Our History

Duffinetti's Italian Restaurant is a family-owned business with a long history of operating successful restaurants. The Asselta family takes pride in their work and has been serving delicious Italian meals for decades. With a commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Duffinetti's is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience. Come and taste the passion and dedication that goes into every dish at Duffinetti's Italian Restaurant.

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The Asselta family established themselves in the restaurant business in 1947 and have become a common and well-respected name in the Wildwoods.

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1947 – Garden State Restaurant – Davis & Pacific, Wildwood

1959 – Garden State Restaurant – Taylor & Pacific, Wildwood

1963 – Duffy’s on the Lake, Wildwood Crest

1964 – Asselta’s Italian Villa – Heather & New Jersey, Wildwood

Asselta’s Restaurant in the Pan American Motel, Wildwood Crest

1965 – Duffinetti’s – Duffy and Mary Asselta built this restaurant in Wildwood Crest

1978 – Sold Duffinetti’s to daughter, Trish Asselta. During the winter months, Duffinetti’s took on a whole new look. Our dining room turned in to a nursery school where children three to five years of age arrived to learn at Sleepy Hollow Learning Center

1990 – Trish’s daughter Allison, started her herb garden creating great improvements to our menu. Now we can boast not only “homemade,” but also “home grown.” Taste the difference!

1991 Michael “Duffy” Asselta, “Mr. Duffinetti” passes 1903 – 1991. The HOST of Duffinetti’s left behind many memories and stories which will go on forever.

1999 – The next generation, David, Allison and grand-daughter, Madison Rose, return to continue the Asselta family heritage

2003 – Mama Asselta, at age 89, returns to make the pastas – somehow everything seems to taste better

2005 – Duffinetti’s closes after 57 years in business. Thanks for the memories!

2006- Granddaughter Evelyn Mae is born 8/10

2011 – Mary Rose Smaniotto Asselta 1914 – 2011 (97). We will greatly miss this wonderful woman. She was the backbone of the family and left a great Legacy.

2012- Allison (daughter) marries Christopher DiAntonio (Mgr./Chef /Force behind Beach Creek Restaurant and childhood best friend)

2012 Serafina Grace, the fiery one is born.

2015 – New location opens at 4600 Pacific Ave., Wildwood.

2022 – Duffinetti’s celebrates 75 years in the Wildwoods.

2023 – Celebrating 76 years on the island!