Speranza - Westville, New Jersey

“It's a small space so you might struggle to hear your conversation over the people enjoying themselves at the bar. They were funny though! Anyway, the food was delicious, and I was with picky eaters. I got the chicken picatta, and everyone else got the chicken parm (sub marinara for vodka sauce, she didn't know that the vodka sauce would be spicy but she still enjoyed it), and a chicken parm ciabatta sandwich, as well as a cheesesteak sandwich. The chicken picatta had the perfect consistency that I look for with that sauce. It wasn't runny or goopy, and it had the right amount of lemon flavor. The chicken was tender, not hard, and nowhere near dry or chewy. It was cooked through just right that I could cut it with a fork alone. The picatta comes with potatoes and broccoli, but at other places I have always had it with spaghetti or angel hair so I subbed for spaghetti. I am glad I got the spaghetti because they have theirs made from scratch and you can taste the difference and even the consistency of the noodles was different from boxed noodles in a good way. The picatta also came with capers and they were soft and had the familiar sour taste to them. Will definitely return to try the chicken parm! The cheesesteak had a great flavor—an overall smokiness that she enjoyed. The meat was fresh and she mentioned how it was a nice surprise that the bread was soft since most sesame seed bread is somewhat hard. The bread was also toasted, like it had toasted char lines on it and she said that added to the smoky flavor. Her only critique would be that it did not have enough cheese, but to be fair, she did ask to remove the onions and peppers that it was supposed to come with. The chicken parm I did not hear too much about, it looked beautiful, and huge! As I mentioned, she was taken back by how spicy the vodka sauce was, so be aware that it is not for the weak. She did keep eating it though and refused to send it back because she really enjoyed the flavor. The chicken parm sandwich was good, and she remarked on how fresh and soft the bread was. It did not feel or taste like the sandwich ciabatta bread was store bought. She said the chicken was tender like mine, and the fries were excellent. They had a toasted sort of crunch to them, not like regular fried French fries. After all the food we got dessert, limoncello cake, chocolate cake, and an almond chocolate brownie sundae. The brownie was warm, but like the chocolate cake, they both had a deep chocolate flavor. Although, the cake was deeper, almost a smoky chocolate flavor. If you are a chocolate fiend like myself, go for the cake over the brownie. If you want something warm and comforting, go for the brownie. If you want something refreshing, like me, go for the limoncello. The limoncello wasn't spongy like I was expecting, it was more solid, but the lemon flavor paired well with the strawberry drizzle. I feel like without the drizzle, the cake would not have landed so well. I love lemon, but the limoncello did not have enough lemon in my opinion, but I like a tart lemon flavor with sweet cream. This cake was great, but more subtle with the lemon. Overall, it was our first time but it will not be our last. The pizza and the classic chicken parm look too good to not come back and try! If you like the idea of chicken parm, homemade spaghetti, and pizza, then you will love Speranza Ristorante!”

“Speranza is a total neighborhood gem! It’s a small, intimate space that feels incredibly high-end and sophisticated. The food is delicious and clearly made with very fresh ingredients, yet the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality. Great atmosphere and even better service—highly recommend if you want a premium dining experience without the massive bill.”

“Lively restaurant on a Saturday. Our waitress took pretty good care of us, with the exception of not bringing bread for the table until asked. Two adults, one young child shared two entrees, and an appetizer. Good portions. Food has pretty good flavor.”

“It's absolutely phenomenal. The food here was well put together, flavored well, and the portions were on point. The atmosphere was quaint and cozy with just enough mood lighting. The waitstaff was courteous and attentive and always ready to fill, remove, and take another order. There is a variety of food to choose from there menu sure to please everyone. There is a bar with plenty of spirits to choose from. Overall, the experience was fantastic and a must go when in the area. A+”

“Kyle was very attentive and personable. The food was great. My hubby got a pasta and crab signature dish... Very tasty. I got the caci e pepe which was also good. The limoncello marscapone dessert was awesome. Check them out for a great meal”