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Forget about the charity. Laico's absolutely rocks. Go there because the food is amazing.

Dine at a Jersey City restaurant this Tuesday and help raise money for a Bayonne-based foundation battling cancer.

A portion of what you spend on your meal at Laico's, 67 Terhune Ave., on Tuesday, will be donated to the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention.

The MFL Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on Cancer Prevention through community awareness and early detection. Go for lunch, dinner or get some take-out to show your support.

The phone number for Laico's is (201) 434-4115. Reservations are suggested but not required.

For more information about the foundation, call (201) 437-9100, or visit Madeline@mflfoundation.com.

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/20 ... for_can.html#incart_river

Had a wonderful meal of small plates and crostini at GP's last night. We will be back1

Presto's is the best and BYOB.Also like laico's,Renatto's and Gp's.Not a big fan of Rita and Joes.Do like Casa Dante's and Puccini's but alittle more expensive then the others.

Went to Presto's tonite, ordered the scungilli, which you can't find everywhere, it was out of this world good, little bit fri Diavilo. Anybody that really appreciates authentic southern italian needs to check this landmark out

bigmark works for them.

In any case, I had Abbondanza pizza the other night for the first time and it was excellent and beyond my expectations. The cold antipasto was mammoth and really nice. A bit pricey I suppose, but I'm a cheap bastard.

(Note, I do not work for Abbondanza, or any restaurant)

johns pizza best italian in jc

Can never go wrong with Laicos & Rita & Joe's. Another hidden treasure is Renato's in the Heights. Walk through Pizza Masters on Central Ave. & there it is. Casa Dante is overrated. Anyone who thinks Puccini's is good hasn't had real Italian fare. Whoever told Pasquale he could cook.....lied.

I've never had a mediocre meal at Laico's, ever. Rave reviews every time!

I've been to Rita & Joe's twice in the last 6 months, one time great, the other so-so.

Carmine's food is incredible, whether it's the cold sandwiches or hot food. Love their sauce!

Casa Dante has gone downhill over the past few years - I think there was a management change at some point and lounge acts became common. Laico's rocks.

Casa Dante is overpriced and the food isn't that great. Good bread, though.

Rita and Joe's has the best Italian I've had so far in JC. Priced right, too. Down-home, traditional food.

I haven't heard great things about Puccini's (bland); I have heard good things about Laicos.

Laico's




The only way to do Italian.

Abbondanza on Grand St. is great. It feels like you are in an old-school Italian restaurant even though it is new. Good food, nice people, really fair prices.

Presto, warren St. Paulus Hook

Roman Nose is great for an inexpensive pasta fix. Their carbonara is really tasty comfort food and the homemade desserts are worth saving room for. And if you bring wine, it's a pretty cheap date night!

GP's has wonderful ambiance and more upscale fare. I love their crostinis and wines by the glass. I hope they improve the outdoor seating for the upcoming season. They need a little fence or topiaries or something to define that space.

Rustique Pizza has my favorite homemade lobster ravioli in downtown. It's always filled with big chunks of lobster meat.

Downtown, Roman Nose and GP's are pretty good additions to the Italian fare.

Another hidden gem in the Marion neighborhood is 15 Fox Place. Very unique dining experience.

Plenty of newer places to get decent Italian food, but for old school, I enjoy the Barge Inn.

Back in the day, the west side of Jersey City was home to Jersey City's best working-class, every day Italian food, all of it centered on Marion and Mt. Carmel.

Jule's and Pete Ilvento's on West Side Avenue are gone now. These Italian restaurants out of another era featured red-checked tablecloths, booths made out of plywood, and never a hint of daylight. You'd go in, have a nice simple meal, a bottle of wine, and even on your first visit felt at home.

The west side still has great Italian food.

Rita & Joe's

Puccini's

Salumeria Ercolano

Carmine's Deli

Casa Dante (Journal Square, but close)

What else is out there these days? Where in Jersey City can you get a good Italian meal?