More than 20 years ago, three Italian boys from the Jersey Shore met on the baseball diamond, intent on dominating their local little league division. Now, they are returning to their roots, intent on dominating the New Jersey restaurant scene. Celebrated chef Matthew Zappoli, brother Paul Zappoli, and lifelong friend Michael Cacciuttolo have opened Tre Amici, or "Three Friends," on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch.
The three graduates of Middletown High School North, after making their careers elsewhere, have come home to Monmouth County. Executive Chef Matthew Zappoli, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, hails from the kitchens of some of America's most celebrated restaurateurs – including Charlie Palmer and Sami Ledeki. Zappoli's innovative menus have pleased the palates of audiences in Manhattan, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Sonoma wine country.
"We celebrated moms 80th on Saturday. Everything was great. Four of us had the sea scallops...they were outstanding!! Calamari and stuffed shrimp appetizers were also great. Mom had a great bday."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Even before winning the Chopped competition, this restaurant was a gem. The Chilean sea bass and scallops are to die for. All the pastas are excellent. If you find the heirloom tomatoes on the specials that night, order them. Chef Z grows them in his own yard. Too much to comment on: let's just say: if you are in Long Branch, go and enjoy!"
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We've gone to Tre Amici twice in the past month and both times were perfect. The food, staff & service were all on par with a fine restaurant in Manhattan. We had the Caesar salad & Mozzarella Corrozza both times and the Fried Calamari for two the second time. They were all freshly made and consistent each time. for entrees we loved the salmon, stuffed prok chop, Fettuccine Tartufo and the sof shell crabs (special). Everything came out hot and at the same time. The service was impeccable (our server overheard a toast to my mom for her 75th b-day & brought out a special dessert for her without us asking). They don't rush you (even on a busy Saturday night) - make reservations. The meal is pricey, but you get what you pay for."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"we were first time visitors to tre amici and had a wonderful experience the only glitch we had is that they did not have our reservation that i had made through open table but they were able to accomodate us with no problem Food was delicious from appetizers to dessert Can't wait to go back!!"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We were a party of four who have eaten at many Italian restuarants. Our comments after a meal was usually".. that was good." However, this time, after this meal our comments were "THAT WAS A REALLY A GREAT MEAL." We all had somethig different from the menu and one of the specials. If you like Italian food, there is nothing on the menu that wolud not leave you with anything but rave reviews. DO NOT MISS GOING TO Tre Amici."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Never disappointed. Food is always exceptional and there is something on the menu for every taste. The duck was outstanding and the homemade pasta is fabulous. If you go out to dinner for the FOOD like I do, Tre Ameci is definitely one of the best in the area."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Everything is delicious and made fresh to order. It's BYOB so you can order an appetizer and dessert. We shared a beet salad for starters red and yellow beets, yum! My husband had clams with red sauce over pasta and I had duck two ways. Perfectly presented and cooked just right. We had enough left over fir dinner the next night too."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This restaurant is one of our personal favorites. The food is consistently amazing. We have taken many different groups of people to Tre Amici and it never dissappoints. Very DELISH"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"This was my third visit and it was somewhat disappointing. Gnocchi were the same ones I buy frozen in a bag in the grocery store, and still heavy due to not being cooked long enough. Same with the fried shrimp used in the Shrimp Parmagian. Recognizable from every diner and chain restaurant served atop a congealed mess of "homemade" pasta. At $100 a couple, one should expect quality ingredients at the very least. Scallops over risotto and dessert were the only bright spots in 4 otherwise sad meals. Restaurants need to stop thinking that diners won't notice the food is sub-par today because it used to be great. Sorry, Tre Amici, you have been Chopped!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
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"We've been here 3 times. Never had a bad meal; in fact, almost always above excellent! Because the restaurant is small with extremely fresh and above-average food, they run out of an item once in a while. The pasta is al dente, but the last time we were there, the pasta was cooked a bit more than usual. Using the usual appetizer, entree, and dessert orders, expect to spend about $50-60/person with tip, depending on what you order. BYOB and enjoy! I wish they were closer to my house."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"ABSOLUTLEY A GREAT DINING EXPERIENCE. THE WAITRESSES AND WAITERS ARE TERRIFIC, VERY PROFESSIONAL AND HELPFUL. THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS AND AS MY 10 YEAR OLD GRANDSON SAID "THE FILET MIGNON BLEW MY MIND". GUESS HE REALLY HAS A TASTE FOR LA DOOCE VITA. EVERYTHING WE HAD WAS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD. THE RESTAURANT IS DECORATED SO BEAUTIFULLY. PLUS ONE OF THE CHEF'S (ONE OF THE OWNER) CAME OUT EACH TIME WE DINED AT TRE AMICI TO SAY HELLO AND INQUIRED HOW WE WERE DOING, DID WE NEED ANYTHING ETC. THIS RESTAURANT IS DEFINETLY A KEEPER."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Delicious food, ambiance was very good, service was fine except------ when asked how big were the salads were and and how many people could share it, he just wouldn't give an educated GUESS!!!~! All we got from him it depends on each persons pallet and how big was their appetite was. Just never got that answer before."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Food was great, I tried a new fish for the first time - it was not fishy, well presented and a great value. The server was very informative and right on with his choices. I've been there 5-6 times and have been happy to find it is consistant"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Three of us had different entrees. All agreed food was excellent. Waiter was attentive and appropriately friendly. Only complaint involves drinks...we did go dry on water and the coffee was lukewarm, both the original cup and the refill. Otherwise a great place and we will definitely go back. It is worth the 30 minute drive from our house."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I absolutely loved it!! By far..the best BYO Italian restaurant in Monmouth county. The Chef is well trained from the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park,NY and it shows in the dishes creative presentation. Enjoy"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Very good food - appetizers (mussels, calamari, buffalo mozzarella) were terrific - we ate every piece. Dinners were also very good - homepasta, terrific meats. Very good place for a good meal. Only issue was service, which was poor - waiter left us alone. Had to ask repeatedly for service - water, dessert menus, the check. Kinda spoiled an otherwise good time, especially the last 45 minutes. Doesn't detract from the quality of the food, though."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups
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"My husband and I really enjoyed Tre Amici. We had 5:30 PM reservations on Friday evening. The place was empty at that time, but quickly filled up as the night wore on. Started with the red and gold beet salad which was delish. My husband had the homemade gnocchi and I had homemade pasta with a Bolognese sauce. These were excellent choices for sure! We finished the meal with gelato and cappucino. The entrees were a few dollars more than your neighborhood pizza place with attached diningroom. No pizzas here! Just great food. The fact that it's a BYOB brought the cost down and who doesn't like homemade pasta? Definitely worth it. Can't wait to return. The only thing I didn't like was the olive oil for dipping. The flavor seemed off"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
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"We have been dining at this establishment for years, previously with the past owner when it was called El Piccolo Forno. This has always been one of our favorite places to dine. The new owners as well as the previous have always served outstanding food, served with great presentation, wonderful staff and ambiance. We have recommended it to several of our family and friends and have always been thanked for recommending it. Everyone we know that has gone there, have added it to their list of favorite restaurants.
We know we will be back.."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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"Since the owner's expansion to a second location, there have been noticable changes to Tre Amici, none for the better. Last evening's visit (2nd poor in a row) prompted discussion that a break might be needed from our usual restaurant rotation to try some others in the area.
The food wasn't nearly as good as we have come to expect (short ribs, usually a triumph, were excessively stringy and risotto overcooked (mushy); fettucine w/ asstd mushrooms nearly tasteless even after sending back for missing advertised truffles), the atmosphere was "rush hour"-like, crowded, noisy and servers literally running from kitchen to table. Service was spotty at best. We hope we are not witnessing the demise of one of our long-time shore favorites."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
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"this was not our first visit.......however we did bring a new couple w/us and as always whenever, whoever, we bring enjoys the restaurant as much as we do....the food is fabulous, service excellent...and a very comfortable place to enjoy a meal w/family/friends...."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"The food was good & the service professional. Just thought the pasta dishes could have larger protions for the amount charged. If you're going to pay over $20.00 for a pasta dish, the portion shouldn't be small. Where's the rabbit in the rabbit pasta? Really liked the sauce but couldn't taste/see the rabbit. Some value is missing."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
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"0ur party of 4 was seated promptly. The floor where our table was positioned, was uneven that 3 of the 4 chairs were rocky. Our server, Sean, seemed attentive at first, but once the appetizer order was placed, he lost all attentiveness. One of our guests asked for more salad dressing because he found his Caesar Salad to be dry. Sean said "right away" and disappeared. When he returned to the dining room he proceeded to take two other table orders and disappear. When he came out from the back, we were able to catch his attention and reminded him of the salad dressing. He explained that he wanted to get in two other table orders before the band got loud. By this time, our guest told him to forget about it. He did take off the check."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
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"My first visit to Tre Amici. Food and service was very good. Went on a Friday evening. Live music, which was nice, however my friend found it to be too loud. Will definitely return!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"First impressions: Large, noisy room with a lot of grey haired people and not much atmosphere. Some people eating towards the back of the restaurant were practically in the dark. Waiter didn't greet us and not very friendly. Food was good, not great. I had higher expectations since the chef won a Top Chef award. Will give it one more try."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups
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"My wife and I have been here several times. We've always found the food here to be very good. Service is excellent starting right at the entrance. I have read reviews knocking the greet and wait staff and find those hard to believe. If anything, I would give both superlatives. Food prices are in the upper moderate range but since this is a BYOB restaurant, it's a bargain if you bring your own wine. On the entrees, the scallops and the duck two ways are really good. I would suggest you call for reservations if you expect to dine after 6:30 on a weekend night or during the summer. There is an area that can be closed off for private parties. Even though the restaurant is on Ocean Ave, finding parking close by is not difficult."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Well, we went there a few months ago and had a tremendous meal! I could see why he was the Chopped Champion. This time was a total disappointment. Out of the 4 entrees ordered 3 were not up to par. One had soggy vegetables and were not tasty at all, a second had no flavor and mine, which was supposed to be one of the best entrees on the menu was a total disappointment. It might not have been had the menu explained how the pasta came. I ordered the mushroom with black truffles on top over pappardele. When it came out it was loaded with an Alfredo Sauce, which was not explained on the menu. I would not have ordered it. I had two bites and mentioned this to my waiter. He seemed aloof about it and walked away saying this is the way we serve it."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
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"We really like this place for their food. This was the the fourth or fifth time going to Tre Amici. I like to take my wife because she really loves the food (she's a foodie) and it's not too expensive. I also like the atmosphere and it's in our town so it's close. I really like that you can bring your own wine if you want. Try the scallops they are amazing."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"The food and service is consistently great. Wait staff works extremely hard and always remains very polite. That means the world to me when dining out. An unfriendly server can ruin an excellent dinner, but that has never happened here and we've been going for years. It is a very well run establishment."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
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"Heard about this from friends and I heard it was inexpensive and great tasting. Well I was WRONG. $24-$30 and entree is kinda pricey for the size of the portions. We got the Calamari which was huge and worth it, BUT the entrees were smaller and twice as expensive as the appitizer. I got a special Pasta which had maybe 15 pieces in a spicy sause that had WAY too much garlic in it. I must have picked out 20 nickel size pieces. My date had the stuffed pork chop that tasted a little dry and I wish I had gotten something else. $65 was a way too much to spend on this food."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, romantic
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