New List Reveals Best Italian Restaurant In New Jersey

New Jersey knows there's nothing better than a nice bowl of pasta or a large plate of something served parmigiana-style. But where's the best place to get it?

The Daily Meal, a national culinary publication, has released a list of the "Best Italian Restaurants in Every State." According to the list, Spirito’s in Elizabeth takes the honors as the best in New Jersey.

According to The Daily Meal: "If you’re from a certain part of Northern New Jersey, there’s approximately a 100 percent chance that you’ve heard of Spirito’s, and an equally good chance that you’ve been there. Owned and operated by the Spirito family since it opened in 1932, the dim, wood-paneled Spirito’s is a restaurant where time — and the menu — stands still."

Spirito's is no stranger to The Daily Meal. It was one of two restaurants identified last year as among the best Italian eateries in the country.

The Daily Meal notes that crowds gather nightly for three equally "legendary" menu items: homemade ravioli, swimming in marinara, veal parm and the pizza.

"A thin, crisp crust, an oregano-heavy sauce, and just the right amount of cheese make this pizza one that mercifully won’t fill you up after a slice or two, even if you top it with sausage and pepperoni (which you should do). That’s a good thing, because you’re going to want some ravioli, too.

"And that veal Parm. A couple of things to know before going: It’s cash-only, and you have to bring your own butter for the bread. Why? Because that’s the way it is."

The Spirito's website says the restaurant started during the Great Depression, when Antonio Spirito opened a tavern in the Peterstown neighborhood of Elizabeth. He started serving sausage, onion and pepper sandwiches to the locals, and before long he had implemented a full menu.

"Over the years, our family gathered at Spirito’s with our parents, cousins and friends, and it was there that I developed my passion for the restaurant business," Antonio's grandson wrote.

"We roll our own meatballs (regular and Roman), we bread and fry our own chicken cutlets and eggplant for parmigianas, and we bottle our own garlic dressing for salads and sandwiches. We even make our own pizza dough twice daily. "

You can read The Daily Meal's full list here.

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