New Italian Restaurant Carmella's Cucina Earns Rave Reviews in Mays Landing, NJ

Opened just 4.5 months ago, the restaurant is already a local favorite for its authentic Italian cuisine and family-focused atmosphere.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Veteran journalist Harry Hurley and his wife Margie, along with friends Shawn and Karrie Stiteler, recently visited the new Carmella's Cucina Italiana restaurant in Mays Landing, New Jersey and were thoroughly impressed by the food, service, and overall dining experience. Opened just 4.5 months ago, the restaurant is already earning rave reviews from locals for its authentic Italian dishes, generous portions, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Why it matters

In a region with a strong Italian-American heritage, the opening of a new family-owned Italian restaurant is significant, especially one that is already resonating so strongly with the local community. Carmella's Cucina represents a return to the type of beloved neighborhood Italian eateries that have become less common as national chains have proliferated.

The details

Carmella's Cucina Italiana is the realization of a lifelong dream for Executive Chef and Owner Michael Graber, who named the restaurant in honor of his beloved grandmother Lillian Carmella. Graber, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has brought his decade of culinary expertise to every dish, from the standout Squash Ravioli and Shrimp Scampi Risotto appetizers to entrees like the unique Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Francese. The restaurant's generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and family-focused atmosphere have already made it a hit with local diners.

  • Carmella's Cucina Italiana opened 4.5 months ago in Mays Landing, New Jersey.
  • The restaurant visit described in the article took place last night.

The players

Carmella's Cucina Italiana

A new family-owned Italian restaurant located in Mays Landing, New Jersey that has been open for 4.5 months and is already earning rave reviews from the local community.

Michael Graber

The Executive Chef and Owner of Carmella's Cucina Italiana, who named the restaurant in honor of his beloved grandmother Lillian Carmella. Graber is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and has over a decade of culinary experience.

Harry Hurley

A veteran journalist who visited Carmella's Cucina Italiana with his wife Margie and friends Shawn and Karrie Stiteler, and wrote a glowing review of the restaurant.

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What they’re saying

“Carmella's Cucina Italiana is more than just a restaurant — it's a heartfelt tribute to the woman who first inspired a love of cooking in Executive Chef and Owner, Michael Graber.”

— Michael Graber, Executive Chef and Owner (Carmella's Cucina Italiana website)

The takeaway

Carmella's Cucina Italiana's success in such a short time highlights the continued demand for authentic, family-owned Italian restaurants that offer high-quality food, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere. This new establishment is a welcome addition to the Mays Landing community and a testament to the power of honoring one's culinary heritage.