When you first pull up to Antonios, it looks like a typical pizzeria in a typical shopping center in a typical town in NJ. Since we did heard positive things about the restaurant, we were excited to review it but, to be perfectly honest, pulling up was a little disappointing.
As we walked inside, we found that the dining space was actually much larger than you would imagine, with two very large, very comfortable dining rooms. We arrived early for lunch (about 11:30am) and the restaurant was empty. We had our pick of tables and chose one in the middle of one of the two dining rooms. Within 20 minutes, it was hard to believe but both dining rooms were completely packed.
Our waiter was exceptional, very attentive and continued to provide excellent service, even after the crowd arrived. I ordered the steak lunch special and my friend ordered the chicken parm (she's a chicken parm connoisseur, orders it every time she goes to an Italian restaraunt). Both entrees came with a side salad. The balsamic dressing on the salad was so incredible that we both ordered more to go. It's rich, thick and sweet, and not to be missed. My steak was good, cooked medium and full of flavor. The chicken parmigiana was ordered with caramelized onions. As a wonderful gesture, they served it with an extra side of caramelized onions, a pleasant surprise. The marinara sauce was perfect, with a gentle sweetness that was completely satisfying. Both meals were delicious. Fresh to order, large portions, and very flavorful. And to top it off we had the most amazing tartufo for dessert... cookies and cream ice cream with a hard chocolate shell, different than any other I have ever tried. It was extraordinary. They had tartufos in lots of other unique flavors as well. What a great way to top off a perfect meal.
We heard that their gourmet pizzas are phenomenal but didn't have enough room left to try a slice. What a great reason to have to go back!
Even though not much curb appeal, this is an Italian restaraunt that I would not hesitate to recommend to the pickiest diner and can't wait to return! Just make sure you arrive early, they don't take reservations!
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