Celebrating new ownership, Il Giardino Sul Mare has been an upscale option for Italian food in Forked River, New Jersey for years. Located in the Wharfside Plaza, Il Giardino provides a different option when it comes to Italian dishes because they are not a pizza-oriented eatery and they offer many dishes with seafood and veal.
On this particular night that I went, a guitar player was serenading the diners with dinner music versions of pop songs. I started off my experience with an appetizer. I had Mozarella in Carrozza, which is prosciutto, mozzarella cheese and bread dipped in pecorino Romano cheese that is fried and served with a side of tomato sauce. Besides being very tasty, it gave off a sense of comfort food very similar to a grilled cheese sandwich.
My main meal was Petto di Pollo Marsala, which is basically Chicken Marsala. It contained two large boneless chicken breasts that were sauteed with mushrooms and marsala wine. I chose to have it placed on a bed of linguine. Not only was it very flavorful but the chicken was very tender. In many cases, I didn't need to use the knife.
The best part of any dining experience is the service and it was top-notch here! Jerry was very accommodating and attentive. Even though I didn't have any room for dessert, I already put my selections in my mind for my next visit. This is a great place if you feel like treating yourself or someone special to a great night out.