Rue 561 bistro — Restaurant in Toms River

We recently took our mom to this incredible Italian gem right down the street from our house to celebrate her birthday, and it was absolutely perfect. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and treated like family. The owner, Frank, who lives in town, made the experience truly unforgettable. He spent the evening at our table, sharing classic stories of growing up in Brooklyn and keeping us laughing all night long.

The service was absolutely top-notch. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was seamless, adding to the overall experience with thoughtful touches that didn’t go unnoticed.

The food was exceptional. We started with mouthwatering appetizers—a beautifully curated charcuterie board, creamy ricotta crostinis, and thick-cut bacon that was rich and savory. For our main course, we all ordered the bone-in ribeye, sourced from Pat LaFrieda Steaks, and it was melt-in-your-mouth amazing. Cooked to perfection, every bite was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

We finished the night with their incredible desserts, including silky panna cotta, crispy churros, and creamy gelato, paired perfectly with their special espresso. It was the perfect sweet ending to a flawless meal.

This place is more than just a restaurant—it’s a must-visit destination. We’ll be back very soon, and we highly recommend it to anyone in the Ocean County area looking for a high-quality Italian dinner with amazing food, impeccable service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Thank you, Frank, for making this...

What an unexpected find! This is our special place we discovered in TR. Accommodating staff always welcoming with smiles and grace. This is a bit of a drive for us to get here but we are never disappointed. The menu is always spectacular with unique specials, my new favorite would be the tuna tartare as our appy, Halibut for my main and the flourless chocolate torte as the desert. An expresso to finish, what a treat. Live music by Frank (not to be confused with owner Frank) on the keyboard. Any song you want, he can play it. Family owned with Frank (the Dad not piano man) always present and wondering through the kitchen and out on the floor touching base with all of the patrons, his extended family. That’s how he makes you feel. Franks presents is warming and welcoming. This is his Italian house, and you are in it for the feast he will be serving. I personally love to cook, and when I do I put passion into the food I am serving whether to just my wife and I or a contingent family and friends. This is what I feel when the staff would serve us. The presentation of the staff, the food, the atmosphere, that whole thing is what makes Rue 561 so special. It’s not just an Italian restaurant. It’s a family run restaurant where every dish is prepared and served with love and passion for good food. The presentation will not be soon forgotten. Thanks...

This restaurant is a gem! Something you didn’t know Toms River needed. The food, ambiance, and service are all outstanding. The owner, Frank, should be very proud of what he’s built here. He’s always walking around the dining room to introduce himself and check in on his guests- he’s a real genuine guy. The chef has such a creative flare- each dish is packed with impeccable flavor, and plated so beautifully as well. You can really tell all the depth that goes into each dish. Their charcuterie board is picture perfect and full of flavor, and the mushroom bisque warms your soul. Plus, they have freshly shaved truffles you can add on top- something I haven’t been able to find anywhere else in the area. The steaks are the best I’ve ever had- 45 days dry aged makes a world of a difference. They also have a 45 oz Tomahawk steak that comes out sliced for you on a chopping block- it’s really something to check out. They even have their logo engraved on the bone, and they’ll wrap the whole bone up for your dog if you ask. Cappuccinos always with dessert. Or even just espresso with a nice lemon peel. The waitstaff is always super friendly and knowledgeable. They really work hard to provide amazing service. Rue 561 is our go to spot for a...