Shirley Temples and Italian Cuisine: Falling in Love with Carmella's in Mays Landing, NJ

If you've been following along lately, you know I've been on a mission to uncover the best mocktails and dining experiences around South Jersey. Unfortunately, this week started with a serious mocktail drought.

While working an event at Ducktown Tavern in Atlantic City, I thought I could sneak away long enough to grab a fun alcohol-free drink. I sent Joe off to enjoy some wings and scout out the beverage situation. Sadly, the report came back less than ideal: no mocktails.

To be fair, it is Ducktown.

The event wrapped up quickly, so instead of dwelling on my mocktail disappointment, we checked out their newly opened Duck Hut and enjoyed the atmosphere. Maybe we'll circle back another time and see what else they have to offer.

Summer in South Jersey Means One Thing...

It's officially summer at the Jersey Shore.

The locals are juggling packed work schedules, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and yes... the arrival of the shoobies. Meanwhile, I spent most of the week glued to one of my many computer screens trying to keep up with everything.

By the weekend, Joe had reached his limit.

"We are going out," he declared.

And honestly? He wasn't wrong.

I've had Carmella's Restaurant in Mays Landing on my list for quite some time. Friends and locals have raved about it, so our expectations were high as we made the short drive to this popular Atlantic County Italian restaurant.

The Mocktail Situation

Let's get the bad news out of the way first. There was no mocktail menu and no specialty non-alcoholic beverage options available.

Cue the sad Sober Party Girl music.

I settled for a Shirley Temple, which arrived looking pretty enough with its light pink color, but lacked the creativity and flair I've come to expect when exploring local restaurants. It did the job, but my mocktail-loving heart was hoping for something a little more exciting.

Dessert First? Absolutely.

Before diving into dinner, we decided to split the flourless chocolate cake.

This generous slice came topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, and I have to admit, ordering flourless chocolate cake always comes with a little anxiety.

Will it be rich and decadent?

Or dry and dense?

Thankfully, Carmella's nailed it.

The presentation was beautiful, and the cake itself had a surprisingly light, airy texture while still delivering that deep chocolate flavor. By the end, Joe and I were practically negotiating over the final bite.

Appetizer: Scampi Risotto

Our meal began with the Scampi Risotto, and what a way to start.

Three jumbo shrimp sat atop a creamy, cheesy citrus-infused risotto that was packed with flavor. Every bite felt indulgent, and I may or may not have used every piece of complimentary bread to soak up the remaining sauce.

No regrets.

If this was just the appetizer, we knew we were in for a good night.

Entrée: Atlantic King Salmon

For my main course, I chose the Atlantic King Salmon.

The salmon was perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned. It rested on a bed of diced tomatoes, squash, and homemade cavatelli, all swimming in a unique brown sugar butter sauce.

Normally, I'm not a fan of overly sweet dishes, but somehow this combination worked perfectly. The sweetness complemented the savory flavors without overpowering them.

My only complaint? I wanted more cavatelli. There weren't nearly enough of those delicious little pasta pillows on my plate.

Entrée: Lobster Ravioli Special

Joe immediately locked eyes with the Lobster Ravioli Special and never looked back.

His plate featured five delicate lobster and cheese-filled ravioli topped with two lobster tails. It was rich, decadent, and definitely a splurge-worthy meal.

Was it over-the-top? Absolutely.

Did he enjoy every bite? Also absolutely.

He was afraid only 5 ravioli wouldn’t satisfy his pasta needs, so he also got a side of spaghetti in a garlic wine sauce. Did he love that too? Again, absolutely.

Atmosphere and Service

One thing that stood out throughout the evening was the attentive and friendly staff. Service was warm without feeling intrusive, and the restaurant itself created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing night out.

Carmella's is beautifully designed with sparkling crystal chandeliers, intimate lighting, and cozy seating that makes it feel equally appropriate for a casual lunch, date night, or special occasion dinner.

Final Thoughts on Carmella's in Mays Landing

While I wish Carmella's offered a dedicated mocktail menu or even a few creative alcohol-free options, the food more than made up for it.

From the incredible flourless chocolate cake to the creamy scampi risotto and perfectly cooked salmon, every dish felt thoughtfully prepared and packed with flavor.

Yes, it was a pricey evening, but Joe's lobster extravaganza may have contributed to that final bill.

Would I return? Absolutely.

Next time, I'd love to explore some of their lighter menu options, or maybe even try one of their pizzas.

If you're looking for excellent Italian cuisine in Mays Landing, NJ, Carmella's is definitely worth a visit.

Just don't arrive expecting a mocktail menu.

Until Next Time, 

The Sober Party Girl

Final Sober Party Girl Score: 8 out of 10! 

🌟 Sober Party Girl Pros & Cons: Carmella's in Mays Landing 🌟

✅ Pros

🍝 Delicious Italian Cuisine – Every dish was packed with flavor and beautifully prepared.

🍤 Outstanding Scampi Risotto – Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with citrus flavor. A must-order appetizer.

🐟 Perfectly Cooked Salmon – Tender, flavorful, and paired with a unique brown sugar butter sauce.

🦞 Generous Seafood Portions – The lobster ravioli special was indulgent and worth the splurge.

🍫 Amazing Flourless Chocolate Cake – Rich without being heavy, and easily one of the highlights of the night.

✨ Beautiful Atmosphere – Crystal chandeliers, cozy seating, and intimate lighting create a perfect date-night vibe.

😊 Friendly & Attentive Staff – Service was welcoming and attentive throughout the meal.

📍 Great South Jersey Location – Conveniently located in Mays Landing and perfect for a special night out.

❌ Cons

🥤 No Mocktail Menu – The biggest disappointment for this Sober Party Girl.

🍒 Limited Non-Alcoholic Options – A basic Shirley Temple was the only alcohol-free choice available.

💰 Can Get Pricey – Especially if you start adding lobster tails and specials to your order.

🍝 Needed More Cavatelli – The salmon dish was fantastic, but I wanted a larger pasta portion.

⏰ Popular Spot – Depending on the night, reservations may be a good idea.