Traditional Vizzini Family Recipes Since 1985
Authentic Italian Restaurant in Ewing, NJ
Experience truly authentic Italian food the way it's meant to be enjoyed. At Sal De Forte's, we've been crafting traditional Italian dishes using time-honored family recipes for 39 years. From fresh pasta made in-house daily to imported Italian ingredients, every dish celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Italy.
What Makes Italian Food Authentic?
Understanding the difference between authentic Italian cuisine and its American adaptations helps you appreciate the true art of Italian cooking.
The Philosophy of Authentic Italian Cooking
In Italy, cooking is not about complexity—it's about respecting ingredients. Authentic Italian food relies on a few high-quality components prepared simply to let their natural flavors shine. A perfect dish might have only four or five ingredients, but each one is carefully sourced and prepared with intention.
This philosophy stands in contrast to Italian-American cuisine, which often features heavier sauces, larger portions, and more complex flavor profiles. While both styles have their place, authentic Italian cooking celebrates restraint and purity of flavor.
Regional identity is paramount in Italian cuisine. Dishes from Bologna differ significantly from those in Naples or Sicily. At Sal De Forte's, we honor these regional traditions while creating a menu that represents the best of Italian culinary heritage.
Key Characteristics of Authentic Italian Food
- ✓Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients
Italian cooking follows the seasons, using ingredients at their peak of freshness and flavor.
- ✓Simplicity Over Complexity
Most authentic dishes feature 3-5 quality ingredients rather than elaborate combinations.
- ✓Regional Specificity
Each region of Italy has distinct dishes, ingredients, and cooking methods.
- ✓Quality Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is the foundation of Italian cooking, used generously but purposefully.
- ✓Al Dente Pasta
Pasta is cooked to have a slight bite, never mushy, and sauced lightly.
Authentic Italian vs Italian-American: Key Differences
| Dish | Authentic Italian | Italian-American |
|---|---|---|
| Carbonara | Egg yolks, pecorino, guanciale, black pepper. No cream. | Heavy cream sauce with bacon |
| Pizza | Thin, charred crust. Minimal toppings. Light on cheese. | Thick crust, loaded with toppings and cheese |
| Alfredo | Butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano only (Roman style) | Heavy cream-based sauce |
| Marinara | Fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil. Cooked briefly. | Slow-cooked with added sugar and herbs |
| Garlic Bread | Bruschetta: grilled bread rubbed with garlic, olive oil | Butter-soaked with garlic powder |
Why Sal De Forte's Serves Truly Authentic Italian Food
For 39 years, the Vizzini family has been committed to bringing authentic Italian flavors to New Jersey. Here's what sets us apart.
Years of Family Tradition
Since 1985, the Vizzini family has passed down authentic Italian recipes through generations. Our cooking methods, flavor profiles, and commitment to quality remain unchanged from when we first opened our doors.
Fresh Pasta Made Daily
Every morning, our kitchen staff prepares fresh pasta by hand using traditional techniques. Our cavatelli, lasagna sheets, and filled pastas are made in-house, never from a box. You can taste the difference in every bite.
Imported Italian Ingredients
We source specialty ingredients directly from Italy: San Marzano tomatoes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, premium olive oils, and authentic Italian cheeses. These imports ensure our dishes taste just like they would in Italy.
Traditionally Trained Chefs
Our kitchen staff is trained in authentic Italian cooking methods. They understand the importance of technique, timing, and respect for ingredients that defines true Italian cuisine.
Full Italian Wine Selection
Unlike many BYOB restaurants, we have a full liquor license with an extensive Italian wine list. From Chianti to Barolo, Prosecco to Amarone, our wines are carefully selected to complement our authentic dishes.
Recipes Made with Love
In Italian cooking, "cucinare con amore" (cooking with love) is essential. Our family takes pride in every dish, treating each meal as an opportunity to share our heritage and passion with you.
Our Most Authentic Italian Dishes
These signature dishes represent the best of authentic Italian cooking, prepared using traditional methods and family recipes perfected over 39 years.
Frutti Di Mare
A classic Italian coastal dish featuring fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari tossed with linguine in your choice of marinara or white wine garlic sauce. Our seafood is delivered fresh daily, prepared simply to let the ocean flavors shine.
What makes it authentic:
Light sauce that doesn't overpower the seafood, pasta cooked al dente, fresh herbs added at the end.
Ossobuco alla Milanese
This Milanese specialty features cross-cut veal shanks braised low and slow with white wine, broth, and aromatics until fork-tender. Traditionally served with gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, and parsley) that cuts through the richness.
What makes it authentic:
Traditional Milanese preparation, proper braising technique, finished with fresh gremolata.
Homemade Cavatelli
Our signature pasta is handrolled fresh every morning using traditional techniques. These small, shell-shaped pasta are perfect for capturing sauce. Served with your choice of our house marinara, creamy Alfredo, or fresh pesto.
What makes it authentic:
Made fresh daily in-house, traditional hand-rolling technique, simple semolina and water dough.
Lasagna Bolognese
Our family's treasured recipe features layers of fresh pasta sheets, slow-simmered meat ragù, creamy béchamel, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. This isn't the ricotta-heavy American version—it's authentic Emilia-Romagna style.
What makes it authentic:
Fresh pasta sheets, traditional ragù Bolognese (not just meat sauce), béchamel instead of ricotta.
Authentic Italian Food Near You in New Jersey
Located in Ewing Township, we're conveniently accessible from Princeton, Trenton, Lawrenceville, Hamilton, and the greater Mercer County area. Find truly authentic Italian food just minutes from wherever you are.
Ewing Township
Our Home Since 1985
1400 Parkway Ave, Ewing Township, NJ 08628
Princeton
10 Minutes Away
Perfect for Princeton University families and students
Trenton
7 Minutes Away
Ideal for downtown professionals and state workers
Lawrenceville
9 Minutes Away
Quick drive via Route 206
Hamilton
12 Minutes Away
Easy access from Mercer County
100+ Free Parking
Convenient Access
Private lot with ample parking for all guests
Frequently Asked Questions About Authentic Italian Food
What is considered authentic Italian food?
Authentic Italian food emphasizes simplicity, quality ingredients, and regional traditions. It uses fresh, seasonal produce, high-quality olive oil, and minimal but flavorful seasonings. Unlike Italian-American adaptations, authentic Italian cuisine avoids heavy cream sauces and excessive cheese, instead focusing on the natural flavors of each ingredient.
How is authentic Italian food different from Italian-American food?
Key differences include: portion sizes (smaller in Italy), sauce consistency (lighter, not cream-based), cheese usage (more restrained), pasta preparation (always al dente), and ingredient focus (quality over quantity). For example, authentic carbonara uses only egg, pecorino, and guanciale—never cream.
What makes Sal De Forte's Italian food authentic?
Our authenticity comes from 39 years of Vizzini family recipes, fresh pasta made in-house daily, imported Italian ingredients, and traditionally trained chefs. We never take shortcuts—our sauces simmer for hours, our pasta is hand-rolled each morning, and our techniques honor Italian culinary traditions.
Where can I find authentic Italian food near me in New Jersey?
Sal De Forte's Ristorante in Ewing Township has been serving authentic Italian food since 1985. We're located at 1400 Parkway Ave, just 10 minutes from Princeton, 7 minutes from Trenton, and easily accessible from Lawrenceville, Hamilton, and Mercer County. Call (609) 406-0123 or reserve on OpenTable.
Is fresh pasta more authentic than dried pasta?
Both are authentic! Fresh pasta (pasta fresca) is traditional in Northern Italy, especially Emilia-Romagna, and pairs well with delicate sauces and filled pastas. Dried pasta (pasta secca) is Southern Italian tradition, ideal for olive oil-based sauces and seafood. At Sal De Forte's, we make fresh pasta daily and use quality dried pasta where tradition calls for it.
What are the most popular authentic Italian dishes?
Popular authentic dishes include Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe (Rome), Ragù alla Bolognese (Bologna), Risotto alla Milanese, Ossobuco, Frutti di Mare, and Tiramisu. At Sal De Forte's, guests love our Homemade Cavatelli, Frutti Di Mare, Ossobuco, Veal Marsala, and family-recipe Lasagna Bolognese.
Do you serve traditional Italian desserts?
Yes! Our dessert menu features authentic classics: Tiramisu (mascarpone, espresso, ladyfingers), Cannoli (crispy shells with sweet ricotta), and seasonal Italian specialties. All desserts follow traditional recipes emphasizing quality ingredients over excessive sweetness.
Does Sal De Forte's have a full bar or is it BYOB?
We have a full liquor license with an extensive Italian wine list (Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco, Amarone) and Italian cocktails (Aperol Spritz, Negroni, Limoncello Martini). Unlike many NJ Italian restaurants that are BYOB, we can help pair the perfect wine with your authentic Italian meal.
Ready to Experience Authentic Italian Food?
Join the Vizzini family at Sal De Forte's and discover what 39 years of authentic Italian cooking tastes like. From fresh pasta made daily to imported Italian ingredients, every dish celebrates true Italian culinary tradition.