NJ’s 'Most Iconic' Italian Restaurant Is in Atlantic City

The Website Business Insider has published a feature article with its picks for the most iconic Italian restaurant in each of the 50 states, and a South Jersey restaurant has taken the honors in New Jersey.

Business Insider says they used 'customer reviews, local history, longevity, cultural significance, and the standout dishes that keep diners coming back' to make their choice.

As locals, you won't get any argument from us about the pick. Congratulations to Atlantic City's Chef Vola for being recognized by Business Insider.

National Site Chooses Chef Vola As NJ's Most Iconic Italian Eatery

The Business Insider recognition is great for a local restaurant, even if Chef Volat has no problem filling the seats and has been doing just fine without any mention from Business Insider.

It's still special when you are chosen as the one restaurant to represent the state of New Jersey nationally, because New Jersey has so many great Italian restaurants.

The write-up is short, but sweet.

Chef Vola's has been a hidden gem in Atlantic City since 1921, operating out of a small house in a residential neighborhood.
The famously hard-to-book restaurant is known for classic dishes like veal Parmesan and rigatoni, along with its old-school, cash-only charm and loyal following.

Chef Vola's History in Atlantic City

We thought it was only right to give a little more background on Chef Vola.

Chef Vola was once a rooming house that operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition.

Chef Vola's is a historic,100+ year-old Italian institution owned by Pina and Joe Vola, located in a private home basement at 111 Sotu Albion Place.

This exclusive, reservation-only BYOB is famed for its authentic, home-style Italian fare, in a cozy, hidden setting near the Boardwalk.

Owned by the Esposito family since 1982, Chef Vola is renowned for its old-school Italian cuisine—especially veal parm and banana cream pie—and is famously hard to book, often requiring reservations months in advance. It's worth it when you get there.

Chef Vola’s was the 2011 James Beard Award winner, considered the "Oscars of the food world."