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Elizabeth’s Italian officially opened at 2658 Route 516 in Old Bridge on June 24.
The eatery comes from the restaurant group Death of Hospitality, which is also behind 618 Restaurant, Mezcal and Jersey Freeze.
Owner Matt Borowski, who said “we have been overwhelmed by the support from the community,” made time for a Q & A. Here’s what he had to say about the restaurant.
Q. Why did you select this location?
A. Old Bridge has always felt like the right fit for us. Our company headquarters is here and we already have a strong connection to the community through Mezcal.
We saw an opportunity to bring something completely different to the area. We wanted to create a neighborhood Italian restaurant that people could enjoy several times a week, whether it’s a casual dinner, date night, drinks at the bar, or celebrating life’s special moments.
Q. Is Elizabeth’s named for someone special?
A. Named after the beautiful, brilliant woman we are lucky to call wife, mom, boss and the heart of our family. Elizabeth Borowski.
Q. What makes Elizabeth’s different from other Italian restaurants?
A. The menu honors classic Italian flavors while incorporating elevated techniques, fresh seasonal ingredients, and beautiful presentation.
We believe hospitality is just as important as the food, and every detail, from the music to the service to the design, was created to make guests feel like they’re part of something special.
Q. What would you say is the most special item on the menu?
A. That’s a difficult question because there are so many standouts, but our Sunday Sauce has quickly become one of the signature experiences.
It’s a slow-simmered family-style tradition featuring rigatoni, short rib, meatballs, fennel sausage, guanciale, and pecorino that celebrates everything people love about gathering around an Italian table.
Q. Discuss the cocktail menu. The names of some of the drinks (e.g., ‘da-ga-ba-gool’ and ‘Waste Management’) are uniquely New Jersey.
A. The cocktail menu was designed to be just as memorable as the food. ... Many of the names have personality and tell a story, while the cocktails themselves feature fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, premium spirits, and beautiful presentation.
Whether someone prefers an espresso martini, a refreshing spritz, or a spirit-forward classic, there’s something for every palate.
We also have an extensive wine list and carefully selected Italian and domestic wines to complement the menu.
Q. Describe the vibe.
A. The vibe is warm, lively, and effortlessly stylish. We wanted guests to walk in and immediately feel transported.
Rich textures, beautiful lighting, natural greenery, and thoughtful design create an upscale but approachable atmosphere.
During the week you’ll find happy hour at the bar, Wednesday’s Spritz & Social with live music on the patio, and weekends that feel energetic and celebratory.
It’s the kind of place where dinner easily turns into dessert, another cocktail, and one more hour with friends.
Q. How many people can you seat?
A. Elizabeth’s seats over 200 guests throughout the dining room, bar, private dining areas, and seasonal patio, making it ideal for everything from intimate dinners to larger celebrations. We have plans to expand the building and add a balcony in 2027.
Q. Can you discuss the other restaurants in your group and how this one fills out your portfolio?
A. Elizabeth’s joins a family of restaurants that each have their own identity while sharing the same commitment to hospitality.
- 618 Restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine with an upscale dining experience and has become a destination for celebrations, fine dining, and special occasions.
- Mezcal brings bold Mexican flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere that blends exceptional dining with vibrant nightlife.
- Jersey Freeze is our nostalgic neighborhood ice cream destination that families have loved for generations. We’re especially excited to have recently launched franchising, with several new locations coming soon as we continue to grow the brand.
Q. Do you have plans for other restaurants in N.J.?
A. We’re always exploring opportunities to grow, and we’re excited about our next project: a new Bar & Grill at Luckies in Farmingdale.
The concept will bring together some of our favorite elements from across our restaurant group, with a menu featuring everything from gourmet burgers and signature mac and cheese to steaks and more. We’re also introducing a sushi bar.
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