{"id":23474,"date":"2026-06-10T02:53:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T02:53:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/italy\/23474\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T02:53:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T02:53:27","slug":"we-got-a-first-look-at-elizabeths-njs-buzziest-new-italian-restaurant-it-has-an-aperol-spritz-vending-machine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/italy\/23474\/","title":{"rendered":"We Got a First Look at Elizabeth\u2019s, NJ\u2019s Buzziest New Italian Restaurant (+ It Has an Aperol Spritz Vending Machine)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"STAFF PHOTO<\/p>\n

The restaurant group behind the award-winning 618 Restaurant<\/a> and Mezcal: A Modern Mexican Steakhouse<\/a> just introduced its newest concept, Elizabeth\u2019s Italian<\/a>, and we got an exclusive first look at the restaurant.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

Revamping the former Grillestone restaurant in Old Bridge<\/a>, restauranteur\/owner\/CEO (and author) Matthew Borowski<\/a> and his Death of Hospitality team<\/a> will open Elizabeth\u2019s Italian<\/a> to the public on June 24 as an ode to his wife Liz, as well as a way to bring the flavors and designs of Italy much closer to home.<\/p>\n

From Instagrammable drinks to authentic Italian eats to an Aperol Spritz vending machine (more on that later), here are 8 reasons why Elizabeth\u2019s will be your newest go-to for an elevated date night, party or family meal (yes, it\u2019s kid-friendly, too):<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ The Stiletto\n<\/p>\n

Over-the-Top Cocktails<\/p>\n

When it comes to Insta-worthy drinks, Elizabeth\u2019s knows how it\u2019s done. The Stiletto serves a blood orange-passionfruit Aperol-tequila mix from stiletto-shaped glassware, atop a perfume tray with an actual spritz on top.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ She\u2019s the Moment\n<\/p>\n

She\u2019s the Moment mixes gin, elderflower, cucumber, tarragon and citrus for a drink that\u2019s fresh, floral and almost too pretty to put down.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ The Personality Hire (mocktail), Da-Ga-Ba-Gool, Aperol Spritz\n<\/p>\n

Da-Ga-Ba-Gool is a vodka cocktail that comes with crispy gabagool (capicola) pinned to the glass.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re with a group, consider The Wonder Wheel, which features six vodka-Aperol drinks served on a Ferris wheel-style display; the Spritz Tower Service, a tree-like stand with four Aperol drinks; or a limoncello flight.<\/p>\n

Sip For Liv is a combo of Patron, orange and grapefruit, with $1 of every cocktail donated to the Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation<\/a> for pediatric cancer (restaurant owner Matt Borowski is a board member).<\/p>\n

Or go all in with the Diamonds Are a Girl\u2019s Best Friend High Roller Cocktail: a $600 (!!) drink made with Beluga Gold vodka and olive brine that comes with a set of 1-carat diamond studs. Yes, really.\u00a0We\u2019re not joking.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ Elizabeth\u2019s Ferrero Rocher\n<\/p>\n

Cocktails include 618\u2019s famous Pistachio Martini, or Elizabeth\u2019s Ferrero Rocher Frangelico-Nutella dark chocolate drink served inside a giant chocolate-shaped candy box.<\/p>\n

Most of the drinks arrive under lighted glass domes with dry ice for a smoky effect, so don\u2019t be surprised when a server walks by and everyone reaches for their phones.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ The Holy Trinity\n<\/p>\n

Dinner, Elevated<\/p>\n

Acclaimed Chef Christopher Dutka<\/a> from 618 and Mezcal is bringing his culinary vision to Elizabeth\u2019s, including his Jersey-famous Granny\u2019s meatballs, a recipe passed down from his grandmother Mary. We ordered The Holy Trinity, which had a tower of meatballs, short rib arancini and fried calamari \u2013 a surprise with its fried pickles and cherry pepper aioli.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

It was hard not to fill up on the bread basket, too. At many restaurants, bread is a starter to munch on while you wait for your meal. At Elizabeth\u2019s, it feels like part of the meal: soft, crunchy sesame semolina bread served with extra virgin olive oil mixed with Grana Padano cheese and spices.<\/p>\n

We added on roasted artichokes and mushroom risotto for our first round. If you don\u2019t love mushrooms, keep in mind this is a tender, non-mushroom-tasting fungi.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ Jalapeno Crab\n<\/p>\n

The house-made semolina pasta is the real draw here. A classic bolognese was elevated by egg pappardelle and pancetta. The jalape\u00f1o crab atop black spaghetti is also a standout with its Calabrian breadcrumbs. The pomodoro was filled with burrata and San Marzano tomatoes on top of bucatini.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO \/ Chicken parmesan, Mushroom risotto\n<\/p>\n

Among the selection of steaks and seafood dishes is a make-your-own of sorts: you can choose a chicken breast or 12-ounce veal chop and make it parmesan- or Milanese-style with your choice of San Marzano, spicy Calabrian, vodka or spicy vodka sauce. We definitely recommend adding burrata or crispy prosciutto to your meat dish for a chef\u2019s kiss.<\/p>\n

Another fave is the Sunday Sauce, which has rigatoni added to short rib, fennel sausage, meatballs and guanciale, to feel like Grandma\u2019s house on any day of the week.<\/p>\n

For vegetarians, the Vegetables al Forno, eggplant parmesan and vegan rigatoni are good options. Plus some of the \u201cPerfect Pairings\u201d aka side dishes are veg-friendly, like crispy broken potatoes, roasted baby carrots, and soft polenta with crispy sunchokes.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

Sweets for Days<\/p>\n

Desserts here are a must. Although it\u2019s an Italian spot, the burnt Basque cheesecake was an interesting Spanish take on the ricotta classic, with a pine nut rosemary crumble and balsamic berry compote.<\/p>\n

The Italian ricotta donuts weren\u2019t the zeppoli we expected, but instead dense, lemon-flavored donuts covered in raspberry cardamom sugar with Nutella on the side.<\/p>\n

The pistachio gelato was creamy and rich \u2013 but we really missed out on the pistachio tiramisu, which was so large it served all four people at the table next to us.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO<\/p>\n

Inspired D\u00e9cor<\/p>\n

Pulling into the parking lot feels like an experience of its own. There is lush landscaping out front, where a mini Aperol Spritz van sits amongst the outdoor seating on the patio. There are murals adorning the exterior of the building. And statues. Everywhere.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

As soon as you walk into the lobby, a light-up sign sets the tone: \u201cASAP: Means Aperol Spritz and Pasta.\u201d And really, that\u2019s what Elizabeth\u2019s is all about: Aperol-fueled cocktails and house-made semolina pasta in a stunning space with moody lighting, pretty chandeliers, gold and black d\u00e9cor, a glowing bar and mirrors with cheeky sayings like \u201cMore Parm, Less Problems\u201d and \u201cYou Look Expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

The main mural is a tribute to the owner and his wife, with the saying \u201cSar\u00e0 Perche Ti Amo\u201d which means \u201cIt must be because I love you.\u201d There\u2019s a wall of TV images that have four screens playing Italian classics like \u201cGoodfellas\u201d and \u201cThe Godfather.\u201d And lemon trees \u2013 everywhere.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

The thoughtful design continues throughout the space, from comical photos lining the hallway \u2014 including Snoop Dogg eating spaghetti and meatballs \u2014 to an Anthony Bourdain painting in the coffee shop area that feels like a fitting nod to serious food lovers.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

An Aperol Spritz Vending Machine<\/p>\n

After dinner, buy a token for the Aperol Spritz vending machine, which has a collection of regular and non-alcoholic versions of the drink the restaurant is known for.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

Outdoor Dining on the Patio<\/p>\n

When the restaurant officially opens to the public on June 24, so will the patio area. Along with about 20 tables is an Aperol Spritz mobile bar which will be open during the summer months.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

Live Entertainment\u00a0<\/p>\n

Elizabeth\u2019s will present a Live at Elizabeth\u2019s series, which kicks off with Spritz & Social every Wednesday at the bar. While a DJ plays from 7 to 10 pm, you can order $10 Aperol Spritzes or the Spritz Tower Service for $39.<\/p>\n

Happy Hour is Sunday to Thursday, with 50 percent off select drinks + apps at the bar.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

Kid-Friendly Atmosphere<\/p>\n

This is fine dining at its best, but restauranteur\/owner\/CEO (and author) Matthew Borowski<\/a> stands by making upscale restaurants kid-friendly,<\/a> too. With three children of his own, he keeps kids in mind. That means clean high chairs, supplies for kids, a special menu, and even wrapped presents for kids at Christmastime. There are three mocktails on the menu, or ask about a Shirley Temple for kids.<\/p>\n

\"\"STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n

Elizabeth\u2019s Italian<\/a> is located at 2658 Rte. 516, Old Bridge. The restaurant is currently open for invited guests only, but reservations are open now ahead of the June 24 grand opening. Most cocktails are around $18, with the fancier ones ranging from $35 to $75. Starters are in the $20 range, main pasta dishes are around $30, and entrees range from $30\u00a0 to $75.<\/p>\n

Get the latest on the\u00a0best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by\u00a0signing up for our newsletter<\/a> and following us on Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Read More:
This New Jersey Town Is Quietly Becoming a Foodie Hotspot<\/a>
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This Trendy NJ Restaurant\u2019s Cocktail Class Is Made for Your Next Moms Night Out<\/a>
Mezcal Delivers a Modern Mexican Steakhouse Experience to New Jersey<\/a>
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