I recently had my husbands 70th Birthday Party at Bensi and cannot say enough great things about the whole experience! From planning with John, to the friendly help during setup, caring and helpful wait staff, great open bar service and amazing appetizers and main courses that all arrived piping hot and quickly out of the kitchen which is not easy for a party of 40!!The super cute personal menu John provided was perfect!! We could not have picked a better place to celebrate. Thank you x 70!! read more

See all

My family orders from here probably 2 days per week it has just such great food! My number 1 food is probably their chicken Parmigiana . It is just so good! Our family's top 4 in no order is chicken parmigiana , Caesar salad, shrimp franchese, and chicken franchese. Their food is just so good and we have been ordering from here forever! Now is the service, everyone is very nice and the food usually comes out pretty quick. When it does come out though it is very nicely served or plated. There is one waitress there named Samantha that we have had a lot and is so amazing. She is helpful, nice, efficient , and she also doesn't forget anything we order! Finally is the style and ambiance of the restaurant. Bensi is clean, nice looking, bright, and has a ton of tv's with a wide variety of shows and movies! Overall bensi is one of my favorite restaurants in Readington read more

OMG!!! NEVER AGAIN!! The worst food ever!!! They can't even make simple spaghetti and meatballs!!! What a waste of $$$$$!!! The only thing good was the bread!! This is just a hangout for the local alcoholics at the bar! read more

The food is great but it always takes forever staff is trying best though but it is been an hour and a half still no cheese pizza

We just used them to cater a relatively small party (15 or so), and based that on having eaten at the Whitehouse location and ALWAYS had an excellent meal. We also have dietary restrictions (GF, DF) so we were exited to have them (John) tailor the menu. Everyone raved about the food..!!! Will absolutely use them again. read more

I went here for my first time on Thursday, 18 Sep 2025, with a small Meetup group of 6 people. I ha the eggplant parmigiana, which I found to be tender, tasty, and plentiful. It was served with a nice side salad, which I also enjoyed. Others at my table also offered compliments for their entrees. The ambiance there was pleasant and bright, improved greatly, I am told, from a few years ago. Our waitress was responsive, prompt, and cheerful. She brought a handheld card reader with our checks which made paying by credit card convenient, quick, and easy. (Why don't all restaurants use these by now?) Everyone seemed to enjoy their food and the overall experience. I would return there again anytime. read more

I just wanna say the updates that Bensi's has done are amazing more upscale beautifully done. We were there yesterday. Introduced nicely atmosphere was great..we sat at the bar and Justin introduced him self professionally told us about the wine and food selection that paired well with our wine he suggested Trivento Malbec with the Pasta Bolognese amazing pairing thank you Bensi and Justin for making our experience there one to remember. read more

Bensi is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always delicious, the service friendly and helpful and you don't have to bring your own wine. I love dining at Bensi and have chosen it for my last 2 birthday celebrations; never disappointed. read more

A family fav but disappointed tonite they served us a pizza that was clearly overcooked the cheese was brown and crust dark. Did not enjoy

Surprisingly good food where you least expect it. From the outside, it's easy to miss since it's a nondescript restaurant in a strip mall, but you're transported to somewhere completely different the moment you step inside. For a local Italian place, it's pretty good and very reasonably priced. Food is flavorful and the portions are appropriate. We'll definitely be making repeat visits. read more

My husband and I stopped by for a late lunch today. This is our third time here and the food is always so good as well as the service. Our waiter was great and attentive. We ordered the Buffalo calamari, garlic knots and a margarita pizza. All was so good and the sauce is just so delicious. We will definitely be coming back. read more

See all

It was freaking delicious . I had a great time and the employees were so nice and friendly. Food is consistently amazing and bread is yummy.

Years ago when I reviewed Bensi I liked the service, the taste and the gluten free options. We have returned regularly and then somehow the pandemic changed that. When we recently returned here, it seemed a different place (maybe they changed ownership or so) but all of it went downhill since the few years prior. As we are sensitive to wheat they changed the flower they use for gf options to a flower that removes gluten but contains wheat. It's a pity but with everything going down, except the prices, we won't return anymore. read more

I recently ate at Bensi opposed to ordering to go and the service is exceptional. More than 1 server will always make sure you're doing okay. The food is next level insane so you have to gp. read more

See all

A good number of years ago, my birth mother was treating me to lunch, and we dined at the Bensi on Rt. 3 in Clifton. I really had never heard of the chain at that point, but I was willing to give it a go. I remember thinking it was ok-- not great, far from terrible. Not gourmet Italian, certainly, but for a chain...not bad at all. In fact, when my late father was still alive and living in the Caldwell area, I brought him over, thinking he would enjoy it (my father used to have an epicurean's taste in restaurants, particularly in NYC, and some of my earliest memories are of eating at Luchow's or at mob-affiliated Ponte's on the West Side...my parents took me there on my 12th or 13th birthday in deference to my increasing interest in Mafia history and lore, and I remember watching in rapt fascination as a group of very well dressed, seemingly "connected' men dined at an adjoining table...or in Chinatown, but as he got older, frailer, and his mental acuity started to diminish after my mother died, he lost that high-brow sensibility and came to think of the Olive Garden or Red Lobster as "fine dining"), but by then, the restaurant in Clifton had closed. I'm not sure what the status of the chain as a whole is at this point. From what I've been told, the Bensi at Whitehouse is one of the last still remaining in existence, located in a strip mall "noted" mainly for its Kings grocery store. At one point, my old friend, who lives in the general vicinity, invited me to dine with him and his son, but I wasn't able to make it. Later, after his son had returned to college, he invited me again, and this time I was available. Did I go in expecting world-class cuisine? Hardly. But then I hadn't inherited my late father's epicurean tastes (even though we weren't genetically related, I like to think I acquired at least some of my father's heightened standards by upbringing and osmosis). I like to think I'm versatile-- I can certainly enjoy a steak at Spark's (if my oldest friend is paying for it, as he has; he once treated me and a business associate to dinner there and it cost approximately $400 for the 3 of us, and that was decades ago), or at Smith & Wollensky's (once, the late columnist/writer Sidney Zion was dining just a table or 2 away from where we were partaking of that venerable institution's justifiably lauded grub), just as I can enjoy a hot dog "all the way" at some grubby Texas wiener place in Paterson, or a "seen better days" diner in Sloatsburg, NY. The Bensi restaurant was roomy and spacious, and the color was a sort of dark maroon. Not my favorite color scheme, but there was enough light that I'd be able to see what was on my plate. The place was busy, which I took as a good sign. I never pay much attention to what my friend orders, but I ordered a soup, chicken parmigiana, and spaghetti. Supplemented with a large Coke, and a dessert of vanilla ice cream in a bowl (my 1st order in any Italian restaurant I haven't been to before is either lasagna or chicken parmigiana, and then...if I like it...that's usually what I'll order every time I eat there again. I'm nothing if not predictable, at least when it comes to my eating-out habits). Our server was attentive, friendly, efficient, and the prices were fair for what we got. As a chain (whatever links are still left in that chain), it certainly beats Olive Garden (although I developed a fondness for the Olive Garden in Livingston, NJ...long closed now...since I used to dine there regularly with my father in his last years, and unexpectedly came to look forward to certain dishes, although I think I more relished those final times I was out in public with Dad, and he still had some of his wits about him; maybe at some point I'll write a bittersweet "memory review" of that now defunct restaurant location). Don't expect gourmet, but if you're looking for a relatively decent Italian meal for not a lot of money, this isn't a bad pick. Bensi as a chain might be on life support (or may have actually succumbed to capitalism's version of the Grim Reaper, for all I know), but this particular outpost seemed to be thriving on the occasion I was there, and hopefully will continue to do so. I'd certainly be willing to dine there again. read more

My family and I have been long time customers of Bensi ever since it opened and it never disappoints! Entrees are delicious, and they have super great salads, too. My personal favorite is the Battuta Salad. Prices are fair. Atmosphere is nice and clean, pretty casual attire (no dress code to my knowledge), but a little dark inside for my personal taste. I usually order for pickup though, and it's always delicious! read more

Greeter was quick but not overly interested or friendly but ok. It was noon but only 2 tables with people and we were 3rd table. It was just me and my daughter-in-law for lunch. We were seated right up against another booth despite all the empty tables. Our waitress gave us s small loaf of yummy warm bread with butter pats and water with lemon slices (I typically don't take lemon since most places leave them out) but didn't introduce herself. After asking few a couple of minutes, she disappeared for a while. When she came back to take order, my daughter-in-law asked for Penne with Vodka sauce and I had the Boneless Buffalo wings. Both were good, not overdone or dry. Waitress asked if she wanted chicken and what salad but wasn't told the chicken and her choice of salad would be additional charges. She came by later to ask if we wanted containers and dessert menu, we said that we were full (so no dessert) but wanted the containers. She came back with containers, no menu but no bill. She stood there off in distance, not looking our way with no other customers. She finally came over with bill when we asked someone else for it. Food wasn't bad but service could have been better for a near empty restaurant. read more

See all

Food is really delicious - flavorful but not heavy. We got the Penne Benzi, Salmon with Garlic Cream sauce, and a cheese pizza. The service was excellent, really appreciate the waitress recommendations. read more

I ordered take out through Grubhub and would highly recommend. They can do almost the entire menu gluten free for no extra charge which is incredible! The fried calamari was tender and not chewy. The eggplant parm was also tender and the penne diablo was flavorful and not mushy at all which is great for gf! Between all that it was easy to see the gluten free bread crumbs and penne I would recommend. read more

Would have liked this restaurant to be our local go-to for this type of food. But the specialty pizzas were thin and skimpy with the extras. Server forgot to bring out any kind of plates in case we did not want to feed from the elevated pans! And at payment and tip time, server stuck the handheld card reader in my face so she could see the tip I was providing. Most sensible restaurants have done away with this practice already. read more

My husband and daughter require Gluten Free meals. The carbonara and the eggplant were delicious! Both meals were good portions. The side salads were also good portions. The meals also came wrapped in plastic, which demonstrates a level of detail to keeping the food clear of contaminants. The order was called in and the food was still hot when it was unwrapped. This restaurant will be ordered from again!! read more

Amazing food and experience! Highly recommended We ordered many appetizers to go for elderly mother. Made her day and week. read more

Food and waitstaff are wonderful, however, the owner/manager made us feel very unwelcome on several visits so we will not be back.

Amazing food the owner John, will go out of his way for any of his customers. A true owner, amazing food and the pizza is delicious.

Stopped here fir a late lunch. New the place existed and heard good things. They did not disappoint. The pasta was delicious and they passes the chicken parm litmus test with flying colors. The biscotti were warm and the espresso crisp. read more

Everyone there is incredibly nice and helpful. The food is amazing and big portions. The drinks are delicious, I love an old fashioned and martinis. The best I ever had. read more

Excellent and big menu. Small portions available. Waitresses were so nice, polite, smiles and great service.

Just Door Dashed Bensi with the family for the first time. We've got enough here for two meals. All the dishes were super... penne with vodka sauce, chicken parm and chicken Alfredo. The broccoli rabe was my favorite. This place packed up the food like it was going to their mom's house. There was extra everything... salad, garlic bread... regular bread... just awesome. Lots of love from me. read more

Bensi - Italian Near Me - Whitehouse Station, New Jersey

I never leave reviews but had to pop in to leave this one. The food was delicious! My wife is 100% gluten free and John and crew were not only very accommodating but also made the absolute best gluten free calamari we've ever had! John surprised us with fresh, hand made gluten free cookies for desert. Great food, great staff. 11/10 would recommend. read more

I was shocked at how "Midwest" the pizza was ... and that is not a compliment! It tasted like a frozen pizza. Seriously this is a NJ pizzeria. It should be "good" at worst and "heavenly" at best. The ghosts of Little Italy pizzeria are turning in their graves with this disappointment here. read more

I love this place, food is fantastic. I have been eating here for over 5 years. An amazing establishment with great employees and service. I definitely recommend sitting at the bar there bartenders are great. They can really pour a mean martini. The best bartender at Bensi is Alexa she always takes good care of me and really let's me and all the other guests feel comfortable. Definitely if you have not been take yourself out to a nice night out with your family or loved one and have some drinks and great food! 10/10 spot. read more

(3.50 Stars): Yesterday was a long and very successful day of driving and business meetings. Hungry and seeking a more celebratory diner venue than the I-78 diners, I strayed 3 miles off the highway and landed at Bensi. Bensi is one of four locations in a small chain of Italian food and pizza restaurants. As those of us from Northern Jersey know, that description could probably be accurately applied to a quarter of the area's local eateries. Consistent with the laws of probability, some are very good while others are atrocious. Across the spectrum of local "red Italian" restaurant chains, the low-end are the all-you-can-eat buffet and Olive Garden garbage, while (at least in my book) places like Buca di Beppo, Carraba's and Maggiano's are reliably good chains. Within that spectrum I found Bensi to be a bit above the midpoint. The physical layout of Bensi features bar service, bistro tables and counter service in the area near the front door. Further back the seating changes to somewhat worn vinyl diner booths-- neither warm nor inviting. Decor in the backroom is sparse. Dining alone, I was served by Konner and his service was very good. Food was brought to the table as-ordered, hot and without unreasonable delays. Attentive, conversational and trying hard to keep pace with a busy dining room, he may not have been the most polished waiter in Bensi that night, but he seemed to be trying harder than several of his colleagues. I ordered only an entree, selecting the smaller portion of the chicken marsala with a side order of linguine. The pasta was perfectly al dente, but curiously dressed in the marsala sauce rather than a more traditional garlic and olive oil. The chicken arrived as two small pounded slices of chicken breast topped with plenty of sliced mushroom, and was nicely cooked. Unfortunately, the element intended to complete both dishes, the marsala sauce, was poor. My taste buds identified diluted veal demi-glace alone; no tomato paste, shallots, herbs, marsala or butter-- a buffet table shortcut preparation at its worst. Thin, generally flavorless and off-color, this sauce completely ruined what could have been a much more favorable dining experience. Frankly, if this is the extent of the effort that Bensi is willing to devote to such an integral component, neither the veal nor the chicken marsala belongs on their menu. The small portion was adequate and the food was "okay," it just wasn't what I had ordered! I wouldn't avoid a return to a Bensi restaurant, but definitely would not order another marsala dish. read more

I usually don't write reviews, but I feel compelled to write one now to let you know what I experience this past weekend at Bensi of Whitehouse Station. We were there to celebrate my Brother in Law's birthday. When my family arrived at the restaurant, we were promptly greeted by the staff and we were escorted to the area that was setup for the birthday celebration. My Sister in Law had already ordered a variety of appetizers. As we settled in the appetizers came out. We had Eggplant Rollatini, Stuffed Mushrooms, Flatbread Pizza and Fried Calamari. The food was amazing and everyone couldn't stop talking about how delicious everything was. Now, this is what impressed me the most . My Brother in Law's niece has a medical condition which requires her to be on a highly restrictive diet. She usually brings her own food, but this time with the excitement of the day, she forgot. When it came time to order the main dish, she questioned the waitress about some of the ingredients and how the meal would be prepared. The waitress tried her best to explain how the meal would be prepared, but wasn't able to answer completely. The niece then asked if she could speak to the chef. She told him about her medical condition and the concerns she has about the food. He told her he would check with a local market to see if they had the proper ingredients to prepare a meal for her. He also said he was sorry about her condition but he enjoyed learning new things to help others. 15 minutes later, he returned and showed her the ingredients he had purchased for her meal to see if she approved. She approved and he prepared her a delicious meal that she could eat. 15 of us at the table were completely blown away by this amazing act of kindness and compassion. In all of my life, I have never witnessed anything close to this. Bottom line is Bensi of Whitehouse Station is the Best! Nice atmosphere, friendly wait staff, delicious food! read more

Sadly- this was bad news from the time we sat down. Waiter (who shall remain nameless) was rude and arrogant so did not have the greatest feeling about what was to come. This was first time there for us and will definately be the last. The meal I had, a pasta bolognese turned out to be in a rich cream sauce which as served lukewarm. My wifes meal of scallops came out about 20 minutes before the other 5 meals. When she tasted it she said they were grossly overcooked. We are not the types that have ever sent a meal back in a restaurant but when the waited picked up her plate at end of the meal and saw she had only eaten 1 out of 7 scallops he asked if she liked it and she told him the problem. A normal restaurant would have removed it from the bill. When we asked for our check (party of 6) he told us he needed to go outside to take care of a table seated outside the restaurant. He then came in and proceeded to have long conversation with another table before finally giving the check after being requested again. All in all- a really bad experience, we will never return read more

We went for a late lunch and were surprised to find most of the place to ourself. The breads were fresh and plenty. We tried grilled salmon, veggie lasagna and molten lava cake. Everything was fresh and yummy. read more

I had a great experience at this location. We decided to visit after the New Jersey balloon festival, the restaurant was not too busy they seated us right away. The mozzarella salad was delicious and well portioned. They also brought out bread with butter and upon request they will give you olive oil with balsamic vinegar. The prosciutto pizza was tasty however there was too much cheese on this pizza not enough prosciutto, it also needed some more basil. Drinks and wines are all reasonably priced and service is friendly and quick. read more

See all

Have always wanted to try this place since they had a branch back in Old Bridge but never had the opportunity. Last week, however, I was in the Whitehouse Station area in the lunch hour and they had one nearby. Bensi is located in the Whitehouse Mall (strip mall). It's much nicer inside than it might seem on the outside. During the lunch hour it's filled with professionals (most I would believe from the Merck office located nearby). I was seated quickly and ordered a white pizza with spinach, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, and gorgonzola. It took me a bit to order since they offer many choices like sandwiches, pasta, and calzones (called zazones). The pizza came out within reasonable time and tasted great. No complaints anywhere. read more

Bensi - Italian Near Me - Whitehouse Station, New Jersey

Had Bensi's special pizza, thin crust, nice toppings but ruined because the crust was so soggy it had to be eaten with a knife and fork, it just collapsed when I tried to eat it with my hands. No beer on draft and dismal selection of bottled beer. Only wines by the glass are Woodbridge. read more

Food is big portion. We order two orders but we can only finish one and pack the other home. I ordered a stuffed jumble shrimp with stuffed crab meat. It is sooooooo good. We are very impressed with our waiter Oscar who is very patient, helpful and friendly. We will definitely come back again. read more

Bensi - Penne of Bensi (chicken) - Italian Near Me - Whitehouse Station, New Jersey

See all

Just stopped at Bensi's for lunch. Not sure what the bad reviewed stemmed from, but I was greeted warmly and serviced extremely well! The meal started with what appeared to be a half a loaf of bread and then I ordered the Bensi Salad(Lite portion)--it was BIG and full of tomatoes, peppers, and lots of mozzarella!!! You think I would stop there but I had to order the Chicken Parm with angel hair pasta. Everything was amazing---all tied together by this fantastic sauce!! I will be back, as the menu seems jam-packed with classic Italian dishes! I would give this place a chance...they definitely won me over today! read more