Had the best rigatoni vodka here. I recommend the tiramisu as well, it was so creamy and delicious! The atmosphere is a bit chaotic but it definitely is comfortable! 10/10!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle G.
Espo's is a long time favorite in our household. They have THE BEST stuffed peppers around. But truthfully all of their food is great. They have a liquor license too!
Quinn McLean
The food here was excellent. I got the chicken Parm and it was very satisfying. When u walk In I believe you will be greeted by the owner. He's seems real nice. I like everything just wish I had a little more space( but that is just my personal preference). I still think the place was great. I also got a tequila sunrise and the bartender made it just right. It was my first time so I will be going back to try more dishes. The prices and somewhat on the higher end but you get a lot of food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parm
Evan Oftedal
What a great place that clearly values quality food and time honored recipes. Had great Chicken parmesan that had huge portions. No reservations are taken, so make sure you get there ready to wait. It’s worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parm
Terry T.
The food is amazing! By far this is my favorite Italian restaurant to eat at. I love the stuffed shells with meat & cheese! No other place has ever offered this dish before! The sauce is also amazing! Dinner comes with bread & salad. You won't be disappointed!
Paul S.
The food is good. For that reason, we've eaten here a number of times over the last few years. However, the prices have gone up significantly and with all of the undisclosed upcharges, it has become grossly overpriced. Last night, the waitress asked whether we wanted caesar or house salad; after the first person in our party said caesar, we all did, but without having been told that at the end of the night we each would be charged an extra $3.50. We then ordered our entrees, and again the waitress told us we had a choice: Marinara or Vodka sauce. We each said Vodka -- again without being told that there would be a $4/person upcharge for that choice. With all of the upcharges, the meal became significantly more expensive. Last Sunday, I had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Times Square that was less expensive and better than this. For Raritan, NJ, this place has become too overpriced.
Michele K.
Love Espos! Amazing food and atmosphere. The specials are spot on and the service is over the top.
Lisa D
Had a steak last night and it was seasoned and grilled perfectly. Delicious!! There are so many great things to choose from....so hard to decide what to order! The cheesesteaks served for Friday lunch and Sunday brunch are amazing!!! Not a surprise that they were voted best in NJ. Great wine selection and fantastic cocktails! If you haven't visited Espo's, you are missing out on one of New Jersey's best restaurants!
We found this place while driving back to PA from the MetLife stadium. My dad joked that we were going to have Italian in someone’s house which basically the vibe you get when walking up to the place. Everyone was so welcoming and we will be driving the 2 hours back just to try dinner sometime soon.Things I recommend off my one trip? Their famous steak parm sandwich with the fries. Don’t sleep on the fries cause those were also delicious. Anything with their vodka sauce. And you MUST get the cheesecake. It was the best I have ever had.Staff was friendly and wonderful even for how busy it got for a 2pm on a Sunday which is an amazing sign. I will be telling everyone I know to make the trek out here. It’s saved in my google maps for a circle back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chuck Mound
It took years, but finally made it to Espo's. Heard nothing but good things, and it was highly recommended. This was going to be a Grab n Go order. I ordered ahead. Ziti with meat sauce. I requested that the Pasta be cooked Al Dente. I was given a time for pick up, which was 20 minutes. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, so parking was a challenge. Had to park a few blocks away. My order was ready upon arrival, and the server was very nice. I was not expecting the $24.95 price point for an order of Pasta with Meat Sauce. It did not include salad, but had a few slices of very good bread. The Meat Sauce was good, but could have used a little more meat. Meaning it was good and I was looking for more. The Pasta was over cooked and was breaking on every serving. Was not cooled Al Dente. The seating inside is limited, but did not hinder the atmosphere. Seemed like everyone was having a good time. With a higher price point, I was expecting a lot more than what was delivered. I will give it another try at some point. Will try one of their signature dishes on next visit. I love and always support small businesses.Parking: Located in a residential area.
Delicious meal, big portions, awesome atmosphere. This is a hidden gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari
Penny M.
Go here for the vodka sauce, they'll even make chicken parm with it. It's decadent and yummy. Everything else is meh... Eggplant parm was a mushy mess. More like pudding then fried eggplant. The restaurant is cute, but small and tight with tables very close to each other. Servers are all business, not many smiles. They have a lovely little outdoor space in the warm weather. Perfect for drinks and dinner in the summertime. Decent spot if you live in the area. I probably wouldn't travel far to come here.
Marianne Stevens
Great neighborhood restaurant. Arrived at 6pm Friday and it was packed. Got the last two seats at the bar. Service spot on. Great bar tender. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Spooky Truth
Local red sauce joint with a lot of heart! Great food, diligent service and such a warm VIBE. Just go already!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parm
Deb K.
Long time area standard. Never disappointed. Prices are average for the area. Everyone should try it once
Had the best rigatoni vodka here. I recommend the tiramisu as well, it was so creamy and delicious! The atmosphere is a bit chaotic but it definitely is comfortable! 10/10!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Espo's is a long time favorite in our household. They have THE BEST stuffed peppers around. But truthfully all of their food is great. They have a liquor license too!
The food here was excellent. I got the chicken Parm and it was very satisfying. When u walk In I believe you will be greeted by the owner. He's seems real nice. I like everything just wish I had a little more space( but that is just my personal preference). I still think the place was great. I also got a tequila sunrise and the bartender made it just right. It was my first time so I will be going back to try more dishes. The prices and somewhat on the higher end but you get a lot of food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parm
What a great place that clearly values quality food and time honored recipes. Had great Chicken parmesan that had huge portions. No reservations are taken, so make sure you get there ready to wait. It’s worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parm
The food is amazing! By far this is my favorite Italian restaurant to eat at. I love the stuffed shells with meat & cheese! No other place has ever offered this dish before! The sauce is also amazing! Dinner comes with bread & salad. You won't be disappointed!
The food is good. For that reason, we've eaten here a number of times over the last few years. However, the prices have gone up significantly and with all of the undisclosed upcharges, it has become grossly overpriced. Last night, the waitress asked whether we wanted caesar or house salad; after the first person in our party said caesar, we all did, but without having been told that at the end of the night we each would be charged an extra $3.50. We then ordered our entrees, and again the waitress told us we had a choice: Marinara or Vodka sauce. We each said Vodka -- again without being told that there would be a $4/person upcharge for that choice. With all of the upcharges, the meal became significantly more expensive. Last Sunday, I had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Times Square that was less expensive and better than this. For Raritan, NJ, this place has become too overpriced.
Love Espos! Amazing food and atmosphere. The specials are spot on and the service is over the top.
Had a steak last night and it was seasoned and grilled perfectly. Delicious!! There are so many great things to choose from....so hard to decide what to order! The cheesesteaks served for Friday lunch and Sunday brunch are amazing!!! Not a surprise that they were voted best in NJ. Great wine selection and fantastic cocktails! If you haven't visited Espo's, you are missing out on one of New Jersey's best restaurants!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Parm, Veal Parm, Ravioli Espo's, Sunday Gravy Sunday Only, Clams Oreganata, Chicken Parm, Pork Chops Murphy, Pork Chops with Vinegar Peppers
We found this place while driving back to PA from the MetLife stadium. My dad joked that we were going to have Italian in someone’s house which basically the vibe you get when walking up to the place. Everyone was so welcoming and we will be driving the 2 hours back just to try dinner sometime soon.Things I recommend off my one trip? Their famous steak parm sandwich with the fries. Don’t sleep on the fries cause those were also delicious. Anything with their vodka sauce. And you MUST get the cheesecake. It was the best I have ever had.Staff was friendly and wonderful even for how busy it got for a 2pm on a Sunday which is an amazing sign. I will be telling everyone I know to make the trek out here. It’s saved in my google maps for a circle back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It took years, but finally made it to Espo's. Heard nothing but good things, and it was highly recommended. This was going to be a Grab n Go order. I ordered ahead. Ziti with meat sauce. I requested that the Pasta be cooked Al Dente. I was given a time for pick up, which was 20 minutes. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, so parking was a challenge. Had to park a few blocks away. My order was ready upon arrival, and the server was very nice. I was not expecting the $24.95 price point for an order of Pasta with Meat Sauce. It did not include salad, but had a few slices of very good bread. The Meat Sauce was good, but could have used a little more meat. Meaning it was good and I was looking for more. The Pasta was over cooked and was breaking on every serving. Was not cooled Al Dente. The seating inside is limited, but did not hinder the atmosphere. Seemed like everyone was having a good time. With a higher price point, I was expecting a lot more than what was delivered. I will give it another try at some point. Will try one of their signature dishes on next visit. I love and always support small businesses.Parking: Located in a residential area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Delicious meal, big portions, awesome atmosphere. This is a hidden gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari
Go here for the vodka sauce, they'll even make chicken parm with it. It's decadent and yummy. Everything else is meh... Eggplant parm was a mushy mess. More like pudding then fried eggplant. The restaurant is cute, but small and tight with tables very close to each other. Servers are all business, not many smiles. They have a lovely little outdoor space in the warm weather. Perfect for drinks and dinner in the summertime. Decent spot if you live in the area. I probably wouldn't travel far to come here.
Great neighborhood restaurant. Arrived at 6pm Friday and it was packed. Got the last two seats at the bar. Service spot on. Great bar tender. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Local red sauce joint with a lot of heart! Great food, diligent service and such a warm VIBE. Just go already!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parm
Long time area standard. Never disappointed. Prices are average for the area. Everyone should try it once