Cordivari's Restaurant — Restaurant in Brigantine

Why oh why did I not come here until now?!

Welcomed with literal love. I arrived, I ate, I was conquered. That’s after I thought they were closed and promptly pulled me in as I was walking away. ☺️ (Push and pull on the door. It’s definitely open at 4pm.)

I went there specifically for the gnocchi. I will return to enjoy that once again. But I am sure that I’ll also treat myself not only to what’s normally on their menu, but also their specials. My waitress was kind enough not to let me derail my intentions for going, by not detailing the specials. But I did over hear the explanation made to other patrons while I waited for my entree and I’m sure I’d have been hard pressed not to want to deviate.

The service was a joy. I highly recommend getting a reservation. Because even though I’d arrived right at 4pm, it’s obvious that there are many regulars who make sure to book their spots well ahead of a walk-in. So call or use their online service to reserve or know that you must reserve for another day to enjoy all this restaurant has to offer.

While I waited for the homemade gnocchi and side order of meatballs. The waitress asked if I’d like butter or oil to dip into the bread. I hesitated and she offered me a bit of both. My goodness - I felt spoiled! The EVOO with the shredded garlic, salt and maybe Parmesan? I dunno but it was delicious and the warm bread combined with a bit of butter and that oil… bliss.

The main event? You’ll just have to go there to find out if it may meet your expectations. I’ve already said. I’ll return.

Dessert! If you don’t save room for it. Then certainly consider selecting one to enjoy at home. I did and the reason I waited until today to write my review for my 5/6/23 meal was to consume my selection. Light, sweet enough, pistachios… Once again, I’m sure I’ll enjoy trying the others, one at a time.

It’s a location that is inviting, to start - quiet, then I was able to observe highly frequented by families and couples alike. Bring your own alcoholic libations if you wish, the food and ambiance are intoxicating enough to my mind.

Buon appetito a tutti and thanks to all (Lesley C) who made my first time one...

Our recent experience at this restaurant was awful. We ordered the Princess Chicken, but the chicken was disgustingly chewy like it had been frozen, hastily thawed, and then boiled. No hint whatsoever that it was sautéed or cooked with the sauce. The crab meat on top—it was beyond rancid and totally inedible. I'm seriously hoping I don't end up sick from that mess. Rancid crab meat has a distinct taste and odor like ammonia; this had that along with hints of sulfur and rotten fish. Yum.

When we complained, the manager secretly tacked on a salad charge to the bill, which was supposed to come with the meal, but because we sent it back due to their rancid meat, she decided to charge us for it. This would have been comped in any other restaurant, both for serving sub par food and the incurred wait time for something different. This place is apparently know for their random up-charges, so beware.

Then the cashier shadily managed to mess up our credit card payment, deciding to take the cash we put towards the bill (along with a credit card) and claiming she thought it was for a tip. That would have been amounted to a 40% tip for this disaster lol. I go out to eat several times per week and have never had this happen. They claimed to have sorted it out with the overcharging of the credit card and we left. About 15 mins later, the manager called me asking for my credit card info because they messed up the charge. Their blunder meant I had to drive back to the restaurant just to sort out their error. I’ve literally never had such a disastrous experience at a restaurant, it’s almost comical.

What really takes the cake is how they tried to deny the rancid crab fiasco as if I had some secret agenda. The manager aggressively trying to claim I was in the wrong by telling me that others had the crab and loved it, so it must be me. Seriously? I just wanted a decent meal with my family, not a front-row seat to their circus of incompetence and...

Been to this restaurant multiple times over the past 2 years.... never had a bad meal once!

Where to start....the staff is so friendly and helpful. On a few occasions we conversed with the owners and their daughter. (such a nice family!)

The menu has a selection of items to please those who like traditional entrees but also has items for those who want to try something new. Their marinara sauce.... WOW! I don’t typically order anything in a red gravy because my wife (Italian) makes her homemade gravy, and it’s rare I find a place that makes it better then my wife.... (just don’t tell my wife!) ha

Tonight there was a special...Fresh Halibut topped with tomatoes and leeks with a cream sauce...something something... (The server described it way better then I am now) BUT... This was seriously the best meal I have eaten in a long time. I order fish when I’m out often... I prefer white fish like tuna, mahi, halibut... This special was nothing short of phenomenal!

They make their own pastas onsite and you can tell the difference.... so good! My wife loves the Rav’s and their meatballs are delicious.

I could seriously go on and on.... but the moral of this delicious story is, Cordivari’s is not a place you want to miss out on. Wether you live here or your just visiting......