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Il Leone, Matawan, NJ

Il Leone

4.7
4.7
79 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
443 NJ-34 suite i, Matawan, NJ 07747-9506

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
9:00 p.m.
Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
Il Leone: A Culinary Journey in Matawan

Il Leone is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. Nestled in the heart of Matawan, this farm-to-table haven celebrates the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, crafting each dish with passion and artistry.

Step inside and be enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The aroma of wood-fired pizzas mingles with the laughter of friends and family, creating a sense of community and joy.

The menu is a testament to Il Leone's commitment to quality and creativity. From hand-crafted pasta to succulent seafood, every dish is a symphony of flavors, showcasing the bounty of the region.

Indulge in the signature wood-fired pizzas, each topped with a unique blend of seasonal ingredients. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. Or embark on a culinary adventure with the chef's tasting menu, a curated journey through the finest flavors Il Leone has to offer.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (973) 400-0263
  • Website
    https://www.illeonenj.com/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

Menu

Il Leone's menu was last updated 2025-03-23.

Antipasti

  • AranchiniUS$14.00

    forbidden black rice, monchego cheese

    • POLPETTE II LEONEUS$14.00

      veal beef Waygu meatballs, tomato, homemade ricotta

      • LOCAL BURRATAUS$16.00

        cherry tomatoes, roasted capers, basil, crostini

        • PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANAUS$14.00

          Eggplant parmigiana

          • FRIED CALAMARIUS$18.00

            With hot cherry peppers

            • BAKED CLAMSUS$16.00

              Oreganata

              • ARUGULA SALADUS$14.00

                Roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, crispy walnuts, shaved parmesan lemon dressing

                • CEASAR SALADUS$12.00

                  Baby gem, crispy capers, Parmigiano, crostini

                  Pizze

                  • MARGHERITAUS$12.00

                    Pomodoro, fresh mozzarella, crispy basil

                    • VODKA PIZZAUS$14.00

                      Spicy vodka, fresh mozzarella, parmesan

                      • FUNGI BIANCOUS$16.00

                        Two river mushrooms, garlic

                        • CREWS FAVUS$18.00

                          Spicy roni and hot honey

                          Pasta

                          • SPICY RIGATONIUS$18.00

                            Spicy vodka sauce, Calabrian chili

                            • SPAGHETTI CARBONARAUS$24.00

                              Bresaola, pecorino Romano creamy sauce

                              • RIGATONI SICILIANOUS$20.00

                                eggplant, tomato, onion, capers

                                • SPAGHETTI MEATBALLSUS$22.00

                                  Pomodoro sauce

                                  • RISOTTO FUNGHUS$22.00

                                    Truffled mushrooms

                                    Secondi

                                    • PESCE DEL GIORNO

                                      Chef’s daily preparation

                                      • POLLO MILANESEUS$26.00

                                        Gem lettuce, pecorino, red onions, lemon dressing

                                        • WAGYU BURGERUS$22.00

                                          Wagyu burger, american cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce & fries

                                          • CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICHUS$22.00

                                            chicken cutlet, roasted red peppers, arugula, burrata balsamic & fries

                                            • BRIANNA’S SKIRT STEAK SANDWICHUS$28.00

                                              Roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella

                                              Sides

                                              • TRUFFLE FRIESUS$12.00

                                                • BRUSSEL SPROUTSUS$12.00

                                                  • ROASTED CAULIFLOWERUS$12.00

                                                    • ZUCCHINI FRITTEUS$12.00

                                                      Last updated: March 23, 2025

                                                      What 79 people are saying

                                                      Il Leone reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

                                                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                      4.7
                                                      4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                      • 4.7Food
                                                      • 4.7Service
                                                      • 4.7Ambience
                                                      • 4.4Value

                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                      Loved For

                                                      • Middlesex

                                                        Italian

                                                      Review summary

                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                      Il Leone in Matawan is a beautifully decorated BYOB restaurant offering a "delicious" dining experience with "fabulous service." Guests rave about the "excellent" pizza, "amazingly delicious" food, and "friendly and attentive" staff. While the atmosphere is lively, it's ideal for those who appreciate a vibrant dining scene.
                                                      79 Reviews

                                                      1. Jessica

                                                        San Francisco1 review

                                                        3.0

                                                        Dined 4 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                        2. Food 2
                                                        3. Service 4
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Pricey, food could use more flavor, stick with the pizza it was excellent!

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                                                      2. Rae VIP

                                                        New York City43 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        This is my 3rd visit to this restaurant. The service is always fabulous. Our waiter Ray was friendly, courteous, and made wonderful suggestions. We enjoy this restaurant. Love the ambience and the food is delicious! We will be back!!

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                                                      3. Brittany

                                                        San Francisco1 review

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Such a beautiful place and amazing food! Also everyone that works there is so nice! Will definitely be going back.

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                                                      4. Rich VIP

                                                        New York City1 review

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined on April 20, 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Great service and food the owner is a wonderful person. I highly recommend going there.

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                                                      5. Sandy VIP

                                                        New York City114 reviews

                                                        4.0

                                                        Dined on April 19, 2025

                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                        2. Food 4
                                                        3. Service 4
                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                        first time in this new restaurant in Matawan next to the Market Place. The inside is very pretty. The waiter came over right away. It is a BYOB restaurant, so he opened the wine and and gave us the specials. The menu is very small and no Fish except for the special which was Bronzino. I had the fish which was excellent and my husband the chicken which was very good. I forgot for the appetizer we had the Octopus which was a very big portion but Chewy. Dessert Choc. Shuffle which was very good. I would go back but not order the Octopus

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                                                      6. james

                                                        New York City3 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined on April 12, 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        exceptional food and service byob makes it a terrific place

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                                                      7. LisaJ

                                                        New York City5 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined on April 11, 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                        The food was delicious! Whipped ricotta, fried calamari, filet tips were all amazing! Homemade pasta with shrimp and broccoli rabe special was outstanding! It is a bit loud and definitely not cheap, but overall it was great!

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                                                      8. Denise VIP

                                                        New York City12 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined on April 10, 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Very Impressed with this restaurant, from the décor, to the welcoming feeling when we walked in, to the superb service and the amazingly delicious food!

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                                                      9. Kate

                                                        New York City35 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined on April 8, 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Great place with delicious food and fabulous service ! Homemade desserts ! The octopus was so tender and juicy , salad is so fresh and light , chicken has a great flavor ,we are coming back next week )

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                                                      10. Arlene

                                                        New York City3 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        Dined on April 5, 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Service is perfect!! Food is delicious!! Owner caterers to everyone, always present and walking around engaging with everyone!! I took 2 of my grandsons to dinner(our date night) and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants!!

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                                                      FAQs

                                                      Il Leone is rated 4.7 stars by 79 OpenTable diners.

                                                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                      1. Home
                                                      2. United States
                                                      3. New Jersey
                                                      4. Middlesex
                                                      5. Old Bridge

                                                      Make a reservation

                                                      2 people
                                                      SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
                                                      9:00 p.m.
                                                      Booked 12 times today
                                                      Google Map for Il Leone

                                                      443 NJ-34 suite i, Matawan, NJ 07747-9506

                                                      Additional information

                                                      • Neighbourhood
                                                        Old Bridge
                                                      • Hours of Operation
                                                        Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
                                                      • Price
                                                        $31 to $50
                                                      • Cuisines
                                                        Italian
                                                      • Dining style
                                                        Casual Elegant
                                                      • Dress code
                                                        Business Casual
                                                      • Parking details
                                                        None
                                                      • Additional
                                                        Gluten-free Options
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