We are regulars at Sal de Forte's and cannot say enough about how pleasurable our dining experiences have been each and every time. Their food is super fresh, offering large entree portions accompanied by a crusty toasted bread basket and exceptional dinner salad with gorgonzola crumbles upon request. Their soft shell crabs (in season), pork chop giambotta and linguini in white clam sauce are our favorites. I also have to give a huge shout out to our favorite server, Juan, who is beyond competent and charming and always gets our order correct. There is nothing he won't do to ensure that your meal is perfect. My partner has GERD, so Juan's attention to his dietary restrictions plays a huge part in a satisfying dining experience. Lastly, thank you to Deb, a phenomenal hostess who always makes sure any and all special requests are happily accommodated. Sal de Forte's is the perfect combination of delicious food with the very best customer service! read more

Fantastic meal in a nice old school atmosphere. BYOB. Older crowd. Good service. I went with a party of 6 and everyone gave their dish 5 stars. We started with fried calamari and a seasonal special burrata with Jersey tomatoes app. Other dishes ordered were Jerusalem chicken Zuppe seafood over linguine (requested fra diavolo which came nice and spicy with added grilled long hots (not just dumping a bunch of crushed red pepper like some places do). I order this dish all the time and have had dozens of variations with this one landing in the top 3. Overall, the atmosphere, food, and excellent service earned Sal 5 stars! read more

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We had a delicious meal. I had a salmon entree and my husband had pork loin dish. Both entrees were delicious. The bottle of wine was a good choice for our meal. The restaurant allows you to bring your own bottle of wine, which we will do next time we visit. read more

Sal De Forte’s - Pinot Noir, very good. - Italian Near Me - Ewing Township, New Jersey

Maybe you remember Sal's from back in the day when dining Italian style home cookin Nonna was the thing and if you go to Sal's today, it's still the thing. My daughter was at their Super Bowl party last night and it was something to remember. Crab boil on paper. New Orleans style. Lots of irresistible food and a big screen TV. Who knew that one of the best Super Bowl parties would be at Sal's ?! Well, now you know and that's not just the Super Bowl party.....any night or day you can depend on an amazing menu. I have always been known for making Greco's Clams Casino ....very specific about how they did it and I do it exactly that way and people go absolutely mad. 90% of restaurants that offer claims Casino don't know what Clams Casino is. And my daughter told me that their Clams Casino is as good as mine Whaaaat?! ...they make old time roasted dirty chicken, and if you're reading this and you know what that is, (you serve it with some bread which becomes dirty bread) and just mop it all up..... The family will be there to delight you with memories of delicious dining in the 'Burg'..... Sal's is in the Marrazzo's Market shopping center tucked in off to the side right next to the popcorn people and across from Rita's They have a lovely wine bar and you can bring your own anything .... And who knew you could go there and hang out .....have a glass of wine and a little appetizer and watch your favorite game on the TV..?!!! and speaking of sports TV while I'm dining I really am a girly girl when it comes to that but I know the rest of the world loves it ...What I liked is that I didn't have to dine with the TV right in my face like a lot of other places .....it was there and people can watch it, but you can just forget it's there .. it's not obvious at all .... Which makes the dining experience perfect for everyone...and that's the way it should be done.... The prices are a little higher than some Italian restaurants, BUT, that's because all the ingredients are absolutely as fresh as you can get them and by the way, fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor and presentation. There is actually someone in the kitchen who is preparing your meal uniquely and perfectly just for you No corporate predictability here. Not like most Italian restaurants where you actually don't need the menu cause you know what they're gonna serve. I am really fussy about my corporate run restaurants some of them are obviously OK but some of them are just so boring. It's ridiculous. Here's what you really have to do ....go over there and have a great meal and then go back and then go back ..... It has definitely become one of Ewing's amazing collection of a "little hole in the wall" type restaurant. The dining area is L shaped and off to the back is a lovely fireplace, very romantic, and the whole dining area is open and designed beautifully ....so when you step inside the door, you will definitely know that this is a place you can take your mom or you can take your date or you can just go and watch a football game and eat some good wings We certainly love those tucked-away places the best !!!..... and if you're not familiar with that way of picking your dining experience, visit this family style Italian restaurant and you'll know what I'm talking about..! Hurry up..... read more

Delicious Food & Understand Service. The scallops was one of Best I ever try in NJ Restaurant! read more

Sal De Forte’s - Italian Near Me - Ewing Township, New Jersey

Food was great service was amazing will definitely go back Owner came out to speak with us. We had a party of 10. Got served quickly read more

Spent a lovely lunch with a group of friends, and had the BEST cheesesteak I have ever had.....possibly because it was made with big chunks of filet mignon!! Will definitely return. Waitstaff very welcoming. read more

It took me too long to try this place. I had thought it to be very similar to scores of other Italian restaurants in the surrounding area. And to some degree it is. But even on this first visit I can see how it surpasses many of them. I decided to bring my uncle for an extra opinion. The specials looked good but I was in the mood for something more lunch like. I went for the cheesesteak. My uncle selected fettuccine alf and we shared the chopped antipasto. This was a decent and huge salad, but unfortunately also contained chopped olives which I asked to be omitted, it probably wasn't possible. Arriving at the same time was a nice garlic cheese bread, nothing earth shattering but above the standard bread and butter for sure. I enjoyed my steak sandwich very much. This is not Philly style, large chunks of perfectly tender filet along with mush onions and peps all of which had some time on the grill. The fries and coleslaw were good too, coming in at 10 bucks I thought it a bargain. My uncle liked his pasta very much, even enough to say it was as good as his fav place. This was a lunch portion and even for me would have been 2 meals. The service was very good and our waiter had extensive knowledge of the menu. Even though the strip mall seems an odd place for a very good place, they created a nice ambiance inside. Im already planning a return trip for dinner. Oh yeah, BYOB! read more

Sal De Forte’s - Cheesesteak (very good) - Italian Near Me - Ewing Township, New Jersey

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We have been going to this restaurant for years. But after changing owner not the same. Food was ok just on the spicy side. Service was very good. Prices were on the high side; portions were smaller than I remember. read more

The food at Sal's if fresh and the menu is vast. The service is fast and they are very courteous. The dining room is warm and pleasant. Great place for couples, and families. I recommend this to everyone who is traveling near Ewing Township, NJ. Close to the Airport, and the Ewing Township Police Department. read more

Food and service remain excellent; portions are ample; we always have take home containers. Would def recommend

Truly a marvelous experiences had by all, service great and professional,ambiance quite and modern, the food was the star of the nite great calamari expertly fried and sauced, pumpkin-ravioli delicious and the absolutely best rib veal chop I've ever had tender and sauced to perfection. I b live new owners former chef at Amici Milano and his family and byo a plusI read more

Just had a wonderful lunch at Sal Deforte's with my beautiful sister in laws! We started of with the fried calamari which was done perfectly, crispy and spicy. Then we shared a caesar salad and their tasty, warm, seasoned italian bread. The soup of the day was butternut squash and it was the best we ever had! Our lasagna entree was so delicious and we needed to go boxes for the generous portions. Last we shared the lemon cake for the perfect amount of sweetness. Our server was perfect! Definitely recommend!! read more

Ordered takeout Based on reviews we ordered the following meals. Eggplant parmigiano Rating 2 stars Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken Rating 1 star Lettuce wedge. Rating 4 stars Linguine with meatballs Rating 3 stars Pollo parmigiano Rating 2 stars The chicken and eggplant parmigianos were salty and bland. We added spices ourselves to the dishes. The lettuce wedge and bleu cheese crumbles with bacon tasted good. The side salads contained a lot of brown lettuce pieces. Sides of potato and veg mixed in with entrees The eggplant parm portion was very small. Prices high for quality and portions. We were happy to try this restaurant. We came away disappointed. read more

Sal De Forte’s - Linguine with meatball at 12 o'clock Chicken parm top right Eggplant parm bottom right - Italian Near Me - Ewing Township, New Jersey

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Service fine. Food fine, nothing special. However, be careful when ordering coffees after the meal. Cappuccinos are $9, and espressos are $7. Prices were not listed on the menu. When we complained to the server and manager, their responses were basically a shrug and a "that's the price, sorry." No apology, no offer to discount or remove from the bill, no offer of a complimentary dessert. We were annoyed by their less-than welcoming response. Will not return. read more

This was my second time here, and it was great. My family frequents here a lot and I see why. Very nice atmosphere, even better food and sweet people. Will definitely return! read more

My wife and I have been dining at Sal DeForte since the 1980s when her godfather introduced us to the restaurant back when it was in Chambersburg (in Trenton). Sal and Debbie (and Debbie's mother Mary) are like family. They have run an excellent Italian restaurant in Trenton and now in Ewing. We moved to California twenty years ago, but we come back to Sal DeForte every time we return to visit family in the area. Some of my personal favorite dishes are Fettuccini Alfredo con Salsiccia (sausage), Linguine con Vongole (clam sauce), and Vitello Marsalla. My wife loves the Fruite de Mare, which is clams, mussels, shrimp, scungilli & calamari served over linguine with marinara sauce. I cannot comment on the current situation with the pandemic regulations, but I understand that they are open. Sorry that we couldn't get back in 2020, but I'm looking forward to 2021. read more

Great food and exceptional service. Highly recommend this restaurant. Have been here several times and have not been disappointed.

My family and I came here last Saturday evening. There were 11 of us, and we were greeted by a lovely, friendly lady and seated at our table (I had made a reservation) and had a wonderful time, catching up with cousins we hadn't seen in many years. The food was just excellent, and everyone remarked everything was just delicious. Service was wonderful, our waitress was very attentive and refilled drinks before we even had to ask! Ambience is very beautiful and soothing. At the end of the meal, our waitress brought by a platter with all the different desserts, and everyone chose what they wanted. Again, happiness all around! I had the cheesecake, which I recommend highly, and I know my cousins loved what they had. All in all, a wonderful evening in a lovely restaurant. Recommend Sal DeForte's to everyone! read more

Here's the deal ! Love the place! Great service! They accommodated any special requests . I'd absolutely come back for lunch or dinner when on the area! read more

My dad and I stopped stopped in here for dinner. What a treat! It's an easy, casual, BYOB spot. Laura, our server was spectacular! Kind, funny, caring and knowledge. She brought out fresh warm garlic bread that was yummy. I had the best roasted beet salad and a small side meatball. Dad had the lasagna and a side salad. The portions were quit large and very delicious. My salad was full of fresh greens, roasted beets that were very flavorful, Gorgonzola and walnuts. Definitely a star! My meatball was perfect! Just like Mama made! The lasagna was full of cheese and meat sauce. Dad ate it all and enjoyed every bite! Stop in for lunch or dinner. Let them cater your next event. You'll be so happy you did. read more

Excellent food and service!!!' Nice surroundings!!!!' Keep making the good food you do and providing the great service!!!' See you soon!!!' JA read more

Food and ambience are fabulous as are the prices. First time back after a few years, but food was just as delicious as it was 5 years ago. Our waitress was absolutely adorable and so accomodating read more

After reading all these mixed reviews for Sal's I was excited to try it out for myself and put all the madness to rest. The restaurant is located in this little plaza that has other gems like Yummy Sushi and my fav dive Firkin, so I was excited to be 3 for 3 if Sal's was good. As we walked in, the lighting was nice and dim, like a romantic restaurant, which was very unexpected by looking at the outside area. It's BYOB, so we popped open a bottle and started looking over the menu, as the older Italians started looking us over too. They gave us complimentary seasoned bread to begin, just skip it, save your calories for the pasta, Pumpkin. Pesce Rustico - Was my meal, a light garlic sauce, did not feel heavy or oily, perfect for the angle hair pasta it was lathered on. The pasta was adorned with giant fresh scallops, jumbo shrimp and more importantly crab lumbs all over. There was soooo much pasta it could have fed 3 people. I think it was a steal for $17. Rustica di Mare - As soon as the waitress walked over with our plates, I knew I had made a big mistake...and no longer wanted to mine. This was a volcano of seafood, a giant bread bowl surrounded by lovely clams and mussels. I literally put my plate to the side and try to get my beau to swap plates, thankfully he shared. The cream sauce was what made this dish, but the seafood medley was incredible! It was $24 and a bowl of creamy seafood heaven for 2, that we are still talking about. Throughout our meal our servers were very attentive and nice, I will definitely be returning since they had a ton of other menu items I would love to try. I am so happy to have found a local Italian gem...especially with all the history behind this family. read more

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Very disappointing experience tonight. I placed my order of Lobster Ravioli with a side of Italian sausage and when the food came out it looked like I had the kids meals serving. The side of Italian sausage was not grilled and it was the hottest sausage I have ever had. When the check came out I noticed that the sausage that I could not eat was still listed. The server went to the owner about having it removed and was denied. On our way out my wife talked to the owner Debbie and told her about the issue and she was told that hot sausage is the only one they served. If I was told that I would never ordered it. Needless to say that she did not take it off our bill. I don't ever plan on spending my money at this restaurant again. read more

Some of the most phenomenal food I've ever had, highly recommend this place! This is the stuffed lobster with crab. Worth every penny. Their pasta dishes are large too from what I saw and the warm bread given is plenty. read more

Sal De Forte’s - Stuffed lobster with crab, mashed potatoes and asparagus. - Italian Near Me - Ewing Township, New Jersey

Always an outstanding experience! Took 4 people for their first time. They loved it! We shared bruschetta which is more like a pizza. So simple ingredients yet so elegant in taste! Two of us had the lamb chop special which was heavenly. One had fusilli with sausage and broccoli. Another, who has wheat allergies, had gluten free pasta with bolonese. He ate the entire dish! Another had chicken Alfredo. We then followed up with desserts: lemon cello cake, key lime pie and tiramisu. All were fabulous! Can't say enough good things about this place. read more

Great, fresh Italian food. Have been eating there for years Good service and very nice owners

Great food, lovely atmosphere, very friendly and attentive staff. Had chicken Parmesan, a lovely butterfish/crab with a lemon sauce, and salmon with roasted vegetables - all delicious! read more

Never again, this place is worth skipping I order the pasta fagioli which was tasteless and I followed it up with an equally unremarkable capellini Al pesce. Did I say never again? read more

When Sal DeForte's Ristorante was still in Chambersburg, Trenton, NJ., it was one of my favorite Italian haunts for a delicious and romantic dinner. Dark woody tones, beautiful old bar, and aproned servers trained in the old ways. It was a complete experience. Time passes, and as with almost all the casas Italiana in that great neighborhood, they moved out to the burbs to follow the migratory paths of their customers. Sal's landed in Ewing on Pennington Road. It took me many years before I found my way back, but I finally made it this week for a business lunch with a client. I expected it would only be a shadow of its former self, but I was wrong. It wasn't a recreation of the Old World house, but about as good as a modern setting can be in attempting to capture the essence of the past. The atmosphere was still hushed, and the décor was both formal and comfortable at the same time. Cloth tablecloths, fresh flowers, large curtained windows all around, and servers in black gliding around the floor. The menu was much as I remembered it. Fresh veal, chicken, pasta, soups and salads, served with roast potatoes and string beans. Side salad for every dish. Lunch sized portions coming in around $8.95 per meal. My chicken francaise was two fillets, egged, and pan fried with a touch wine and lemon. Excellent! My business associate's platter was a grilled salmon, that he devoured with relish. The bread basket had a nice sliced loaf of very fresh crusty acqua y farina. Overall, just an exemplary midday meal that completely out distanced my expectations. Would I return for another meal? Without a doubt! This lunch was so good it made me forget how much I missed the old Sal's. read more

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Sauce to sour. Order chicken layered with tomatoes basil and mozzarella and got the picture included d read more

Sal De Forte’s - Italian Near Me - Ewing Township, New Jersey

Great food not overpriced many visits always consistent every time service is good although sometimes slow

Passed by, was full by 5pm so figured we give it a try. Friendly, promptly created and seated. Nice menu Assortment from pastas to seafood, poultry and veal. Meatball app made of tri-meat mix in a thick marinara sauce. Side salad came with meal. Had the veal Jerusalem (veal with artichokes and mushrooms in a white wine sauce) with mixed vegetables instead of pasta. Hearty meal, nice presentation. However was bland, very lite on flavor. Perhaps they don't cook with salt which is okay. But no garlic to give it some flavor. Hummmm. My spouse had the clams and linguini with red sauce, must have had calm broth as the sauce was on the watery side. An okay place, safe place to bring your parents. read more

Been coming to Sal's since the 90's when they were back in the "Burg." Russel and Debbie are wonderful people and good friends. The food is always fabulous and of course the wait staff are outstanding. We moved to the Boston area more than 15 years ago but whenever we're in NJ we make a point of going back to Sal's. read more

Great place for good Italian food and for hosting parties. We had my dad's 90th last year and we are back again this year.. Very reasonably priced, good size servings, and great, great food. My favorite dish [if I HAD to decide] is their stuffed peppers. My husband usually gets a chicken dish. Great service, BYOB, beautiful ambience. Its definitely the best restaurant in town read more

Sal De Forte’s - Great Service too !! - Italian Near Me - Ewing Township, New Jersey

My third time here at Sal DeFortes. The food is delicious! I live in North Jersey but my child goes to TCNJ which is very closeby. She and I have had dinner here a couple of times and tonight for my husband's birthday I thought it'd be the perfect place. I was correct! Normally, the ambience inside is very nice, but tonight it was especially nice because it was so nicely decorated for Christmas and they had live music singing holiday songs - when I first saw the musicians I was worried it would be too loud, but it wasn't at all - it was nice background music. Knowing it was a birthday celebration, they sat us right next to the beautifully decorated Christmas tree which was so festive! Ok, what we ate - chicken parm - very good, tortellino carbonara - delish, fusilli bolognese - good and rigatoni vodka - wonderful! We had fried calamari to start- when I saw it I thought it looked meh, but it was perfectly cooked and very good! We also had a french onion soup - very tasty - and a lobster bisque which was very enjoyable. The bread at the table is delightfully crispy on the outside and fluffy and light on the inside. Then delectable desserts - molten lava cake and a lemon cake. Moist and delicious. The staff works very hard and they were all very attentive. Finally, the prices are more than reasonable, and the dishes are large and plentiful. I really cannot say enough good things about this place! read more

Incredible restaurant, food and drinks were incredible. Haven't had that good of Italian food in a long time. My girlfriend and I both had a great time and enjoyed our dishes. Best Italian food in the area that I've had. Will be coming back and bringing my coworkers for drinks and an incredible meal. read more

Food never disappoints! Always pleased with service also. Don't miss Nona's gravy if it is on the menu. BYOB keeps the cost down too

We had dinner this past weekend and they were following all Covid saftey procedures. We felt very comfortable dinning inside the restaurant. The food was outstanding as usual as well as the service. I think its very important that we support these family owned restaurant as they try to survive this pandemic. You cannot find a better value when dinning out. Gary S. read more