Went here for New Year's Eve just to get out of the house, and it ended up being a great choice. The space is very upscale with an intimate vibe--perfect for a date night or special occasion. The staff was friendly and attentive, and service was efficient with no long wait times. The drinks were excellent, and the food definitely lived up to the atmosphere. Located right in the heart of downtown New Brunswick, it's a great spot if you're looking for a classy night out. read more

Casa Ragazzi - Italian Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

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We were raving about this place after our first visit so we were excited to return and suggested it for my friend's birthday dinner. Unfortunately the food and the service both did not live up to what we experienced the first time around. The 3 fish dishes we got left much to be desired, pretty bland. The mocktails were ok but not as wonderful as the ones we had the last time we were here and ones we liked were no longer on the menu. - Melagrana Sprint - Rosso Vivo - Rosemary Lemonade - Lemon Gassosa - Toscana Salad (Tuscan black kale salad with gorgonzola cheese, pine nuts, crispy prosciutto crudo, balsamic vinegar) - Guancia Brasata con Polenta (Slow-braised beef cheek glazed in gravy sauce, served with creamy and crispy polenta) - Capesante (Gratinated scallops with lemon jelly, cauliflower vanilla sauce and marinated cauliflower) - (2) Pesce del Giorno (Fresh fish of the day selected by our Chef) - Cernia alla Mediterranea (Grouper with Mediterranean sauce, garlic confit, cherry tomatoes and capers) - Bigoli all'Anatra (Bigoli pasta with slow braised duck leg and crunchy breadcrumbs) - Espresso - (2) Melodia D'autunno (Vanilla cream, cinnamon crumble, puff pastry, caramelized almond, and warm flambé apple) The space is still beautiful and we did appreciate that we were able to dine upstairs this time. Not sure if we will be back as it no longer was a five star place for us. read more

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My boyfriend and I came here for his birthday around 8:30 on a Saturday night. Although we were running a bit late and initially couldn't get through when I called to notify them, the staff was ultimately accommodating when we arrived. The exterior and interior are beautifully decorated, giving a cozy yet chic, modern feel. The lighting is lovely, and the staff- including our waitress and the food runners- were very kind. We never felt rushed, which we appreciated. The music, however, was quite loud- more of a club/techno ambiance, almost like being in a trendy retail store. The cocktails were good, but I ordered a cabernet with my dinner and the pour felt very small. The food looked amazing presentation-wise, but unfortunately fell short on flavor. They start you off with a few small pieces of bread/breadsticks. The Caesar salad was standard. The lobster risotto was creamy but bland, with only about three very small pieces of lobster. I ordered the sole dinner special, which was served with dollops of cheese on purée, but overall it lacked flavor as well. The scallop appetizer was probably the best dish we had, though the portion was very small and there wasn't enough sauce. My boyfriend ordered the filet, which was good but came with barely any sides- just a few small pieces of kale. He prefers his steak well done, and even after sending it back, it still came out too rare for his liking. For his birthday, he was given a small tart, which was a nice gesture, but it had strawberries and he doesn't like strawberries, so it was a bit underwhelming. I tried the dark chocolate dessert, which was good but very rich and one-note- some variation in texture or flavor would have helped. Overall, we did have a nice time, but it felt extremely overpriced. It seems like you're paying more for the ambiance than the food itself. That said, it's a cozy date-night spot and worth trying once. read more

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Came here for a lunch with a group of friends. The exterior is rather unassuming but inside the place is very elegant and modern. Felt upscale, almost like you were in a nice restaurant in NYC. Our server Nico was very nice and checked on us often. All the food we tried was delicious. The pulpo (octopus) was crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside - an absolute standout dish. All of our pasta dishes came with good portions and incredible flavor. Our first round of cocktails were refreshing and tasty. My only negative comment is my second drink which was a gin cocktail with cucumber and tomato - it was extremely bitter and so unpleasant that I couldn't finish my drink. Thankfully we were given complimentary limoncello shots as a finishing digestive and my palette was cleansed. Overall, I think this is a fantastic restaurant and would recommend giving them a try. read more

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Excellent restaurant and the service was impeccable. The food was great! I have nothing bad to say about this place.

We love their sister restaurant in Metuchen and were excited to try this newer location! The location on George Street is unassuming but the interior is beautiful and has an upscale vibe. The espresso martini was one of the best in the area. Food was on the pricier side though everything we got was pretty delicious, the squid being the highlight. We unfortunately did not have room for dessert but heard the tiramisu was amazing. We will be coming back! read more

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Another excellent visit made even better by our thoughtful and wonderful server, Marilyn. Visited again for Sunday lunch and was not disappointed. Had the best kale salad as a starter followed by their Pappardella Alla Bolognese and my guest had the Focaccia Caprese which was delicious! While the place was quiet, it allowed us to appreciate how beautiful and welcoming the first floor and bar area are. I would come here anytime when nearby. read more

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The food is just okay at this location. I think, for the price, I expect it to have more flavor or depth. The fish was a bit chewy and the yellow lemon puree had no lemon flavor. The cavatelli was pretty good but only just so. The fish with the sauce of the pasta (two separate dishes) tasted good. I think my main issue with this place is the descriptions compared to the actual food. I thought I got the wrong dishes when it came because the taste, appearance, and food within the dishes weren't matching. All in all a very mid experience. The waiters are very nice at this location. read more

Casa Ragazzi - Italian Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

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This place was very cute and nice inside, with amazing lighting and good vibes. The food was delicious, but pretty pricey. I ordered the gnocchi which was around 29, and the grilled chicken which was around 37. The chicken was a little dry but I have no complaints about the gnocchi! Service could have been better. It was pretty slow. There were multiple points where we were wondering where our server was. But our server was very kind and helpful with picking out food! Pros: kind waiter, yummy food, fancy ambiance Cons: pricey for the quality, service was slow read more

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Price: yes pricey...but worth the hit Food: appetizer scallops, would have preferred a hair more seared but still good orangy crust flavor; dinner Lobster risotto, 8.5/10, a little extra bite with the grain then i preferred... ravioli 9.5/10... chocolate dessert was 10/10... Ambiance quiet, comfortable Service: very on top of our meals and drinks... my drink's glass was cracked.. immediately changed with a new drink... and complementary Lemoncello read more

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Excellent northern Italian food and desserts. We loved their sister restaurant in metuchen and were happy to see this location open in New Brunswick. It's a great, upscale addition to George street. Beautifully decorated, you walk in and feel like you are in the city. There's a small bar in the back for a cocktail before dinner. Order the salt baked cod for dinner and show! read more

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I came here for a birthday dinner around the time they first opened in June! I made reservation and we arrived on time but then had a to wait a little for the table to be ready. The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous and very aesthetic. The food was good and everything was seasoned great. I brought a birthday cake which they were kind enough to store and brought out at the end of the meal. As I was cutting the cake the manager OFFERED to have the kitchen cut it to which I agreed to; I wish I didn't since they charged us for cutting. If I knew that, I wouldn't have said yes. read more

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A cut new restaurant associated with Mangia Toscano in metuchen. It also has downstairs seating as well. The food was great and the staff was friendly and professional. But make sure you ask for the price of the specials. We ordered the rib eye special knowing that the restaurant was high end. We were expecting it to $100 or slightly more but it was $220. And it came with nothing, no vegetables nor any carbs. The bill was $1000 for 5 including tax and tips. I still think for an expensive restaurant like this, they should eat the credit card charge instead of expecting you to bring tons of cash for it. Strongly recommend the calamari and the Caesar salad. The lamp chops was juicy and tender, so was the rib eye special. The pasta with lemon sauce was delicious. read more

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The presentation is great but the food is pretty "mid" for the price. You definitely get can get better quality food for the same price else where. The service was excellent. read more

Great place for a fancy girl's night. We arrived around 9, about an hour before closing, so it wasn't too busy. Opted to sit downstairs, where it was more quiet. The presentation is a 10/10, and every table is nicely set with precision. Music is also very soothing. Like a lot of restaurants are starting to do, they ask for your whole order up front, so we started with prosecco. For apps the scallops, focaccia and ricotta. Wasn't too impressed with the regular bread, that's why added the focaccia. With entrees, my friend had the Risotto and I had the cod. Both were very good. I wasn't a big fan of the confit surrounding my dish, but the cod was delicious! For dessert, we had something that resembled chocolate crumbs (best description), in a coconut yogurty dish, and it wasn't bad. Our server Madalyn was very knowledgeable and attentive. read more

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Popped into Casa Ragazzi, not realizing it was their grand opening. Sat at the bar, where they had complimentary snacks and prosecco. The bartender was absolutely fabulous. The owners even took time to show us around, which was really a nice touch. The space is gorgeous, sexy, and intimate. The staff was great (special shout-out to the server with the deep voice!). Since we already ate, I ordered this tiramisu espresso martini, which was absolutely divine. This used to be George St Ale House and they did a complete gut renovation that is phenomenal. Can't wait to come back for dinner and definitely brunch. I see this becoming is one of my go-to spots. read more

Casa Ragazzi - Italian Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

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Waited 20min for our table with a reservation - they seemed totally unbothered for the delay. The entry way is extremely tight and little room to actually wait for your table without having to step outside. The bar feels odd being placed in the back of the restaurant and the entire design doesn't seem optimal for the space. Ordered the special creamy truffle pasta. First off the price. WOW. Second, the pasta was far from creamy. It was so stiff, could barely move the pasta around it was all stuck together. Completely lacked the "creaminess". For the price, horrible. Taste was O.K, but really not worth it at all. read more

Arguably the worst service I've had at a restaurant in 15 years. The young man assigned to be our waiter had zero business being in front of the house. Didn't know the menu, and didn't seem to know how courses of a meal work (!?). Came back to our table 3 times trying to clarify the order. Was so bad even their own staff realized the issue and had to send over a replacement waiter. No matter how hard the chefs may be trying, everything was ruined by a clumsy wait staff. 3.5 hours from sitting down to leaving. My recommendation is to go elsewhere for at least a year until the straighten out the place. read more

This is a must visit new Italian restaurant in NJ. Featuring Michelin trained chefs from Italy, they create authentic gourmet dishes you cannot find anywhere else. The coccoli con stracchino is bursting with flavor. The lobster risotto is creamy and rich. The gnocchi is the best I've ever had. The Limonami is a divine cocktail. The wine menu is phenomenal and eclectic. The service is courteous and welcoming. True upscale Italian dining in an aesthetically pleasing and intimate ambiance. read more

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Casa Ragazzi is really, really good. Everything we had was delicious. The risotto I tried was full of flavor and cooked perfectly, and the octopus was very well done, tender and not overcooked, which isn't easy to get right. The space itself is beautiful and definitely gives date-night vibes. It feels intimate and cozy, though the tables are a bit close together, so it's not the most private setting, but it works for the atmosphere they're going for. It is on the pricier side and the portions are on the smaller side, but that seems intentional since they're clearly positioning themselves as a more upscale, fancy Italian spot. Overall, the quality and experience make it worth it if you're looking for a nice night out. Would definitely go back. read more

Casa Ragazzi - risotto - Italian Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

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A Truly Delightful Addition to New Brunswick's Dining Scene What a gem! Having a restaurant of this caliber in New Brunswick is an absolute treasure for anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine. Let's start with the ambience -- elegant yet moody, with a romantic charm that feels both refined and full of promise. The Italian marble throughout--from the bar to the tabletops and even the restrooms--is simply stunning and adds a level of sophistication that's hard to miss. From the moment you walk in, the hospitality is warm and welcoming. On each of my visits--with colleagues and friends -- we were greeted by a gracious hostess and seated immediately. This review reflects my collective experiences. The cocktail menu is as imaginative as it is beautiful. Don't skip reading the descriptions--they're a treat on their own! I couldn't resist ordering the "Spritzami Tutto" both times. Described as "Born in Venezia, raised with drama. Verita vodka Italiana, blood orange purée, lemon juice, basil simple syrup, prosecco, club soda." It was refreshing, layered, and felt like a love letter to Italian summers, and especially to THIS Italian girl. We started with the Caesar salad, split between two guests--perfectly dressed with crisp romaine and incredible house-made croutons. The scallops appetizer was equally impressive (photo-worthy, even). The octopus appy was incredible plated with incredible flavor. But the standout dish? The lemon-infused tagliolini with prawns and caviar. Handmade pasta in a delicate lemon sauce, topped with fresh prawns and just a touch of caviar. It's subtle, fresh, and absolutely unforgettable--I've ordered it three times already! Another favorite was the almond-crusted lamb chops. They were plated beautifully, even though my guest swapped out the artichoke trio for sautéed spinach. (Next time, I'm definitely trying those artichokes.) The orata--a Mediterranean sea bream I usually only find in northern Italy--was a lovely surprise to see on the menu and executed flawlessly. And then, dessert. I'm not typically a tiramisu fan, but theirs has converted me. Artfully presented, with an unexpected twist hidden within--like a little secret you're delighted to discover. We finished with a complimentary limoncello, which made the evening feel like a perfect night in Florence. A special mention goes to Bruno, our server. He struck the perfect balance--attentive without hovering, professional yet warm, and always a step ahead of our needs. He made my visits feel effortless and special. This restaurant has undeniably elevated the standard for true Italian dining in the area. I can't wait to return. read more

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EXCELLENT!! have nothing but good things to say about our experience going to Casa Ragazzi. not only the food but the ambiance, service, music, customer service, everyhing! really we had such a great time. They really thought about every detail of the menu and dining experience, was happy to have authentic Italian dishes with flair!! will definitely be back to try more and to have the mocktails, delicious lol read more

The design of the dining room is beautiful. And our waitress was attentive. But that was not enough to overcome what we were there for -a high end dinner. The Cesar salad was way overdressed and the gnocchi gummmy though the swordfish was cooked perfectly with a healthy portion to boot. And while the ambiance beautiful, the thumping techno music was simply not the right pairing for the space. Overall, if i am spending over $250 per couple for dinner in New Brunswick I think there are other choices that I would go to first. read more

Excellent!! First impressions decor was upscale and classy, warm and inviting vibe. Our waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable, every menu suggestion was on point. Octopus appetizer was outstanding so tender and delicious! From appetizers to desserts, plate presentations were just as beautiful as the food was delicious. The entire staff was attentive and professional, we truly enjoyed our dining experience never feeling rushed. It's was so refreshing to have pleasant conversation with the owner, making real connections with his guests. We will be going back!! read more

Great service, great ambiance and good food but a little expensive. I expect a cowboy steak not just a ribeye. read more

Casa Ragazzi - My wife enjoying braised beef short ribs and mashed potatoes. - Italian Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

Food is absolutely amazing worth coming out too, service is amazing thank you for a great night

Stopped here for drinks while on a date. Cocktails 10/10, ambiance 10/10, bartenders super friendly and attentive. The food looked delicious, would like to come back for dinner in the near future. read more

First time for us at Casa Ragazzi... food was good, but portions are very small for price. Fried calamari was in a small basket that was less than half full, scallops were 4 in the serving, good but small as was the foccia bread! Veal was pounded so thin to make it seem larger, for $78. Not worth it! Filet was small and cut in half....pasta dishes were very small portions also... So,, all in all, I felt food was good, but would've liked more for the money! Drinks were in very small martini type glass which wasn't full either.... $22 for 1/2 a drink Service was good, place is nice inside... read more

This was my third visit to Casa Ragazzi, and once again, they exceeded expectations. I attended a private catered event this time, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish. The service was outstanding, attentive without being intrusive, and every detail was handled with care and elegance. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. I ventured out of my comfort zone and tried the calamari appetizer -- and wow! I never eat calamari, but this dish was so perfectly prepared that I now have a new favorite. I'll only eat calamari at Casa Ragazzi from now on. The Risotto all'Astice and Branzino were the stars of the meal -- rich, flavorful, and beautifully plated. Casa Ragazzi has firmly earned its place in my restaurant rotation. They've recently started serving brunch, and if it's anything like their dinner menu, I know I'm in for another unforgettable experience. I can't wait to return. If you're looking for a refined Italian dining experience that feels both familiar and full of delightful surprises, Casa Ragazzi is the place to be. read more

A very welcome addition to the New Brunswick restaurant scene. Beautifully decorated, with attentive, knowledgable staff. As soon as you walk in you are warmly welcomed. Just opened 13 days ago, but it runs very smoothly. The food was fresh and delicious, starting with the bread and incredible olive oil that comes with it. I had the Rústica Salad and my husband had the Octopus appetizer. For the entre I gad the Cacio and Pepe and my husband the Gnocchi. Quite obvious that it was all homemade and delicious. We skipped dessert, this time, since there was a birthday cake waiting for me at home. Casa Ragazzi, welcome to New Brunswick. read more

This place serves fantatic pasta....IF you can get a seat. Very authentic. Try making a reservation first otherwise the bar seating is but compact. read more

Overpriced entrees for pasta, but it was tasty. Doubt I will return. Staff was lovely

Exceptional! If you appreciate fine dining, this restaurant offers the highest quality cuisine while bringing a modern touch to traditional Italian classics. Chef Simone and his entire staff went out of their way to greet us and explain the different dishes. We were a party of seven and indulged in various appetizers, entrees and desserts... all beyond delicious. Actually incredible! The fresh and delicious food, outstanding service together with the most beautiful ambiance made this my favorite dining experience in NJ. I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Place was great! The inside is absolutely beautiful and there a lot of nice photo ops. The hostess and servers were super nice. Although the food did take some time to arrive, the taste delivered it was absolutely amazing! read more