CARINI’S
A Slice of Sicily on the Jersey Shore
There are restaurants you stumble upon, and then there are places that feel like destiny. For me, Carini’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Wildwood, New Jersey, falls firmly into the latter category. This family-run Italian gem is more than just a spot to grab a bite—it’s a living, breathing testament to tradition, community, and the unmistakable warmth of la famiglia.
A Three-Hour Food Affair
To dine at Carini’s is to surrender to an experience that borders on the epic. What began as a casual dinner quickly stretched into a nearly three-hour affair, one filled with an endless parade of flavors that paid homage to Italy’s culinary landscape.
The meal started the way every great Italian gathering should—with antipasto. A duo of Antipasto Assortito (hot) and Antipasto alla Carini (cold) set the tone. There was briny freshness from clams casino, the earthy depth of ravioli fritti, and the rustic simplicity of bruschetta. Each plate felt like a postcard from a different Italian region, with flavors that had clearly been honed over decades.
Of course, no visit to Carini’s is complete without sampling their legendary pizza. I tried to pace myself, knowing a mountain of entrées and desserts lay ahead, but restraint has never been my strong suit when faced with pizza this good. The Pesto Genovese, a personal favorite, arrived fragrant with basil and just the right hint of nuttiness. The Quattro Gusti balanced variety and indulgence, while the Bianca reminded me that simplicity, when executed perfectly, is its own form of luxury.
The Heart of Carini’s: La Famiglia
Behind every great restaurant is a story, and Carini’s is no exception. Founded in 1985 by Giovanni Sanzone’s father and uncle, the restaurant has long been a cornerstone of the Wildwood community. When Giovanni and his wife Sandy took the reins in June 2020, they weren’t just continuing a legacy—they were nurturing it, ensuring that the next generation would carry the torch forward.
Their three sons—Gianmarco, Alessandro, and Daniele—are as much a part of Carini’s story as the menu itself. This is a true family business, where the values of hard work, hospitality, and tradition are as important as the recipes. Every plate that leaves the kitchen carries with it not only flavor, but heritage.
That familial energy spills into the dining room. You don’t just feel like a customer at Carini’s; you feel like an honored guest. It’s the kind of atmosphere where strangers strike up conversations across tables, where milestones are celebrated, and where regulars are greeted by name.
By the time the main courses arrived, I wondered how I’d manage another bite—but the plates demanded attention. A seafood combination bursting with ocean-fresh flavors, steamed clams that tasted of the shore, and the familiar comfort of chicken parmigiana over penne. For those who prefer a lighter sauce, the chicken piccante delivered a buttery delight with a zesty lemon finish, while the flounder Mediterraneo offered delicate sophistication. And because this is Carini’s, even the “humble” fried calamari was elevated, arriving crispy, tender, and impossible to resist.
Dessert, naturally, was no afterthought. A refreshing lemon sorbet served inside its rind was almost too pretty to eat (but I ate it anyway). Cheesecake and tiramisu provided a decadent one-two punch, with a frothy cappuccino closing out the evening. It wasn’t just a meal—it was a love letter to Italian cuisine.
Pizza, Elevated
Of course, we need to talk about the pizza. Carini’s doesn’t just make pizza—they perfect it. Their Neapolitan-style pies are baked in a rotating oven that imparts a charred crispness to the crust, a flavor that no conventional oven can replicate.
The secret is in the details: San Marzano tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and a blend of herbs refined over generations. The menu balances beloved classics like Quattro Formaggi with inventive options that nod to New Jersey’s local flavors. And for those who prefer personalization, Carini’s encourages you to build your own pizza, turning each pie into your own edible masterpiece.
As someone who has eaten more slices than I care to admit in this lifetime, I can say with confidence that Carini’s pizza belongs in the upper echelon of Jersey Shore dining.
More Than a Restaurant: A Community Pillar What sets Carini’s apart isn’t just what happens in the kitchen—it’s what happens outside of it. This is a restaurant woven into the fabric of Wildwood, a place where food and community intersect.
From sponsoring local events to supporting neighborhood initiatives, the Sanzone family ensures Carini’s remains a hub of connection. It’s a symbiotic relationship: Wildwood supports Carini’s, and Carini’s gives back in kind. Over the decades, the restaurant has witnessed families grow, tourists return year after year, and locals embrace it as their go-to spot for comfort and celebration.
In a world where restaurants come and go with dizzying speed, Carini’s longevity is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose.
A Taste of Italy, A Legacy in Wildwood
As I left Carini’s that evening, comfortably full and undeniably content, I realized that this wasn’t just another food review—it was an immersion into something timeless. Carini’s is a reminder of why we gather around tables in the first place: to share, to celebrate, to connect.
It’s easy to see why Carini’s has become a must-visit destination for tourists and a cherished institution for locals. It isn’t about flashy trends or culinary gimmicks. It’s about authenticity, hospitality, and the simple yet profound joy of a meal prepared with love.
For Giovanni, Sandy, and their three sons, the mission is clear: carry forward a legacy that began in 1985, while keeping their eyes firmly on the future. And for the rest of us? It’s simple. If you find yourself in Wildwood, make sure you carve out time for Carini’s. Trust me, it’ll be one of the best three-hour meals of your life.