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Mozzarella sticks and pasta spots in New Jersey

Mozzarella sticks that hold their own alongside a proper pasta dinner without feeling like a frozen appetizer.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Reno’s Pizzeria Ristorante image 1
Reno’s Pizzeria Ristorante image 2
Reno’s Pizzeria Ristorante image 3
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Pizza restaurant offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with chic, modern decor and comfortable booths. The space feels welcoming and easy-going, making it suitable for relaxed dinners. It stands out for its top-tier pizza and efficient service.

Mozzarella sticks come out well-cooked and tasty. They pair nicely with other items like pizza and garlic knots.

Penne vodka stands out as a notable dish here. Other pasta options include Pasta Melanzane, lasagna, and ravioli parmigiana, all prepared with care and flavor.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the chicken parm, was amazing."

"I thought the pasta dishes were the best I had ever tasted."

"I really enjoyed their mozzarella sticks."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a three-course lunch special that is affordable.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.

3

Check for daily specials to get the best deals on meals.

02
La Riva Kosher Pizza & Restaurant image 1

Kosher restaurant offers casual, chill atmosphere with a quiet, family-friendly environment. Pizza features a thin, crispy crust with vibrant cheese and sauce, standing out as a highlight. Space feels beautiful and clean, welcoming a steady flow of guests.

Homemade mozzarella sticks come out super fresh and delicious. They pair well with other items like split pea soup and salmon teriyaki.

Ditalini Roma pasta comes with a fresh tomato, garlic, and spice sauce. Penne ala vodka and fettuccine alfredo also stand out. Gnocchi pasta pairs well with salmon teriyaki.

People are saying

"The thin crust pizza here is super satisfying and flavorful."

"The thin crust pizza here is super satisfying and crispy."

"The homemade mozzarella sticks were super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-friendly with options for kids.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices are generally high, but portions are generous.

03
Al Dente Fresh Pasta Co. image 1

Open kitchen showcases fresh pasta made on-site, creating a casual yet elevated vibe with Old World charm and modern twist. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with a family-friendly setting. Small tables and plastic utensils contrast with the overall warm environment.

Mozzarella sticks come fresh and humongous here, offering a strong presence on the plate. Some find them amazing, while others note a lack of taste in the fried mozzarella.

Fresh pasta comes perfectly cooked, often paired with sauces like pesto or vodka cream. Dishes like cavatelli and penne with grilled chicken and broccoli showcase authentic Italian flavors.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta here is delicious and homemade."

"The fresh pasta here is delicious and melts in your mouth."

"The mozzarella sticks were humongous and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

Parking is free from 6pm onwards.

3

The restaurant does not offer traditional waiter service.

04
Cassie's Restaurant image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious dining area with classic traditional Italian ambiance and floral and brick décor creates a family-style atmosphere. Multiple televisions add a sports bar vibe, making the place lively and sometimes noisy. The small full bar complements the setting, attracting groups who enjoy casual, energetic gatherings.

Mozzarella sticks come with a homemade marinara that has great flavor. Portions include about 16 sticks, which may be small for groups of 4 to 6 people.

Penne vodka stands out with a rich, creamy sauce often paired with blackened chicken. Other pasta options include linguini with clams, carbonara, and spaghetti aglio olio, all prepared with solid flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and came out quick."

"The marinara for the mozzarella sticks tasted homemade and had a great flavor."

"You have to try the penne vodka; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

There is a public parking lot right behind the restaurant with a path to the venue.

2

The restaurant offers family-sized options suitable for large groups.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

05
The Oak House image 1
Restaurant

Wooden interior and homey, country atmosphere create a beautiful, intimate space with a large dining room and bar area. Music and acoustics are extremely loud, often requiring raised voices. Staff are attentive, and the place balances between a sports bar vibe and upscale dining.

Mozzarella sticks contain real cheese and taste fresh without any chemical or frozen aftertaste. They come with a nice sauce and have a typical bar food vibe, rated around 8.9 out of 10 by some.

Only two pasta dishes appear on the menu, focusing on ravioli and lasagna. The pasta cooks al dente, and the burrata served alongside stands out.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and top-notch."

"The mozzarella sticks tasted fresh with a nice sauce."

"You have to try the rigatoni; it's a favorite."

Good to know

1

Reservations are tough to get last minute, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking is recommended due to limited street parking.

3

The menu is limited, with only two pasta dishes available.

06
Nino's Coal Fired Pizza Brick image 1

Italian restaurant offers live singing weekends with a coal fired oven that enhances food flavor. Atmosphere feels like stepping into old Tuscany Italy, creating a fun and lively vibe despite the small space.

Mozzarella sticks stand out with their excellent quality and outstanding flavor. They rank among the best I've ever had.

Homemade pasta stands out with generous portions. The Lobster Ravioli and Penne pasta showcase the quality and care in their dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the coal fired pizza here was excellent."

"The owner Anthony made me feel so welcome."

"The mozzarella sticks here are some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Live music performances occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

2

Expect higher prices for appetizers like mozzarella sticks, which can cost $16.

3

No alcohol is served; guests must bring their own drinks.

07
Gianna's Pizza & Catering image 1

Pizza restaurant offers outdoor seating and a few indoor tables in a simple setup. Atmosphere is casual with no air conditioning, leading to warmth inside on hot days. Known for New York style pizza with crispy crust and fresh toppings, it allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

Mozzarella sticks come super crispy and as large as a hotdog. They are clamped together but often have cheese spilling out, served with a fresh marinara.

Pasta dishes come with mixed qualities. Alfredo pasta lacks flavor, but other pasta options are tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always made to perfection."

"These mozzarella sticks are super crispy and fresh."

"The new owners make the pasta so friendly."

Good to know

1

Outdoor seating is available when the weather is nice.

2

Customers are allowed to bring their own alcohol.

3

Daily specials are offered for families or office staff.

08
Angeloni's Restaurant and Pizzeria image 1

Small, classic Italian restaurant with brick walls and soft yellow lighting creates a cozy, intimate setting. Atmosphere turns noisy and crowded quickly, especially at peak times, with tables placed close together. Known for thin crust pizza with excellent flavor and crunch, offering a genuine Italian vibe.

Fresh and homemade mozzarella sticks stand out here. They come highly recommended and deliver a solid, tasty snack.

Spectacular flavor and texture define the pasta here, with Alfredo standing out. Mini portions let you sample different dishes, and quick service makes it easy to order extra plates for kids.

People are saying

"I loved the thin crust pizza; it had a satisfying crunch."

"I loved the salads; the dressing was delicious."

"The thin crust pizza here is crispy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

The restaurant allows BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

09
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Restaurant offers a relaxed, casual vibe with great music and many windows letting in natural light. Atmosphere suits family and friends gatherings and feels welcoming and comfortable. Food and drinks include well-prepared steaks and mixed drinks, with quick service and affordable prices.

Stretchy cheese stands out in the mozzarella sticks. They come with a combo including boneless wings, quesadillas, and spinach artichoke dip, but some sticks are undercooked.

Shrimp comes cooked just right with creamy, soft pasta. Broccoli and chicken pasta features a rich Alfredo sauce. Three cheese penne pasta includes chicken and offers a delicious flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, thanks to Jeremy."

"The pasta here is delicious and served super quickly."

"Our server Emery was very kind and efficient."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 10 pm until close with half-price appetizers.

2

Applebee's has a promotion for two dinners and one appetizer for $25.

3

Late night happy hour offers great deals for groups at the bar.

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