Spigola Vino E Cucina

I finally realized I had not tried this place after searching out the best restaurants in the area for the last four years. We walked in and initially were impressed by the aesthetic of the restaurant but it wasn’t long after being seated we realized we had a TV just behind us with the news on and the volume was quite loud. Also a huge surveillance camera under the TV staring right at you. The noise from the TV coupled with the music and the staff speaking at high pitch only with four (4) tables in the place made it quite disturbing. If you are a diner that likes to enjoy not only food but atmosphere, you’ll be gravely disappointed. We ordered drinks which were good but each time I ordered the same drink it was made differently. We ordered the cheese board which looked amazing but there were too many dry cheese and not one creamy cheese to complement the board. It was quite unenjoyable after 10 minutes of eating hard cheese with an almost dried out fig purée. The Caesar salad was good, though for the price two flimsy hearts of romain served on a plate that was too small was just not enough. The bread with the roasted garlic was indeed good. We ordered the pork chop and the crab cakes. As you can see from the photos both may be appealing to the eye but not to the palate. The pork chop had no flavor except for the gamey flavor natural to the meat. It was quite disappointing that not even the flavor of the peppers came thru. There was no sauce so the pork chop was dry and largely inedible. The potatoes were not golden brown and unattractive. The crab cakes were overwhelmed by the rice pilaf and the asparagus. Trying to enjoy the crab cake (which if graded separately would be given 6/10) with tough rice pilaf was some adventure. Largely unenjoyable. The bus boy or assistant server was good and kept on top of clearing the table. The server, however, was largely inattentive and we had to wait for extended periods to get a drink. Towards the end of the night, we had to get up from out table and wait at the front to get our check. My overall summary of Spigola is that they present an image of class and perfection, but that image is not translated to the operation, dining experience, food and overall attraction to the restaurant.

Even though we have been dining at Spigola starting from 2011, and throughout the years have left several reviews here and there, we haven't had a chance to stop by in over 2 years. Last night's dinner was nothing short of excellent. Probably the best upscale Italian restaurant interior. Very attentive and obliging service. Pleasant staff and management, with a personal touch at that. Extensive menu, with numerous options for every taste and satisfying choices including everyone's preferable dishes. The food is perfectly executed, cooked and plated in an equally appealing way. Delicious appetizers: Grilled Spanish Octopus (chickpea puree, preserved lemon, smoked paprika, sea salt) and Roasted Lamb Lollipop Chops (wild rice, olives, red onions, tomato, oregano vinaigrette), we will definitely order them next time at Spigola. Amazing 12 oz Center Cut N.Y Strip Steak with roasted potatoes (or mashed per your choice), cooked to perfection. Nice wine list featuring ample choices of both domestic and Italian wines, including several excellent Amoronos from Veneto region. Prices are not the cheapest but neither exorbitant. You pay for a quality meal; for spaghetti and meatballs one can head to one of the endless strip mall "restaurantes italianos". Ample parking. Ideal location with both easy, no u-turns requiring access to Hamilton and Bordentown, Crosswicks, and route 130 north and south. Highly recommended. We will come back very soon.

Great Italian place. I was in town for business and the good folks at the Marriott Residence Inn recommended it!! Glad they did!!! I had a very good chicken and salted sausage gumbo then a very outstanding pumpkin ravioli with walnuts and cranberries in brown butter sauce ... ummm yummm Would definitely recommend and would return if in the area

We celebrated a birthday here last night and everything was Amazing. From the food to the service! SAL was the highlight of our evening. He made our birthday celebration so memorable. The ambiance is also cozy and elegant. True authentic Italian food in NJ. Bravo 👏 Can't wait to come dine here again.