Welcome to Puzo’s Family Restaurant
For over 30 years, Puzo’s Family Restaurant has been a cornerstone of authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional service. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a family affair, dedicated to serving up quality food with a side of warmth and hospitality.
The story of Puzo’s began in 1972, when the Puzo brothers — Guiseppe, Gerardo, Giovanni, and Mario — brought their family’s culinary legacy from Avellino, Italy, to America. Spanning three generations, this tradition of fine Italian cooking has seen the brothers operate more than ten successful food establishments throughout New Jersey. Puzo’s Family Restaurant is the culmination of this experience, a place where family recipes and time-honored techniques come together.
This article aims to provide a complete look at Puzo’s Family Restaurant, exploring its rich history, diverse menu, customer experiences, and overall reputation. Whether you’re a long-time patron or considering your first visit (or takeout order!), we hope this review helps you make an informed decision about your next Italian meal.
A Culinary Journey Through the Menu
Puzo Family Restaurant’s menu is an expansive exploration of Italian-American favorites, with a strong focus on pizza and a generous selection of appetizers, soups, and salads. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:
Pizza Varieties
Pizza is clearly a star at Puzo’s, with options to suit every palate and dietary need.
- Classic Cheese Pizza: Starting around $12, the cheese pizza is the foundation upon which many of their other pizzas are built.
- Specialty Pizzas: Puzo’s boasts a diverse range of specialty pizzas. You might find a classic Margherita for around $11.95, a hearty Sausage Pizza for $14.95, or a reliable Pepperoni Pizza for $13.95.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you’re avoiding gluten, Puzo’s offers a Gluten-Free Cheese Pizza in the $17-$19 range. You may also find a Gluten-Free Cauliflower crust pizza.
- Unique Crusts: Beyond the traditional, Puzo’s offers pizzas with different crusts. The Grandma Crust Pan Pizza goes for around $25, while the Sicilian Pizza is in the $22 to $26 range. You can also order a traditional Pan Pizza in the $21 to $25 range.
Appetizers, Soups, and Salads
Before diving into the pizza, Puzo’s offers a tempting array of starters.
- Appetizers: Popular appetizers include Fried Calamari (ranging from $9 to $20), Buffalo Wings ($10 to $15), and Mozzarella Sticks (around $9). You can also try the Bruschetta or Stuffed Mushrooms, both around $11.
- Soups: Puzo’s typically offers a Soup of the Day for around $5.
- Salads: The salad selection includes classics like a House Salad or a Greek Salad. The Antipasto Salad is a standout, priced around $17. You might also find a unique Calamari Salad Platter or other specialty salads.
Pasta, Sandwiches, and Entrees: A Taste of Italy
Puzo’s doesn’t just sling pizza. They offer a full menu of Italian-American favorites, from classic pasta dishes to hearty sandwiches and satisfying entrees.
Pasta Dishes
You can’t go wrong with pasta, and Puzo’s has plenty to choose from. You’ll find all the classic shapes – spaghetti, linguine, angel hair, ziti, and rigatoni – paired with your favorite sauces. Their Pasta with Vodka Sauce, priced around $18, is a popular choice. And for baked pasta lovers, they offer Baked Ziti and Ziti Sicilian.
Puzo’s also features specialty pasta dishes, with unique sauces and ingredients that change from time to time. Ask your server what the special is when you visit!
Sandwiches
Looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner? Puzo’s sandwich menu is sure to please.
For a hot and cheesy option, try their Meatball Parmigiana Sandwich, Sausage Parmigiana Sandwich, or Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich. The Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwich is a vegetarian delight. And for the meat lovers, there’s the Italian Steak Sandwich.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Puzo’s also offers cold sandwiches like Ham & Cheese, Tuna Fish, and Turkey.
Entrees
When you’re really hungry, Puzo’s entrees are the way to go. Their Chicken Francese, priced around $24, is a customer favorite and is also available as a lunch special. Chicken Marsala is another popular lunch special.
Veal lovers will appreciate the Veal Cutlet Parmigiana Sandwich, while seafood enthusiasts can choose from various seafood specialties. And for vegetarians, the Eggplant Parmigiana is also offered as a lunch special.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Puzo’s has something to satisfy your Italian cravings!
What do customers say about Puzo’s?
Puzo’s Family Restaurant has been a fixture in the local dining scene for decades, so it’s easy to find a wealth of customer reviews online. Here’s a summary of what people seem to like and dislike about Puzo’s.
Positive Feedback
When it comes to Puzo’s, customers consistently praise the food, especially these menu items:
- Chicken Caesar wrap
- Mozzarella sticks
- Chicken parmesan
- Pizza
Many reviewers also say the portion sizes are huge, so come hungry!
In addition to the food, customers often say the restaurant has a welcoming, “home-like” atmosphere. Many compliment the waitstaff and the excellent house salad dressing.
Negative Feedback and Concerns
No restaurant is perfect, and some Puzo’s customers have noted the following issues:
- Pricing discrepancies between the menu and the actual charges
- A recent incident involving staff arguing, which negatively impacted some customers’ dining experience
While these types of incidents are concerning, it’s important to note that negative reviews are relatively rare, especially in comparison to the many positive reviews that praise the restaurant’s food and service.
Long-Term Patronage
Many customers have been eating at Puzo’s for years, even decades. It’s a local staple where people know they can get a good meal at a fair price.
Recommendations
If you’re planning a visit to Puzo’s, many reviewers recommend the gnocchi with meat sauce and the house salad.
Need-to-know information
Thinking of heading out to Puzo’s? Here’s some practical information you might need.
Locations
Puzo’s Family Restaurant has several locations, so you’re never too far from a great meal.
Hours
Every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, Puzo’s is open from 3 p.m. until closing.
Deals and coupons
Puzo’s Family Restaurant offers a range of deals and coupons to make dining out even more affordable.
Ordering options
Curbside pickup is available, so you can grab a meal to go without leaving your car.
Payment methods
Puzo’s accepts payment by credit card, making it easy and convenient to pay for your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lady Gaga’s family restaurant?
Lady Gaga’s family owns a restaurant called Joanne Trattoria on the Upper West Side of New York City. Named after her late aunt Joanne, the restaurant offers a menu of classic Italian-American dishes inspired by family recipes. It’s known for its cozy atmosphere and, of course, its celebrity connection.
What is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the world?
That title belongs to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium in Salzburg, Austria. Its origins can be traced back to 803 AD, making it over 1,200 years old! While it may not have been continuously owned by the same family that whole time, it has been family-run for centuries, preserving a legacy of hospitality and culinary tradition. It’s less of a cozy trattoria and more of a grand, historic establishment—definitely worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Salzburg.
In Conclusion
For over 30 years, Puzo’s Family Restaurant has been a local institution, thanks to its focus on quality ingredients, time-honored family recipes, and friendly service. Go to Puzo’s, and you’re likely to find generous portions of delicious food served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
While you can always find a few negative reviews for any establishment, Puzo’s overall reputation is overwhelmingly positive. Some reviewers have mentioned occasional issues with pricing or isolated incidents that didn’t meet expectations. But the vast majority of customers rave about the food and the welcoming environment.
If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine in a comfortable, family-friendly setting, Puzo’s Family Restaurant is well worth a visit. It’s always a good idea to double-check current pricing and read recent reviews before you go, but the restaurant’s longevity and loyal following speak volumes. Puzo’s is a place where you can feel like family while enjoying a truly delicious meal.