Il Nido — Restaurant in Marlboro Township

The newly opened restaurant Il Nido (translates as The Nest in Italian) is a great addition to the NJ dining scene, and particularly to the true fine dining, sans the ubiquitous and unimpressive lineup of the staple Italian-American fare, all these spaghetti with meatballs and stuffed portobello, the food that is as far from the authentic Italian food as it is only possible. Il Nido is a veritable haven for foodies, for connoisseurs of gourmet dining, and for all those who can appreciate a perfectly executed meal, presented in an appealing and creative way, using the finest and freshest ingredients. Since Il Nido is located in a shopping strip mall, there is an ample parking available. There are two dining areas, on both sides of the entrance. The dining area on the right features a cozy fireplace. The tables are generously spaced to avoid any unwanted elbow-rubbing with the neighboring tables; the seating is comfortable. There is a lot of attention paid to minute details, such as decor and lighting, including the restrooms, probably ones of the best we have encountered, ever. The service was very good, that is on the part of the servers. The food runners should be more on par with the high standards of the establishment, more friendliness and a more polished approach wouldn't hurt. The restaurant is BYOB which makes your meal there more budget-friendly. The restaurant features a regular à la carte menu and tasting menu (the latter is a 4 courses affair priced at the bargain price of 55$/PP, several options are offered in the each of 4 sections, participation of the entire table required). The food is really good, the mastery of the chefs is easily recognized. A very impressive selection of dry aged beef (depending on a day, from 2 to 4 choices are offered), including ribeye, filet mignon, strip steak, and Fiorentina. The appetizers are very interesting; a separate selection of soups and salads is more than satisfying. The primi, or pasta, are all house-made. The one choice we got to sample, BLACK SPAGHETTI (Crab, Green Chili, Bottarga & Breadcrumb), was superb, as good as the same variety we had in the best restaurants in Italy. The secondi got something for the most picky or discerning eater, from risotto to HALIBUT ALLA PIASTRA, to PAN SEARED NJ GOLDEN TILEFISH to veal chops, porchetta and chicken. The list of the different coffee varieties beats some of Michelin restaurants, and the desserts are totally fascinating. We would particularly recommend their PISTACHIO CAKE (Mascarpone Mousse, Roasted Lemon Curd & Pistachio Gelato), entirely mouthwatering, overwhelming, and outright delicious. Our 45 minutes' drive was fully justified. Despite the long haul, we will definitely be back...

We drove 1:45 minutes in Friday rush-hour traffic to dine with friends at Il Nido, one of NJ Magazine’s top Italian restaurants in NJ. If you’ve seen “The Bear” on Hulu, you have an idea of what it takes to strive to be a Michelin-quality restaurant. I critique that kind of restaurant differently than I would a local restaurant, which is satisfied to sling hash competently. Il Nido’s basket of fresh bread was worth the calories, BUT the butter should have been left out to thaw so as to not be rock-hard. I know my paisans are thinking, “what are you using butter when oil and pepper were available?” The caesar salad was great, and when we told them we were sharing, they split the order in the kitchen and served 2 plates as if we had both ordered it. 👍👍 The Gramigna pasta was off the charts great, with a veal bolognese sauce and crunchy bread crumbs on top. 👍👍 The wagyu short rib, with braised cannellini beans, pancetta, escarole was fall-off-the-bone tender. 👍👍 Edie and I shared the entrèe and the staff split the order in the kitchen. Unfortunately, Edie’s half of the short rib was fatty. However, I can’t kill the kitchen for that, because if I had been served the whole short rib, the meat-to-fat ratio would’ve been in proportion. The fancy tartufo dessert, with Fudgy the Whale (kind of) chocolate crumble on top was a waste of calories and money. Like the butter that was served frozen, the tartufo consistency was rock-hard, as if it just had come out of the freezer. Our server James was attentive and knew the menu well. As we all know, American restaurants clear plates in an effort to move you along. But like a good european restaurant where it’s your table for the night, James allowed us to eat at our own pace. My only beef about the service was that every time a staff member came to our table, they interrupted our conversation “because what they had to say was so important”. At Michelin-caliber restaurants, staff is taught to wait 5 to 7 seconds in hopes for a lull in the conversation before apologizing for interrupting. So if you understand and accept that, like the great Viaggio’s in Wayne, Il Nido is located in a hideous strip-mall on a NJ highway, and that the menu is priced like a restaurant striving to be Michelin-caliber, I would give it a try. I would go back for the gramigna...

I wish I could give more than 5 stars! I had the extreme pleasure of dining here last night, and it was more than a meal...it was an experience!

My oldest son had basketball practice at a nearby gym and due to Covid restrictions parents aren't allowed in the gym. So instead of waiting in the car for 2 hours I decided to treat myself to a nice quiet dinner by myself. This was a last minute decision so I didn't know where I was going.

I found myself in front of il Nido at a little past 8pm. I did a quick Google search in the car and was intrigued. I walked in and greeted warmly. I asked if it were too late to dine and was assured it was not. All staff were wearing masks, and wait staff were also wearing gloves. Other customers were nicely spread out. The decor was tasteful. Lots of brick and leather, which can sometimes give off a cold feel, but this was warm, inviting, and comfortable. The bathroom felt like a sanctuary! I really appreciate when restaurants take the time and effort to make the bathroom nice. There were mints, mouthwash, and sanitary items. So thoughtful!

Now let's get to the meal! I opted for the NY Strip with potatoes special. It was delicious! As I was eating Joe (the owner) came to check to see if the meal was to my liking and if I was ok because I was eating alone. I explained what brought me there and why I was by myself he responded "you made the right choice". Then he offered a bottle of red wine on the house! Naturally I excepted. It really did make an already great meal even better.

Desert! After having a delicious, but heavy meal I wanted something light for dessert. I ordered the olive cake, and I am so glad I did. It was light but full of flavor and was perfectly complimented by homemade whipped cream and a scoop of orange sherbert (I could be wrong on the flavor but it was so good and I ate it all).

I know this post was long, but I had to adequately express my experience in its entirety. Joe and his crew at il Nido took care of this mom who needed a little "me time". I am grateful and will be back...