Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to New Jersey

Linguine lunch spots

A bowl of long, twirled noodles is the only thing that makes a midday break feel like a proper meal.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Piccolino Italian Kitchen image 1
Piccolino Italian Kitchen image 2
Piccolino Italian Kitchen image 3
View all

Small dining room offers an old school Italian feel with cozy, intimate seating that suits groups and quiet conversations. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, blending quaint charm with a relaxed vibe. Tables keep enough distance to avoid crowding, supporting a comfortable, homey experience.

Offers linguine with clams and a version with salmon and shellfish. The linguine with pesto and pine nuts combines fresh, nutty flavors.

Lunch offers authentic Italian food with a setting suitable for gatherings like rehearsal lunches. The spot works well as a meeting point for midday meals.

People are saying

"This Italian food is spectacular, especially the spicy rigatoni."

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing and flavorful."

"The linguine with pesto and pine nuts had a great combination of flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large parties.

2

The restaurant allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

3

The staff may sing for special occasions like birthdays.

02
Trattoria Toscana image 1
Italian restaurant

Renovated space blends rustic touch with classy, clean atmosphere and dark lighting for an upper-class dining feel. Live music and a resident singer create a chill, engaging vibe throughout the week. Spacious layout includes a private room and lounge, supporting both intimate dinners and large gatherings.

Seafood options like clams, prawns, and sausage with broccoli rabe feature prominently with linguine. Sauces range from spicy fra diavolo to rich and savory, though plating can sometimes be uneven.

Lunch offers great value with consistently spectacular food. The spot suits both casual lunches and catered events.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the seafood salad."

"This lunch spot has delicious, homemade food with good portion sizes."

"The linguine frutti di mare was spicy, rich, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Live music happens every Friday night, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Brunch service is available on Saturdays and Sundays starting at the end of March.

03
Eat At Joe's EHT image 1

Small, quaint Italian restaurant with a cozy, family-owned atmosphere and warm, relaxing vibe. Space feels intimate and charming, suited for couples and quiet dinners. BYOB policy adds to the homey, neighborhood feel.

Linguine dishes come with homemade pasta and rich toppings like parmesan-encrusted shrimp or chicken with portobello and artichokes. Sauces blend white wine, garlic, and fresh herbs for bold flavors.

Lunch offers delicious meals that stand out for their flavor. The spot feels like a lucky find for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food at these dinner spots is the best I've had."

"This lunch spot is delicious, especially the pizza."

"The linguine and shrimp were cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

The restaurant allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

3

Expect prices around $36 for a pizza with multiple toppings.

04
Enzo Restaurant + Pizzeria image 1
Italian restaurant

Space combines speakeasy vibes with a beautiful back dining area and soft lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Acoustics can make it loud when crowded, but the overall mood stays elegant and cozy. Guests often bring their own drinks, adding to the relaxed, personal feel.

Linguine dishes come with fresh seafood like shrimp, scallops, and clams. Sauces range from vodka cream to simple preparations, all cooked perfectly.

Authentic Italian dishes fill the impressive lunch menu with a variety of options. Service stays excellent and the spot is family-friendly, welcoming even young children.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The lunch spot staff were so friendly and attentive."

"The linguine with clams was excellent and perfectly done."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on Fridays and Saturdays due to high demand.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

They offer gluten-free options and are celiac friendly.

05
Fusionista - Modern Peruvian Cuisine image 1

Small space with old diner flair and intimate atmosphere creates a cozy setting. Salsa and bachata music plays softly, keeping conversation easy. Strong pisco sours complement the modern Peruvian cuisine served here.

Combining lomo saltado with linguine creates a surprising but effective dish. The linguine al pesto with bistec stands out for its rich flavor and perfect balance.

Lunch offers Modern Peruvian Cuisine with dishes like Ceviche Classic and Lomo Saltado. Service stays attentive, creating a comfortable spot for a conversational meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and came out on time."

"The linguine al pesto with bistec was indescribable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend visits to ensure a table.

2

A 20% service fee is automatically added to all bills, regardless of party size.

3

The restaurant has stairs leading up, which may limit accessibility for some guests.

06
Trovato's Due' image 1
Italian restaurant

Upscale Italian restaurant with loud, lively atmosphere and tables placed closely together. The space fills quickly, creating a bustling vibe where conversation can be challenging. Valet-only parking adds convenience but limits parking options.

Shrimp scampi comes with linguine cooked slightly al dente. Linguine with clams pairs well with a side of broccoli rabe, which also appears alongside shrimp in another dish.

Hosting a large group including a young child works well here, making it a solid choice for family lunches. The spot suits both casual and more formal midday meals with a reliable menu.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh and delicious."

"I had the linguine and clams, and both were delicious."

"The pasta here has nice chunks of crab meat."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is the only option available on weekends.

2

Reservations are accepted for barnyard seating.

3

Expect the restaurant to be crowded by 6 PM on weekends.

07
Patricia's of Toms River image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and high ceilings create a welcoming space, but tight table spacing limits movement and raises noise levels. Loud music and hard surfaces make conversation difficult, while sports on big screens contrast with the Italian theme.

Pesto linguine with zucchini and shrimp stands out with its fresh flavors and satisfying taste. Linguine with clams offers plenty of clams, though the white clam sauce can be a bit mild in flavor.

Lunch offers worth a revisit with dishes that suit a relaxed meal. It supports family and friends gatherings comfortably.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is outstanding, truly as good as I've had in Italy."

"This Lunch Spot's Italian food is the best I ever had."

"I thought the linguine was outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to ensure a table.

2

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

3

They charge a 3.5% fee for credit card payments.

08
Spike's Fish Market & Restaurant image 1

Small seafood market restaurant with a cozy, retro vibe and a laidback shore atmosphere. Guests pick meals from a refrigerated case featuring the freshest catch, reflecting a nearly 100-year-old fishing shack style. The space feels quaint and bustling, offering a friendly, family-like setting.

Several linguine dishes feature seafood like clams, shrimp, and crab meat. Some versions have strong oregano seasoning, while others come with simple oil and garlic. Temperature and flavor vary, with some servings cold and bland.

Lunch features super fresh seafood with specials that match the regular menu in quality. Meals provide a satisfying break and often include options to take home.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and so fresh."

"I thought it was a great lunch spot with super fresh seafood."

"I thought the linguine with clams was good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure seating, especially during busy times.

2

The restaurant is a bring-your-own-bottle establishment; no alcohol is served.

3

Expect the place to be packed at times, especially during peak hours.

09
Thatโ€™s Amore Trattoria Italiana image 1

Dining room walls display black and white movie star pictures, creating a retro-magical environment with accompanying music. Atmosphere stays calm and relaxed, suitable for quiet conversations despite occasional noise. Patrons often bring their own wine, adding to the casual but elevated vibe.

Seafood over linguine features perfectly cooked pasta with a light clam presence mostly on top. Clam sauce has few clams scattered, lacking the depth found in Italy's versions.

Lunch includes antipasto and pizza options. No weekday lunch specials currently. Service can slow during lunch events.

People are saying

"I found the Italian food here to be spectacular and authentic."

"The pizza here is really good for a lunch spot."

"The linguine was cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

3

Parking is available, but the area can be small during peak hours.

Discover more

New Jersey

Area guide
Loading Map...