Emily Ranck
This was hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had in Cape May, honestly, anywhere. Il Riccio deserves every ounce of praise and then some.
The food was insane. So fresh, so flavorful, and beautifully executed. Every bite felt intentional. This place truly deserves a Michelin star. And honestly? The pricing is more than reasonable for the quality. For this level of craftsmanship, freshness, and execution, the value is exceptional.
We started with the Burrata & Beets and the bread, which alone could’ve stolen the show. For dinner, I ordered the A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef Cacio & Pepe with 24K Risotto, and it was next-level—rich, perfectly balanced, and unforgettable. My fiancé ordered the Chilean Sea Bass e Scarola, and even though I don’t usually like seafood, it absolutely blew me away. To die for.
Beyond the food, the experience itself was exceptional. The owner was incredibly kind, warm, and clearly passionate about what he does—you can feel the heart behind this place the moment you walk in. Our server, Rosario, was amazing—down-to-earth, welcoming, and genuinely engaging. We chatted with him throughout dinner, and he made the night feel personal and relaxed in the best way.
I cannot recommend Il Riccio enough. We will be returning every single time we are in Cape May. An absolute gem.
… moreE Suds
We just enjoyed one of the best dining experiences we have ever had at Il Riccio Cape May. It was our anniversary, and the evening is a memory we will cherish. The food was outstanding from start to finish. We greatly appreciate the chef and kitchen staff that prepared everything. The dishes were beautiful, aromatic, and full of balanced and lovely flavors.
The service was delightful and professional. Our waiter, Biagio, was exceptional. His attentiveness and knowledge of the dishes brought out the best of the menu. He was genuinely warm, and he made the entire evening feel special.
An unforgettable experience all around. We are looking forward to our next visit to Il Riccio Cape May.
… moreLiliana Carlson
We decided to make a quick last minute visit to Cape May and decided to try a nice restaurant with my husband. Il Riccio didn’t disappoint. We had such a wonderful experience from the moment we walked in. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Our waiter Biago was superb. He was very welcoming, informative, attentive and friendly. Nolan, who was not our server, stopped by and was very friendly and honest, helped us decide our meal choices. The food was delightful. We tried the Burrata for our appetizer. The main dishes were the lobster ravioli which was one of the specials and the nonna’s ragù pasta con braciole. We enjoyed every bite and appreciated all the staff for taking such a great care of us. We can’t wait to come back and try more delicious dishes. Thank you for giving us an outstanding experience!
… moreEmily Varnes
If I could give 10 stars I would! Il Riccio provided an unforgettable experience for my husband and I. The restaurant is so beautiful and comfortable inside. The staff were so welcoming and attentive for the entire dinner. The owner checked in on us throughout as well and he was so helpful in explaining the dishes. And funny! We really enjoyed chatting with him. Most importantly though, the food was incredible. I will be dreaming about the risotto until I can have it again. All of our plates were empty after each course. Don’t forget to get dessert, it’s worth it! We cannot wait to visit again the next time we are in Cape May! Such a great experience.
… moreJen Garone
Really nice. Sea bass with escarole was perfect. The braciole is just like Grandma’s. My pasta could have been pulled out 60 sec sooner but it wasn’t mush. Lobster ravioli with the claw meat on the side was divine. Bring wine, the owner knows his wine though and will discuss your choices. They were accommodating when we brought in extra people (despite calling the day before.) A little pricey but I really don’t know prices in Cape May.
… moreIsabel Romeo
A Hidden Gem in Cape May
Il Riccio is an absolute treasure in Cape May! From the moment you walk in, the warm welcome from the host sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and fine dining — relaxed enough to feel comfortable, but elegant enough for a special night out.
The food is outstanding. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and the presentation is top-notch — they even fillet our Dover fish tableside, which adds a wonderful touch of old-school hospitality. The homemade gnocchi is another highlight: light, pillowy, and clearly made with love ! (Sorry no picture, I was to exited to try them). To finish a variety of authentic Italian Desserts and gelato.
Service was outstanding throughout the evening — attentive, friendly, and genuinely invested in making sure guests have a great time. Being BYOB is a nice bonus, too — we brought a favorite bottle of wine and it paired perfectly with the meal.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood, authentic Italian touches, and a place where you feel like family, Il Riccio should be at the top of your list in Cape May.
… moreFelicia Veneri
Had such a great date night experience here. I got the gnocchi which was probably the best i’ve had. My fiance got the wagyu risotto and it was delicious. You can tell the owner really cares about the food and the customer experience, and it really shows. Fresh ingredients, clean dining room, and attention to the little details made this restaurant somewhere we will definitely go back to again and again.
… moreThi Synavone
My sister and I came upon this little gem of a restaurant. The food was fresh, tasty, and the service was impeccable. Biagio, our server, was the right amount of attentive. Highly recommend if you are wanting authentic Italian.
… moreBrenda Leonard
What a fantastic meal! We ordered two appetizers and two desserts and shared an entree. Every dish was delicious and some were absolutely divine. Get the artichoke for sure. The waygu beef and risotto was well worth the price and easily enough to share.
… moreAshley Legin
My husband and I tried Il Riccio for the first time and wow- it’s our new Cape May favorite. The staff was attentive and extremely personable- Biegio made great food recommendations and made us laugh. The owner taught us about his culinary experience and the backstory behind the menu. All 3 courses were unforgettable- must try!
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