Sal & Pete’s Italy’s Best
652 Highway 70, Lakehurst
732-657-1666

The scene: Located in a shopping mall near the Route 70 circle connecting Lakehurst and Manchester, Sal & Pete's Italy's Best and can be easy to miss. But once inside, you'll find two options for the ambiance for your meal: a casual pizza counter accompanied by a few tables or, walk onward to find a quiet, more traditional Italian restaurant, table clothes and all. Sal & Pete even offer occasional dinner entertainment.

The eats: Causal preparations such as pizza, pasta, calzones, manicotti and lasagna are all here. Or, maybe you're in search of some high-end dishes, such as Chicken Massimo, Veal Saltimbocca or Shrimp Scampi. Whatever the case, come with a taste for Italian cooking. Pizza prices are comparable to what you'd expect to see from a pizzeria, though the dinner menu can get to be a little pricey. Try to eat here in the afternoon if you can; the early-bird specials are worth it.