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The restaurant boasts a spacious dining room with a classic Italian decor, a Roman style lounge, and a private banquet facility for all your special occasions. Mussels sauteed with scallions, onions, and garlic in a white wine sauce with a touch of tomato. Octopus, calamari, shrimp, fresh celery, tomatoes, onions, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of clam juice.
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The restaurant boasts a spacious dining room with a classic Italian decor, a Roman style lounge, and a private banquet facility for all your special occasions. Giovanni Lavorato is the Owner and Executive Chef of III Amici Ristorante in Linden, New Jersey. Established in 1990, III Amici is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant.
Amici Ristorante offers the finest on site catering services. From planning your special day to enjoying a pleasant staff and the finest Italian cuisine on the east coast. Let III Amici make your special day much simplier by providing all your food needs cooked to order.
The owner, Giovanni Lavarato, of III Amici extends a warm welcome to you. From the great kitchens of Italy we have adopted the finest Italian ontinental dishes. They are cooked to order for you and we ask for your patience so that we may serve you properly. We appreciate your comments and hope that you will continue to share them with us since I and my staff are here to make your dining experience a memorable one.
Over 4,000 copies distributed per month to Clark, Westfield, Rahway, and Springfield Shoppers. Giovanni taught his wait staff well. They are sharp with the service and atmosphere. Although they are not five star waiters, they were pretty close. Giovanni did some renovations since the last time we were there - it looks a lot better.
Reviews (28)
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L. A. M.
Jun 25, 2022
Today we had a repast for my baby brother, there Ant's and the tables. Crawling on people, biting them, the owner only wanted to take of 100.00, the place is infested with ants. While we weee eating ants we're on our plates. In the men and women s bathroom both had ants in there, they knew about it, said the exterminator came the day before.

The owner thought we didn't want to pay, then had the nerve to call the police on us! I wouldn't recommend this place not even for a hamburger, fries! Sad sad we were grieving for a family member that we lost! Don't come to this place! You might get biting or them crawling on you or food!
Rickia J.
Jun 24, 2022
Absolutely no respect for costumers, Racial comments, Ants all over the place, No good food, Refused to turn on the AC for me and my family members
S.
Jun 07, 2022
The food severely missed the mark. Really disappointed by poor taste and small portions. For the price and ratings I was optimistic and really expected much better. We ordered a fried calamari appetizer and easily lands in the top 3 worst I've had. My entree was chicken penne vodka; my go-to for setting a benchmark for first time visits to Italian restaurants. Not much to say about that dish other than it was just plain bad. I've had microwaved leftovers that were much better. Sorry, but I won't be back.
Marcella B.
May 25, 2022
Definitely won't be disappointed coming here. Food and drinks are great. Some nights they have Dj's, with great house music, along with other variety of music.
An Gel
May 24, 2022
The food is good at best, we had a catered event, but the drinks were not on point. We ordered shots and they were more like half shots rather than regular size shots. The service was very slow. The restaurant wasn't crowded so I really don't understand the delay. They need better staff. The place is ok not to bad.
Yvette T.
May 14, 2022
Sylvia and Lulu are amazing. We had our intimate wedding dinner here with our bridal party and from beginning to end it was flawless. Lulu went above and beyond to make sure we had everything. My guest all raved over the food and service. Thanks to Bebe who also was part of our day
Michelle Maglione
Mar 14, 2022
Food did not taste good at all the fettuccine tasted sour and clams sauce was not good at all. Cannolis for dessert they didn't even fill Them two squirts of cream only on the end. Very disappointed and would not go back
Jennie Pinheiro
Feb 21, 2022
Food was great, customer service was great. Reasonably priced, just need a little updating. Will definitely be going back.
Vladlena Solovyova
Feb 18, 2022
What a lovely place I looked up, we visited at least 3-4 times a month since the first time! Absolutely % delicious food! Very friendly atmosphere, live music occasionally, worth every $, I highly recommend Ill Amici Ristorante
Ali Photo
Feb 05, 2022
Amici never disappoints. Always amazing food and service. I've been comming here for more than a decade. Amici is a diamond in the ruff, one of the best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey.
Kelsa G.
Feb 03, 2022
I just called the restaurant to place an order because we were planning on making reservations for Sunday to celebrate a birthday. Would've been a party of 15 people. I have never been here and was recommended. So, I wanted to order a dish: linguini Alfredo with chicken and steak $40. Not a big deal to me. But made huge on the receiving end. 1/22022 7pm.

Woman kept repeating I need your credit card because it's $40dollars. I said pick up paying cash. Repeated that 3 times regardless of anything different I asked. I then asked: would you rather I came in and placed the order, payed in cash right now instead. At first she didn't understand me because she kept pressing that she needs my card because the total of my order is $40 dollars.

I hanged up and decided to drive away. After sitting outside of their establishment feeling uneasy because on second thoughts I wondered hat kind of service would we receive if I go through with the birthday dinner? Nope! I know better places! Good luck to you. I didn't appreciate the phone exchange at all!
Mary C.
Jan 08, 2022
Salty, salty salty. Everything that was ordered (party of 8) was over the top as far as saltiness. Two people ordered penne vodka and said it was the worst vodka sauce they ever had. I asked for vegetables instead of pasta with my sole francais and I got two pieces of broccoli and one little piece of carrot that had clearly been simmering most of the day since it was mushy. They skimped on everything. You can't raise prices and then skimp on portion. This place was once good, but not anymore.
Ali S.
Sep 08, 2021
We live 4 min away and have passed by III Amici many times but didn't know behind the simple sign and the bushes, there is a cosy old school Italian restaurant! I love when they put the the bowl of parmesan cheese on the table, so you POUR as much as you like! The thing I saw mostly in Italy. My Penne Alla Vodka ($17.95) was light, low acidic, and delicious.

Although crispy and warm, the shared bread was a baguette with butter but no dipping oil. We asked for the olive oil and the waiter read our mind and was so kind to come back with a plate of olive oil, parmesan cheese, and oregano mix. The inside was quite and cosy. If it was not late, I would go for their $30 full course meal. Definitely will go more to taste other meals.
Stephen S.
Jul 29, 2021
Great Italian restaurants aren't uncommon in North Jersey. And Ill Amici sticks to the standard Italian theme. So nothing exotic, but nice, comfortable Italian food. While I didn't have any wine (it being business lunch), the apps were tasty, generous, and enjoyed by all. (Although the Bang Bang Shrimp/Calamari had only 1 shrimp--what's with that?) The entrees were well-prepared and tasty. Desserts and espressos were also tasty. The waiter was a bit overwhelmed, but tried hard and was extremely pleasant. Overall a decent, high quality establishment, if a bit on the conservative side.
Dennis M.
May 20, 2021
When I order food at a restaurant I generally look at the ingredients and choose accordingly based on my likes or dislikes. When the dish is presented to me by my server I expect the dish to accurately represent what was displayed on the menu. For the most part that was accurately done with exception of one ingredient I was not expecting which will cause me not to return to III Amici ever again.

That extra ingredient was tobacco from a patron not even eating on the outdoor porch. I, as a customer should not have to get into a confrontation with another customer based on a restaurant's inadequate rules. The menu should have clearly stated that my seafood salad and my mushroom pasta dish would have had the putrid stench of cigar tobacco in my meal.

That was not disclosed on the menu as an ingredient I would be ingesting as I begrudingly ingested with each and every bite. This won't be happening again since cigarettes, cigars and other smoke products are something I do not enjoy ingesting while having my meal. But hey thats just me. If you don't mind ingesting tobacco with your meal than III Amicis restaurant is the restaurant for you.
Nicky M.
Apr 23, 2021
Food, staff and ambiance all are amazing! My top fav dishes here: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Shrimp Parmesan, and the Fettuccine Carbonara topped with Grilled Chicken.
Frank H.
Dec 27, 2020
First visit to this restaurant and all I can say is: "Wow!" I was greeted by Bibi and within a few minutes I felt like a long time customer. The decor has an understated elegance, yet the atmosphere is casual and comfortable. I ordered a vodka martini. The martini is a fairly simple drink but very few bartenders make it well. This one was perfect.

The menu is extensive and I couldn't decide between the Veal Saltimbocca or Filet Mignon with provolone and balsamic vinaigrette sauce. Bibi assured me both are excellent, I decided on the steak, and ordered another martini. OMG the Filet Mignon was like something sent from Heaven. I'll bet that veal was pretty good too, but I was happy with my choice.

The veggies were delicious, prepared al dente - sauteed in garlic and oil. The Caesar salad was also excellent and I enjoyed an espresso and sambuca for dessert. I was introduced to Giovanni, the owner, and he was a real gentleman. He was eating at the table next to me. In this area there are very few choices for classic restaurants with top notch food and traditional old school service. This is one of the best. Just go. you can thank me later.
Wayne P.
Nov 01, 2020
I am never disappointed whenever we visit. The whole menu is fantastic. We usually like full course meal for $30. Appetizer, pasta and entree. Just enough food to feel satisfied and delicious. The chicken piccata is my favorite. The regular menu items are also very good with generous portions. Wait staff is very friendly and accommodating. Giovanni (the owner) always stops by the table and chats with the diners. Always looking forward to our next visit.
Adonis G.
Oct 25, 2020
Great old school Italian restaurant, truly one of a kind great wine selection and menu very inexpensive for great quality food.
Christine G.
Jun 23, 2020
My husband was working in the area during the Covid closings of restaurants and restaurants were just allowed to open their patios that week. I called and made a reservation and when we got there we were seated right away. The service was exceptional and it looked like many patrons were locals and knew each other. The food was amazing, I had the Chicken Parm and he had the Veal.

A gentleman came around to make sure all was ok (presume the owner) and I thought that was very nice. Everything was soooo good that we went back 2 nights later rather than try another restaurant. When we walked up, I said, "We're back" and the hostess/waitress said, "Chris and Gordon, right?" I was amazed she remembered because my husband's name wasn't on the reservation! This night was just as great as the first. This will now be our "go to" restaurant when he is working there!
Norma R.
Feb 21, 2020
I was her for a private dinner party. Food was great no complaints on that. However the bartender was overwhelmed with orders from inside the bar area and from the outside dining area. They either need an additional bartender or other staff really need to be taught how to pitch in when one team member is down. Other wise great food. didn't take picture of food as this was a private dinner party.
Alexander Lobo
Nov 27, 2019
"Above and beyond my expectations" For those who like Italian cuisine this is a truly masterpiece.all dishes and flavors are only comparable with the beautiful Italian art. We had a celebration over there last night, sure thing you can have your own private parties over there since there are retractable panels to divide your room. Okay let me continue, my friends invited me to this beautiful restaurant, once I got inside, I was greeted by a beautiful waitres who charmingly provided me the directions towards the room I had to meet my friends.

The party started with the appetizers.big mistake I made. I ate almost everything without realizing the best part was about to come. Calamari, white sangria, amazing bread, bruschetta, vodka penne, and then that kind of fish on lemon sauce plus the chicken. OMG.I was about to explode. The cheff and owner stopped by to say hi, what a great man and all the waiters and waitresses were just beyond my expectations. Young people with such a beautiful charisma. I definetly fell in love with this restaurant.
Deep T.
Feb 17, 2019
Bad service. We put in our order for 10 people at 630p and at 750p we still haven't received our meal. Cancelled our order and left. Unfortunate experience.
Bianca A.
Jan 20, 2019
Great Italian place to dine at! We just moved close by so this was a place we had to try. great authentic Italian food and the vibe was very clubish as their was a party going on because they have a banquet hall inside but we didn't mind they sat us in the back which was very cozy an quit! Food came out fast. was very tasty and they actually gave us 2 complementary drinks on the house cause they knew it was our first time! Will definitely be back
Bernardo F.
Jan 17, 2019
I would probably originally give this restaurant 3 Stars but the 4th Star is earned because of the Chef's exceptional hospitality and courtesy! The food is amazing but the menu lacked any vegan options. but the Chef graciously came out to meet me and to offer me a customized vegan option which was DELICIOUS! Both my wife (non-vegan) and I were VERY pleased with our dish's flavor and portions. Having said that, the restaurant is elegant but small, tight and loud. Service was excellent which offset the overall experience. We will be back but only during off-peak hours. Great location though parking can be tough.
Ryane B.
Nov 10, 2018
Everything was great from start to finish! We wanted to sit outside so they cleaned a table off for us. The wait staff was great! Very helpful with deciding my meal, I was stuck between a few options. Her choice was top notch! The food was SO delicious! They have egg bread! Sangria is always on point. Desserts to die for! All in all, the atmosphere, wait staff, food and drinks all get 5 stars in my book. Highly recommend for any occasion!
J. M.
Aug 15, 2018
Not for nothing but I thought Italian restaurants served a bunch of food I just ordered this on uber eats and spent $13.00 and got 6 raviolis I could have ordered from a pizzeria and got more smh still hungry after eating this. Should have helped this place before I ate here never again.
Angela Hooper-Menifield
Apr 09, 2018
Excellent food and service. The lasagna and other pasta dishes were delicious. Had the calamari as an appetizer - good, not great. Could have been warmer and crispier but everything else was great. Had lattes after dinner. Will return.