Welcome to Pauline's Italian Cuisine
Located at 765 NJ-34 in Matawan, NJ, Pauline's Italian Cuisine is a delightful family-owned gem celebrated for its authentic Italian dishes made fresh to order. Diners rave about the melt-in-your-mouth veal parm, delectable seafood specials, and impressive baked clams. The warm, inviting atmosphere captures the essence of a traditional Italian setting, making it perfect for any occasion. With a BYOB policy and attentive service, patrons leave with hearts full and stomachs satisfied. The standout homemade Italian cheesecake and gnocchi add to the restaurant's charm. Overall, Pauline's promises an unforgettable culinary journey that evokes the love and flavors of Italy.
- 765 NJ-34, Matawan, NJ 07747, United States Hotline: +1 732-583-7808
If you’re searching for a true taste of Italy nestled within the charming confines of Matawan, NJ, look no further than Pauline's Italian Cuisine. Conveniently located at 765 NJ-34, this cozy establishment is a culinary gem that has been delighting local patrons for years. Pauline's is renowned for its commitment to authentic flavors, ensuring that every dish is prepared with fresh, quality ingredients and love.
Upon entering the restaurant, you are enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the essence of family and community—key elements that make dining at Pauline's a memorable experience. The service is exemplary, with staff members like Rocco, Serg, and Paula going above and beyond to make guests feel at home. They are not just hosts; they are part of the warm fabric of this family-run establishment, dedicated to sharing their passion for Italian cuisine.
The menu at Pauline's is a celebration of traditional Italian fare. Diners rave about dishes like the Veal Parm, described by one satisfied reviewer as "melt in your mouth goodness." The fish specials are also noteworthy, promising freshness and flavor that transports you to coastal Italy. Each visit offers a chance to savor exquisite flavors, from mussels in red sauce to a memorable duck or seafood risotto—every plate tells a story of authenticity.
Special mention must be made of the homemade desserts, particularly the Italian cheesecake which keeps guests coming back for more. It’s crafted from a cherished family recipe, elevating it far above typical diner offerings. The gnocchi, though not always available, has garnered rave reviews, with one guest declaring it among the best dishes they've ever had. It's this level of commitment to quality and customer satisfaction that makes Pauline's a standout destination.
Whether you're planning a romantic date night or a festive gathering with friends, Pauline’s offers the ideal backdrop. The cozy, beautifully decorated interiors enhance the experience, ensuring that every meal is special. With a BYOB policy, you can tailor your dining experience further, making it personal and affordable.
As you ponder your next dining destination, remember that Pauline's Italian Cuisine is the ultimate stop for authentic Italian food in Matawan. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, every visit is marked by spirited hospitality, and every meal becomes a cherished memory. So grab your loved ones, bring your favorite wine, and prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey that embodies the heart and soul of Italy.

Dinner Saturday night in the neighborhood and while I’ve lived here for over 17 years I haven’t been to Pauline’s nearly enough. Great service in a quaint little Italian restaurant with awesome food! I was in the mood for traditional Veal Parm and it was melt in your mouth goodness! My wife has one of the fish specials and it was also top notch (fresh, light sauce and flavorful)! We started with the mussels In red sauce and they were delicious also! Thank you Pauline’s for a great meal and we’ll be back..

Always great authentic Italian food. Every thing is made fresh to order. Highly recommend.

This was a GREAT dinner. I am extremely picky with Italian food and this was real, quality food made with love. Each dish was better than the next. We were all going crazy for everything. Service was great. True family atmosphere. This is why you support small family businesses in Jersey! Then to top it off, mother’s recipe for the cheesecake. REAL Italian cheesecake, not your diner cheesecake. Amazing experience and we will be back again!!!

Christmas Party Time Again... Pauline's graciously agreed to open on a Monday to accommodate our party. I had never been here so I was excited. I came through rain and heavy traffic from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. I arrived half an hour early. The place was dark. I did not know they were opening just for us. I parked and waited in the car. Soon a knock at my window and a man asked if I was there for the party and invited me to come in. This was the start of an amazing adventure. As I waited for people to arrive Patrick, a seasoned part of the staff shared his stories of Bensonhurst and we laughed and remembered how it was. He invited me to taste the bread. I did and asked him where it came from. It was crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside. He said they got daily shipments from Brooklyn. I knew that was the case. As guests arrived they added tables to accommodate the extra people. This restaurant is beautifully decorated. The tables were set perfectly. After eating the bread, Patrick told me to slow down. There was a lot of food coming. One plate after another arrived, each cooked to perfection. The baked clams were mini clams and so good. The calamari was also delicious. There was fresh Mozzarella that melted in your mouth. There was a fried cheese ball that was beyond delicious. Then the soup with sausage followed by a salad. The choice of entrees was just perfect. My Rib Eye was cooked to perfection. The Lobster tasted amazing. Then came the Italian Pastries and a double espresso. Need anyone say more? Pauline's is a Tiny Gem, bringing the amazing flavors and culture of Italy (via Bensonhurst). A big thank you for a wonderful evening. Everyone had an amazing time. Your staff is amazing. Barre From Brooklyn....

Best homemade fresh Italian food ever. Great quality and quantity, and lots of choices. Even made to order! Rocco, Serg and Paula are awesome hosts and chefs! Don’t miss out going to this awesome restaurant!

The food, the service, and the atmosphere of Pauline's is top notch!!!! I have the stuffed veal chop and it was incredibly delicious. It melted in my mouth and was perfectly seasoned. I substituted the prosciutto stuffing with spinach and it did not disappoint. I loved it so much that I deliberately save some for lunch today and I am so happy I did!

Haven’t been here in a while but now I will become a regular. The dishes we ate were among the best I’ve ever had in all my world travels. Nice sized portions priced for extreme value,warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a date night, the severs were extremely attentive and engaging but not obtrusive. It is also a BYOB!!!! I really enjoyed our dinner experience last night! It’s simply the kind of restaurant that should be on your MUST go list!!!

Best Italian food I’ve ever had in a restaurant. You have to try the gnocchi. Unfortunately, it isn’t always on the menu but when it is you must try it. Never disappointed with any of their dishes. Great dining experience.