ITA101

I wanted to share my exceptional experience at ITA101 in Medford, NJ, where we recently hosted a surprise birthday luncheon for my son. From start to finish, ITA101 went above and beyond to make our celebration truly memorable. Firstly, the restaurant's intimate setting was perfect for our gathering of 25 people. The staff at ITA101 collaborated with us on creating a customized menu, ensuring that every detail met our expectations. The entire dining experience was a culinary delight. The meal commenced with a delightful array of appetizers, including the mouthwatering focaccia with mozzarella and prosciutto, and the brussel sprouts with ricotta. The pasta course featured freshly made cheese ravioli with a subtle hint of lemon and a standout cacio e pepe with homemade tagliolini. The main courses were equally impressive, with highlights such as the flavorful chicken with gnocchi and the snapper accompanied by a cocoa bean pistachio puree. The decision to serve the dishes family style allowed us to savor and enjoy each item on the menu. ITA101's flexibility extended beyond the food. We were able to bring in our own cake and beverages, creating a personalized touch to our celebration. The staff accommodated our decorations, contributing to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the room. In summary, our experience at ITA101 was nothing short of perfect. Whether you're planning a special event or simply looking for a relaxing dinner, I highly recommend considering ITA101. Their attention to detail, delicious cuisine, and accommodating staff make it a standout choice for any occasion.

It's a great place tucked away on Medfords quaint main street. The menu changes often, so I can't wait to return and have something new. Excellent service and the table-side Tiramisu was entertaining and delicious. The shaved truffle pasta was amazing. It's BYOB so make sure stop and get a nice bottle of wine before hand if that is your thing.

We had a very enjoyable experience at ITA 101.. The highlight of our dinner was the homemade pasta. Each person in our party of four agreed that their pasta was excellent. The appetizers were very good. The desserts were not quite as good. One ordered a whipped ice cream that looked like melting ice cream in a bowl. Our waitress was very good.
Overall, we strongly recommend the restaurant. This was our third visit to the restaurant and we will be back.

Great authentic Italian byob restaurant with a fixed menu and rotating dishes. Had no trouble finding a parking spot on the street nearby. All the pasta we tried was delicious, especially the cacio e pepe. A little pricey but worth it as it's hard to find a similar place outside the city. Will be back to try a different regional menu.

If you want truly want authentic Italian food, this is the place to go. I promise you, my Italian husband almost shed tears (which is very unlike him) as he said the food brought him back to Italy when he last tried a dish like this. We have been searching for so long for true Italian food and have finally found it. We are so grateful. The staff is wonderful and the restaurant is intimate and comfortable. Thank you for a wonderful meal and dining experience.

Went to a class on ravioli making. Very engaging while learning about the origin of the ingredients and recipes. Great date night option. Definitely will be attending another one in the future.

Excellent service and food, although a little on the rich side. All depends on the order and we ordered big! The stuffed foccacia bread was truly amazing, but it was too much for just 2 people. Would be better for 4 so that you don't fill up for dinner. I got the cacia de pepe which was excellent, but very very rich. My husband got the braised short ribs and loved them too, bit again, very rich. My suggestion is to split a few entrees to be able to taste more items, and don't fill up on the appetizers!! Overall, lovely place in the heart of downtown Medford.

They have a very special Italian dishes. Very tasty. Specially the deserts are great.

Came here around 8pm for a dinner date. I wish I had gotten the name of the waiter, but he was a very nice guy that had a slight British accent I believe. He did say he spent time in the UK, so I hope I'm not far off.

The waiter was super attentive. He took his time explaining the menu, portion sizes, and overall just being a friendly person.

The girlfriend and I ended up order one half-portion each of the Capelli d'Angelo alla Bolognese di Manzo, and the lemon equivalent. It's not listed and I forget the name. I found the bolognese pasta to be rich and savory, and while not heavy initially, it filled me up quickly.

The lemon pasta was a bit tangy, with excellent fried prosciutto (I think, can't verify with the menu!). It was really a unique dish for me, and while I preferred the bolognese, the lemon pasta stood out more.

We finished off with the Pollo con Gnocchi. In my opinion, it sounded better than it was. The chicken was cooked well, but the gnocchi could have been a touch firmer, and I didn't love the sauce overall. I haven't had a lot of gnocchi though, so it's hard to compare. It wasn't bad by any means, but it left me wishing for something a bit more savory. My girlfriend loved it though.

We had a great meal here at a very reasonable price for the service and quality. We will definitely be back!

ITA101 is absolutely delicious. Their food is homemade and incredible, the closest you’re coming to Italy! Gaia wine is a must! Chef Kevin accommodates a special request if he has advanced notice—I always request the cauliflower. His wait staff is always on point and works to correct a misunderstanding, which could actually become my new favorite dish. Sydney was awesome. We’ve also loved Adam, Lisa, and Hank in the past. Keep up the good, consistent work, ITA101!

I used to live in northern Italy and this is the only restaurant really brings me back! The chef was trained in Italy for years and you can tell in the dishes! We had the pasta tasting and every single plate was delicious.
The tiramisu is even made on site by the chef's mother!
Authentic food, great service, and friendly atmosphere, you cannot go wrong!

A nice hidden byob gem on Main Street in Medford. We love date night at ITA101. My husband and I enjoy going here especially on a fall night. They have heaters outside if you want to sit outdoors. Delicious homemade pasta at this restaurant. Staff is super friendly. Gluten free pasta also available.

Quality staff, unique Italian fare

Late afternoon Sunday, we rode bikes down main Street Medford and decided to try ITA101.

The chef is a local who spent time in Italy learning their methods of food prep and recipes
The menu is varied, pasta is freshly made and that's evident. Difficult choice of what to get and I'm usually quick in deciding.
They are a BYOB but also carry local wine. And they have a few half bottles which perfectly fit the bill for us.

Wait staff was knowledgeable, the manager introduced herself and was interested in how we enjoyed the food.

After too much contemplation for a growling stomach, I ordered the half size cracked pepper pasta entree. I figured start with the basics on my first visit. The pasta texture and flavor were very good. I'm a pepper freak so that did have to repepper my peppered entree. No salt or pepper on the table so fresh ground, which to me is the only way to pepper, was my topper along with an excellent piece of halibut I scavenged from my dates plate.

We were both very satisfied with our meal including the warm bread and interesting .. Wait for it..banana flavored Olive oil.

Worth a visit for the variety, flavor and attentiveness of the staff. Just overall a leisurely meal in an easy going, comfortable atmosphere.

One drawback, I don't cook with salt and on a salt scale of 1-5 I give it a 3.5. you can attribute it probably to the grated cheese on the pasta but I would probably ask if you have salt concerns to not add extra. They do make meals fresh to order which is also evident in the presentation and flavor I

Our party of 4 enjoyed a pasta tasting menu. All 3 selections were delicious.
Our server was very polite, friendly, attentative, and informative. The ceiling had sound proofing, however when the dining room filled, it was difficult to hear the conversation at your own table. The ambiance was pleasant, and decor was tastefully designed.

8pm on a Friday in the summer couldn't have been a better time to dine outside and enjoy some great dishes from this place. The pan seared octopus, tuna tartare and the gnocchi were some of the best I've had. The dishes were incredibly arranged and thought out. Tom our server made us feel very welcome and kept our experience perfectly paced.

Great service, authentic flavors, and a cozy ambiance. From the perfectly cooked pasta to the heavenly tiramisu, this Italian restaurant is an absolute gem.
Highly recommend!!! 10/10

Over the years this has been our "go-to" Italian restaurant in the area. Always impeccable, seasonal and truly authentic Italian cuisine. It is a great value! Friendly & attentive professional service. We have previously lived in Italy for several years and I must say that this is a brilliant example of a real modern Italian dining experience. If you want "Olive Garden" food then this is not the place for you! The portions are correct. The ingredients are of the highest quality and the chef's culinary expertise unmatched in the area. The fresh truffle pasta (shaved table side by the chef/owner) is a must! BYOB an added plus.

First time enjoying this wonderful gem of a restaurant. The food was great. The fresh homemade pastas.....outstanding !!!! We had the grilled octopus and the housemade foccatia with prosciutto also, and both were EXCELLENT. The waitstaff was very nice...very helpful and friendly. Tiffany waited on us and she was GREAT!!!. It is almost an hour drive for us, but we will DEFINITELY return soon. Thanks for the wonderful meal chef !!!!

Food is always delicious. Service top notch. Chef Kevin does an awesome job highlighting different areas in Italy with his weekend specials.

We had wanted to come to this BYOB for quite some time and made a Friday evening reservation. The hostess greeted us, and we were seated by the window (she also asked for our water preference). Our server, Tom, promptly introduced himself, asked if we had dined there before, and then explained that ITA101 was not like the other Americanized Italian restaurants in the area (great!), and that the chef had lived in northern Italy and aimed to cook more in the traditional Italian style with the freshest ingredients available. Tom then delved into the menu with us, pointing out the differences between the daily menu and special regional menu (this week was Campania). He told us that the Stufato di Pesce over house-made angel hair pasta had what the chef described as 5/10 heat. My wife was on the fence being somewhat sensitive to hot spice, so Tom went above and beyond to bring a sample of the sauce to make her choice easier. It had just the right amount of heat (3/10 tops), so we ordered it. I’d be remiss to not mention the house-made bread served with olive oil as well, both excellent and almost an extra course that could be enjoyed throughout the meal with other dishes. For an appetizer, the Cavolfiore (seared cauliflower with ricotta, pecorino, and butter sauce) was perfectly cooked and flavorful, but not heavy or greasy. We each had half portions for the pasta course - my wife enjoyed the Stufato, and I had the Tagliolini con Funghi e Tartufo Nero (pasta with mushrooms and fresh black truffles), which was an earthy, savory delight! All the pasta was al dente. The bread proved especially useful for sopping up every last bit of these plates. I told Tom I regretted not getting the full portion of mine, which he said the chef would be pleased to hear. For our main courses, I ordered the Pollo con Gnocchi, an example of how to properly cook and season chicken (crispy skin, juicy flesh, and balanced hints of honey, butter, sage, and truffle). The gnocchi were small, light, and melted in my mouth. My wife had the Salmone e Capesante, one of the Campanian specials, which was also perfectly cooked and delicious. For dessert, the warm, gooey Tortino al Cioccolato with ice cream and whipped cream was an ideal finale to the progression of well-portioned, carefully crafted dishes. We were extremely satisfied with this meal and plan to return soon (maybe for a Piedmontese or Tuscan-inspired regional menu)! If you’re hungry, which you should be when coming to this restaurant, expect to spend at least $45 to $60 a person for 4 courses (we split the appetizer and dessert, which was plenty for us). And don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine!