JoeBella's Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Toms River

Walking into JoeBella’s feels like stepping into an Italian dreamscape — warm, glowing lights, rustic wood, and a vibe that says, “Yeah, go ahead, order another glass of wine.” It’s the kind of spot where you instinctively loosen your shoulders and start eyeing the specials board before you even sit down. Whether you're tucked into a booth or catching the action from the open kitchen view, the whole place hums with that perfect mix of cozy and classy.

But let’s not dance around it — the meatballs are the real main character. These aren’t just good; they taste like Sunday dinners from an old-school Nonna who doesn’t measure a thing and somehow nails it every time. Rich, tender, and swimming in a marinara that clings like a hug, they come with a scoop of dreamy ricotta that melts right into every bite. It’s comfort food with heritage, the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-chew just to nod at whoever’s lucky enough to be sitting across from you.

The homemade pasta deserves its own spotlight too — delicate, fresh, and clearly crafted with intention. Paired with sauces that actually taste like someone’s been stirring them all afternoon, there’s nothing rushed or overdone here. The flavors feel honest, balanced, and rooted in tradition. You can taste the difference in every forkful — like the recipe came from an Italian family kitchen.

We had the honor of being served my the manager Lee Ann. She was funny and delightful and made the experience that more special. She even laughed at my silly "rotating wine joke."

Not everything was perfect — the Caesar salad could’ve used a little more love (and more dressing). But honestly, once those meatballs and pasta made their entrance, the table went quiet in the best possible way. JoeBella’s knows what it’s doing, and it does it with Italian...

I definitely went in giving Joe Bella’s a margin for error since it was opening weekend. What they got totally right: Appetizers of scallops and beef carpaccio were delicious though smallish. Cocktails: Lemoncello martini (bit strong & I had asked for orangecello martini but drank what I had—it was fine), old fashioned, white wine, espresso martini (highly recommend) and the after dinner cocktai with the peanut butter whiskey & a marshmallow (sooo good). Dessert: Zeppoles=excellent. Creme brûlée=very good. What needs work: The linguine w lobster came out as spaghetti a la dente with a few very tiny pieces of lobster and a bland cream sauce. The tagliatelle with black truffles and mushroom was again al dente, some mushrooms were raw, and I’m not sure what the sauce was supposed to be but mine was a broth that would’ve been so much better as a light cream sauce. Instead of big sliced mushrooms, maybe chop them so they don’t overpower the dish. Service: Cannot say enough good things about our server. She was amazing. I’m only giving 3 stars because I feel like the entrees should’ve been the stars of the show, They’re both pretty simple dishes and just need a lot of improvement. I’d also like to see daily specials. I’ll definitely return, but I’m going to wait a couple of months so they have a chance to get...

We love Joe Bellas and recommend you guys all the time. This last visit was not the same. Izzy behind the bar was awesome and Brook our server was wonderful as always.

Open Table has the last seating on Sunday at 8:30 so we were very surprised when we arrived at 8:00 with the sign off and to be told that the kitchen closed at 8:30. So we rushed at get the order in before the kitchen closed.

The apps were on point, gnocchi and the crusted fresh mozzarella. The problem occurred when my Tagliatelle Mushroom Truffle with Grilled Shrimp. It came out with grilled chicken. Brook offered to bring me a new one and I was hesitant because if the time. I was assured it would be OK.

The dish returned to me with under cooked boiled shrimp. I picked them out and tried to enjoy the pasta which had been microwaved until I bit into a piece of rubbery chicken. By that point my family didn't want to sit with me watching them eat so we packed theirs up and went home.

It really feels like the quality of food and care put into its preparation is dependent on the time of day.

If the kitchen is going to do a hard close and not care about tables that have been sat prior to that then the seating times need to be adjusted and we should have been turned away.

Very disappointing experience that I truly hope...