Every once in a while, you stumble upon a restaurant that leaves such an impression that you find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left the parking lot. That’s exactly what happened when my wife, Laila, and I discovered Scarpelli in Hammonton, New Jersey.
What made the experience even more meaningful was discovering that one of Scarpelli’s owners was someone I had the pleasure of working with years ago at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City.
Steve Rodio and his business partner, Rustam, managed the food court operations at Ocean while I worked in Public Relations and Advertising. I spent a lot of time helping promote the incredible food offerings they brought to the property, and Steve was always someone I genuinely enjoyed working with. Seeing him open his own restaurant was exciting, and I couldn’t have been happier for him.
We first visited Scarpelli on my birthday in February, braving one of the coldest nights of the year. That dinner was so memorable that when June rolled around and we were deciding where to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, there wasn’t even a discussion. We were heading back to Scarpelli.
More Than a Restaurant
Before you even take your first bite, it’s obvious that Scarpelli is about much more than food.
The restaurant is a tribute to family, tradition, and creativity.
Named after generations of the Scarpelli family whose roots stretch back to Brooklyn in the 1930s, the restaurant honors Theresa Scarpelli—a woman whose life was built on love, respect, family values, and artistic expression. Her creativity inspired generations of painters, actors, comedians, and artists, and that same spirit lives throughout the restaurant today.
Scarpelli isn’t simply a place to eat.
It’s a place that reminds you why sharing meals with the people you love is so important.
The Atmosphere
The restaurant features both a lively bar area and an elegant dining room.
The brick oven sits proudly behind the bar where pizzas are crafted throughout the evening, creating an inviting energy as guests arrive.
As word has spread throughout South Jersey, reservations have become increasingly difficult to get—and for good reason. Thankfully, Resy came through for us.
While I’ve had friends rave about dining at the bar, I truly believe the full Scarpelli experience happens in the dining room. If you’re visiting with a smaller party, request one of the tables near the beautiful lemon tree. In my opinion, that’s the sweet spot in the restaurant.
From the moment we walked in, Steve’s staff made us feel like family.
They welcomed us warmly and were incredibly patient with our children, something every parent notices and appreciates.
Tableside Dining at Its Finest
Scarpelli already offers an outstanding appetizer selection.
Italian Sushi (yes…Italian Sushi!), Shrimp & Crab Ceviche, Cheesesteak Arancini, and Coach Rodio’s Clams Casino all caught our attention.
But what truly separates Scarpelli from other Italian restaurants is their incredible tableside tasting experience.
Naturally, we had to dive in.
Handcrafted Mozzarella
Our server wheeled over fresh cheese curds and hot water before transforming them into fresh mozzarella right at our table.
Watching the cheese stretch before being formed into beautiful mozzarella mounds over fresh arugula and roasted red peppers before finishing everything with aged balsamic was mesmerizing.
The presentation alone was worth ordering.
The flavor?
Absolutely incredible.
I couldn’t wait to tell my friends and family about it.
Actually…I texted everyone a video before dinner was even over.
Tableside Caesar Salad
Next came the Caesar salad.
Again, prepared completely tableside.
Our server built the dressing from scratch in front of us before tossing in crisp romaine, parmesan shavings, and homemade croutons.
We couldn’t stop talking about how unbelievably good it was.
Honestly, I don’t know if another Caesar salad will ever measure up.
Main Courses That Steal the Show
Then came the entrees.
I had been looking forward to this all evening.
Straight Outta Brooklyn
I ordered the “Straight Outta Brooklyn,” Scarpelli’s linguine with little neck clams in white sauce.
This dish has always held a special place in my heart.
Growing up, my late father, George, ordered linguine with white clam sauce at every Italian restaurant we visited. He always believed it was the best way to judge an Italian kitchen.
I’ve continued that tradition in his memory.
I can honestly say…
Dad would have loved this one.
It was one of the finest versions I’ve ever tasted.
In fact, it was so good during our February visit that I ordered it again in June without hesitation.
Not a single bite survived.
Laila’s Favorites
During our first visit, Laila ordered the Positano Coast, featuring capellini tossed in garlic and oil with white wine, lemon, butter, sautéed shrimp, jumbo lump crab, blistered cherry tomatoes, and a splash of Calabrian chili oil.
She loved every bite.
On our return visit, she decided to try the Sorrento Sunset.
This incredible dish features linguine sautéed with tender chunks of lobster in a lemon herb butter sauce before being crowned with an entire lobster tail.
Her only complaint?
She wished there was even more.
The portions are already incredibly generous, but she couldn’t stop talking about the amazing flavors.
Signature Chicken Parm
My brother-in-law Kevin ordered the Signature Chicken Parm.
The chicken practically covered the entire plate.
It was one of those dishes that makes everyone at neighboring tables look over as it passes by.
The One That Got Away…
As if we weren’t already full…
A Tomahawk Ribeye was delivered to another table.
The steak was absolutely enormous.
It was finished tableside and accompanied by what could only be described as a mountain of endless French fries.
Needless to say…
I’ve already decided what I’m ordering next time.
The menu features an impressive variety of steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes, making Scarpelli one of those rare restaurants that practically demands multiple visits.
Family Friendly
Our kids immediately gravitated toward the pizza.
One of our daughters has a gluten allergy, and Scarpelli accommodated her perfectly with a cauliflower crust Margherita pizza topped with pepperoni.
The kids devoured every slice.
Normally, we leave restaurants carrying boxes of leftovers.
Not here.
Twice.
Nothing came home.
Cocktails & Dessert
Because of an allergy, I don’t drink alcohol, so I always rely on Laila to sample the cocktail menu.
She was impressed by the variety and quality of the offerings.
Then came dessert.
Anyone who knows me knows there’s absolutely no chance I’m skipping a dessert menu.
Laila chose what she described as an Ice Box Cake.
Steve shared that it was his mother’s recipe, making it even more special.
Laila immediately smiled and said it tasted just like her Nanna’s.
I ordered the warm chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream.
The dessert chef absolutely nailed it.
Warm.
Gooey.
Perfectly baked.
Exactly how a chocolate chip cookie should be.
Final Thoughts
Both of our visits to Scarpelli have been exceptional.
Outstanding food.
Exceptional service.
Beautiful atmosphere.
Wonderful people.
It’s easy to understand why reservations have become increasingly difficult to secure.
If you’re planning a private celebration, Scarpelli also offers a private event room that accommodates approximately 75 to 80 guests.
Restaurants like this don’t come around very often.
Steve and his entire team have created something truly special—a restaurant that celebrates family, honors tradition, and delivers unforgettable dining experiences.
They’ve kind of become the new Birthday destination.
We can’t wait for our next visit.
And yes…
That Tomahawk Ribeye already has my name on it.
To learn more, view the menu, or make a reservation, visit Scarpelli’s official website
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