This Upscale Italian Eatery In New Jersey Was Once A Notorious Mob Hangout

New Jersey is known for many things. The Garden State is the "Diner Capital of the World" and was the birthplace of the highbush blueberry, but we're also associated with certain...unsavory organizations. We are, of course, referring to the Mob, Mafia, La Cosa Nostra. Whatever you call it, we can't deny that the notorious crime syndicate has ties to our beloved state. In fact, there are lots of former New Jersey mafia hangouts. The groundbreaking Sopranos series was centered around a New Jersey mobster, and while the show was fiction, it isn't all make-believe. To learn more about this fascinating, alluring, and gripping history, continue reading.

If you're at all familiar with the mob, you've likely heard of the Five Families...

Bonanno, Columbo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese. Based out of New York City, and with factions in New Jersey, the Five Families were established some time around 1931 by Lucky Luciano (pictured) and Salvatore Maranzano. Each family has its own territory and leadership - boss (capofamiglia), underboss (sotto capo), advisor (consigliere), etcetera.

But New Jersey has its very own crime family, operating out of Elizabeth...

The DeCavalcante Crime Family. The DeCavalcante Family was the subject of the CNBC program Mob Money, and The Real Sopranos TV documentary.

Mobsters need places to conduct business, socialize, and dine...

One such place may have been the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, New Jersey. As listed on the Flanders Hotel website, "In the 1920’s and 30’s organized crime was a major force influencing business operations throughout the country and the east coast was no exception. Ocean City, being one of the few thriving areas in South Jersey during this time, was an ideal neutral location for occasional meetings by organized crime bosses from New York, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City. And of course the perfect place to hold these meetings was in the private catacombs of the Flanders."

Another spot once frequented by mobsters was Joe's Elbow Room Restaurant.

Infamous gangster and head of Murder Inc., Albert Anastasia resided atop the Palisades in Fort Lee. In 1951, he had underboss Willie Moretti (who had homes in Hasbrouck Heights and Deal, New Jersey) murdered for testifying in the Kefauver Hearings.While other suspected mobsters plead the fifth, Moretti told jokes, spoke candidly, and played it up for the cameras. For example, when asked how long he'd been in the Mafia he replied, "What do you mean, like do I carry a membership card that says 'Mafia' on it?" And when it came time to execute the hit, Moretti was gunned down while dining with other mobsters at Joe's Elbow Room Restaurant at 793 Palisade Avenue, Cliffside Park.

Today on the same site, you'll find a fantastic Italian eatery - Villa Amalfi.

Villa Amalfi is an upscale spot serving lunch and dinner six days a week (they're closed on Mondays). They offer authentic Italian eats and score rave reviews time and time again. They're also a popular banquet hall.

What to eat when you're here?

We've heard everything is delicious, but favorites include the Indivia Belga (endives, brie cheese, walnuts, and fresh orange segments with vinaigrette dressing) and Lombata alla Griglia (grilled double cut, Plume De Veau veal chop, plated with potato & vegetables). Grab a bottle from their extensive wine list, and try the chocolate mousse cake - it's heavenly.

New Jersey mafia hangouts are pretty fascinating to learn about, aren't they? Whether you're a mob buff or a big fan of high-quality Italian cuisine (or both!), Villa Amalfi is worth a visit. For more about Flanders Hotel and its mob ties, check out our previous article about the New Jersey hotel steeped in mob history.

Looking for related content? Check out our article that showcases some famous movies that were filmed in New Jersey. It's an impressive list!