Di Palma Brothers

- 8728 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047

Welcome to the heart of North Bergen, New Jersey, a place where the scent of simmering red sauce and the charm of old-world collectibles blend into a truly unique dining experience. For local diners in search of authentic, generous, and heartwarming Italian-American cuisine, look no further than Di Palma Brothers. This family-owned gem has become a beloved fixture in Hudson County, celebrated not just for its food but for its utterly distinct, 'restaurant boutique' atmosphere—a place where you can quite literally shop as you dine.

Di Palma Brothers stands as a testament to deep family roots in the food business, a heritage that stretches back over a century. The family's legacy began with a produce store started by Naples native Baltasar Di Palma in Union City. Today, the restaurant honors that Italian heritage with every dish served, focusing on classic Neapolitan recipes and comfort food that feels just like Grandma's. It's a culinary destination in New Jersey that promises a warm welcome, enormous portions, and a dining environment unlike any other you'll find in the tri-state area.

Forget your typical Italian restaurant decor; Di Palma Brothers offers an atmosphere that is both casual and historic, with a quirky twist. The entire dining area is adorned with a vast collection of antiques, vintage jewelry, furniture, and unique curios. The most exciting part? Almost everything you see is for sale! This fusion of a classic, cozy Italian eatery with a sprawling antique shop creates a whimsical, engaging, and memorable backdrop for your meal. Whether you're here for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a romantic evening, the lively, bustling environment ensures a full sensory experience.

The menu is a celebration of Southern Italian-American favorites, known for its commitment to large, family-style portions and top-quality, often imported, ingredients. From the moment you are seated, you are treated to a complimentary, high-quality experience, including the famous complimentary salad and house-made bruschetta. The focus is squarely on authentic flavor and hearty satisfaction, making it a perfect spot for New Jersey residents who appreciate real value and homemade taste.

For over a decade, Di Palma Brothers has been collecting accolades, including being hailed as one of New Jersey's best family restaurants by New Jersey Magazine and receiving praise from the New York Times for its "Classic Neapolitan dishes prepared with skill and brio." If you are a local looking for a consistently excellent meal that offers more than just food—but an experience—Di Palma Brothers should be at the top of your list.

Location and Accessibility

Di Palma Brothers is conveniently situated in North Bergen, making it easily accessible for residents across Hudson, Bergen, and surrounding counties. Its location on a major thoroughfare helps ensure a smooth trip for all diners.

Address: 8728 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047, USA

The restaurant is committed to accessibility for all guests, offering several features to ensure a comfortable visit:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free parking lot and free street parking are available)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Services Offered

Di Palma Brothers provides a full range of dining and service options to accommodate any occasion for the New Jersey community:

• Dining Options: Enjoy a relaxing meal with table service for lunch, dinner, or dessert.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, with dinner reservations being highly recommended due to its popularity, particularly for groups.
• Catering: Full catering services are available for your next party, gathering, or corporate event, allowing you to bring their classic Italian comfort food to your own table.
• Takeout: Convenient options are available for those who prefer to enjoy their delicious meals at home.
• BYOB: Di Palma Brothers is a BYOB-only establishment, allowing you to bring your favorite wine or beverage to pair perfectly with your meal.
• Amenities: Includes a clean, well-maintained restroom and high chairs for younger guests.
• Payments: Accepts all major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for a hassle-free transaction.

Features / Highlights

What makes Di Palma Brothers an essential stop on the New Jersey dining circuit?

• The 'Restaurant Boutique' Concept: Dine among hundreds of unique antiques, vintage items, and collectibles that are all available for purchase, creating a whimsical and ever-changing atmosphere.
• Generous Portions: The portions are famously large, ensuring excellent value and plenty of delicious leftovers for the following day. This family-style approach is a significant draw for local diners.
• Authentic Red Sauce: The family stakes its reputation on its traditional Neapolitan red sauce, simmered for hours and made with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, and basil.
• Local Specialty Dishes: A menu packed with authentic Italian-American favorites, including award-winning Grandma's Meatballs, Homemade Meat Lasagna, Rigatoni Alla Siciliana, and Spinach Fagottini (homemade crepes filled with a rich blend of ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella).
• Complimentary Treats: Guests receive complimentary house-made bruschetta and a fresh salad upon arrival, setting a welcoming and generous tone for the meal.
• Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: The vibe is casual and cozy, making it suitable for both solo dining and groups, with a genuinely historic feel that reflects the family's long history in the food business.
• Fast Service: Despite the unique and leisurely atmosphere, the service is often noted for being attentive and efficient, ensuring a pleasant dining pace.
• Great Desserts: The dessert menu, featuring classics like Tiramisu, Semifreddo Torroncino, and various Ripieno flavors, receives high praise from customers.

Contact Information

If you are looking to make a reservation (highly recommended for dinner) or inquire about catering, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 8728 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047, USA
• Phone: (201) 868-3005

What is Worth Choosing: A Look at the Must-Try Menu Items

Choosing from the extensive menu can be a delightful challenge, but several dishes stand out as local specialties and fan favorites, perfect for anyone craving classic Italian comfort.

Start your meal with a classic appetizer. The Grandma's Meatballs are a legendary choice, showcasing the family's renowned red sauce and a tender, all-beef recipe often lightened with egg. For a vegetarian option, the Eggplant Rollantini or the Fresh Mozzarella & Roasted Peppers are fresh, flavorful, and a great way to kick off your feast. You may also find the Riceballs (Arancini), stuffed with a savory filling, to be a delightful starter.

For the main course, you can't go wrong with the time-honored dishes. The Homemade Meat Lasagna is a rich and hearty classic, and the Chicken Parmigiana is celebrated for its perfectly cooked chicken, generous mozzarella, and rich red sauce. If you prefer a lighter, yet equally flavorful option, the Chicken Francese, bathed in a delicate lemon-butter sauce, is an excellent choice, often served with a side of pasta.

Pasta lovers will gravitate toward the Rigatoni Alla Siciliana, featuring tender eggplant and velvety mozzarella in their luscious red sauce, or the Cavatelli for an authentic, rustic preparation. Those seeking seafood should explore the Farfalle Al Salmon or the indulgent Linguine Al Cartoccio (seafood baked in parchment) for perfectly cooked, flavorful options.

Remember, the portions are massive, making Di Palma Brothers ideal for sharing or ensuring you have a fantastic, second-day lunch. Be sure to save room for dessert. The Tiramisu is a popular, creamy favorite, but for something a bit more unique, consider the Semifreddo Torroncino or one of the delicious Ripieno (stuffed fruit) options like Mandarin or Lemon. Paired with a freshly brewed coffee, it’s the perfect end to an unforgettable New Jersey dining adventure. Di Palma Brothers is more than just a restaurant; it’s a treasured local institution combining culinary tradition with a truly unique, welcoming environment.

Di Palma Brothers

8728 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047, USA