+1 732-747-4551
Nestled in the heart of Red Bank, NJ, Pazzo MMX exemplifies refined Italian dining with a contemporary flair that both locals and visitors cherish. This elegant restaurant and bar creates a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for everything from celebratory dinners to casual evenings out. With its tasteful décor and a bustling bar area featuring multiple TVs, Pazzo MMX masterfully balances sophistication with a welcoming, lively vibe.
The menu is a heartfelt homage to authentic Italian cuisine, crafted from fresh, quality ingredients and delivered with artistic precision. Guests rave about standout dishes such as the Pappardelle Bolognese, where tender ribbons of pasta are bathed in a rich, meaty sauce that comforts and excites the palate. The Clams Oreganata offer a brilliant blend of baked middle neck clams crowned with crispy breadcrumbs, garlic, pecorino Romano, and bursts of tomato, igniting savory and aromatic memories of coastal Italy.
For those craving a more indulgent entrée, the Short Ribs and Filet Mignon deliver deep, robust flavors – the former meltingly tender and richly sauced, the latter perfectly seared and refined. Chicken lovers find pure satisfaction in the Chicken Francese and Chicken Milanese, where crispy golden crusts and delicate seasonings reveal a mastery of Italian culinary technique. Meanwhile, the Charcuterie Board and Meatball Appetizer are excellent starters, opening the meal with layers of flavors and textures.
Don't overlook the sides: the Potato Croquettes—golden, panko-encrusted pillows of mashed potatoes with a hint of pecorino romano—stand out spectacularly. Greens like Sautéed Broccoli Rabe and Creamed Spinach provide perfect, flavorful counterpoints, balancing richness with freshness.
Ending on a sweet note is a true delight at Pazzo. Indulgent desserts such as the Tiramisu Cake and Key Lime Pie offer an exquisite finale, while options like the Chocolate Brownie and Affogato gracefully marry decadence with tradition.
Numerous patrons echo a shared sentiment of genuine appreciation. Julia Sullivan calls Pazzo MMX “one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the area,” praising the fantastic linguine with white clam sauce and the expertly crafted drinks. Style and Beads highlight the “amazing” service and inviting ambience, especially loving the pasta and Chicken Marsala. Even Steve Chang, while noting smaller portion sizes, applauds the excellent food, top-notch service, and the upscale yet relaxed setting. Brian Keene recounts a memorable experience enjoying the outdoor enclosed sidewalk area with attentive and friendly service—an ambiance perfect for pre-show dining. Richard DeLancey gives a glowing five-star review, especially singling out the bar's attentive bartenders and the outstanding Veal Parmesan, a dish that embodies the pride and passion Pazzo MMX pours into classic Italian fare.
Whether you're savoring the comforting embrace of Chicken Parm, sharing plates at the bustling bar, or delighting in a perfectly prepared Espresso Martini, Pazzo MMX delivers a rich and authentic Italian experience marked by exceptional flavors and genuine hospitality. This is a destination where every meal feels special, every flavor tells a story, and every visit invites you to savor a little piece of Italy in New Jersey.
One of my favorite Italian restaurants in the area. Perfect for all special occasions. Always great food, I had linguine with white clam sauce that was fantastic and great drinks from the bar!
Food is soooo good I always go here for pasta and chicken Marsala! Our servers have always been amazing and the ambience is great!
Was in the area for an event and came here based on the quantity and high google review. Pretty much spot on... Great food and service and the restaurant is really beautiful. Bar area have a bunch of TVs to watch sporting events. Mix of folks dressed nice to casual. My only gripe is the pasta portions are a bit smallish. And when you add drinks and some appetizers it was on the pricey side... pizza is reasonably priced though.
Had a great time at Pazzo, we stopped in before a show and sat in the enclosed sidewalk area. The atmosphere was very nice and welcoming. We had John as our server and he was awesome. He was very friendly, attentive and funny. We told him we were seeing a show made sure to get our orders in so we could eat and enjoy it. All of the food was very tasty, Chicken Franchise, Skirt Steak, Pizza were all very good. The gluten free options were also a bonus for my daughter and I. I'm usually not impressed with gluten free pizza but this was very good. We will be back.
**5 Stars - Outstanding Experience at the Bar** Had an incredible evening sitting at the bar at Pazzo. The service was absolutely superior - the bartender was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience memorable. The veal parmesan was off the hook! Perfectly breaded, tender, and the sauce was exceptional. You can tell they take pride in their Italian classics here. But the real showstopper was the butter cake for dessert - honestly one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth. Rich, decadent, and the perfect ending to an amazing meal. The bar seating gives you a great view of the restaurant and the staff really knows how to take care of their guests. Will definitely be back soon! Highly recommend Pazzo for anyone looking for authentic Italian food with top-notch service in Red Bank.
Quick place to grab a meal before a show. Food was meh, definitely could of been better, but not horrid. Pricey, small portions, and loud. Great for a before the show meal, but that's literally it.
A True Italian Gem – Pazzo Delivers Every Time! From the moment you walk into Pazzo, you’re transported straight to the heart of Italy. The warm lighting, rustic decor, and welcoming aroma of fresh bread set the tone for what always turns out to be an exceptional dining experience. The menu is a beautifully curated celebration of classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Every dish—from the rich, short ribs to the perfectly balanced spicy rigatoni—tastes like it was made with care and generations of tradition behind it. Don’t skip the burrata to start or the house-made tiramisu to finish; they’re unforgettable. What truly sets Pazzo apart, though, is the service—and that’s where Tom, the manager, deserves a special mention. Tom brings a personal touch that makes guests feel more like old friends than customers. His knowledge of the menu and wine pairings is impressive, and he’s always genuinely invested in making sure every table is having a great time. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or just a craving for top-tier pasta, Pazzo is the place. Thanks to Tom and his team, it’s more than a restaurant—it’s an experience. Highly recommend!
RED BANK: If you are craving delicious Italian food with dog friendly outdoor dining in a vibrant downtown setting, make your way to Pazzo Red Bank! With a massive menu featuring fresh salads, hearty meat and seafood entrées, pizza, pasta, and more, plus a full bar with an extensive wine list, draft and bottled beer, and crafted cocktails, you will find something for everyone. There are a few outdoor tables along West Front Street where pups are welcome, but be sure to check in at the main entrance around the corner. We visited on a Monday night and took full advantage of their amazing special: half off all pizza and pasta! The spicy rigatoni and meatball pizza were standouts, and the chilled Moscato hit the spot on a warm summer night. Do not skip the complimentary bread, it is perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside! Shoutout to Brian and John for their friendly and attentive service, we felt well taken care