Nestled in the heart of Red Bank, New Jersey, Patrizia’s Pizza and Pasta brings a slice of Italy’s vibrant culinary tradition to Broad Street. While relatively new to the borough, the story of Patrizia’s in Red Bank is deeply rooted in family, flavor, and a passion for authentic Italian dining that stretches back over 25 years.
The journey began in the Bronx, New York, where Giacomo Alaio and his family first established Patrizia’s, envisioning a restaurant that felt like home. Lou Maschi, a Wall Township local, whose connection with the Alaio family started in his neighborhood, played a pivotal role in expanding this vision. Maschi, who initially ventured into the deli business in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, partnered with Giacomo and his brother in 2009, eventually transforming the deli into the restaurant concept that defines Patrizia’s today.
At its core, Patrizia’s in Red Bank embodies the spirit of Italian family gatherings. It’s about sharing delicious food, creating lasting memories, and fostering a sense of togetherness. Lou Maschi perfectly encapsulates this philosophy: “Our motto is to make people feel like they are eating in their grandmother’s house on a Sunday.” This warm and inviting ambiance, established since its Red Bank opening in August 2014, is what sets Patrizia’s apart. The staff takes pride in creating an environment where diners connect, share plates, and engage in lively conversation, mirroring the convivial atmosphere of an Italian family meal.
Red Bank Welcomes a Taste of Italy
Patrizia’s in Red Bank is part of a growing family of restaurants, joining locations in Stamford, Connecticut, and Staten Island, New York, with plans for further expansion in Manhattan. Maschi’s personal connection to the Red Bank area, stemming from years of visiting with his wife, led to the selection of this charming borough for their New Jersey venture.
The discovery of the location at 26 Broad St., a historic 100-year-old building with a rich past, including stints as a furniture store and a bank, was serendipitous. A simple phone call after spotting a sign in the window sealed the deal, bringing Patrizia’s to Red Bank.
The restaurant’s stunning two-story space, characterized by a vaulted ceiling, is dominated by a wood-burning oven – the heart of their Neapolitan-style pizza. During a visit, the Carrettiera pizza, priced at $15, proved to be a table favorite. Its perfectly crisp crust was adorned with a light tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, thinly sliced sausage, and slightly bitter broccoli rabe. The menu boasts a tempting array of pizza variations, including the creamy Chef, the Parma with prosciutto di Parma and arugula, and the spicy Diavola. (Individual pizzas range from $14 to $15, and large pizzas from $19 to $20).
Chef Andrea Della Pina’s fettuccini carbonara, a rich blend of pasta, onions, and pancetta in a flawlessly creamy sauce ($15.50), and the oven-charred, yet airy bread served with olive oil, were also highlights. Maschi recommends the signature fioretti pasta, describing them as “little money bags of pasta” filled with four cheeses, bathed in a beloved light tomato sauce. “It’s out of this world, one of my favorite dishes,” he enthuses.
Patrizia’s recipes are rooted in traditional Neapolitan homestyle cooking, reflecting the culinary heritage of Alaio’s family from Naples, one of Italy’s largest cities. Maschi notes that the original Bronx location featured a more concise menu, which expanded over time as the restaurant gained popularity for its authentic, family-style dishes, mirroring Italian dining customs.
It’s All About Family at Patrizia’s in Red Bank
Staying true to its Italian heritage, Patrizia’s in Red Bank offers a family-style meal that embodies Italian generosity. Guests are treated to an abundant spread of hot and cold appetizers, two pasta courses, lobster, creamy burrata, and a ball of mozzarella filled with ricotta, alongside a selection of meats.
Maschi emphasizes the commitment to quality: “Everything is homemade, and we import a lot of products from Italy. Everything’s as fresh as it can be.” The 10-course dinner, priced at $55 per person, features frequently changing dishes. Diners can complement their meal with wines from Cava Winery and Vineyard in Hamburg, available for purchase at the BYOB establishment.
Adding to the relaxed and convivial atmosphere, guests at Patrizia’s in Red Bank are encouraged to choose the music, dance, and join the staff in celebrating birthdays with spirited napkin waving.
“It’s a little bit outside of the traditional type of restaurant that you would find in the area,” Maschi explains. “It’s much more open, airy, the atmosphere is kind of an experience.”
This unique dining experience, cultivated over more than 25 years, makes Patrizia’s in Red Bank a must-visit destination, offering a genuine taste of Italian family hospitality in the heart of Red Bank.
THE PATRIZIA’S FAMILY OF RESTAURANTS
- Patrizia’s of Brooklyn, 35 Broadway; 718-218-9272
- Patrizia’s of Stamford, 249 Main St. in Stamford, Connecticut; 203-204-6744
- Patrizia’s of Staten Island, 4255 Amboy Road; 718-317-6600
- Patrizia’s of Tremont, 3883 East Tremont Ave. in the Bronx; 718-918-1800
- Patrizia’s of Red Bank, 28 Broad St.; 732-741-5555
