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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New Jersey

Calamari and gelato

Made for those who balance their savory calamari cravings with a sweet finish of gelato.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Focacceria Ristorante image 1
Focacceria Ristorante image 2
Focacceria Ristorante image 3
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Italian restaurant

Old colonial home offers tight indoor seating with small intimate rooms and a breathtaking historical building. Outdoor patio provides a lovely alfresco dining experience with hanging lights and live music on some nights. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and romantic outdoors to loud and noisy in upstairs corners without noise mitigation.

Sweet and spicy calamari stands out with its bold flavor and perfect balance. Spicy calamari offers a nice kick, often paired with sesame crusted ahi tuna for a flavorful combo.

Graham cracker gelato stands out with a rich, unique flavor. Homemade gelato comes in multiple delightful flavors, all absolutely delicious.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is phenomenal."

"The gelato staff is super friendly and knowledgeable."

"The sweet and spicy calamari is the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Focacceria Ristorante is a BYOB establishment, so bring your own drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy weekends.

3

The restaurant is accommodating with adjusting sides or spiciness in dishes.

02
BOSCHETTO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant combines upscale casual design with a spacious outdoor patio and dog-friendly seating. Atmosphere feels welcoming and cozy, with thoughtful decor and a vibe that recalls authentic Italy. Small size leads to limited seating, creating an intimate dining experience.

Fried calamari comes with a marinara sauce that stands out. Portions are generous, enough for two people. The Calamari & Shrimp Fry rates as average in flavor.

Italian-made gelato stands out with flavors like Hazelnut and Honey Pistachio. It serves as a popular dessert option that many want seconds of.

People are saying

"The casual pizzas here have a fantastic crust and fresh ingredients."

"I loved the creamy, sweet gelato with a pistachio crunch."

"The calamari here is honestly incredible."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

Free parking is available in the lot attached to the restaurant.

3

The order-at-the-counter system streamlines the dining experience.

03
LaNoma Italian Steakhouse image 1

Steakhouse with ginormous ceilings and an open kitchen creates a sophisticated atmosphere. Terrace seating offers an open, vacation-like vibe. The place combines classy decor with a lively pizza-making show.

Sautรฉed calamari comes mixed with arugula and cherry tomatoes like a salad. The Fritto Misto blends calamari, shrimp, and zucchini, all cooked to crispy perfection with two dipping sauces.

Pistachio gelato stands out with its perfect balance of taste and creativity. Each bowl costs 19 dollars and delivers a splendid, unforgettable flavor.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was so good and tasty."

"The fried calamari was perfectly crispy and phenomenal."

"The pistachio gelato is rich, creamy, and unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building.

2

Reservations may not be necessary, but expect a 45-minute wait for a table.

3

The prix fixe menu costs $159 per person, plus a 20% automatic gratuity.

04
Jasper Stone Italian Steakhouse image 1

Restaurant offers an elegant and inviting atmosphere with beautiful decor that balances trendy and homey styles. The space feels crowded and noisy, creating a lively but sometimes overwhelming environment. Complimentary valet parking and BYOB add convenience to the dining experience.

The gelato features a pistachio flavor that stands out for its richness. A gelato trio offers a variety of tastes, including a classic vanilla bean option served with cappuccino.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the handmade pastas."

"I enjoyed the fried shrimp and calamari."

"I think the pistachio gelato might be the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, so plan ahead.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

3

Expect higher prices compared to typical restaurants, as it is considered upscale.

05
Ristorante MV image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with impressive decor and a stunning bar design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that buzzes with energy during busy times. Seating is tight, and live music can be loud, adding to the lively vibe. Outdoor seating and valet parking offer added convenience.

Fritturo Di Calamari comes out piping hot and super crispy, lightly fried to a perfect crunch. Fried calamari stands out as a highlight alongside baked eggplant, enjoyed by both adults and children.

Nutella gelato stands out as exceptionally rich and filling. It pairs well with sharing due to its dense texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the pasta."

"The Nutella gelato here is amazing and so filling."

"The calamari is super crispy and piping hot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers select wines and bottled beers at reasonable prices on Fridays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect higher prices for prix fixe menus on holidays without prior notice.

06
Dafina Restaurant image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a large, modern space with beautiful dรฉcor and a separate bar area featuring a wine wall. Atmosphere is lively and energetic, with music often loud enough to challenge conversation. Private rooms provide intimate settings for groups, enhancing the overall experience.

Perfectly cooked fried calamari stands out as a top appetizer. It joins other seafood starters like grilled octopus and shrimp Santorini, all prepared well.

Creamy texture defines the gelato here, with the pistachio flavor made in-house standing out. It offers a rich and delicious dessert option.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The gelato here is perfectly creamy and flavorful."

"The calamari appetizer was perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, making dining more affordable.

2

Live DJ events occur on special nights like New Year's Eve.

3

Reservations are recommended due to high demand on weekends.

07
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.

Freshness stands out with calamari that includes tentacles. The appetizers, especially the calamari, come out fantastic alongside other dishes like the short rib quesadilla.

Pistachio Gelato stands out as a highlight, paired well with Churros and cheesecake. Vanilla gelato also offers an exceptional creamy texture and flavor.

People are saying

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

"The calamari here is fresh and crisp."

"I was so happy we ordered the pistachio gelato."

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.

08
Popolari - Little Falls image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with vintage design and European music creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The vibe suits both romantic dinners and family gatherings. Live accordion music adds a lively, authentic touch.

Crispy, lightly breaded calamari comes with a tangy dipping sauce as a starter. Some servings are cold and tough, but the Calamari Fritti offers great flavor and texture.

Gelato features a homemade pistachio cherry vanilla flavor and is served alongside cappuccinos. Texture varies, sometimes resembling a freezer-burned Dixie cup, and the pistachio element can be absent in cherry pistachio.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes here are excellent, especially the spicy vodka."

"I loved the cherry pistachios gelato."

"The calamari is crispy, lightly breaded, and has great flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

Parking is limited, but free street parking is available nearby.

3

Reservations are not accepted after 7 pm.

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