Spano's Ristorante Italiano

This restaurant is in my top 10 best restaurants ever. BYOB with the some of the largest portions I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The service was fantastic. The calamari is great somewhat of a sweet sauce. The dried meats are amazing. I got the sea food plate all super fresh and cooked to perfection. The chicken all avodka was huge. Fantastic all around and a great value! I was lucky and was able to get in but a reservation is a must here.

We went out to dinner tonight and had such a great experience. We started with a few appetizers — eggplant meatballs and fried flounder — both were excellent. The eggplant meatballs were tender, flavorful, and surprisingly hearty, and the flounder was perfectly crispy without feeling heavy. For my main course, I ordered the chicken parm, and it was exactly what you want from a classic Italian dish — juicy chicken, a rich sauce, and just the right amount of melted cheese. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted fresh. This was not my first time visiting, but it was everyone else’s in our party. They loved it and thought the tiramisu was amazing. Service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere had that cozy, traditional Italian feel that makes you want to linger a little longer. Overall, a really enjoyable meal and one I’d definitely recommend! 🍝🤍

Girlfriend and I were visiting from Dallas and my brother in law made reservations here. So glad he did. We had to wait about 35 minutes after our reservation time but we got a great table and Joe Spano immediately brought over a bunch of appetizers for our wait. It was an incredible display of customer service! Everything tasted great! I ordered the buccatini (Joe's favorite dish) and it was really good! Everyone loved their entrees but no one could finish. There was so much food! We all had an incredible time and totally see why this place is so loved! Highly recommend!

Food is phenomenal. Everything was perfect. Portions are large and quality is amazing. Joe and his staff really care about what they do and it shows. Probably the best meal and service I have ever had at a restaurant. I will definitely be back.

My family has been lucky enough to try Spano’s years ago and my parents have gone back EVERY week since. There is a reason for that - hostesses and waitresses that make you feel like family, AMAZING Italian food with portions that will keep you full for a week, and most of all Joe Spano himself. He personally greets every table and makes it well known that he is happy you decided to share your meal with him and the rest of his crew, doing what he clearly loves! Please do yourself a favor and check out Spano’s…. I promise you will not regret it. Seriously the best Italian food!!

If you’re in Point Pleasant and craving hearty Italian food, Spano’s Ristorante Italiano is the spot locals will point you to and for good reason. It is a beloved neighborhood favorite that serves up huge portions of authentic, flavorful Italian dishes at a very fair price. The pasta dishes are outstanding, fresh, perfectly cooked, and paired with sauces that taste like they came straight out of an Italian kitchen. The appetizers are just as impressive, with plenty of options that are great for sharing at the table. Between the portion sizes and the quality, you are guaranteed to leave full and likely with a takeout container in hand. The atmosphere is warm and lively with that classic Italian family restaurant feel. The service is attentive and friendly, and even when the place is packed, the staff keeps things moving with efficiency and a smile. If there is one area where Spano’s falls a little short, it is the desserts. The chocolate cannoli and cheesecake were fine, but compared to the rest of the meal, they did not stand out. Honestly, you are better off indulging in another round of pasta or appetizers instead. Overall, Spano’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. It is a place where you get massive portions of delicious, homestyle Italian food for a moderate price. Just go hungry, skip dessert, and enjoy everything else this local favorite has to offer.

The complimentary appetizers were a nice touch. The eggplant meatballs were sweet and very tasty. The pasta sauce was OK. The Cesar salad needed some acidity. It was dressed and salted well and had grated cheese, but lacked lemon juice or vinegar for acidity. Our dinners were great portion sizes. The seafood Fri Diavlo was tasty but for medium pepper heat, it was actually sweet and lacked hot pepper spice. The flounder oreganatta was huge, buttery and tasty. It was topped over a mound of spinach, which was nice but could have been more garlicky. Overall, the meal was very good and service was excellent.

The service was awesome and the people who worked our table gave us special attention as they did bring everything to the table hot and fast! The servings were amazing a family style large!! Our meal was delicious with great flavor. We had appetizers, salad, entree and dessert. Many thanks to the staff that works so hard for the community.

Holy moly!!! I'm from NY and this place takes me back home!!! So damn delicious, so authentic. I will never order from any where else!! Service was awesome! Food was even better!!!!

Spano's lives up to the hype, fantastic authentic Italian restaurant, took 4 months to get a reservation and Wowza this restaurant is amazing. The owner/head chef Joseph Spano, is cooking all the traditional dishes your Grandparents were cooking when you were a kid back in the 60's. Everything is high quality and fresh ingredients. It's also BYOB and that works perfectly for all the guests dining here. Two outstanding dishes are the Sunday Gravy Every day is Sunday at Spano's! Enjoy Italian sweet Sausage, homemade meatball, veal meatball, spicy sausage meatball and homemade pork braciole, simmered in marinara served over fresh rigatoni, other is the giant veal chop parmigiana, one of the best. Homemade dessert's, best Italian cheesecake, this is the one my grandmother made... same exact taste. Highly recommend, a true winner

Spano's certainly does not need another 5 star Yelp review (and it might make it more difficult for me to get a table) but they definitely deserve it. Simply EXCELLENT! The restaurant is rather small, a few rooms, so one must make a reservation. We made one for two for 530 pm on a Wednesday in late October and upon arrival discovered the place full. As soon as tables became vacant, they were cleaned and new diners sat down. Unfortunately, we were placed in what I would call the main room which was noisy with conversations and tables too close together. Some of the other tables are situated in quieter areas. The service is superb. Several people came to our table, starting with "Hi, I'm Joe Spano, I have something for you to get you started" and he gives us a small appetizer (mozzarella with spinach and artichoke breaded and fried). We ordered a tasty appetizer of 3 Crab Cakes, $24. Dinners come with soup or salad, we got one house salad and one Caesar salad, both good. For entrees, as usual, we both ordered fish. The Salmon Paesano, $37, was stuffed with crab meat over spinach with a choice of side. Delicious and large portion. The Seafood Fra Diavolo, $46, was probably the best presentation of this dish I have ever eaten. One can order hot, medium, or sweet (I chose medium). The seafood was so fresh: lobster tail, shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, and calamari sautéed in a wonderful red seafood sauce over homemade pasta. Huge portion and simply the best! We had no room for dessert (in fact, took parts of our entrees home). Oh, I almost forgot another reason to dine here - it is a BYOB. So, make a reservation, bring a bottle of red or bottle of white depends upon your mood tonight, and enjoy!

If you're in Point Pleasant and craving hearty Italian food, Spano's Ristorante Italiano is the spot locals will point you to and for good reason. It is a beloved neighborhood favorite that serves up huge portions of authentic, flavorful Italian dishes at a very fair price. The pasta dishes are outstanding, fresh, perfectly cooked, and paired with sauces that taste like they came straight out of an Italian kitchen. The appetizers are just as impressive, with plenty of options that are great for sharing at the table. Between the portion sizes and the quality, you are guaranteed to leave full and likely with a takeout container in hand. The atmosphere is warm and lively with that classic Italian family restaurant feel. The service is attentive and friendly, and even when the place is packed, the staff keeps things moving with efficiency and a smile. If there is one area where Spano's falls a little short, it is the desserts. The chocolate cannoli and cheesecake were fine, but compared to the rest of the meal, they did not stand out. Honestly, you are better off indulging in another round of pasta or appetizers instead. Overall, Spano's is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. It is a place where you get massive portions of delicious, homestyle Italian food for a moderate price. Just go hungry, skip dessert, and enjoy everything else this local favorite has to offer.

I've been coming here for years and spanos is hands down the best Italian restaurant on the jersey shore. I absolutely love it here. The service is always fantastic. The vibes are old Italian restaurant. The owners always come out and remember you. The food is great and you will never have a bad meal here. And to top it off the portion sizes leave you food for days. There is nothing that they need to change about this place and I pray they never do.

Spanos is the kind of place that immediately makes you feel like part of the family. From the moment we sat down, the service was warm and welcoming, and even Chef Joe himself came out to greet the tables -- such a personal touch! We started with their classic tomatoes and garlic bread along with the eggplant "meatballs," and it was the perfect way to kick off the night. The flavors were so fresh and comforting, and the free apps they bring out really make the whole experience feel special. For mains, we went with Joe's Favorite Pasta and the vodka with burrata. Both were absolutely delicious -- rich, perfectly balanced, and super filling. The portions are generous, so come hungry (and maybe be ready to take home leftovers). It's also BYOB, which is such a nice bonus, and the staff really encourages you to settle in, enjoy, and make the evening your own. Between the incredible food, the cozy atmosphere, and the hospitality, it's easy to see why Spanos has such a loyal following. If you're in Point Pleasant, this is a must-visit -- just be sure to make a reservation because the word is definitely out on how good this spot is!

Spano's 719 Arnold Ave. Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 Vodka Chicken Parmesan And Full Length Video Reel I previously posted about this restaurant. I vowed to return for the sister entrée and a live video shoot! Vodka Chicken Parmesan: The serving size of this main entrée was so large that both plates aligned next to each other reached both ends of the table. The two cutlets were smothered in creamy vodka sauce with a bacon strip hidden beneath. The thin coating of melted mozzarella cheese along with the basil leaf was the backbone to this plate. #spanos #spanosristoranteitaliano #vodkachickenparmesan #pointpleasantnj #cornpasta #EggplantBalls #foodreview #familyownedbusiness #byob #ReservationOnly #njfoodie #foodstagram #localspotst

We heard about this place from a Facebook group raving about their chicken parm, and when I checked Yelp, it seemed to be the perfect place! We've been looking for great restaurants around here since I just moved from Northern NJ. Saturday night we arrived a few minutes early and were seated immediately. It's a really cute place, but it was incredibly loud. We could barely hear each other across our small table. We were greeted by the chef, and were given a couple of free appetizers. The eggplant balls were delicious, but the corn salad, not so much. Nothing Italian about it, and it was more like a dish brought to a picnic potluck. The special of fried squash blossoms was just okay. Filling was bland but sauce was good. Clams casino were not so great. Salads were good, but they brought out our hot appetizers before we even finished our salads! I ordered the veal chop Valdostana. He ordered the pasta Franco. The pasta with my meal (rigatoni) was hard, thick, and probably the worst pasta I have ever experienced in any restaurant. For a place that advertises home made pasta, it was a complete disappointment. The veal was good, and the sauce was delicious! His dish was good, but not great. Portions are huge, but we'd prefer smaller portions of better quality. Desserts didn't really entice us, so we ended the meal with cappuccinos. We had lots of leftovers. Pasta leftovers sadly went in the trash. The veal leftovers were reheated and it was pretty good. Sorry that this review disagrees with most of the others, but for a restaurant with appetizers in the $20+ range and entrees in the $35-$50+ range, we definitely can't recommend it. We really wanted to love it.

This is some of the best Italian food I've had in my life and I've been to Italy and all over. The food is always perfectly cooked, top notch quality, served piping hot, and giant portions!! One plate is 3-4 meals for me and I get excited to eat the leftovers. Their fettuccine alla Franco is a standout. Fresh wide noodles are drenched in a creamy red sauce and it's stuffed with tons of giant juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp, tender chicken chunks and mushrooms galore. Top it with the Parmesan cheese from the table and get ready for your eyes to roll in the back of your head! The eggplant rollotini has the thinnest slices of eggplant wrapped around a giant mass of fluffy ricotta cheese and topped with marinara sauce. They are bursting to hold all the cheese inside! It's served with a side (we got broccoli rabe for a $6 upcharge). Broccoli rabe is slightly bitter, earthy and packed with garlic slices and a generous 1/2 of a lemon to squeeze on top. Previous visit I had a seafood pasta and chicken Parmesan that were also fabulous and huge. They serve you complimentary appetizers like meatballs or eggplant polenta balls, salad (Jersey tomatoes and basil or fresh corn and tomatoes and cucumbers) and fresh baked bread with fresh chopped garlic and olive oil AND entrees come with a choice of soup or Caesar or house salad. All of these things are fresh and flavorful. Their Caesar dressing is addictive!! The service is warm and attentive. The owner comes around and greets his guests and shares that classic Italian hospitality and love of life and food. I love him!!! I don't live in Jersey anymore but when I'm here this is a must stop. It's the meal I can't stop thinking about until I return. 100/10 I highly recommend!

Truly a 5 star dining experience. The food speaks for itself but the hospitality makes it extra special. The staff was kind and attentive and the owner makes it a point to greet you at the table and in passing, making you feel like family. The complimentary starters were a tomato salad and Polpettine di Melanzane, both delicious and set the tone for the wonderful dishes to follow. We were a large party and shared the garlic shrimp, Zucchini Flowers on special and the meatball sampler. For entree I had the Mafalde con Gamberi which I cannot rave about enough. Portion sizes are large and can be shared. Every dish was packed with flavor and prepared to perfection. Counting down the days til our next reservation.

Finally made it to Spano's. Tough reservation that takes planning, unless you don't mind getting seated at 8:00p. Restaurant is vibrant to say the least. A full house enjoying the comfortable setting, wine (BYOB), and massive portions of delicious Italian food. Service was friendly; we never felt rushed despite the crowd. House bread with garlic & oil dipping sauce arrived first as we waited for our Sangiovese to be opened. Next came two generous amuse bouche appetizers; eggplant meatballs and a rustic cheesy/saucy pizza bread. Both were incredible. Our entree orders were taken and we all opted for the house salad & dressing. Portion was large and produce fresh. Huge entrees came next; chicken parm w/vodka sauce, veal parm, and chicken franchise. Entrees came with a side of penne with vodka sauce, peas, and crispy prosciutto . Side pasta was enough for a meal alone. You can see why this place is incredibly popular. The $35 average cost of dinner that includes apps, salad, entree, and a side is a screaming deal. Especially considering the quality of the food and portions large enough for 2-3 meals. We will be back to enjoy several new entree items next visit.

We decided to do to go here and were impressed with their takeout value. The portions were huge. We enjoyed everything we got with the potato and shishito peppers being a standout. The pork chop was still so tender after being transferred. This place is old school and only takes reservations over the phone which is then written down in a book. Next time we will for sure have to plan ahead to try their chicken parm fresh.

Back to Spano's just about a year to the day from our first visit. But this time, we all wanted to try different dishes (it was all about the chicken parmigiana on our last visit). I went with the Seafood Fra Diavolo, my wife ordered the shrimp parmigiana, and my Mother In Law had the lasagna. Complimentary appetizers were outstanding again, everything was on point. I was very happy with my meal, but I felt my wife's shrimp parmigiana was the winner of the night, it was a Homer Run. Super generous portion sizes also, my Mother In Law brought over her half of her lasagna home. Stellar service again, the staff at Spano's is A#1. This classic "Old School" Italian restaurant is as good as it gets, I can't heap enough praise about our experiences at Spano's, the place is Top Notch in my book.

Spanos' in Point Pleasant was excellent! For starters We had zucchini flowers and three complimentary appetizers, pasta, eggplant balls and Tomato Onion salad, everything was delicious. To top it off, Joe Spano himself came over to introduce himself, which made the experience even more special. We had too many entrees to list but all were happy and we had our own private room! Awesome!!! Oh and ten of us dined with dessert bill was $500 including tax and tip!!!!! That's right $50 per person! Amazing next reservation November so book now !!!!! They are that busy and that good!

Normally for my birthday, my wife makes me chicken parmigiana, my favorite. But this year, I decided to do something a little different. Go out for chicken parmigiana! I read a review raving that Spano's did an amazing chicken parm, so that was the pick, and did not disappoint! The owner, Joe Spano, greeted and welcomed us before sending out 2 appetizers on the house. We brought a bottle of wine since it's BYO. The chicken parmigiana potion was HUGE, so we each brought home a full meal. However, we saved room for dessert and shared their olive oil cake with fresh whipped cream. Amazing and went perfectly with fresh brewed coffee. Such a cool throwback type restaurant, so gladded we tried it!

If you're visiting Point Pleasant, you need to come eat here, plain and simple! You're going to need a reservation and would recommend doing so in advance to make sure you get the date and time slot you want! It's also BYOB. We came here on a Thursday evening for a specific occasion we were celebrating, so we got seated in their private dining area in the back (think small room decorated with posters of Frank Sinatra and whiskey bottles with a circular booth). The service was absolutely phenomenal from start to finish- numerous complimentary appetizers (including sun dried tomato pasta and pizza bread) and a vegetarian friendly menu. You can't go wrong with any of their pasta dishes here!

Dinner with friends who described Spano's as " ...one of my bucket list restaurants because they have the best chicken parm in New Jersey" My elevator pitch after eating at Spano's: The chicken parm is good, pasta is fresh and likely more of an attraction, and the portions are huge. 2 large slices of thick chicken cutlets. Cooked perfectly, moist & tender. I had 3 smaller meals from my entree leftovers. But, in the end, it's still just chicken parm and no way better than my mom's - God rest her soul. IMO, my friend over-sold Spano's. I probably would have enjoyed my meal better without the lofty expectations. With his build-up and the summer rush to get a reservation a few weeks in advance, the experience had a high bar to meet. Too high. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my meal. My chicken Carmela is basically a chicken parm with slices of eggplant and a handful of sliced mushrooms between the cheese and the meat. For me, the eggplant worked, but, the mushrooms didn't. Next time, I would just get the plain chicken parm, or more likely just get one of the fresh pasta dishes. Ideally, in the off season to avoid the crowds and game of reservations tag phone calls.

So good- worth the hype. Make a reservation over a month in advance! Portions were huge and I loved that the entrees came with a side of past

Staff, food and service was great !!! Will be back. Took a lot of food home with us and had leftovers for the next day.

I enjoyed my anniversary dinner with my family at Spano's Reservations are a must Plenty of street parking available Old school red sauce Italian with the wood paneling and pictures on the wall BYOB. Packed house on a Wednesday night. Service was very good but I felt the dinner was rushed. I would have liked the meal to be spread out a bit more. You are greeted with water for the table and Italian bread, pizza bread and their eggplant meatballs before you order. Wonderful touch. I ordered the Spedini alla Romano which was ok, freshly made, the sauce was thicker than I am accustomed to but the flavors were there. I would skip it next time and try a different appetizer. The Vodka Chicken Parm was huge and had layers of Prosciutto and fresh melted mozzarella which was excellent. The veal parmigiana was a large portion with 3 large cutlets, very good as was the chicken parmigiana. We did not have dessert. I will return and ask the waiter to give us some time between courses.

Amazing all around. Between the mini apps prior to dinner. The soup, salad and bread. Calamari was good. Chicken parm was great and so was the chicken francese. A must go to. Service is friendly and attentive. Decor is great and takes you back in time.

Spanos Italian Restaurant - A Beloved Jersey Shore Gem If you're looking for old-school Italian comfort food served with heart and heritage, look no further than Spanos Italian Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach. This iconic spot has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike -- and after just one visit, it's easy to see why they've earned a spot on the Best Italian Restaurants in NJ list. We kicked things off with a variety of small plates that were as comforting as they were flavorful. The lemon orzo was bright and refreshing, while the eggplant meatballs and veal osso bucco rice balls were rich, tender, and bursting with old-world flavor. On a chilly May evening, the pasta fagioli warmed us from the inside out -- the perfect bowl of soul-soothing soup. The Caesar salad stood out thanks to its bold, creamy dressing, and the stuffed artichoke was exactly what you'd hope for from a traditional Italian kitchen: hearty, garlicky, and unforgettable. Then came the entrees -- and wow, were they generous. The chicken scarpariello, marinated for three days, was so tender it was practically falling off the bone. The flounder oreganata was delicately cooked and beautifully crisped with that signature oreganata crust. We also enjoyed pillowy ravioli, the ultra-popular chicken parm, and a nostalgic plate of spaghetti and meatballs that tasted like nonna made it. To top off the evening, we toasted with homemade Sambucca shots and indulged in dessert. The cheesecake was rich and creamy, but it was the olive oil cake that stole the show -- I'm still dreaming about it, especially that cloud-like homemade whipped cream on the side. As if the experience couldn't get any better, Spanos has a merch shop next door where you can grab a souvenir or represent your favorite Italian spot in style. You can also bring a taste of Spanos home by picking up their incredible sauce, sold at Delicious Orchards. Spanos isn't just a restaurant -- it's a tradition. Once you go, you'll find yourself longing to return again and again. It's everything we love about classic Italian dining in New Jersey -- and then some. The service is top notch and so attentive - Joe Spano personally visits each table and his warm personal is so welcoming and inviting.

Spano's is hands down the best italian restaurant in the state. They treat you like family and the food is just out of this world. You literally cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, from homemade pasta to fresh daily specials, and in house made desserts- you will never leave Spano's hungry. The portions are extremely generous, be prepared to have some leftovers to take home and enjoy the next day. I would highly recommend the shrimp molly, any of the parm meals (shrimp parm, chicken parm, veal parm) and the olive oil cake. All of the entrees come with either a soup or salads and fresh homemade pasta. The restaurant itself is a great vibe, you really feel like family when you're here. I truly could not recommend this place more. If you are ever in the state, you need to make your way down to Spano's. Other things to know: Spano's is BYOB and reservation only.

Service, food, ambiance all was perfect! A great Italian restaurant for any age and event

Old-fashioned Italian food, approved by my very particular mother from Brooklyn. The staff was accommodating and efficient, and the owner Joe Spano is as welcoming and warm as they come. A signature three complimentary appetizers showcases the generosity of the restaurant, and is just a classy touch with some creative dishes. The pasta fagioli soup had a richness from a cream added to the tomato broth, which is full of homemade pasta. Then the veal parmigiana tasted like a homemade cutlet, seasoned nicely with egg and breadcrumb. There is a premium mozzarella atop, and the red sauce is balanced extremely well. Spano's lets patrons choose from various styles for their side pasta, and the rigatoni alla vodka is a Southern Jersey style of peas and pancetta. The rigatoni itself were thick, textured, and cooked al dente. A bread pudding topping off the meal was large, filling, full of flavor from golden raisins and Nutella, and the house-made whipped cream is the perfect accompaniment to the desserts. "Buona fortuna," indeed.

I'd like to give a 4.5 First , Kelly was so nice! She made us feel right at home celebrating our 37th anniversary. Outstanding server which really made a difference. The couples to our left and right were celebrating their's as well ! This is truly an extensive menu honoring Italy . Leonardo DaVinci and Michelangelo would be proud! I recommend sharing dishes, or bring home half your meal! Big portions. Homemade pasta and great sauce,you can't go wrong. ‍‍

I came here with a large party of 8. The service was great and we were sat in almost our own private room with only one other party. As soon as we sat down, we were given complimentary appetizers including a really yummy French onion pasta, and fresh bread and olive oil dipping, and pizza bread. We also got these very dense eggplant meatballs that were dense and not so great. Then, we got house and Caesar salads that were fresh and tasty, but over dressed. Finally, the main courses are ridiculously enormous! These were very hit or miss. The butternut squash and also classic gnocchi were large, dense, doughy, and not good. The ravioli, seafood fiesta, and lobster cavatappi were very tasty. The chicken Zia Carmela was tasty, but had too much cheese. For dessert, the chocolate covered cannoli was very crisp and the filling was light and lemony and the tartufo was good. The cappuccinos were also perfection. The tiramisu was missing the coffee flavor it should have. Overall, very mixed reviews.

Again! This is such a nice Italian restaurant- at home atmosphere. You need a reservation even off season. Service is spectacular! Food came pretty fast, too. We always have a doggy bag since portions are more than generous - my husband got seafood fra diavolo- as usual ! Huge lobster tail tops the dish off. He eats it for at least two days. I got arancini w a house salad. Byob. Home made pasta :) Free parking in lot across the street -

I have so many great things to say that if I wrote everything, it would be way too long for anyone to read! I will say I got warm bread with garlic and olive oil to start & not 1 but TWO complimentary appetizers (I think the owner always does this but changes it up... We had Pizza bread and eggplant meatballs), the staff and owner are the nicest people & THE FOOD IS SO FRESH AND UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS. The portion sizes are hugeeeee and every order comes with a soup which changes depending on the day or salad. Lucky for me the soup of the day was lobster bisque and it was to die for!!! My dish was the Tre Madre, every bite was so good, I couldn't believe it. My friend had the penne vodka which she absolutely loved. You have to try this place for yourself. While we were there, there were people calling to make reservations for Septemberrrrr so if you're going on a weekend try to call in and reserve before hand. I went on a Monday and had dinner without a reservation. Almost forgot... I also got a dessert which I didn't have space for but somehow managed to finish because it was so good.. 100 stars from me!

Amazing food! We had the Seafood Fest pasta dish and the Salumi & Formaggio board. Delish!!!

It is very difficult for us to put into words just how wonderful the authentic Italian creations (in large bountiful positions) of Joe Spano truly are! As I've mentioned in past reviews, my wife Marie never (in 34 years) wanted to eat Italian food out, given her own grandmother's and mother's recipes handed-down to her. Then, a few years back, during our frequent visits to PPB, we were lucky enough to arrive at the front door of the BEST Italian food fine restaurant on the Northeast coast, in NJ, and including where we currently are from (NYC Staten Island!) Again, I am a wordy fellow, and we are both quite the foodies, however, nothing in our extensive food travels out together even holds a candle to Joe Spano's of PPB on 719 Arnold Avenue. When we visit PPB, with hopes in 3 or 4 years of retiring in the area, we ensure that we have made pre-visit reservations of at least 3 evenings during our 7 to 12 day stay. The only thing is we need to scatter said reservations to alternate every other day or two, otherwise we shall surely explode! (But what a way to go!:) The portions are huge, without sacrificing any small measure of quality or traditional flavor blends that Joe has brought to this wonderful place, along with his talented son, Frankie, from years past of historic regional delights. The service is outstanding as well, with a hard-working team of employees that do all that they can to make every dining experience top-notch and unforgettable! His pasta is all homemade, fresh, and with a blend of incredible sauces and flavors that just make every bite heavenly. They are food artists, creating masterpieces that are memorable. We eat a portion of every dish and then pack-up intentional leftovers to enjoy the next day! His seafood is fresh and flavorful beyond measure in a seafood focused town with lots of restaurants, but none better. His steaks, chops, seasonal Specials are all worth exploring. We are NEVER disappointed and again, we've visited and order extensively a myriad of times. Our recent, latest visit, was combined July 4th and for my Birthday. They showered us with great and welcoming hospitality, including sone very special items like the crab cake stuffed mushrooms, the tender zucchini flowers filled with sweet ricotta and seared golden brown with his incredible marinara sauce. Once more, my Marie always had to have her own marinara till she discovered what a sauce wizard Joe and his team are! His baked Manicotti, rigatoni, penne vodka, Spano's Feast, etc, are all some of the very best possible fresh pasta offerings anywhere. Even his desserts are homemade and fanominal, you haven't had Italian cheesecake or traditional olive oil cake, till you have tasted the Spano version! As I write this, my palate is awaiting out next visit before heading home.

First time to Spano's, i have heard good things from others. I must say I was blown away by the food quality, taste and presentation. The service from waitress to house staff was friendly, efficient and professional. The portions are huge and the quality and freshness of pasta , vegetables, meats and seafood were amazingly fresh. They are one of the best 'Old School Italian' restaurants in the entire area. The place is always full but the staff runs efficiently. So happy I got a reservation so quickly. Going to make this my go to place! The place is a charming reflection of local italian restaurants of the 1960's

I had a great visit here for my birthday. The staff is so friendly and inviting. They really make you feel like you are welcomed. The food is incredible and the portions are big enough for multiple meals. First they brought out complimentary appetizers, eggplant meatballs & pizza bread. Both really good. The owner also came out and greeted us and everyone, even though it was packed and crazy busy. You can tell how much love and effort is put into this place. For appetizers we got the spicy calamari. It was delicious, but it was a huge portion for only 2 of us so we did get it wrapped. I also love that all entrees come with a soup or salad. I opted for the Caesar. For my entree I had the vodka chicken parm with a side of rigatoni vodka. Incredible. The chicken was crispy and tender, and the sauce was fabulous. Homemade pasta was amazing too. My fiancé got the seafood ravioli and was very happy with it. Finished off with a nice cappuccino. We will be back!

Finally made it here and was so worth the wait! Joe Spano immediately greeted us at our table, introduce himself and then brought out some complimentary appetizers...the tomato salad was some of the best I've ever eaten..eggplant balls were amazing as well..caesar salad was dressed well and clams casino were excellent.. ordered the veal chop parm..it was huge and delicious...can't wait to return!

How what a great dinner it was amazing I had a huge portion of lobster diavolo it was insane. Lobster tail mussels clams scallops shrimp with linguine and a spicy marinara . They give you so much for free before. Wife had the cod special she loved it. Parking on street. Have to make reservations. Place is packed at 4 pm. If in the area there's no where else to eat.

Do BETTER JOE!!! While you were away, your hostesses were RUDE! While we were waiting to be seated, (with a reservation) they sat many other tables before us, so my brother in-law asked what was happening? ...45 minutes after our reservation,the hostesses were talking badly about us right in front of us. Finally, we were seated and she slammed down our menus on the table, WITHOUT ANY APOLOGY at all. Then came the food catastrophe!!! The chicken franCHEESE had what looked like velveeta (being in the restaurant industry FOR YEARS, this is an EMBARRASSMENT!!!) Then came the FOOD ALLERGY ISSUES!!! Placed a salad with non gluten free dressing in front of the ONE person with celiac disease, which would've ended in a hospital visit.!!! As New York Italians, we are NEVER coming back here. So much for giving this a try. BYOB IS A MUST..it must be short for Bring Your Own BARF bag!

Top notch Italian, from bread to entrée s. The meal started with eggplant fritters, on the house, and they were delicious. The owner (Joe Spano) checks on everyone personally every so aften, which really impressed me. I Ordered a Caesar salad, which was excellent, and the wife had corn chowder, which was very very good. * My Entrée chicken parm , very good * Wife's entree stuffed flounder, very good, however it wasnt exactly her thing. She regrets not ordering Francaise or Parm. No reflection on the restaurant, it was very good. Pasta sides with vodka sauce, excellent. And a piece of Olive Oil Cake for desert was on the house as well. Very good, lemony with a sklight hint of olive. We will return absolutley.

Food was very good for the most part. Love that they bring a few appetizers on the house. Those were excellent. Had the chicken parm vodka style. Didn't care for the vodka sauce. Felt like pizzeria style not homemade Italian Service was great outside our waiter who was obnoxious

We had an exceptional meal from start to finish. As soon as we were seated, our server promptly arrived to introduce herself and open our wine. Shortly after, Joe Spano himself stopped by to greet us and let us know appetizers (on the house) were on the way--what a personal touch! Within minutes, three delightful dishes arrived: pizza bread, cavatappi with spinach and breadcrumbs in a rich, flavorful sauce, and eggplant meatballs in a perfectly balanced tomato sauce with just a hint of sweetness. Every bite was delicious! Since Spano's pasta is made fresh daily, I couldn't resist ordering more for my entrée. I went with the Pasta Tre Madre--a symphony of flavors featuring generous chunks of lobster, chicken, prosciutto, and shrimp, all sautéed with artichoke hearts and mushrooms in a creamy pink sauce over linguine. It was, hands down, one of the best pasta dishes I've ever tasted. My husband ordered the Seafood Fiesta, which had a similar theme with shrimp, scallops, lump crab meat, and plum tomatoes in a light cream sauce over angel hair pasta. He loved his dish just as much as I loved mine! And the best part--we had plenty of leftovers to savor for the next couple of nights. Our friends ordered the fall-off-the-bone Osso Buco with creamy polenta and the Chicken Parmigiana, both of which were equally impressive and perfectly prepared. Everything came with a choice of soup or salad, and we also shared a side of broccoli rabe, which was tender and tasty, though a tad salty. To top off the meal, we shared the Nutella bread pudding for dessert, served with ice cream. It was indulgent, decadent, and just the right size for the four of us. We practically licked the bowl clean--it's definitely a dessert worth craving! The atmosphere here is lively and inviting, with a charming, old-school Italian vibe. The walls are adorned with family and patron photos that give the space a cozy, nostalgic feel. We made our reservation three months in advance, and I can confidently say it was well worth the wait!

Spano's is absolutely incredible. The portions are insane and the ingredients are top-notch quality. What really sets them apart is how creative they are with Italian American classics, and how well executed their core menu is also I've had their Seafood Fiesta, Chicken Parm, Pasta Tre Madre, Calamari, and Shrimp Molly, and every single one was among the best of its category that I've ever had. The Shrimp Molly was so good that I left with a jar of the Molly sauce from their gift shop--spicy, garlic, and basil flavoring that's just phenomenal. If you're in the area, this place is a must-visit.

Was very nervous it Spanos wouldn't live up to the hype, but it absolutely does! The chicken parm they're known for was as good as I've heard. My party all enjoyed every appetizers and entree. Tables were a bit tight, but if that's the only complaint you can come up with you're doing pretty good. Definitely recommend Spanos

I really have no idea where all the rave reviews are coming from. This is a typical, old school, Jersey red sauce joint and not in a good way. The menu is huge, which is the first clue that they may be overreaching. We were seated on the covered patio out back which was nice. They brought out a complimentary amuse bouche courtesy of Joe Spano who I assume is the owner. It was some eggplant meatballs in sauce. They were fine. The complimentary bread was good and they served it with a dish of olive oil mixed with garlic and oregano. That was a nice touch. For my entree I ordered the veal parm with a side of potato croquettes and a Caesar salad. The salad was only ok. The veal was a little tough and the sauce was mid. Not terrible, but not the best tasting. It was kind of one dimensional. My daughter ordered the gnocchi and it wasn't good. Again, basic, boring sauce. She says the frozen Trader Joe's we get at home is better. My husband ordered the lasagna and said it was also only ok. The service was friendly. But this meal was not worth the $100 we paid for it. The only upside was that the portions were HUGE.

Spanos is an absolutely awesome restaurant! From the service to the food to the sambuca at the end of the meal this place checks every box. The portions are so big you will always have lunch the next day and the food is great. The Lobster Cavatoppi pasta dish is loaded with lobster and we get it every time we come

LOVED THIS PLACE! First of all welcomed immediately by the owner, so humble and respectful! You recieve free apps to try as soon as you sit, as well as being greeted by amazing staff! Super clean, well decorated place, and the food was great. I loved our server Joe and he guided us right through the menu. Just heads up it's BYOB, we'll know for next time!

We were there about a week ago for my wife's birthday. The staff were excellent and friendly. The FREE appetizers were delicious as were the dinners. I had the chicken parm. (Delicious) We had some specific needs for our gluten free guests and they accompanied us with pleasure. Will definitely be back!

After reading so much about Spano's online, I was very eager to try this restaurant out over the winter season. We were able to secure reservations for early January about three weeks ago. Upon arrival, we were seated and served complimentary apps, water, crunchy bread and garlicky olive oil with no time at all. The service is top notch. Each member of staff is attentive, polite and friendly. Joe Spano came over to greet our party immediately, making us feel welcome. We got additional apps, calamari and the spiedini, both were fantastic. We were full after the apps but I still thoroughly enjoyed the seafood fra diavolo. The seafood portions are extremely generous compared to similar restaurants/prices. My fiancé enjoyed his chicken parm too which was big enough for three meals. I can't wait to come back and dine again. Thank you Mr.Spano and team for a wonderful evening!

Excellent Italian food and service Walked in, sat down a lot of complementary dishes, came out for appetizers very professional

We hadn't been back to Spano's in years. Based on the rave reviews, we decided to go back and celebrate a couple of birthdays. The restaurant was packed- that didn't come as a surprise. What did come as a surprise was the several hiccups and faux pas coming from the kitchen. At least the service was friendly. Appetizers Grilled octopus- if it wasn't for the chewy octopus, it would have been excellent Entrees- Chilean sea bass- the portion was small and looked like a poor piece of flesh. Should not have left the kitchen that way Gnocchi - it looked like it had sat for a bit Chicken Parmesan- served tepid and sauce was average Butternut squash ravioli- kitchen forgot this entree so we all waited to eat. When it came out- it was undercooked Mafalde pasta w shrimp - this was delicious - no complaints Dessert Cannoli - cream was very off- did not attempt to eat Gelato- average I hate to even write this as I understand restaurants have "off nights" once in a while. To his credit, Joe Spano did acknowledge our issues. He gave our friends a gift certificate and it was appreciated. Unfortunately, 4 out of the 6 entrees fell short along with the other issues. They will continue on very well without us.

Friends of ours have talked up Spanos for years so we had to see what the hype was about and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The restaurant has a warm inviting atmosphere! Joe Spano himself came over to welcome us! The food was amazingly well done and the service was great! We had to wait a while to get a table, but it was well worth it! Can't wait to go back!