Clarizio's Italian Ristorante Review: A must try spot in Freehold, NJ
Clarizio's Italian Ristorante
3475 US Highway 9 N
Freehold, NJ
🍝 Clarizio’s Italian Ristorante Review (Freehold, NJ)
Clarizio’s Italian Ristorante has become one of Freehold’s most consistently praised Italian dining destinations, known for its intimate atmosphere, polished service, and elevated takes on classic Italian dishes. Below is a full review incorporating history, cuisine, ambiance, service, policies, and differentiators.
⭐ History & Ownership
Clarizio’s Italian Ristorante is family owned and operated by Daniel and Torrie Clarizio, who opened the restaurant in December 2017. Their vision centers on offering a warm, community driven dining experience with a modern interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine.
🍽️ Food & Culinary Style
Clarizio’s serves traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
Cuisine Characteristics
- Classic Italian comfort dishes with contemporary plating
- House-made sauces and rich cream‑based specialties
- Balanced menu of seafood, chicken, veal, pasta, and vegetarian options
Signature & Popular Dishes
Based on aggregated customer feedback:
- Spicy vodka pasta with burrata
- Pistachio cream pasta
- Fried calamari
- Chicken Parmesan and Shrimp Parmesan in vodka sauce
Quality & Preparation
- Consistent cooking execution
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
- Balanced seasoning and sauces
🌿 Ambiance & Atmosphere
Clarizio’s offers an intimate, cozy, and upscale-casual dining room, with décor that leans elegant rather than rustic or industrial.
Ambiance Highlights
- Intimate dining room with warm lighting and a polished aesthetic
- Elegant private party rooms designed for showers, birthdays, and formal gatherings
- No outdoor dining
- Noise level: Typically moderate, suitable for conversation
- Table spacing: Comfortable but intimate—appropriate for date nights and small groups
- Background music: Light, unobtrusive
🤝 Service
Service Strengths
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive and knowledgeable servers who guide guests through the menu
- Strong event-service team for private parties
- Consistency: Food and service quality remain steady across repated visits
📌 Other Factors
Policies
- Reservation-only
- Cancellation fee Friday–Sunday: $25 per person if canceled within 24 hours
- BYOB—no liquor license, guests bring their own wine/beer
Alcohol
No bar service; BYOB only.
Child-Friendliness
- High chairs available and family events are common
- Menu is approachable for children who enjoy Italian cuisine.
Recommended For
- Date nights
- Family celebrations
- Private parties
- Small groups
- Guests who prefer BYOB dining
- Diners seeking upscale-casual Italian cuisine
Not Recommended For
- Those wanting a full bar
- Walk-ins (reservations required)
- Guests seeking outdoor dining
- Very large groups without prior event booking
Parking
- Located on Route 9 with on-site parking
Dress Code
- Upscale casual
Private Parties
Clarizio’s offers:
- A designated private party room
- Event planning support
- Options for showers, birthdays, communions, rehearsal dinners, and more
✅ What Sets Clarizio’s Apart
- Family-owned authenticity with a modern culinary approach
- BYOB—a major draw for guests who enjoy pairing their own wines
- High consistency in both food and service
- Strong private-event capabilities with dedicated rooms and staff
- Signature pasta dishes that stand out in the local Italian dining scene
👍 What I Like About This Restaurant
- The warm, intimate ambiance that works beautifully for date nights
- The standout pasta dishes, especially the spicy vodka burrata and pistachio cream
- The professionalism and friendliness of the staff
- The BYOB model, which keeps the dining experience affordable and personal
- The versatility—great for both everyday dinners and milestone celebrations
🔧 What Could Be Improved
- Adding outdoor dining would broaden seasonal appeal
Final Verdict
Clarizio’s Italian Ristorante is one of Freehold’s most reliable and polished Italian dining experiences. With its family-driven vision, consistently praised cuisine, intimate ambiance, and strong event capabilities, it stands out as a top choice for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Udated: December 2025
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