Zagat review: Now at the quarter-century mark, this dependable (if hard-to-find) Freehold Italian BYO maintains its old-world ways with a classic menu of quality items served by an excellent tuxedoed team. The elegant decor lends it special-occasion status and bargain prix fixe specials keep costs under control.

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22 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5

(22 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 22 reviews

5 stars

(10)

4 stars

(8)

3 stars

(3)

2 stars

(1)

1 star

(0)

Food

(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

special occasion(13)
neighborhood gem(12)
fit for foodies(9)

romantic(9)
good for groups(3)
great for lunch(3)

La Cipollina Reviews List

Review 1 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/12/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We have been going to La Cipollina for 23 years....and it was good then and is even
better now due to the change over from traditional Italian food to more of a
culinary treat-while they still have some traditional foods, you can really
get lots of dishes that are extremely tasy and looks very palatable....
We use them for special events over the years and sometimes as a couple
on a sat nite....I am having a baby shower there soon and am not worried
at all on how it will turn out...I am very fussy as I am also a great cook!"

Dined on 5/12/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 2 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

No other place like La Cipollina

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/27/2013

2013

Dined on 04/27/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"La Cipollina has become my wife and I's favorite Italian Restaurant. Rather our favorite restaurant period. We've never been to a place where the food is outstanding and the service exceptional. A true family owned restaurant where the people take pride in every dish they serve. No other place compares."

Dined on 04/27/2013

2013

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Review 3 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best Place in Freehold!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/06/2013

2013

Dined on 04/06/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Another phenominal meal at the best casual upscale restaurant in the area.The wait staff welcomed us and made us feel right at home. Linen table cloths and Suited waiters. . The fresh Mozzerella and Tomatoe appetizer was so fresh and flavorful we contemplated getting 2. I would also reccomend the Blue Point Oysters, again fresh and with just the right amount of caviar. Pork Osso Bucco was fall off the bone tender Kudos to Paul, Mike, Andrew and the rest of the behind the scenes contributors who repeatidly make every meal there a dining experience. If you like Mickey D's drive thru don't stop here. The pace of the offerings were perfect and I would highly reccomend this fine establishmment without hesitation."

Dined on 04/06/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 4 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

If only they understood service

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/06/2013

2005

Dined on 04/06/2013

2005

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I have dined here various times through the years and only the fact that the food is good, do I attempt to give it another try.
They need to realize that service will garner loyalty. Food is key, but if you are going to charge NYC prices in Freehold, you better back it up with service.
Wait for orders was long, apps served 10-15 minutes apart. The scallops were very good. Entrees of a steak risotto and filet mignon were ok. Steak not cooked to order. They will never deviate to satisfy the customer. Bottom line its chaos kids incorporated service and not equal to the price tag.
Try it at least once, perhaps on a week night. I will not try it anymore."

Dined on 04/06/2013

2005

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Review 5 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My wife and I were there for

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/03/2013

2012

Dined on 04/03/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"My wife and I were there for our 20 year.
Food was outstanding service was very very good."

Dined on 04/03/2013

2012

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 6 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

What to say about this restaurant.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/09/2013

2011

Dined on 03/09/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"What to say about this restaurant. The service and the food are impeccable. The hostesses and the wait staff treat you like family. This was my second time here mans the wait staff remembered me. The clams in a white wine sauce was unreal. This restaurant is a go!!! And to end off the dinner Fried Cheeaecake Wow!!!!!! BYOB also"

Dined on 03/09/2013

2011

Special Features: romantic, special occasion, great for lunch

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Review 7 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

It saddens me to find my past

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/08/2013

2013

Dined on 03/08/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"It saddens me to find my past experience here was not a good one. My husband and I have been eating here for over 10 years. Within the past 5 years it has been hit or miss. We decided to celebrate my birthday here expecting a quiet romantic dinner. Upon arriving the room was in such a buzz!! A singer with a guitar?? What was that? A large table full of ladies chatting and laughing and stAnding up walking Around snapping photos, posting on fb! Felt like I was at a high school event. With the lighting so low, barely able to read the menu, giving that romantic feeling but omg so much noise and confusion. Service was not what I remember. Food was delicious but portions took a nose dive! Wow $8.00 for a salad with maybe 9 leaves."

Dined on 03/08/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion

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Review 8 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

The food was very good, but

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/08/2013

2011

Dined on 03/08/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The food was very good, but there was too much time between courses. The waiter was friendly in the "Jersey" style. I prefer a more professional approach when I'm not in a casual restaurant. I didn't know there would be music. Unfortunately, it made conversation difficult. The ambience is very nice. The wait staff needs to be more attentive to needs of the diner. I won't be rushing back."

Dined on 03/08/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 9 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service was good, but my entree

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/16/2013

2012

Dined on 02/16/2013

2012

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Service was good, but my entree was garlic overload. They took the entree off my bill. But the waiter insisted there was no garlic"

Dined on 02/16/2013

2012

Special Features: kid-friendly, special occasion

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Review 10 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ask how much the special cost first

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 01/26/2013

2008

Dined on 01/26/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We were pleasantly surprised by the ambiance and service. The food was very good, the only problem was that I ordered the truffle pasta which was on the specials. I didn't expect that it was going to be $55. Altough it was delicious, no pasta is worth $55 even with 5 shaves of truffle. I do have to admit, the experience of ordering the truffle was fun though. The chef came out with a shaver and the mushroom in a jar. He had my wife and I smell it, and then added to my pasta. It caused a buzz in the restaurant."

Dined on 01/26/2013

2008

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 11 for La Cipollina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5