Upscale Italian-Albanian Restaurant Opens in Matawan; More Dining News

Plus: A cannoli spot comes to Fairfield, and Verona welcomes a sandwich joint.

Food in dark restaurant

Il Leone in Matawan fuses Italian and Albanian cuisines. Photo: Courtesy of Lina Griga from Marakata Collective

Openings

Il Leone, Matawan

Upscale restaurant Il Leone, which means “The Lion” in Italian, just opened. It blends traditional Italian recipes with modern culinary techniques and unique Albanian flavors.

The Cannoli Shop, Fairfield

This new spot focuses on an Italian favorite. Guests can customize their cannoli with a variety of toppings, from chocolate chips to crushed pistachios to candied orange peel.

Staci’s Sandwich Joint, Verona

Staci’s serves sandwiches with freshly baked bread and gourmet ingredients. Woman- and family-owned, it also offers soup, salads, snacks and a kids’ menu.

Minnow’s, Brielle

This new breakfast/lunch eatery has a dining room, lunch counter and retail section. Items include a breakfast burrito and the Big Dipper sandwich (shredded beef, provolone and caramelized onions).

[RELATED: The Best New Restaurants in NJ to Try in 2025]


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