Marlene Mangia Bene is a modern Italian restaurant in downtown Woodbury that is owned and operated by husband and wife, Christopher & Maria Fasulo, and longtime friend, Frank Filipek, Jr. The restaurant is a collaboration of their taste, style, creativity and love for family, friends and food. While the restaurant's décor and menu celebrate family traditions, the name is a tribute to Maria's mom, Marlene. Marlene passed away from brain cancer three years ago but many of her "mangia bene" (good eats) will live on in the menu offerings.
"This restaurant is a hidden gem in S. Jersey. It's on par with many good Philly restaurants. We've been there a few times over the past year and it keeps getting more refined and sophisticated. Check it out!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"What a great end to a wonderful Mother's Day. The new summer menu...so hard to decide. We started with appetizers of calamari and seared scallops - My son & I had the Chicken Piccata. It melted in your mouth! The chicken layed on a bed of sweet potatoes and roasted asparagus. The flavor combinations worked so well. My husband had the orecchiette. He loved it! Each bite had a morsel of italian sausage and a hint of garlic & heat. Ended with a complimentary Mother's Day treat of Tiramisu and strawberry- cello - omg! Portions are perfect...love this place!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We have been to Marlene's many times. We were a little concerned when we heard there was a new chef and new menu but decided to give it a try for ourselves. It was excellent! We were a party of four and each got something different and all enjoyed each of our courses. We will be back!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Tonight was our second and last visit to Marlene Mangia Bene. Despite the fact that the food is very good, the service tonight was well below average for similar restaurants. We were seated well over twenty minutes beyond our reservation time and waited several more minutes before the waitress came to pour water and inform us of specials. It was another long wait before she returned to take our orders and it was over an hour past our reservation time when our salads and appetizers were finally served. The waitress never once apologized for the wait and seemed indifferent to whether or not we had a good experience."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I First ate at Marlene Magia Bene back in December and thought it was a real nice place. It had good food. I cannot say that about my second visit on May 3rd, 2013. I was told they had a new menu and it was hard to find anything that sounded good. It is an Italian place and I ended up getting a steak that I could have gotten at Longhorn for less. My wife ended up getting a pasta dish that was dry and bland. The new menu seems very overly pretentious and there are food parings that do not seem to go together (golden raisins are in a lot of things which is a sign of pretentiousness.) I heard a number of people over the night complain about the same thing. Unless they change the menu I will not be going back."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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"The atmosphere was nice - close/intimate but you weren't jammed on top of your neighbors. The staff was friendly, helpful and efficient. The food was decent. It wasn't a bad meal, but it wasn't so great that I feel the need to return."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The food was delicious! We tried the garlic bread with crab and it was wonderful! Our table ordered the scallops, pork chop with apples and figs, and chicken marsala and we all loved our selections. The staff were all very nice and friendly. We will definitely go back soon!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"What a find! Have been here twice and both meals were amazing. The meatball appetizer is to die for. The fig and grand mariner pork chop was unbelievable. During restaurant week, four wonderful courses for $35. Regular dinner specials before 7pm each day. Worth the trip and not hard to find. Easy parking on street. Did I mention BYOB? What's not to like about this restaurant?"
Dined on 03/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Went for Restaurant Week. First time at Marlene's. we have heard terrific things about this restaurant,and it is all true. Every one of our four courses was wonderful. Particularly superb: lobster bisque, tiramisu, ribeye steak. Frank (one of the owners) very hospitable and Demi, our server, was also good (just very very busy). We will return. Hoping the rest of Woodbury "comes back" because it's a little dicey in the neighborhood."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We had an outstanding meal and a wonderful evening. We dine often in Philadelphia restaurants, but now we have an excellent choice much closer to home. What a treat!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The place itself is very warm and inviting. The food was delicious and fresh. Despite a full house on a Saturday the food was served hot and not dried out from heat lamps. Definitely intend to visit Marlene Mangia Bene again."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"We saw a write up in the SJ magazine and wanted to try it out - we are so glad we did! The atmosphere was wondeful and romantic. Greeted by a friendly host who immediately proceeded to get our table ready. We really did dine -2 1/2 hrs and we weren't rushed. Great food and service! and the apple crispcello was delicious! Will definitely be back!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We've been to Mangia Bene several times now and I'll say that their food is good but they have small portions.I ordered the Chicken Martino last time and I got one small chicken medallion and a small side of spaghetti with it.I ordered dessert afterwards(which I usually don't do ) and when we left I was still hungry.It's the kind of place where you have to order a salad,appetizer and entree to get "filled-up"."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Very welcoming atmosphere. You could easily see that there were several regulars dining at the restaurant, the staff calling people by name and vise versa. The host visited every table. Very nice gesture! Little town secret!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"This restaurant is a true neighborhood gem and the menu is great. There are always great specials for appetizers and entrees. If you like the restaurants in Collingswood and Haddonfield you will like Marlene Mangia."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Being vegetarian, our first glance at the menu had us wondering about our options. However, our server expertly advised us about substituting eggplant for any chicken or veal selections and recommended perfect choices for us. We will visit this restaurant again."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We were seated right by the front door so that was the only negative as it was a little chilly but overall the experience was very good and we would definitely go back. Host and server were excellent! we especially liked the homemade lemoncella at the end of our meal!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"If you try the mussels in tarragon cream sauce you'll think you died and went to heaven. Food was amazing! The menu is limited, but a smaller menu is a classic sign of culinary excellence and that's what Marlene Mangia Bene offers. This neighborhood gem is in the heart of a town in the midst of turn-around. The ambiance is inviting, warm, and romantic. Service was top notch including the timing between courses. Don't forget this restaurant is a BYOB so remember your favorite cocktail or wine."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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"This is the second time my wife and I have gone to Marlene Manga Bene and it was just as good as I remember. Service was a little slow (due to the fact there was a party of 15 next to us), but the waitress was very nice, owner/manager continued to check on us all night and the food was fantastic. I ordered the gnocchi special and it might have been the best gnocchi i've ever eaten. My wife got the seafood linguine and she loved hers as well. I didnt love the tomato chunks/sauce that was drizzled over the calamari appetizer but you could tell the calamari underneath the sauce was very good. Cannoli for dessert was awesome.
Overall great little restaurant, great service, fresh food, excellent managers/owners. We'll definitely be bac"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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