Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB: Homemade Comfort in Avenel, NJ

Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB Introduce

For New Jersey residents craving authentic, home-style Italian cooking, Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB in Avenel is a cherished local tradition. Established in 1985, this restaurant has built its reputation on serving generous portions of classic, comforting Southern Italian cuisine, aiming to provide a meal "just like Nonna used to make." It’s a reliable destination in Middlesex County for families, groups, and solo diners looking for quality food in a relaxed, no-stress atmosphere.

The dining experience at Dominic’s is deliberately Casual, Cozy, and Quiet, though it often becomes quite vibrant—customers describe the atmosphere on busy nights as feeling like a loud, joyful family gathering for Sunday sauce! This warm, welcoming environment, combined with the commitment to Fast service and generous helpings, makes it a highly popular spot for both Lunch and Dinner. While the focus is on traditional favorites, the extensive menu of over 60 items, including a variety of Vegan options and Vegetarian options, ensures there is a satisfying choice for nearly every preference.

A key feature that makes Dominic's popular with the local New Jersey crowd is its proud BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policy. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite wine, champagne, or beer to enjoy with their meal, adding an element of personalization and value to the dining experience.

## Location and Accessibility

Dominic's Italian Restaurant is conveniently located at 453 Avenel St, Avenel, NJ 07001, USA, making it easily reachable within the Woodbridge Township area. Its situation off a main thoroughfare provides a local, neighborhood feel while still being practical for a quick stop or a planned dinner.

Accessibility is a high priority at Dominic's, ensuring all members of the New Jersey community can dine comfortably. The location offers excellent support for mobility needs, including:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

The parking situation is also stress-free, with both a Free parking lot and Free street parking available, a significant amenity that contributes to a smooth dining experience. For those commuting or hosting a gathering, this ease of access and parking is a major plus.

## Services Offered

Dominic's provides a comprehensive suite of dining and event services, catering to modern convenience while maintaining a traditional, seated dining experience. The main services available for New Jersey patrons include:

Dine-in Service: Available for Lunch and Dinner with Seating and dedicated Table service in a cozy atmosphere.
Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB): Customers are encouraged to bring their own wine, beer, or champagne to complement their meal.
Reservations: Dinner reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends when the restaurant is known to get busy; the restaurant thankfully Accepts reservations.
Takeout and Delivery: Offers convenient Takeout and Delivery services, including Curbside pickup for maximum ease.
Catering and Private Events: Provides full-service Catering options, including party trays, and the dining room can accommodate up to 150 guests for Private dining room events, celebrations, and repasts.
Family-Friendly Options: The restaurant is noted as Good for kids, offering High chairs and a dedicated Kids' menu.
Specialty Menus: Offers Weekly & Monthly Specials in addition to the vast regular menu, which includes dedicated options for Vegan options, Vegetarian options, and Healthy options.
Payment Methods: Accepts major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. However, customers should note that there is a 3.5% processing fee for all card transactions, so bringing cash is recommended to save on fees.

## Features / Highlights

The enduring popularity of Dominic's Italian Restaurant is built on several key features that resonate strongly with the local New Jersey dining public:

Authentic, Homemade Quality: The food is consistently praised for its authentic taste and generous, Large portions, with customers specifically complimenting the quality of the tomato sauce. The focus is on Comfort food that tastes genuinely homemade.
Vast Menu Selection: The menu is incredibly extensive, featuring over 60 items. Signature categories include a robust selection of Pasta Entrees (all priced affordably at $17.95, including Penne Alla Vodka and Lasagna), a large choice of Chicken Entrees (such as Chicken Marsala and Chicken Francaise), and an equally impressive array of Veal Entrees and Seafood Entrees.
Specialty Dishes: The menu features premium selections like **Pork Osso Buco ($27.00)**, Veal Osso Buco ($38.00), and the deluxe Broiled Twin Lobster Tails (5oz each) ($38.00), offering high-end options alongside everyday value.
Exceptional Appetizer Variety: The appetizer list is expansive, including classics like Fried Calamari ($13.00) and Mozzarella Caprese, as well as more unique and flavorful choices like Tripe ($13.00), Stuffed Artichoke ($13.00), and the highly recommended Lobster Bisque ($7.50).
Focus on Local Tradition: The establishment Serves local specialty, suggesting a commitment to incorporating regional tastes or traditional dishes that appeal specifically to the Central Jersey palate. The atmosphere itself—described as getting "pretty loud, like getting together with your whole family for Sunday sauce!"—highlights this deep connection to family and local culture.
Dessert and Coffee Excellence: The post-meal offerings are a highlight, with the restaurant known for Great dessert options such as Tiramisu ($8.00), Homemade Italian Cheesecake ($7.00), and Limoncello Mascarpone ($8.00), all paired with Great coffee.

## Contact Information

To place a takeout order, book a table, or inquire about catering services in the Avenel/Woodbridge area, please use the contact details below:

Address: 453 Avenel St, Avenel, NJ 07001, USA
Phone: (732) 726-3355

## What is Worth Choosing

Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB is an outstanding choice for New Jersey diners because it perfectly delivers on its promise of authentic Italian comfort food with immense value. The combination of large, satisfying portions and an extensive menu ensures that you can always find a comforting classic, whether it’s a standard Spaghetti & Meatballs ($17.95) or a specialty like Homemade Pappardelle Bolognese ($20.95).

The BYOB policy is a major draw, allowing patrons to significantly reduce the cost of their dinner by bringing their own preferred beverage, making a night out more affordable for families and groups. This, coupled with the restaurant's emphasis on a friendly, welcoming, and hospitable staff, makes it an excellent environment for a casual yet high-quality dining experience.

If you're in Avenel or the surrounding Woodbridge area and seek a straightforward, quality Italian meal in a bustling family setting—where the food is plentiful, the service is fast, and you can bring your own bottle—Dominic's is arguably the premier local option. Just remember that the lively, family-style atmosphere can mean it gets a bit loud, especially on weekends, and you should bring cash to bypass the credit card processing fee.

Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB Menu

Soups
Pasta Fagioli $6.00
Classic Italian bean and pasta soup in a savory tomato broth.
Escarole & Beans $6.00
Tender escarole and creamy cannellini beans simmered in a light garlic broth.
Minestrone $6.00
A hearty medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth.
Egg Drop Spinach $7.00
Silky egg ribbons and fresh spinach in a delicate chicken broth.
Lobster Bisque $7.50
Rich, creamy soup with tender lobster and a touch of sherry.

Appetizers
Fried Zucchini $9.00
Crispy golden zucchini served with marinara for dipping.
Chicken Fingers & French Fries $12.00
Crispy chicken tenders served with golden fries.
Zuppa Di Mussels $11.00
Fresh mussels simmered in a savory tomato and garlic broth.
Mozzarella in Carozza OR Mozzarella Sticks $9.00
Golden-fried mozzarella sandwiches served with marinara dipping sauce. Or choose Crispy, golden sticks of melted mozzarella served with marinara.
Spiedini Ala Romana $10.00
Golden-fried mozzarella sandwiches topped in a sauce of capers, black olives & anchovies'
Riceballs (5) $12.00
Crispy golden riceballs filled with cheese, meat sauce & peas
Stuffed Mushrooms $10.00
Baked mushrooms filled with a savory blend of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
Tripe $13.00
Tender tripe simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce.
Clams Oreganato (7) $12.00
Fresh clams baked with garlic, breadcrumbs, and a hint of oregano.
Clams Casino $12.00
Baked clams topped with bacon, peppers, and breadcrumbs.
Clams on the 1/2 Shell (7) $11.00
Fresh, chilled clams served with lemon and cocktail sauce.
Grilled Vegetable Platter $12.00
A colorful medley of grilled Portabella mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, and tomatoes.
Shrimp Cocktail (5) $12.00
Chilled, tender shrimp served with zesty cocktail sauce
Fried Artichoke Hearts $11.00
Crispy, golden artichoke hearts served with a savory marinara sauce.
Eggplant Rollatini $11.00
Tender eggplant stuffed with ricotta and herbs, baked in marinara and melted cheese.
Stuffed Artichoke $13.00
Fresh artichoke filled with a savory blend of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese
Mozzarella Caprese
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, roasted peppers and basil drizzled with olive oil.
Fried Calamari $13.00
Tender calamari lightly fried to golden perfection, served with marinara
Lemon Calamari $13.00
Lightly fried calamari tossed with cherry peppers in a bright, zesty lemon sauce.
Zuppa Di Clams $14.00
Fresh clams simmered in a savory garlic and tomato broth.
Cold Antipasto (for 2) $12.00
A colorful assortment of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted peppers, prosciutto, provolone, and salami.
Hot Antipasto (for 2) $14.00
A warm medley of clams & oreganato, mussels, eggplant rollatini, stuffed mushrooms, and mozzarella in Carozza.
Grilled Pulpo Leg $14.00
Tender octopus leg grilled to perfection and lightly seasoned
Grilled Pulpo Leg $14.00
Tender octopus leg grilled to perfection and lightly seasoned

Pasta Entrees
Spaghetti & Meatballs $17.95
Homemade meatballs served over spaghetti with marinara sauce
Fettuccine Alfredo $17.95
Creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with tender fettuccine.
Penne Alla Vodka $17.95
Penne pasta in a creamy tomato vodka sauce with a touch of Parmesan.
Cheese Ravioli $17.95
Tender pasta pillows filled with ricotta, served in marinara sauce
Lasagna $17.95
Layers of pasta, ricotta, and meat topped with meat sauce sauce baked to hearty perfection.
Manicotti $17.95
Pasta tubes filled with ricotta and baked in marinara with melted cheese.
Stuffed Shells $17.95
Jumbo pasta shells filled with ricotta, baked in marinara and mozzarella.
Cavatelli and Broccoli $17.95
Tender cavatelli tossed with fresh broccoli, garlic, and olive oil.
Tortellini Alfredo $17.95
Cheese-filled tortellini in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.
Gnocchi Bolognese $17.95
Soft potato gnocchi tossed in a hearty meat sauce topped with fresh mozzarella.

Pasta Specialties
Specialties Ravioli in Vodka Sauce $20.95
Choose one: Lobster ravioli in champagne dough, pumpkin ravioli, or smoked mozzarella with roasted peppers, all tossed in a creamy vodka sauce.
Risotto $20.95
Choose one: Mushroom: Portabella, crimini & white mushrooms Vegetable: Broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers & zucchini Seafood: Clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari & bay scallops
Linguine with Clam Sauce $20.95
Tender linguine with fresh clams in your choice of white or red sauce with garlic.
Homemade Pappardelle Bolognese $20.95
Wide, tender ribbons of fresh pasta served with meat sauce sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken $20.95
Tender fettuccine in creamy Parmesan sauce, topped with grilled chicken.
Cannelloni $20.95
Pasta tubes stuffed with meat, spinach, and ricotta, baked in savory meat sauce.
Baby Cheese Ravioli $20.95
Mini cheese ravioli tossed with broccoli rabe, sweet sausage, garlic, and olive oil.
Homemade Rigatoni Siciliana $20.95
Rigatoni pasta with eggplant, zucchini, and fresh mozzarella in a rich tomato sauce.
Stuffed Rigatoni Alla Vodka $20.95
Rigatoni filled with ricotta, baked and tossed in a creamy vodka sauce.
Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken $20.95
Penne pasta tossed in creamy vodka sauce and topped with grilled chicken.

Chicken Entrees served with potato, vegetable & pasta
Chicken or Eggplant Parmigiana $20.95
Breaded Chicken or Eggplant topped with marinara and melted mozzarella
Chicken Marsala $20.95
Tender chicken sautéed with mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce.
Chicken Francaise $20.95
Lightly battered chicken in a delicate lemon–white wine sauce.
Chicken Capriciosa $20.95
Lightly breaded chicken cutlet topped with cold bruschetta and fresh mozzarella.
Chicken Piccata $20.95
Chicken breast sautéed with lemon, capers, and white wine.
Chicken Murphy $20.95
Sautéed chicken with potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and cherry peppers in a light garlic sauce.
Stuffed Chicken $20.95
Chicken breast filled with asparagus, mozzarella, and prosciutto, served in creamy vodka sauce with mushrooms.
Chicken Caesar Salad $20.95
Grilled chicken over crisp romaine with Parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
Chicken Sorrentino $20.95
Chicken layered with eggplant, prosciutto, and mozzarella, served in a savory mushroom sauce.
Chicken Saltimbocca $20.95
Tender chicken topped with prosciutto and mozzarella, served over a bed of fresh spinach.
Chicken Pizzaiola $20.95
Chicken sautéed with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and fresh tomatoes in a vibrant garlic tomato sauce.
Chicken Zingara $20.95
Chicken topped with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella, served in a savory brown sauce.

Veal Entrees served with potato, vegetable & pasta
Veal Parmigiana $24.95
Breaded veal cutlet topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
Veal Valentino $24.95
Veal stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella, lightly fried and served in a savory mushroom sauce.
Veal Marsala $24.95
Tender veal sautéed with mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce.
Veal Francaise $24.95
Lightly battered veal in a delicate lemon–white wine sauce.
Veal Piccata $24.95
Veal sautéed with lemon, capers, and white wine.
Veal Murphy $20.95
Veal sautéed with potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and onions in a light garlic sauce.
Veal Sorrentino
Veal layered with eggplant, prosciutto, and mozzarella, served in a savory mushroom sauce.
Veal Pizzaiola $24.95
Veal sautéed with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and fresh tomatoes in a garlic tomato sauce.
Veal Saltimbocca $24.95
Veal topped with prosciutto and mozzarella, served over a bed of fresh spinach.
Veal Veneziana $24.95
Veal topped with breaded and fried tomato and mozzarella, served in a savory brown sauce.
Veal Zingara $24.95
Veal topped with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella, served in a savory brown sauce.

Seafood Entrees served with potato, vegetable & pasta
Calamari Marinara $24.95
Tender calamari simmered in a rich, savory marinara sauce.
Flounder Francaise $24.95
Lightly battered flounder in a delicate lemon–white wine sauce.
Flounder Parmigiana $24.95
Breaded flounder topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
Shrimp Marinara $24.95
Shrimp sautéed with fresh tomatoes and garlic, served over angel hair pasta.
Shrimp Parmigiana $24.95
Breaded shrimp topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
Broiled Salmon $24.95
Fresh salmon broiled and served with a delicate white wine sauce.
Salmon with Fresh Mozzarella & Roasted Peppers $24.95
Broiled salmon topped with fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers.
Shrimp Scampi $24.95
Shrimp sautéed in garlic, olive oil, and white wine, served over yellow rice.
Shrimp Caruso $24.95
Shrimp served over fettuccine in a creamy mushroom sauce.
Capellini Della Casa $24.95
Shrimp and arugula tossed with delicate capellini in a light red sauce.
Pesce Marechiara $28.00
Lobster tail, calamari, scungilli, shrimp, mussels, clams, and scallops served over linguini in a fresh tomato sauce.
Broiled Twin Lobster Tails (5oz each) $38.00
Two succulent lobster tails broiled to perfection and served with drawn butter.

Steak & Chop Entrees served with potato, vegetable & pasta
Pork Osso Buco $27.00
Tender pork osso buco served over creamy polenta with a savory brown mushroom sauce.
Steak Pizzaiola $38.00
Juicy 16oz steak sautéed with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and fresh tomatoes in a garlic tomato sauce.
Surf and Turf $38.00
5oz broiled lobster tail paired with a 16oz juicy steak.
Veal Osso Buco $38.00
Tender veal osso buco served over yellow rice with a savory brown mushroom sauce.

Side Dishes
Side of Meatballs $7.00
Tender, flavorful meatballs cooked in rich marinara sauce.
Side of Sausage $7.00
Savory Italian sausage served with rich marinara sauce.
Garlic Bread $6.00
Freshly baked bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted to golden perfection.
Garlic bread with Cheese $7.50
Freshly baked bread topped with garlic butter and melted mozzarella.
Broccoli $7.00
Fresh broccoli sautéed in garlic and olive oil.
Spinach $7.00
Fresh spinach sautéed in garlic and olive oil.
Broccoli Rabe $10.00
Fresh broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and olive oil.
Side Salad $6.00
Fresh greens served with your choice of House Italian or Caesar dressing.
Side of French Fries $7.00
Golden, crispy French fries, perfectly seasoned.
Specialty Sauces $3.50
Choose your favorite: Alfredo, Vodka, Filetto di Pomodoro, Garlic & Oil, Puttanesca, Livornese, or Meat Sauce (rich with garlic and tomatoes).

Desserts
Spumoni $7.00
Three-flavored Italian ice cream: vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio with diced citron fruit pieces.
Tortoni $7.00
Creamy ice cream with almonds and a cherry on top.
Tiramisu $8.00
Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with rich mascarpone and dusted with cocoa.
Toast Almond Cake $8.00
Ladyfingers soaked in amaretto, layered with mascarpone, and topped with toasted almonds and amarettini cookies.
American Cheesecake $7.00
Classic creamy cheesecake on a graham cracker crust.
Homemade Italian Cheesecake $7.00
Rich, creamy ricotta cheesecake flavored with vanilla and a hint of Sambuca.
Limoncello Mascarpone $8.00
Lemon cake infused with limoncello, topped with mascarpone icing.
Tartufo $8.00
Vanilla and chocolate ice cream ball with liquor-soaked nuts and a cherry center, enrobed in bittersweet chocolate.
Chocolate Mousse $8.00
Light, creamy chocolate dessert.
Orange or Lemon Sorbet $8.00
Refreshing sorbet served in hollowed-out fresh fruit.
Cannoli $7.00
Crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate morsels.
Fruit Zabaglione $8.00
Light, creamy zabaglione made with whipped egg whites, fresh fruit, and Marsala wine.
Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream $5.00
Classic creamy ice cream, served plain or as a sweet treat to finish your meal.
Jello $5.00
Cherry Jello topped with whipped cream.

Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great dessert
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Private dining room
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet

Crowd
Groups

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB Photos

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Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB Location

Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB

New Jersey Middlesex County Woodbridge Township Avenel Avenel Street

453 Avenel St, Avenel, NJ 07001, USA

Dominic's Italian Restaurant BYOB Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 798 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Cute and homey authentic Italian restaurant with exceptional food & service. Everyone was so welcoming & hospitable. We can’t wait to come back!
August 26 · Monique Meyer
Nice place for a good dinner. Large portions. Friendly staff. Clean. And they have a good tomato sauce. We had the seafood platter which was loaded with lobster, shrimp, scallops, calamari, and chicken parmesan. Both were very good. We also had dessert. It's a family-type restaurant that gets pretty busy on the weekends. Also, it gets pretty loud, like getting together with your whole family for Sunday sauce!
May 21 · Dawnrose
What's not to like? Where can you go for a $15 and have soup, 2 salads, 25+ entrees, 4 desserts and coffee or tea before 5PM. Food is good, many choices for your dining pleasures. Service is attentive. They have a parking lot with ample street parking. A good bargain. They do offer daily specials for double the price with much less. Byob.
April 29 · Mike Eye
I had difficulty parking upon arrival, not knowing there was a small restaurant entrance at the back street. The place was quite noisy due to a live music party in one area. This local Italian restaurant offers good appetizers. I ordered chicken parmigiana, but found the sauce a bit too acidic.
July 09 · Claudia Guabiroba
Great Service, very pleasant waitress. Food is excellent
August 30 · Joann DeSarbo