Joey M's: Food, family and music in the heart of Downtown Wildwood

"Where cooking comes from the heart!" - that’s the slogan for Wildwood’s own Joey M’s. For 24 seasons, Joe Montello has been serving his traditional Italian menu with rave reviews. The restaurant, located at 3813 Pacific Ave between Spicer and Garfield Avenues, combines three of Montello’s passions; cooking, family, and music. 

The food at Joey M’s reminds Italian families of yesteryear; when mothers, grandmothers, and aunts would stay in the kitchen all day cooking an olde world Italian Sunday feast. Joey M’s meatballs are most notable, with guests begging for the recipe year after year. The chicken parmesan is another customer favorite, with a large portion of tender chicken topped with the famous house sauce and fresh mozzarella. 

Seafood is equally as delicious with fresh calamari, shrimp, and mussels making the menu. Traditional dishes like veal saltimbocca, gnocchi and spinach, cioppino, and filet and more can be found as well.

“I really take pride in the food that gets served here,” said Montello. “I have been blessed with many years of serving wonderful customers and I thank all of them for their support. I hope 2023 will bring new customers to the restaurant to come and try some of the best food on the island.”

Joey M’s La Piazza just won Best Italian Restaurant in the Best of Jersey Shore competition, joining his other accolades and five star reviews. For guests looking for the best deal on the island, the restaurant currently is offering a daily, four course early bird menu from 4 PM-5:30 PM for just $22. The same menu is available all night Tuesday for $22 and a five course menu is available all night Thursday for $27 and Friday for $30. The offers are available for a limited time.

While dining at Joey M’s, guests feel right at home. Montello can always be found at the front table greeting guests, like a true Italian restaurant, or on the stage singing Sinatra. Families have enjoyed the restaurant for decades and customers have become close friends of the Montello family.

Social media allows Montello to connect with these guests even when they're away from Wildwood. On Facebook, he hosts weekly live videos where customers from all over the country tune in to watch a cooking lesson or hear live music. Fans interact with Montello each week waiting in anticipation for their next visit to the restaurant.

As a singer and entertainment promoter himself, Joey M takes pride in the years of performances from famous musicians and local up-and-coming stars. Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, James Darren, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas have all graced the stage. 

Special performances happen on select dates, but now each week Tommy C and Just in Time can be found at Joey M’s on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM.

“It is crazy to think that all these stars have performed in our little town of Wildwood at my restaurant,” said Montello. It was an honor to perform with them and have them dine here. Of course many stars of the past are no longer around but there are still some performances here and there. It is truly an experience to dine at Joey M’s."

Joey M’s is located at 3813 Pacific Ave and is open daily from 4 PM. The restaurant is open year round on select days. Free parking is located across the street with the entrance on Garfield Avenue, behind the former Exit 4 bar. Take out is available for pickup. 

Visit @joeymswildwood on social media and joeymswildwood.com for offerings and menus.