Welcome to The Big Red Tomato, a charming Italian restaurant in Fort Lee, NJ, where the essence of community and culinary passion converge. Customers rave about the warm, inviting atmosphere that Chef Ryan and his attentive staff create. Many diners echo the sentiment that the restaurant feels like a second home—a rare gem in today's dining scene.
Reviews highlight the freshness and quality of the dishes, with standout items like the nonna pie and Lobster Crab Meat Ravioli in Vodka Sauce, each bursting with flavor. The acclaimed garlic knots are a must-try, providing a delicious start to any meal. While some diners noted that service could occasionally feel rushed, the genuine hospitality offered by staff members like Fred and Ardita consistently shines through, ensuring every visit feels special.
Overall, The Big Red Tomato is celebrated not just for its hearty portions and fair prices but for its commitment to unforgettable dining experiences, underscored by a dedication to authentic Italian cuisine. It's a place where you can gather with loved ones and savor each moment. Whether you're stopping by for a cozy dinner or indulging in takeout, this community-centric eatery is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Amenities and More
Service options
Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking
Photos
Reviews For The Big Red Tomato
Logan Shield
Jul 6,2025
Leaving a simple review. Upon entering we weren't necessarily greeted (my family and I went 1.5 hours from closing so the vibe I felt was the staff ready to go home)(which is understandable buy shouldn't dilute customer service ) and we had to choose our own seats (again would've preferred to be seated by a waiter/tress). I will say the food is FRESH and made from scratch. The bread starters were warm and tasted great! The Garlic knots were a nice touch (they could've been softer in my opinion). I ordered the veal with tomato sauce. It was good! The tomato sauce was made from scratch and the veal wasn't overcooked. I'd like in comparison to other Italian restaurants this is a truly community based restaurant with a owner that believes in HEARTY ingredients) but the seasonings used aren't as robust. However for the price and serving sizes it's definitely a location I'd return to if I'm seeking to eat carbs and fill my stomach. Overall 5 stars for a community Italian spot with cozy interior but staff should be inviting customers in with exuberance rather than indifference.
Jon Blair
Jul 4,2025
Get the nonna pie, great pizza, service is good and they give garlic knots that are amazing with the order. Definitely the best pizza in Fort Lee
Sandro Otero
Jun 18,2025
This was our second visit to Big Red Tomato and once again, it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Fred, our waiter, was absolutely excellent—as always—with attentive service and a kind demeanor that made us feel right at home. Ryan, the owner, continues to be incredibly pleasant and clearly takes pride in making every guest feel valued. We indulged in a feast that was nothing short of spectacular: Chicken Francese, Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli, and Lobster Crab Meat Ravioli in Vodka Sauce—each dish bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Our appetizers were just as memorable: juicy chicken wings, fresh mozzarella and tomato drizzled with balsamic vinegar, and soft, garlicky knots that hit all the right notes. And for dessert? The brownie with vanilla ice cream was the cherry on top. Omg—it was sooo delicious! Every bite was fresh, delicious, and clearly made with care. Visiting Big Red Tomato was, once again, a fantastic choice. We’ll definitely be back again!
Aja Selenic
Jun 13,2025
I recently had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful family-owned restaurant, and I can confidently say that it’s become like a second home for us. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that is both warm and welcoming, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. Ryan the owner, has a hospitality that is truly unmatched. His kindness and genuine care for each guest make every visit feel special. He goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels at home, creating a space that radiates warmth and comfort. The food is nothing short of outstanding. Every dish on the menu is crafted with precision and passion, leaving you in awe of the incredible flavors and quality. From appetizers to desserts, each bite is a testament to the chef’s dedication to perfection. It’s rare to find a place where every item is as remarkable as the last, but here, that’s exactly the case. The servers, Fred, Ardita, and Carlos, are nothing short of spectacular. They treat you like family, going out of their way to make sure you have the best experience possible. Ardita, in particular, has a special bond with our 3-year-old daughter. Her warm and playful interactions bring a sense of joy to our meals, making it a delightful experience for our entire family. These are not just staff members—they are people who truly care, and it shows in every interaction. This restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a place where you feel like part of a family. The food is out of this world, and the hospitality is unmatched. I can’t recommend it enough!
Azka Naser
Jun 7,2025
Amazing service and food! Servers went above and beyond, and all the dishes were 10/10. Will be coming back for the garlic knots another time.
Maria Cachay
May 30,2025
I had an absolutely fantastic dining experience at **The Big Red Tomato** in **Fort Lee**! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and attentiveness. The food was nothing short of excellent—each dish bursting with flavor and made with the freshest ingredients. A special shout-out to **Ryan, the owner**, who was incredibly attentive and made sure every guest felt welcome. His passion for hospitality truly shines through. **Fred, our waiter,** was just as exceptional—friendly, engaging, and always ensuring that our table had everything we needed. If you're looking for a restaurant that serves amazing food and pairs it with top-notch service, **The Big Red Tomato in Fort Lee** is the place to be. I can't wait to come back !
ivana savic
Mar 29,2025
Those garlic knots- can someone please tell me what sorcery they are made with because I can't get enough of them! Ardita was kind enough to pack some to go for us and I had them in the morning as well. We come here for casual dinners as the place is walking distance from us and we can count on good food and a cozy atmosphere. Ryan was nice enough to get us different sauce for the wings last time as our group likes them extra spicy! Will def be back again.
Joseph De Los Santos
Mar 20,2025
Had a fantastic 1st time there. The staff was very warm and inviting. Props to our waiter. The food was great. I loved the warm toasted bread they serve in the beg. Def gonna go again
Reviews For The Big Red Tomato