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Bacon and Italian food spots

You want your Italian meal to incorporate bacon without losing its authentic character.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Johnny's Diner image 1
Johnny's Diner image 2
Johnny's Diner image 3
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Restaurant

Small diner with New Jersey style decor and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays at a pleasant volume, creating a peaceful vibe. Seating includes a small counter and comfy seats, making it suitable for quick meals or relaxed dining.

Bacon here is super delicious and crispy, standing out from typical diner bacon. It appears in dishes like avocado toast and pesto entrees with grilled chicken, adding a flavorful crunch.

Pasta dishes stand out with excellent quality and flavorful preparation. Options like Cajun Alfredo and pesto with grilled chicken and bacon bits show variety and care in ingredients.

People are saying

"The diner food here is classic comfort food, cooked to perfection."

"The pasta here is excellent and flavorful."

"The bacon here is super delicious and crispy."

Good to know

1

Johnny's Diner offers bistro-style dining at an old-school diner price.

2

The two for $35 dinner special offers good value.

3

Johnny's Diner accepts Apple Pay, making checkout super easy.

02
ARTIE'S image 1
Pizza restaurant

Renovated industrial space with an open kitchen featuring brick ovens creates a fresh, clean environment. Upbeat music raises the noise level, encouraging lively conversation in a laid-back atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a patio and bar area serving drinks, enhancing the social vibe.

Maple Bacon stands out with its sweet and savory combo on pizza. The bacon is paired with a maple glaze, creating a unique flavor that works well on a thin, crispy crust.

Fresh mozzarella and homemade pastas stand out here. The sausage pizza beats the ravioli and meatballs, and the Wild Boar Pasta adds a unique touch.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be extraordinary."

"The meatballs here are juicy and full of flavor."

"The maple bacon pizza is the best pizza I ever had."

Good to know

1

On the evening we visited, there was an oyster pop-up on the terrace outside.

2

ARTIE'S opened for breakfast every day at 8am.

3

ARTIE'S does not currently accept reservations.

03
Evolution Restaurant & Bar image 1

Upscale restaurant with a blue color scheme and a comfortable setting combines bar and dining vibes. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming, often featuring live music and rotating entertainment like DJs and karaoke. Space is thoughtfully renovated and spotless, creating a relaxing environment.

Bacon appears in several dishes like the double patty evolution burger with Taylor ham and the buffalo bacon ranch sandwich. It adds a flavorful touch without making dishes feel heavy.

Pasta dishes come with lots of sauce and include options like penne vodka and raviolis. Some pasta, like the bolognese, can be unevenly cooked, while sides like potatoes complement seafood well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients."

"The bacon on the Evolution burger was stunning."

"The pasta dishes here are delicious, especially the penne vodka."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 6 pm with $3 draft beers.

2

All-you-can-eat crab legs night is a popular event.

3

DJ plays on Thursday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

04
Park Wood Deli image 1

Old school deli with a stone-aged pizza oven creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere filled with the smell of fresh bread and pizza. Crunchy pizza and world-class sandwiches featuring savory prosciutto and creamy mozzarella define the menu. Space is cozy, and energy feels welcoming and lively.

Thick, properly cooked bacon shines in sandwiches and pizzas. The bacon pairs well with fresh mozzarella, pesto, and perfectly cooked onions for full flavor.

Sandwiches feature crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and rich balsamic for bold flavor. Lasagna stands out as a solid choice with fresh ingredients and satisfying layers.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be amazing and fresh."

"I drove ten hours for the deli's bacon and met the owner!"

"The Deli Guy's Italian food is a TikTok sensation."

Good to know

1

Parking is behind the store on a one-way Erie street.

2

Expect limited parking availability during busy hours.

3

The deli has no seating inside or outside.

05
Capon's Chophouse image 1

Upscale steakhouse atmosphere blends comfort with NYC Soho-style decor centered around a striking central tree. Energy is lively with fast disco music and a vibrant bar scene featuring TVs. Space balances celebrity tables and inviting seating, making it suitable for celebrations and date nights.

Bacon appears in the bacon nuggies, a standout item alongside crispy rice and pork chop. These dishes highlight bacon's role in rich, savory flavors.

Chicken parmigiana stands out as a solid choice. Focaccia comes with whipped ricotta, hot honey, and crispy rosemary, balancing its overcooked texture. Tiramisu offers a notable finish.

People are saying

"The Caesar salad here is the best I've had in ages."

"You have to try the crispy bacon nuggies."

"The Italian Food here is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages.

3

Expect a wait time during peak hours, particularly for brunch.

06
Saltwater Bar and Kitchen by Big Mike image 1

Restaurant offers a multi-level dining area with elegant decor and soft lighting that creates a coastal cozy atmosphere. Bar features comfortable seating and TVs, attracting a mix of guests seeking strong cocktails and flavorful food. Space feels welcoming and relaxed, with a layout that balances intimacy and openness.

Bacon features prominently in several dishes like the Bacon Cheese Burger and the buttermilk bacon ranch salad. Servers respond quickly to missing bacon, bringing extra to salads and other items.

Shrimp over risotto offers a rich seafood flavor paired with creamy texture. Orzo Alfredo features a smooth, cheesy sauce that complements the pasta well.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, especially the thin-crust pizza."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pizza with its perfect thin crust."

"The Bacon Cheese Burger exceeded my expectations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy summer months.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer great deals on food and drinks.

3

Happy hour features discounted full-size dishes.

07
Denizen's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open kitchen creates a chic, modern design vibe. Music plays a key role, often featuring live performances, setting a lively yet cozy atmosphere. The place attracts a mix of diners looking for casual meals, dates, and social nights out.

Bacon appears as bits in dishes like stracciatella and as a topping on double smashed burgers with extras like fried egg and onions. It adds a crispy, savory element that ties flavors together.

Truffle parmesan mushroom rigatoni stands out with rich, savory flavors. Pasta dishes often come with crispy, thin breaded chicken adding texture and taste.

People are saying

"The brunch here has creative comfort food and outstanding entrees."

"The rigatoni pasta with breaded chicken is flavorful and crispy."

"The double smash burger comes with bacon and a fried egg."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served on weekends from 10am to 2pm.

2

A surprise drag show occurs monthly; check the schedule for dates.

3

Parking can be tricky, but there is a small public lot half a block away.

08
Berkeley Cut Steakhouse image 1

Upscale steakhouse offers spacious outdoor seating with a relaxed, stylish atmosphere enhanced by live guitar music. Inside, lighting is soothing but music volume can be loud, making conversation challenging. Comfortable chairs and quality cocktails complement the seaside charm.

Nueske bacon stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with dishes like lamb lollipops. Garlic bread served alongside a slab of bacon is a common choice.

Pasta here hits emotional notes with its rich flavor. The risotto also stands out as very good.

People are saying

"I thought the steak here was the best I had in a while."

"The pasta made me want to cry, it's like Italy had a baby with heaven."

"You have to try the Nueske bacon; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Brunch with Santa is a special event held during the holiday season.

09
The Table image 1
Restaurant

Large, versatile space hosts multiple events with live Bossa Nova music and a tree slab table centerpiece. Atmosphere feels welcoming and charming, with excellent cocktails and a cozy vibe suited for romantic or social gatherings.

Thick cut bacon comes out crispy and salty. Portions are generous, enough to share without skimping.

Hand-made burrata stands out for its freshness and flavor, rated 8/10. The shrimp gnocchi offers rich, flavorful bites and scores 9/10, with an option to swap spicy sauce for extra marinara.

People are saying

"The food here is spectacular, especially the burgers and fries."

"The Italian food, especially the gnocchi, was amazing."

"The bacon side was amazing and enough for both of us."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends.

2

The cocktail class is hosted by Juan and is highly rated.

3

Private event space is available for gatherings of up to 40 people.

10
Red Horse by David Burke - Bernards Inn image 1

Open, contemporary space combines stunning decor with a vibrant, loud atmosphere featuring live jazz performances. Creative, well-crafted cocktails complement a menu with phenomenal steaks and seafood. The setting suits special occasions with a cozy yet energetic vibe.

Clothesline bacon stands out with its thick, fatty texture and a sweet, peppery glaze. It offers a smoky flavor balanced by a touch of sweetness, making it a fun and flavorful treat.

Rock Shrimp King Crab Spaghetti stands out with rich seafood flavors. Duck breast, veal parmigiana, and eggplant parmesan offer solid, well-balanced dishes. Pasta night suits families with a variety of good appetizers like steak tartare and ravioli.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is outstanding and delicious."

"The cocktails here are brilliant and downright tasty."

"The rigatoni portion was sizeable and the eggplant parmesan was excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be honored at the scheduled time.

2

Valet service is available, making parking easy.

3

Pasta night on Tuesdays offers great deals for families.

11
Red Horse Steakhouse by David Burke - Rumson, NJ image 1

Steakhouse offers a loud, energetic atmosphere with live music enhancing the experience. Decor features quaint, classy touches like blown glass artwork and candlelight. The space attracts those seeking a vibrant, upscale dining environment.

Clothesline bacon hangs like laundry and offers a crispy and smoky bite with a playful twist. Thick cut bacon serves as a savory complement alongside other dishes.

Lobster ravioli stands out as a highlight, paired often with shrimp. The seafood risotto offers a delicious option, though the mushroom risotto can be hit or miss. Lasagna is made with care and noted for quality.

People are saying

"Dinner in the dark is an unforgettable sensory revelation."

"The clothesline bacon is crispy, smoky, and a playful twist."

"The Italian food, especially the lobster ravioli, was the star of the show."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Tuesdays with special promotions.

2

Trivia night features movie trivia every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Steak night is on Wednesdays with special menu items.

12
The Saucy Cup image 1
Coffee shop

Charming coffee shop housed in a cozy, home-like building with a cute coffee-cup logo. Atmosphere stays peaceful and elegant with a warm, welcoming vibe and friendly energy. Patrons enjoy fresh, flavorful pastries alongside coffee and wraps in a chill, inviting setting.

Beef bacon appears in wraps alongside crispy hash browns and varied fillings like peppers or onions. Bacon inclusion can be inconsistent, sometimes appearing even when not requested.

Vodka sauce stands out with its rich, creamy flavor and a slight bite that enhances the dishes. The Chicken Vodka wrap features perfectly melted mozzarella, and the penne vodka pasta offers a creamy, delicious experience.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was unreal and amazing."

"The Italian food here is authentic, fresh, and amazing."

"I loved the beef bacon in my wake-up wrap."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, and some cars may get towed.

2

The restaurant offers Halal food options.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

13
Madison Modern Social - Old Bridge NJ image 1

Large white structure with black accents hosts an elegant space featuring modern sleek bars and themed dining rooms. Warm lighting and live deep house music create an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. Creative cocktails and fine dining attract a trendy crowd seeking a special evening vibe.

Appetizers highlight Neuske bacon with strong flavor. Bacon pairs well with the steak tartare and complements dishes like the short rib quesadilla.

Freshly made pasta stands out here, especially the lemon linguine from the new menu. The dishes focus on bright, clean flavors with a strong emphasis on house-made pasta.

People are saying

"I thought the food was some of the best I had ever eaten."

"The Italian food, especially the Beef Wellington, was outstanding."

"The bacon here is so accommodating and friendly."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Tuesday night, featuring local jazz ensembles.

2

DJ performances occur on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

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