Tucked away on a quiet street in South Hackensack, New Jersey, I Gemelli Ristorante has become a beloved local Italian restaurant thanks to twin brothers Luigi and Saverio, who greet nearly every guest personally. 🍷
Their name literally means “the twins” in Italian, and their warm, family-run approach has made this small BYOB spot one of Bergen County’s most cherished dining secrets.
How I Gemelli Ristorante won South Hackensack’s hearts
The story behind I Gemelli is refreshingly personal: twin brothers Luigi and Saverio took over the space from a previous owner named Aldo, running it under the old name for a couple of years before officially launching I Gemelli in 2007. 🇮🇹
Their Italian mother and Spanish father gave the brothers a deep respect for authentic cooking, and they brought their uncle into the kitchen to help lead the charge, creating a genuinely family-owned Italian restaurant from top to bottom.
Longtime diners have described the space as “a hidden gem”, praising Luigi and Saverio for making every visit feel personal, whether it is a quiet weeknight dinner or a packed Saturday crowd. 🥂
One guest even noted the restaurant occupies a building with local history, having once been a 1980s spot where Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio dined when he was in town.
Beyond nostalgia, it is the scratch-made Italian cooking that has built this restaurant’s reputation as a top South Hackensack Italian restaurant.
The BYOB policy, freshly baked bread served table-side, and a menu built around classic techniques give diners the sense that every meal was made with real care. ❤️
That blend of authentic Italian cuisine and genuine hospitality is exactly why this cozy twins-owned spot has earned such devoted local love.
Food Highlights
- Gamberi al Pomodoro e Basilico: Sautéed shrimp and mussels simmered in a fresh tomato sauce with fragrant basil for a light, aromatic finish. 🍤🌿
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Grilled Calamari: Tender squid grilled and finished with a light citrus dressing for a smoky, bright bite. 🦑
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Chicken Francese: Egg-battered chicken breast pan-fried in a light lemon-butter sauce. 🍋
- Tortellini alla Bolognese: House-made tortellini tossed in a rich meat bolognese sauce
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Capellini with Lump Crab Meat: Delicate angel-hair pasta tossed with sweet lump crab meat in a light sauce. 🦀
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Linguini Puttanesca: Linguine tossed in a tangy sauce built from olives, capers, and tomatoes. 🍅
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Homemade Pasta with Lobster in Vodka Sauce: House-made pasta paired with tender lobster in a creamy, tomato-vodka sauce. 🦞
- Pork Osso Buco over Risotto: Slow-braised pork shank served over creamy risotto, spooned with rich pan drippings for a comforting, fork-tender finish. 🍖
- Pork Chop Milanese: Breaded pork chop fried until golden and crisp. 🐖
Atmosphere
I Gemelli feels warm, cozy, and unmistakably family-run, with an intimate dining room that regulars often describe as elegant yet unpretentious.
The BYOB policy adds a relaxed, personal touch, letting guests bring their own favorite wine to pair with dinner.
Diners frequently mention feeling instantly welcomed, thanks to the twins’ hands-on presence throughout the restaurant. It is the kind of space that feels more like a family gathering than a typical night out.
Bottom Line
Visit for the tender grilled calamari, stay for the lobster vodka pasta, and fall for the warmth of twin owners Luigi and Saverio. Add fresh-baked bread, a BYOB policy, and decades of local history, and this cozy Italian gem is easy to love. 🍝❤️
Address:
268 Huyler St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606
📞 (201) 487-4220
🕔 Open Tue-Thu, 12–3 PM & 5–9 PM; Fri, 12–3 PM & 5–10 PM; Sat, 5–10 PM; Sun, 1–9 PM (closed Mon)