Great New Italian Restaurant In Mays Landing, New Jersey [Photos]

It is always nice to try something new. Last night, with my wife Margie and two great friends, Shawn and Karrie Stiteler, we enjoyed Carmella’s Cucina Italiana in Mays Landing, New Jersey.

It is Shawn and Karrie’s favorite restaurant and they had told us a lot about Carmella’s Cucina over the past several months.

Carmella’s Cucina Italiana

Carmella’s Cucina Italiana is located at 913 Cape May Avenue, Mays Landing, New Jersey 08330. It has been open for the past 4 1/2 months.

It is centrally located and about a 15 minute ride from our Egg Harbor Township home.

The Restaurant’s Namesake

Carmella's Cucina Italiana is more than just a restaurant — it's a heartfelt tribute to the woman who first inspired a love of cooking in Executive Chef and Owner, Michael Graber. Named in honor of his beloved grandmother, Lillian Carmella, the restaurant is rooted in the memories of their time spent together in the kitchen, where flour-dusted countertops and simmering pots were the backdrop to laughter, love, and the kind of meals that brought the whole family together, according to Carmella’s Cucina website.

Michael Graber — Owner & Executuve Chef

A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York, Chef Michael Graber brings a decade of culinary expertise to every plate. His impressive career includes roles at Laurel Creek Country Club in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, The Saloon in Bonita Springs, Florida, and the renowned Pazzo on 5th Avenue in Naples, Florida, taken directly from Michael Graber’s résumé.

Our Meal

We shared 2 appetizers between the four of us. The texture, flavor and overall presentation were outstanding.

We enjoyed the Squash Ravioli and Shrimp Scampi Risotto. Both were delicious (see directly below). The shrimp are large (3-4 bites each) and perfectly prepared.

Our Entrées

Karrie and I selected the Chicken Parmesan. I found it to be the most unique version that I have ever had. The chicken is rolled (reminded me of the famous Alan Angeloni Braciole technique in terms of presentation), stuffed with a creamy ricotta cheese and generously covered in panko bread crumbs. It sat on a light bed of Sunday gravy, along side of citrus linguini and they paired so well together. Here it is (below).

it is very different than any Chicken Parmesan entrée that I have ever had. I mean different in a very good way.

I almost always take home half of my entrée. And then wind up having a great dinner and lunch the next day.

I could not stop eating this wonderful entrée, see evidence directly below. This is my actual plate from last night.

Margie’s Entrée

Margie selected the Chicken Francese, served with lemon, wine white, linguini.

Margie absolutely loved it and took half of it home for lunch, today. Directly below is Margie‘s entrée.

Shawn’s Entrée

Shawn selected the Shellfish Pomodoro, served with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari spiced tomato.

Carmella’s Cucina is very generous with the amount of seafood. Here is Shawn’s entrée (below).

Here Is The Dessert Menu

Shawn and Karrie both enjoyed the Affogato, consisting of vanilla bean espresso chip ice cream, double shot of espresso and homemade biscotti.

Here it is (below):

Our Server

Christine was outstanding. Very attentive and engaging in a most positive way. The tip that we left speaks for itself. It wasn’t just a big tip … it was earned.

Conclusion

We didn’t just have a great meal … we had a great experience.

From the moment we entered the restaurant and we’re greeted by a very pleasant maître d'

Owner — Executuve Chef Michael’s Father patrols the dining area and gives his personal attention to dinner guests in a very positive way.

The atmosphere is a throw back to great area Italian Restaurants of the past … such as Culmones in Atlantic City.

Rating

I give it 5 microphones out of 5 and recommend that you give Carmella’s Cucina Italiana a try. We plan to go back.

🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤

A Few Sights From Last Night