The restaurant group behind the award-winning 618 Restaurant and Mezcal: A Modern Mexican Steakhouse just introduced its newest concept, Elizabeth’s Italian, and we got an exclusive first look at the restaurant.
Revamping the former Grillestone restaurant in Old Bridge, restauranteur/owner/CEO (and author) Matthew Borowski and his Death of Hospitality team will open Elizabeth’s Italian to the public on June 24 as an ode to his wife Liz, as well as a way to bring the flavors and designs of Italy much closer to home.
From Instagrammable drinks to authentic Italian eats to an Aperol Spritz vending machine (more on that later), here are 8 reasons why Elizabeth’s will be your newest go-to for an elevated date night, party or family meal (yes, it’s kid-friendly, too):
Over-the-Top Cocktails
When it comes to Insta-worthy drinks, Elizabeth’s knows how it’s done. The Stiletto serves a blood orange-passionfruit Aperol-tequila mix from stiletto-shaped glassware, atop a perfume tray with an actual spritz on top.
She’s the Moment mixes gin, elderflower, cucumber, tarragon and citrus for a drink that’s fresh, floral and almost too pretty to put down.
Da-Ga-Ba-Gool is a vodka cocktail that comes with crispy gabagool (capicola) pinned to the glass.
If you’re with a group, consider The Wonder Wheel, which features six vodka-Aperol drinks served on a Ferris wheel-style display; the Spritz Tower Service, a tree-like stand with four Aperol drinks; or a limoncello flight.
Sip For Liv is a combo of Patron, orange and grapefruit, with $1 of every cocktail donated to the Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation for pediatric cancer (restaurant owner Matt Borowski is a board member).
Or go all in with the Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend High Roller Cocktail: a $600 (!!) drink made with Beluga Gold vodka and olive brine that comes with a set of 1-carat diamond studs. Yes, really. We’re not joking.
Cocktails include 618’s famous Pistachio Martini, or Elizabeth’s Ferrero Rocher Frangelico-Nutella dark chocolate drink served inside a giant chocolate-shaped candy box.
Most of the drinks arrive under lighted glass domes with dry ice for a smoky effect, so don’t be surprised when a server walks by and everyone reaches for their phones.
Dinner, Elevated
Acclaimed Chef Christopher Dutka from 618 and Mezcal is bringing his culinary vision to Elizabeth’s, including his Jersey-famous Granny’s meatballs, a recipe passed down from his grandmother Mary. We ordered The Holy Trinity, which had a tower of meatballs, short rib arancini and fried calamari – a surprise with its fried pickles and cherry pepper aioli.
It was hard not to fill up on the bread basket, too. At many restaurants, bread is a starter to munch on while you wait for your meal. At Elizabeth’s, it feels like part of the meal: soft, crunchy sesame semolina bread served with extra virgin olive oil mixed with Grana Padano cheese and spices.
We added on roasted artichokes and mushroom risotto for our first round. If you don’t love mushrooms, keep in mind this is a tender, non-mushroom-tasting fungi.
The house-made semolina pasta is the real draw here. A classic bolognese was elevated by egg pappardelle and pancetta. The jalapeño crab atop black spaghetti is also a standout with its Calabrian breadcrumbs. The pomodoro was filled with burrata and San Marzano tomatoes on top of bucatini.
Among the selection of steaks and seafood dishes is a make-your-own of sorts: you can choose a chicken breast or 12-ounce veal chop and make it parmesan- or Milanese-style with your choice of San Marzano, spicy Calabrian, vodka or spicy vodka sauce. We definitely recommend adding burrata or crispy prosciutto to your meat dish for a chef’s kiss.
Another fave is the Sunday Sauce, which has rigatoni added to short rib, fennel sausage, meatballs and guanciale, to feel like Grandma’s house on any day of the week.
For vegetarians, the Vegetables al Forno, eggplant parmesan and vegan rigatoni are good options. Plus some of the “Perfect Pairings” aka side dishes are veg-friendly, like crispy broken potatoes, roasted baby carrots, and soft polenta with crispy sunchokes.
Sweets for Days
Desserts here are a must. Although it’s an Italian spot, the burnt Basque cheesecake was an interesting Spanish take on the ricotta classic, with a pine nut rosemary crumble and balsamic berry compote.
The Italian ricotta donuts weren’t the zeppoli we expected, but instead dense, lemon-flavored donuts covered in raspberry cardamom sugar with Nutella on the side.
The pistachio gelato was creamy and rich – but we really missed out on the pistachio tiramisu, which was so large it served all four people at the table next to us.
Inspired Décor
Pulling into the parking lot feels like an experience of its own. There is lush landscaping out front, where a mini Aperol Spritz van sits amongst the outdoor seating on the patio. There are murals adorning the exterior of the building. And statues. Everywhere.
As soon as you walk into the lobby, a light-up sign sets the tone: “ASAP: Means Aperol Spritz and Pasta.” And really, that’s what Elizabeth’s is all about: Aperol-fueled cocktails and house-made semolina pasta in a stunning space with moody lighting, pretty chandeliers, gold and black décor, a glowing bar and mirrors with cheeky sayings like “More Parm, Less Problems” and “You Look Expensive.”
The main mural is a tribute to the owner and his wife, with the saying “Sarà Perche Ti Amo” which means “It must be because I love you.” There’s a wall of TV images that have four screens playing Italian classics like “Goodfellas” and “The Godfather.” And lemon trees – everywhere.
The thoughtful design continues throughout the space, from comical photos lining the hallway — including Snoop Dogg eating spaghetti and meatballs — to an Anthony Bourdain painting in the coffee shop area that feels like a fitting nod to serious food lovers.
An Aperol Spritz Vending Machine
After dinner, buy a token for the Aperol Spritz vending machine, which has a collection of regular and non-alcoholic versions of the drink the restaurant is known for.
Outdoor Dining on the Patio
When the restaurant officially opens to the public on June 24, so will the patio area. Along with about 20 tables is an Aperol Spritz mobile bar which will be open during the summer months.
Live Entertainment
Elizabeth’s will present a Live at Elizabeth’s series, which kicks off with Spritz & Social every Wednesday at the bar. While a DJ plays from 7 to 10 pm, you can order $10 Aperol Spritzes or the Spritz Tower Service for $39.
Happy Hour is Sunday to Thursday, with 50 percent off select drinks + apps at the bar.
Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
This is fine dining at its best, but restauranteur/owner/CEO (and author) Matthew Borowski stands by making upscale restaurants kid-friendly, too. With three children of his own, he keeps kids in mind. That means clean high chairs, supplies for kids, a special menu, and even wrapped presents for kids at Christmastime. There are three mocktails on the menu, or ask about a Shirley Temple for kids.
Elizabeth’s Italian is located at 2658 Rte. 516, Old Bridge. The restaurant is currently open for invited guests only, but reservations are open now ahead of the June 24 grand opening. Most cocktails are around $18, with the fancier ones ranging from $35 to $75. Starters are in the $20 range, main pasta dishes are around $30, and entrees range from $30 to $75.
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