BIG Chicken Parm at LITTLE Buca in Little Silver, NJ

Another gem was discovered in the fourth NJ region, the Shore. Yes, there are four regions in the Garden State, NOT three.

NJ regions (Google maps)

Jodi and I met our friends Debbie and Jon at a tucked-away gem that is cash-only and BYOB called Little Buca.

From go, the place was great. Friendly and knowledgeable wait staff, owners, Stephanie and Joe who are active participants in the service and food preparation, and an energetic, but somehow relaxed atmosphere.

The meal was a hit from the minute we sat down with the chef's "amuse-bouche" consisting of a soft garlic knot and zucchini chips served with pieces of parm Reggiano.

Soft garlic knot and zucchini chips from Little Buca

The four of us decided to share appetizers and three entrées. The seafood salad,

Seafood Salad from Little Buca

burrata appetizer, chicken Francese,

Chicken Francese from Little Buca

spicy vodka penne,

Spicy penne vodka from Little Buca

and the chicken parm.

Chicken Parm from Little Buca

Wow. We will be back to this Monmouth County gem in Little Silver.

Must-visit NJ restaurants with James Beard nominated chefs

New Jersey chefs and restaurants have continued to make the shortlist for James Beard Award semifinals for over a decade. Here are those must-try eateries open as of 2025.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own.

Report a correction 👈

Filed Under: Little Silver