Il Nido

Surprised my wife and took her here for her birthday after saying we needed to try it for a year. And it absolutely did not disappoint! We could not have had a better experience and can’t wait to go back. The setting, the service, the wine, the food, was everything we could have hoped for and left extremely satisfied. Every dish we had was immaculate and the attention to detail with table service, plating, you name it, was top tier. All the food was super fresh and beautifully prepared and all the staff was super friendly. We look forward to our next visit in the near future!

Beautiful paintings, fantastic food, amazing service. They walk the line between fancy and friendly like no other. The host are very warm & smiley, James, my waiter is very personable. I eat by myself and stay longer than expected each time chatting with him. I go waaay out of my way just to be here. Beautiful paintings, delicious food, everything about this place is mesmerizing. The charred clams taste like an oyster Rockefeller. The anchovy in the bone marrow gives it a delightful saltiness. The chicken taste like what chicken used to taste like back before all the preservatives and whatnot. The scallops are buttery & fall apart with a fork.

Here twice in 2024, that should tell you something. The food was amazing. If there early, try to get one of two romantic booths across from the kitchen pass. Will return.

I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Il Nido, located at the Shopping Center on 184 Route 9 North in Willow Point, Marlboro Township, NJ. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and welcoming, and the service was top-notch. One of the team members, James, truly went above and beyond to ensure our evening was perfect. He was attentive, professional, and genuinely cared that everyone at our table was happy. When one of my friends wasn’t satisfied with her dish, James handled it with ease and efficiency—no questions asked, the plate was replaced quickly, and with a smile. It’s rare to find a place where the food, service, and atmosphere all come together so seamlessly. Il Nido delivered on all fronts. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Highly recommend!

Il Nido is hands down one of the best restaurants I’ve ever experienced — not just in New Jersey, but anywhere. Dining here feels like you’ve stepped into a Michelin-starred restaurant in NYC. The food is exceptional. Chef Robert Santello delivers true culinary artistry — each dish crafted with passion, precision, and purpose. The ingredients are premium, the flavors are bold yet balanced, and the plating is flawless. I had the pleasure of meeting him personally, and it’s clear he takes his craft extremely seriously. His work deserves far more recognition — it’s that special. Service? Just as remarkable. Norman, the manager, is warm, professional, and attentive. James, my server on multiple visits, is incredibly knowledgeable and offers thoughtful recommendations, including the stunning 2021 Jayson by Pahlmeyer red wine — a perfect pairing for several of the dishes. Standout plates I’ve had include: • C R A B S P A G H E T T I – long hots, scallion, crab butter • S P I C Y R I G A T O N I – beef brisket, garlic breadcrumbs • 1 4 O Z P O R K C H O P – charred broccolini, celery root puree, porcini jus • V E A L O S S O B U C O – polenta, pickled corn, pistachio, balsamic jus • J E R S E Y S C A L L O P S – cauliflower, raisins, almonds • Duck Confit – rich, tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection • Sesame-Crusted Tuna – plated with chickpeas and light foam The cocktails are equally impressive — balanced and crafted with care. Their Negroni is easily one of the best I’ve had. Not once have I had a bad meal here. If you’re looking for a true culinary experience without the NYC drive, Il Nido in Marlboro is where you want to be. A hidden gem — and one that deserves all the acclaim it gets.

This rustic yet stylish Tuscan styled restaurant is a perfect pick for a special dinner. Starters and entrees were outstanding and well presented. Delicious! Unlike other fine and successful restaurants that focus too much on table turnover, Il Nido’s service was professional, well spaced, and un-rushed. A hidden gem!!!

One of our favorite italian spots in all of Monmouth County! The food is top notch and delicious every time. You can’t go wrong with any of the home made pastas. Rotating menu keeps it interesting every time we return. Love visiting Il Nido and the service is phenomenal. We make a point to sit with James and he is a class act! From wine recommendations to attentiveness, always a fabulous experience in his section. Love this place and can’t wait for the next meal.

The food was delicious!! 10/10 would definitely recommend. Everything is homemade (farm to table). Our server Carmen was AMAZING. She was so sweet & continuously made sure our drinks were filled and that we were completely taken care of. She’s the best!! I can’t wait to come back!