The Restaurant
An Italian kitchen with a Mediterranean accent.

In the heart of downtown Westwood, Il Vero is a destination for Italian-Mediterranean dining, beautiful cocktails, and evenings meant to be enjoyed from beginning to end.
Created for the date nights that turn into late nights, the celebrations that deserve another round, the family gathered around one table, and the spontaneous nights out that become the ones you remember, Il Vero brings dining and lounge culture together in one unforgettable setting.
Step inside, settle in, and make yourself at home. From thoughtfully crafted dishes and cocktails to the energy of our lounge, every detail is designed to make you feel welcome, comfortable, and part of something special.
The Lounge
Come for dinner. Stay for the night.
Cocktails, conversation, music, and a little more time to unwind. When dinner is over, the evening is just getting started.
Lounge service begins at 10:00 PM.
Open late Tuesday through Saturday. Hours may vary.
From the Kitchen
Italian at heart. Mediterranean in spirit.
Il Vero brings together the warmth and tradition of Italian cooking with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Thoughtfully crafted for the table, our menu is designed to be enjoyed, savored, and experienced together.
The Menu
Dinner at Il Vero.
Antipasti
Polpette Teresa
beef & veal meatballs | san marzano tomato | parmigiano reggiano | stracciatella | basil
Calamari Fritti
flash-fried squid | pepperoncini | parsley | amalfi lemon aioli
Crudo di Tonno
yellowfin tuna | blood orange | caper berries | extra virgin olive oil | sea salt
Cozze al Vino Bianco
prince edward mussels | white wine | shallot | cultured butter | parsley
Carpaccio di Manzo
ny strip | shaved parmigiano | wild arugula | capers | lemon | extra virgin olive oil | black garlic aioli
Burrata Mediterranea
burrata | prosciutto di parma | heirloom tomato | arugula | roasted red pepper | aged balsamic pearls | feathered bermuda onion | balsamic reduction | extra virgin olive oil
Polpo alla Brace
charred mediterranean octopus | roasted fingerling potatoes | shaved fennel | castelvetrano olives | bermuda onion-parsley relish
Ricotta Montata & Uva Arrostita
whipped ricotta & mascarpone | roasted grapes | calabrian chili honey | pistachio | focaccia (bastoncini di focaccia)
Meredith Marks Caviar
Exclusively at Il Vero
24 Karat Kaluga
large, luxurious pearls with a bold, nutty taste, a rich buttery finish and a subtle hint of saltwater
30g Caviar Service
served chilled on a mother-of-pearl spoon or traditional blini with crème fraîche, chives, finely chopped shallot, and classic egg accompanimentsDiamond Ossetra
creamy pearls from the ossetra sturgeon with a rich, earthy flavor and a refined finish
30g Caviar Service
served chilled on a mother-of-pearl spoon or traditional blini with crème fraîche, chives, finely chopped shallot, and classic egg accompanimentsBump & Grind
Signature silver-plated caviar & vodka service
30g of caviar & 6 shots featuring grey goose vodka
Taglieri in Legno
Boards serve 2 to 3 guests
Salumi e Formaggi
prosciutto di parma | soppressata | genoa salami | mortadella pistacchio | imported provolone | ricotta salata | parmigiano reggiano | asiago | calabrian chili honey | fig jam | caper berries | olive medley | grilled country bread
Mezze
classic hummus | za’atar | baba ganoush | tabouleh | tzatziki | pita points
Insalate
Finocchio & Arance
shaved fennel | blood orange | castelvetrano olives | parmigiano reggiano | mint | pistachio | citrus vinaigrette
Classic Caesar Salad
romaine heart | parmigiano reggiano | crispy pancetta | focaccia pangrattato
Tuscan Kale & Roasted Butternut Squash
spiced pepitas | toasted hazelnuts | pickled red onion | parmigiano reggiano | maple-dijon apple vinaigrette
Pear & Gorgonzola
organic field greens | bosc pear | gorgonzola dolce | candied walnuts | celery heart | champagne vinaigrette
Pasta
Sacchettini al Tartufo
black truffle | grana padano cream | shallot | brandy
Bucatini Carbonara
egg yolk | guanciale | parmigiano reggiano | cracked pepper
Ravioli Aragosta
lobster filled ravioli | vodka sauce | sherry | mascarpone | basil | lemon
Paccheri alla Norma
eggplant | marinara | ricotta salata | basil
Spaghetti Vongole
sweet cockles | garlic | white wine | calabrian chili | parsley
Cavatelli
sweet italian sausage | broccoli rabe | garlic | extra virgin olive oil
Secondi
Filetto di Manzo, 8 oz
beef tenderloin | herb roasted fingerling potatoes | seasonal mushrooms | red wine-rosemary jus
The Jersey Strip, 8 oz
prime strip steak | port wine butter | peppercorn au jus | broccolini | potato puree
Costolette di Agnello
grilled lamb chops | cipollini | charred lemon | sicilian mint gremolata | yukon gold pavé
Branzino Capri
pan seared branzino | caponata | purple sweet potato puree | extra virgin olive oil
Slow Roasted King Salmon Piccata
sunchoke puree | charred asparagus
Pollo al Forno
herb roasted free range chicken | roasting jus | parsnip puree | spinach | sweet & spicy sausage | roasted peppers
Contorni / Sides
Carote Glassate al Miele
honey glazed carrots | goat cheese labneh | mint | pistachio crumb | pomegranate
Patate al Rosmarino
herb roasted fingerling potatoes | rosemary | sea salt
Broccolini alla Griglia
charred broccolini | garlic | lemon zest
Purè di Patate
aged parmesan | cultured butter | olive oil | roasted garlic
Cavoletti di Bruxelles
roasted brussels sprouts | crispy pancetta | parmigiano reggiano | aged balsamic
Polenta alle Erbe
herbed polenta puree
Il Vero does not offer a children’s menu.
A 20% gratuity is automatically added to parties of six or more.
Meet the Owners
At Il Vero, family is the foundation.
Maria Sausa
Maria Sausa is a restaurateur, hospitality entrepreneur, commercial developer and corporate catering executive with a lifelong passion for food, hospitality and creating memorable experiences. Born and raised in Howard Beach, Queens, Maria grew up with strong Italian roots and learned from her family the value of hard work, determination and bringing people together around the table.
With a natural eye for design, business and hospitality, Maria believes a great restaurant is about more than exceptional food. It is about the atmosphere, the energy, the service and the feeling guests take with them.
Maria brings her experience, creativity and passion together to create an elevated dining experience rooted in Italian tradition and modern hospitality.
Gia Giudice
Gia Giudice is a lifestyle influencer, television personality, podcaster, entrepreneur and co-owner of Il Vero. A Rutgers University graduate, Gia has built a successful career in media and content creation while developing a community of more than one million followers on Instagram.
Raised in a close-knit Italian-American family, Gia grew up with food, family and Sunday dinners at the center of her life. Her deep connection to Italian traditions and hospitality inspired her to bring that heritage into a new generation through Il Vero.
By her side throughout the journey has been her mother, Teresa Giudice, whose passion for Italian cooking, entertaining and hospitality has been a longtime influence in Gia’s life. Teresa has also supported Gia throughout the development of Il Vero, offering her insight, experience and guidance as a trusted consultant.
Together, Maria and Gia created Il Vero as a place where Italian tradition meets an elevated, energetic dining experience, a restaurant built around great food, hospitality, family and unforgettable memories.
Private Events & Large Parties
Birthdays, corporate gatherings, bridal and baby showers, family dinners, or simply a night out with all the girls.

Private events and parties of 9 or more guests are arranged directly through an Event Coordinator or Director and are not available for online booking.
The Dining Room and Lounge may be reserved separately or together, depending on the nature of your event and availability.
For parties of 9 or more, a prix-fixe menu is required. This allows our team to provide a seamless, elevated dining experience while ensuring proper preparation, timing, and attentive service for larger parties.
Reservations
Book your table on OpenTable.
Please see the reservation link below, or feel free to call us directly to make a reservation.
Dining and Lounge Policy
Dining & Lounge Policy
Adult dining from 5:00 PM
Il Vero is an adult-oriented dining and lounge establishment. Dinner service begins at 5:00 PM and is intended for adult guests. All guests consuming alcoholic beverages must be 21 years of age or older and present valid identification when required.
Making room for every guest
Dinner reservations are subject to a 2-hour dining limit. Guests are welcome to continue their evening at the bar or lounge after 10:00 PM, subject to availability and applicable age and identification requirements.
The lounge after 10:00 PM
After 10:00 PM, lounge seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability and capacity. Lounge seating is not available for advance reservations and is not guaranteed. Guests are welcome to move between both floors and enjoy the dining and lounge areas after 10:00 PM, subject to capacity, availability, and management discretion.
Please note that the Upstairs Lounge features a separate menu from our downstairs dining room. Lounge reservations will be served exclusively from the Upstairs Lounge menu.
Find Us
Find Us