Augustino's

This place is a Hoboken institution and a throwback to the good old days of cash only and family owned Italian joints in Jersey. Service is great and the vibe is too. The table is hard to get but if you call they usually have some last minute cancellations or tables earlier in the night. You can also try to sit at the bar. The food, is classic red sauce options. I must admit though was a little disappointed in everything but the shrimp in garlic and wine sauce, which was sublime. We also had the pork chop, chicken parm, chicken piccata, meatballs , and carbonara.

Review for Augustino’s – Disappointing First Impressions That Matter Bottom line: We were foodies that came far to visit. We did not like how you were saying it, how you were laughing — it was weird! Unfortunately, our experience at Augustino’s was not welcoming. As first-time walk-in guests, we were surprised by the cold and somewhat intimidating reception from the front staff. While I understand every business has its policies, how they’re communicated matters just as much as the rules themselves. The approach taken came off as harsh and uninviting rather than informative or friendly. It might help if a more approachable staff member—perhaps someone with a naturally warm demeanor—handled guest interactions. First impressions shape the entire visit, and this one set a negative tone before we even sat down. Also, the policy around card vs. cash payments felt unnecessarily rigid. A small discount for cash-paying customers might ease that, but better still would be clarity and kindness when explaining these rules upfront. We walked quite a distance to try this place, so the letdown was more than just minor. A bit more hospitality and flexibility could really go a long way—especially for new visitors. Feedback like this may seem small, but over time, repeated experiences like ours will affect the restaurant’s reputation across platforms.

Best Italian restaurant in Hoboken! I called a week in advance and got a 5:30 reservation on a Monday. The ladies that work here are very sweet and helpful! Can’t wait to go back. The gnocchi bolognese was our favorite and we inhaled Buddy’s lasagna. Don’t miss the ice box cake for dessert.

Food - average. Service - we arrived for a 6:30 reservation - our wedding anniversary, I sat down, then was asked to move to a different table - all while my husband was parking the car. He walked in at 6:45. At this time we were told we couldn't order anything on the bone/ sauteed on the bone because we were late and wouldn't have time. We were rushed to order everything else. At the end - we were done 15 min early. It was the most unpleasant, sit down, big important date celebration I have ever experienced.

Wow. Phenomenal in every way. Denise, the bartender, would warrant the 5 star review alone. This was right out of a movie and the food was impressive. The seafood salad was a surprise hit.

Went there for the first time for my wife's birthday tonight. It was like it was our regular Friday night place. We felt like it was home, except the food was so much better. Outstanding!!! If there were 5 more stars, I'd fill them all in. Hands down, one of the best dining experiences we've had. I can't wait to go back.

This place is amazing - very delicious food, very nice ambience and vibe. It is quite small so you should make a reservation in advance - walk ins can be difficult simply because there isn’t much space. The food is absolutely amazing - definitely check it out!

I can’t believe that I lived in Hoboken for 10+ years without ever going here. It’s fantastic. The second I walked though the door, I knew by the aromas in the dining room, I was in for a night of good food. We (thankfully) got to taste everyone’s dishes and everything was exceptional. Veal picatta, chicken parm, lamb chops and GIANT veal chops were all so flavorful and well prepared. We also had the juiciest meatballs and the calamari (and its tomato sauce) was the best I’ve ever had. Great servers with sass! Make a rez and go.