Ravello by Toscano — Restaurant in Robbinsville Township

Boy did I sleep on this place. I've driven past it probably hundreds of times, sitting there all non-nondescript-like in it's nearly abandoned strip mall location on a fairly barren stretch of 130. I take full responsibility for my lack in judgement, and plan on atoning for my sin with regular visits henceforth. My wife and I actually managed to get a baby-sitter, so we opted to dine out like adults for a change. The neighbors had all said good things about Ravello, so despite my reservations from driving by, I went ahead and made some reservations on Open Table. We arrived 5 minutes prior to our specified time, and were seated immediately despite three or four couples who were already waiting. We were promptly attended to by a very young but thorough waiter who walked us through the specials of the day and left us to peruse the menu while he went to get some water and open our wine. We started with a couple of apps: 1/2 dozen fresh oysters that were on the specials menu and, thanks to the suggestions of fellow Yelpers, Emma's Meatballs. The oysters were very fresh and delicious, and were accompanied by a cocktail sauce and another vinaigrette-type sauce that were both clearly homemade and delicious. Next came the meatballs, and they were the highlight of the meal. I know, I know, they're meatballs. How can they be that good, right? Well, I don't know HOW they are, but they are. Smearing the whipped ricotta over those perfectly seared spheres of wonder was shockingly delicious, and the slow-simmered "Sunday sauce" pulled all of the flavors together. Yes, I realize how much of my review I have just spent on meatballs. Just get them. Trust me. For our entrees, the wife had the chicken and shrimp ravello while I went for the Veal Osso Bucco Canneloni. The ravello was delicious, with ample amounts of perfectly prepared jumbo shrimp and chicken served over it. My wife did find the chorizo a bit too spicy for her liking by the end of the dish. The Canneloni, or the "Italian burrito" as my wife referred to it, was fantastic. The pasta itself was perfect, and the filling was delicious, put the flavor mushroom ragu really put this dish over the top for me. I'm not sure how they packed that much mushroom flavor into the sauce, but bravo. For desert I opted for a frozen lemon custard that was on the specials menu while my wife opted for the pasticcera.di frutta. Both were delicious and bright, not too heavy and the perfect end to a delicious meal. Ravello is a true diamond in the rough. You'd hardly pay it any mind as you drove past it. Even still, it was packed when I was there on a Friday evening, meaning there must be plenty of word of mouth to keep the tables filled. The fact that it's a BYOB helps keep the final tab a bit more reasonable as well. So don't let the humble appearance and surroundings fool you, Ravello by Toscano is the real deal, and every bit as worthy of your patronage as it's more famous...

Can I give Ravello's ten stars? We brought 24 people in for a work dinner party, celebrating three birthdays, a new hire, and a successful spring. Dawn covered all aspects of our reservations, suggesting family style apps (the meatballs and calamari are amazing!) to start. Ben, our server, introduced himself as soon as we arrived,.(he even helped untangle balloons!) Everything we asked for was met with a yes and a smile. Every entree was fresh and delicious. There was not a speck of dessert left on any plates. .the following day I heard my staff making plans to eat at Ravello's again, or get take out, if distance was an issue. We were asked if we wanted any left over apps boxed up, and we said oh yes, and were able to enjoy this wonderful food again the next day at work. Kudos to the kitchen staff for handling the volume we brought that night. Thank you to the entire restaurant staff for making our dinner so enjoyable and memorable. Update July 20, 2022. We brought 28 people this year! Same awesome food, same excellent service. Jason handled the oders this year for our large group . He made great suggestions (rare ahi tuna special and the pork with figs from the regular menu). The appetizers( meatballs, calamari and artichoke spinach flatbread) were delicious and generous. We had a fabulous evening being social with our coworkers and...

Our second time at Ravello by Toscano, the first one took place eight months ago. Again, very positive experience. Inventive menu by Executive Chef Dominic C., combining modern trends, exploration of and venturing into other world cuisines, new and bold flavors with the great traditions of cucina italiana. Carefully selected fresh ingredients by local producers, attractive plating, and very very generous portions. The menu features daily specials, including different steaks, expertly cooked. The prices are quite forgiving. Most pastas are priced in the low $20s (cacio e pepe is $18). We would particularly recommend the following dishes: short rib egg roll (braised beef short rib, Vermont cheddar, roasted mushroom bruschetta, truffle cream spinach), which even though being offered as an appetizer is capable of filling the hungriest stomach, grilled peaches and capicola salad and 14 oz steak, very reminiscent of Bistecca alla Fiorentina, served with deep fried squash florets and roasted potatoes. Good and friendly yet professional service, spacious dining area, ample parking and convenient location with a direct access to both South and North lanes of route 130. Highly...