il Nido Restaurant, Marlboro, NJ: A Dining Review
Il Nido, a Culinary Gem in Monmouth County, Transitions to New Ownership
il Nido
184 Route 9 North
Willow Point Shopping Center
Marlboro Township, NJ
il Nido: Restaurant Summary
Fare: Modern Italian
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Above Average - Serves an inspiring modern Italian menu, skillfully crafted.
Service: Knowledgeable, friendly well trained, attentive staff without being intrusive or pretentious.
Decor/Ambiance: Beautifully renovated. Cozy, elegant, rustic Italian farmhouse decor.
Noise Level: Low - Excellent for conversation.
Dress: Upscale Casual
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy upscale dining in a beautiful setting with an artfully presented, creative menu of regional Italian dishes and American favorites, prepared with high quality, mostly organic, sustainable ingredients.
Not Recommended For: Cost conscious diners who enjoy a traditional "Old World" Italian red sauce menu served in huge portions.
Recommended dishes: When available, When available, The Ricotta Gnocci with broccoli rabe, pork sausage, raisin; The Hand Rolled Garganelli with pork ragu, and The 16 oz Ribeye with crispy potatoes, bordelaise.
Liquor: Offering a full bar service with a focus on Italian wines, complemented by specialty cocktails and a selection of beers. Wine options by the glass are primarily Italian, with limited domestic choices.
Il Nido offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and elevated Italian cuisine. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern elegance, making it ideal for both date nights and special occasions.
Il Nido is a hidden gem in Western Monmouth County that delivers big-city quality with a personal touch.
In July 2024, the acclaimed Italian restaurant—long considered one of Monmouth County’s finest— was acquired by the Esperto Hospitality Group, the team behind upscale dining destinations such as Centrada Cocina and Catezza Italian Kitchen in Red Bank, NJ.
Now guided by Esperto’s leadership: brothers John Dileo (President) and Anthony Dileo (Vice President), along with partner and Culinary Vice President Norman Reola, who oversees all kitchen operations. has revised it's kitchen operation to conform with the Esperto Hospitality Group's business model.
Modern Italian Flavors & Ambiance
Il Nido’s menu showcases thoughtfully crafted dishes, creatively prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. A particularly appealing feature is the option to split an entrée, allowing two diners to enjoy half portions from the menu for the price of a single entrée.
The ambiance blends rustic charm with sophistication, featuring:
Three distinct dining areas, including a stone fireplace-adorned main room and a chef’s table overlooking the open kitchen.
Red brick walls adorned with Italian Riviera artwork, exposed black ceilings, and intimate lighting.
Spaced tables for privacy, plush seating, and an adults-only atmosphere.
Plan Your Visit:
Hours: Open for dinner Wednesday–Sunday (closed Monday & Tuesday).
Reservations: Highly recommended.
Note: The restaurant caters to a refined experience; children are discouraged.
Il Nido's History
Before its acquisition, Il Nido was a standout in Central Jersey’s dining scene, celebrated for its “Chef-Inspired Casual” excellence—far removed from the typical red-sauce Italian establishments.
The restaurant was founded in 2017 by the late Joe Folgore, a Sicilian immigrant and local entrepreneur. It emerged from the combined spaces of two former eateries, Brioso and L’Antica Trattoria. Folgore’s vision redefined Italian dining by emphasizing inventive, regionally inspired dishes made with premium ingredients. After his passing in 2022, the family made the decision to sell the restaurant to Esperto in 2024, securing its continued operation.
For diners who frequented Il Nido during its peak from 2018 to 2021, it’s important to note the differences today. While the current iteration of Il Nido still delivers excellent food that surpasses many neighboring traditional red-sauce Italian restaurants, it is no longer the same as the original Il Nido that distinguished itself with an extraordinary menu renowned for creativity, originality, and top-tier ingredients.
The Il Nido website references its accolades—such as making NJM’s best restaurant lists in 2020 and 2021—to imply continuity in quality and innovation. The reality is different.
Under new ownership, the restaurant operates with a different business model, a new chef and kitchen staff, and a simplified menu.
It no longer features the acclaimed chef with exceptional menu offerings that once set it apart from other high-end restaurants with its authentic regional Italian coastal dishes crafted from imported Italian ingredients, complemented by a variety of organic, prime-cut Wagyu steaks.
Updated April 2025
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