Long Beach Island is best known for its summer beaches and laid-back coastal vibe, but a new year-round dining destination is set to redefine how locals and visitors experience Italian cuisine. Enter Azzurri Italian Cucina, a stunning restaurant that merges traditional Italian flavors with a bold, modern twist. The name alone, Azzurri—meaning "blue" in Italian—evokes the calm, endless expanse of the Mediterranean, setting the tone for the culinary adventure that awaits.
Azzurri offers more than just a meal—it’s a meticulously crafted experience rooted in authenticity and innovation. Executive Chef Anthony Gentilella’s menu is a love letter to his Italian heritage, built on generations of family recipes handed down from his grandparents and great-grandparents. These dishes form the heart of Azzurri’s offerings, with rustic flavors that transport diners straight to the countryside of Italy. Yet, what makes Azzurri stand out in the crowded culinary landscape of Long Beach Island is Anthony’s commitment to elevating these humble, “peasant” dishes with fresh ideas and techniques he picked up on his remarkable culinary journey.
From Toscano Ristorante, one of New Jersey’s top Italian dining spots, to the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges in New York, Anthony’s experience reflects a rare blend of tradition and boundary-pushing creativity. At Toscano, under the guidance of Executive Chef Zack Melker, he learned the art of blending authentic flavors with modern techniques, and at Jean-Georges, Anthony was introduced to a new level of precision. This expertise, combined with his family roots in Florence, brings Azzurri's menu to life in ways that surprise and delight even the most discerning palates.
Take, for instance, one of the standout dishes on the menu: Bacon-Wrapped Long Hot Peppers. Inspired by traditional Italian ingredients but presented with a fresh twist, this dish combines ground sausage, veal, and bacon, wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a lemon honey ricotta. The layers of flavor, texture, and the unexpected twist of sweetness make it an instant favorite.
And then there’s the Squid Ink Tagliatelle—a dish that pairs tender squid ink pasta with rich braised beef, prosciutto, and beef bone marrow. The savory intensity of the squid ink is balanced with a sweet balsamic reduction, making it an unforgettable highlight of Azzurri’s daring menu. For a lighter option, the Seasonal Chicken Milanese brings together crispy, golden chicken breast with a refreshing salad of greens and avocado, evoking the restaurant’s beachfront setting with every bite.
But it’s not just the food that makes Azzurri a must-visit. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a space designed to create an atmosphere that marries coastal charm with modern elegance. Whether you choose to dine alfresco on the patio, or inside the thoughtfully curated dining room, the ambiance is part of what makes this place so special. Every guest is treated like family, with attentive service that elevates the experience even further.
Behind the scenes, Anthony and Chef de Cuisine Joaquin Agnes channel their Michelin-starred experience to bring the same level of precision, passion, and artistry to every dish. This attention to detail is what takes a meal at Azzurri from ordinary to extraordinary.
While Long Beach Island may be synonymous with summer fun, Azzurri promises an experience that is as warm and inviting in the depths of winter as it is during peak beach season. Now open, Azzurri is a culinary gem that’s worth discovering any time of year. https://azzurrilbi.com/