Florence natives open modern, sexy Italian restaurant and bar in Central Jersey

For seven years, Mangia Toscano has been a cornerstone of the Metuchen dining scene, offering traditional Tuscan fare devoid of the Americanized Italian eats that permeate many New Jersey restaurants.

Now co-owners and Florence, Italy, natives Alberto Buglione and Ivan Guarducci are taking their culinary prowess across Middlesex County -- with an inventive and chic edge.

In early July, the men will officially open Casa Ragazzi, a modern, sexy restaurant featuring eats known across Italy with upscale twists at 378 George St. in New Brunswick.

With a name that translates to "house of friends," the restaurant will have a full bar and serve lunch, brunch, and dinner, sometimes alongside live music.

"We want to present all of Italy, from north to south, with an elevated perspective," said Buglione, who, with a background from Michelin-starred restaurants, is the executive chef at Mangia Toscano and Casa Ragazzi.

Guarducci is the general manager of both restaurants. Casa Ragazzi is also co-owned by Sam Vinci, the owner of Vinci Contracting, a commercial contracting company that built Strickland Steakhouse and Mangia Toscano.

That elevated expression will be in full force in dishes such as copertina di manzo, a modern take on pizzaiola, which is traditionally made with cheap cuts of beef. Casa Ragazzi's deconstructed version is made with Snake River Farms rib cap alongside tomato pizzaiola sauce, confit garlic, and confit cherry tomatoes, topped with gold leaf.

Other Italian dishes on the menu that enjoy Buglione's luxe interpretation include the pane, burro e acciughe: a bread, butter, and anchovy dish traditionally made with stale bread that Buglione remembers eating with his grandmother in Italy. At Casa Ragazzi, it's served with toasted brioche, whipped butter, high-quality Italian anchovies, mascarpone, and lemon zest.

The take extends to Casa Ragazzi's ambiance. Highlighted by a marble, LED-lit seven-seat bar, the intimate, 90-seat eatery featuring burgundy, gold, and white tones has plush banquettes and black-and-white tile floors. The 30 downstairs seats can be converted into a private room.

Italian wines are the only wines that make up the 30-wine list, spotlighting varieties from small, independent producers with limited production. Guests can also choose from craft cocktails made with Italian spirits.

It's a fitting scene for bar-savvy New Brunswick, which is home to many high-end eateries in addition to college-friendly options.

It's also a full-circle event for Buglione, who would often visit New Brunswick when he moved to New Jersey years ago.

He and Guarducci took over Mangia Toscano in 2019 from Buglione's aunt, who opened it in 2016 as an Italian deli. The two spent years transforming it into a chic Italian restaurant.

Story By: Jenna Intersimone
Photo Provided By: Owners of Casa Ragazzi