for the holiday. We were seated at a lovely table next to a window. The food was exceptional - veal dishes - gnocchi - shrimp cocktail - calamari - rigatoni in a vodka sauce. They even made a ravioli dish that wasn't on the menu. Excellent creme brulee - super cappucciano's. They even valet and actually have a coat room. What else could u possibly want from an ITALIAN RESTAURANT??? WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK FOR MORE. read more

Food ok, restaurant very loud can't have a conversation at your table. They add 4% to your credit card! Best part I asked for a vegetable instead of pasta and they charged me $8.00! Gee couldn't you have at least given me my FREE pasta too? Does salad come with my $48 entree - no they start at $10. read more