Northfield is a quiet town not far from the Jersey Shore, off the waters of Lakes Bay – and it’s home to what might be the most unique Italian restaurant in New Jersey. Ventura’s Offshore Cafe is a casual establishment that still keeps the old ways – including the beloved tradition of the free appetizer. The management team here goes beyond the standard bread basket and invites you to kick off your meal with an indulgent treat that will have you tempted to fill up before your food even arrives. But don’t go overboard – everything else on the menu is just as good! One thing’s for sure – Ventura’s Offshore Cafe has been a popular dinner spot in Northfield for a long time, and they don’t look to be changing what works any time soon.

Ventura’s Offshore Cafe is one of the southern Jersey Shore’s top dining destinations, and it’s not hard to see why.

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The classy, old-school dining room is a unique place to eat - but when you look at the menu, it’s clear this place just wants you to dig in and enjoy.

Ventura’s Off Shore Cafe/Facebook

The calamari has a reputation as one of the state’s best, perfectly fried and tossed in a slightly spicy sauce.

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New Jersey pizza is a tough competition, but the large pies here are perfect for sharing and topped with fresh ingredients.

Eric Hjelm

The pastas are also excellent and Ventura’s is constantly bringing in new choices - but for many people, the highlight comes at the beginning of the meal.

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When you sit down, you’ll be greeted with a basket containing garlic bread - and the restaurant’s signature pizza bread!

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The garlic bread is herb-dusted perfection, while the pizza bread is topped with sauce and a dusting of cheese. Both use the same thick foccacia bread, and it’s tempting to fill up on these alone!

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Before you go, stop into the attached liquor store and take a look at the impressive wine selection. If you don’t have time this visit, the odds are the pizza bread will call you back!

Ventura’s Off Shore Cafe/Facebook

Have you visited Ventura’s Offshore Cafe and tried their famous complimentary pizza bread? Let us know about your visit to this unique Italian restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section. To find out more, you can check the official website for the current hours and menu. While you’re in town, you’re only minutes away from New Jersey’s longest fishing pier.

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Ventura’s Off Shore Cafe/Facebook

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Eric Hjelm

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William Niederhofer/Google Local

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Address: Ventura’s Offshore Cafe, 2015 Shore Rd, Northfield, NJ 08225, USA