05 April 2009

Joe Pesce (Italian Seafood)

We visited Joe Pesce in Collingswood yesterday (Saturday, April 4, 2009) to see why people are always waiting to get in. We made an 8:30 PM reservation and confirmed the reservation on Saturday. We arrived at 8:20 PM - we didn't get seated until 9:20 PM! (We blame this on a foursome who refused to give up their table, not on the maitre d', Chris, who profusely apologized once we were seated.) It WAS worth the wait!

Jessica, our server, introduced herself and immediately opened our wines: 2006 Dolcetta Di Diano D'Alba and 2007 A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris.

We devoured two loaves of warm bread which came with an accompaniment of roasted peppers, onions and eggplant. Delicious!

For appetizers, Ken ordered the lagostinos special, a nice-sized portion, but not enough for him. Jay ordered the stone crab claws special, two large claws which came with a hot mustard dipping sauce that she couldn't stop eating, and a cocktail sauce.












Our entrees were excellent. Ken had the Sea Grill, which came with a lobster tail, shrimp and scallops. Jay's trout stuffed with crab imperial special came with garlic mashed potatoes and nicely seasoned broccoli rabe.








Joey, the chef/owner, went around to each table to make sure people were satisfied.

We left at 11:20 PM, fully satisfied and vowing to return for an earlier seating.

We want to try the crab mac and cheese as an appetizer, as recommended by Chris.


  • Dress - smart casual

  • Service - excellent

  • Decor - open kitchen, some booths, some tables, seating for 3 in the chef's area.

  • Portions - large

  • Price - 2 appetizers and 2 entrees were about $115

  • Reservations - STRONGLY Recommended for dinner - make early reservations so you don't wait for OTHERS to decide when they want to give up their table