il Nido Restaurant, Marlboro, NJ: A Dining Review
Il Nido, a Culinary Gem in Monmouth County, Transitions to New Ownership
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
il Nido: Restaurant Summary
Fare: Modern Italian
Price: Expensive - Very Expensive
Food Quality: An inspirational modern Italian menu creatively prepared using healthy, high quality, organic, and sustainably raised ingredients from local sources, supplemented by importing dry ingredients from Italy.
Service: Knowledgeable, friendly well trained, attentive staff without being intrusive or pretentious.
Decor/Ambiance: Beautifully renovated. Cozy, elegant, rustic Italian farmhouse decor.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Low - Excellent for conversation.
Dress: Upscale Casual
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, for shared plate enthusiasts, the Charred Clams w/Sicilian oregano, and cherry peppers; The Whole Grilled Bronzino, wild-caught from Portugal, deboned served with head and tail; and the 45-day dry-aged Porterhouse.
Liquor: Full Bar service.
In July 2024, Il Nido—long celebrated as one of Monmouth County’s premier Italian restaurants—was acquired by the Esperto Hospitality Group, known for its upscale dining concepts like Centrada Cocina and Catezza Italian Kitchen restaurants in Red Bank, NJ.
The group, renowned for its high-end culinary expertise, has retained Il Nido’s essence, with partner and culinary vice president Norman Reola overseeing kitchen operations. No major changes to the restaurant’s acclaimed formula have been implemented thus far.
The Esperto Group is helmed by brothers John Dileo (President) and Anthony Dileo (Vice President), alongside Reola, who brings his culinary mastery to the kitchen. Their collective focus remains on preserving Il Nido’s legacy while elevating its modern Italian offerings.
A Legacy of Excellence
Before its acquisition, Il Nido stood out in Central Jersey’s dining scene as a destination for “Chef-Inspired Casual” excellence, far removed from traditional red-sauce Italian fare.
Founded by the late Joe Folgore, a Sicilian immigrant and local entrepreneur, the restaurant emerged in 2017 from the combined spaces of two former eateries, Brioso and L’Antica Trattoria.
Folgore’s vision re-imagined Italian dining with a focus on inventive, regionally inspired dishes and premium ingredients.
Following his passing in 2022, the family opted to sell to Esperto, ensuring the restaurant’s continued success.
Modern Italian Flavors & Ambiance
Il Nido’s menu remains a tribute to Folgore’s ethos, spotlighting sustainably sourced ingredients like grass-fed Wagyu beef and wild-caught seafood.
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.
Il Nido continues to soar as a “nest” of culinary innovation, honoring its roots while embracing a promising new chapter under Esperto’s stewardship.
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.
Updated February 2025
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