Out of all of the Italian American restaurants in New Jersey, especially the noteworthy ones in Atlantic City, Chef Vola is an absolute must-take visit too. The culinary arts, together with boundless secrecy, make this place one of a kind. For all the food lovers and celebrities, food is just the tip of the iceberg with this restaurant, as the traditions and tastes coupled with the exclusivity offer an unparalleled experience. I wish to capture the essence, charm, and cuisine this specific restaurant offers in this SEO-friendly article.
Chef Vola: An Introduction
Right from the onset, Chef Vola sets itself apart from the competition. Unlike other restaurants, it is set in the basement of a historic house. The place also lacks proper signage. Further, getting a dinner reservation requires a phone call, which most of the time is not accepted. Despite the lack of ease in getting a reservation, the hype around it gives a sense of achievement.
It was established as a restaurant in 1921 by a family immigrating from Italy. Due to prohibition policies in place, it was transformed into a speakeasy and continued to run as one until the ban on consuming alcohol was lifted. Yes, Chef Vola’s has been a family-owned restaurant ever since, and now the captains of the ship are Lou and Jeanie Esposito, who bought it in the early 1980s.
Chef Vola’s Popularity Reasons
- Cloak and Dagger: Difficulty in getting a reservation adds to the restaurant’s allure.
- Homestyle cooking: Chef Vola takes pride in serving Italian-American dishes as they were made “back in the day.”
- Visit from Famous People: Known to draw A-list actors, singers, and sports people.
- BYOB: Very few fine dining restaurants allow guests to bring in their own wine.
- Unbeatable Atmosphere: Unlike anything else in the area, the location is both intimate and historic.
Which Chef Vola dishes do you recommend?
Chef Vola is iconic for many things, but these are what customers rave the most about:
Signature Dishes You Have to Order
- Veal Chop Parmigiana: A huge chop of tender and juicy veal while bathing in homemade sauce as well as hearty portions of mozzarella.
- Lump Crab Cakes: Incredible cakes overflowing with crab meat and virtually no fillers.
- Banana Cream Pie: Served as one of the signature desserts across New Jersey, this dish is well known.
- Rigatoni Bolognese: Just robust enough and hearty comfort for the soul, void of any guilt.
- Homemade Gnocchi: Light as a pillow, served in red sauce that is smooth, velvety, and oh-so-decadent, no doubt it’s made from scratch.
Chef Vola’s Timetable
As noted below, Chef Vola’s works with the following timetable
- On Monday, it will be out of service.
- From Tuesday to Sunday, it is available from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Chef Vola’s Menu with Prices
Appetizers
| Dish | Price |
| Homemade Antipasto (For One) | $13.95 |
| Freshly Sliced Tomatoes and Anchovies | $9.95 |
| Freshly Sliced Tomatoes with Maytag Blue Cheese | $9.95 |
| Hearts of Lettuce with Roasted Peppers | $8.95 |
| Arugula Salad with Bleu Cheese and Fig Balsamic Glaze (For One) | $10.95 |
| Roasted Peppers and Anchovies | $9.95 |
| Buffalo Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Roasted Peppers | $15.95 |
| Tuscany Bean Salad (For One) | $10.95 |
| Tossed Salad (For One) | $8.95 |
| Buffalo Mozzarella with Prosciutto and Roasted Peppers | $19.95 |
| Soup Du Jour | $3.95 |
Entrees
| Dish | Price |
| 2 Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes | $39.95 |
| Lobster Tail (Availability Dependent) | $49.95 |
| Tequila Lime Snapper with Crab Meat | $27.95 |
| Cognac Cream Sauce Dish | $39.95 |
| Flounder Francaise | $27.95 |
| Shrimp Francaise Combo with Crab Cake | $39.95 |
| Shrimp Francaise | $29.95 |
| Rack of Colorado Lamb | $39.95 |
| Homemade Veal Sausage Crumble | $31.95 |
| Tomato and Arugula Chicken | $25.95 |
| Chicken Parmigiana | $23.95 |
| Chicken Florentine | $23.95 |
| Veal with Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions | $24.95 |
| Veal Parmigiana | $24.95 |
| Rib Veal Chop Milanese Style | $39.95 |
| Rib Veal Chop with Shiitake Demi Glaze (16 oz.) | $39.95 |
| Veal Medallions in Mushroom Demi Glaze | $27.95 |
Pasta
| Dish | Price |
| Clam Sauce (Oil & Garlic or Marinara) | $10.95 |
| Anchovy Pasta | $10.95 |
| Marinara Pasta | $10.95 |
| Oil & Garlic Pasta | $10.95 |
| Bolognese | $10.95 |
| Ricotta Blush Sauce Pasta | $10.95 |
| Pasta Entrees (General) | $21.95 |
| Shrimp with Crab and Clams Pasta | $49.95 |
Vegetables
| Dish | Price |
| Spinach Siciliana | $10.95 |
| Mushrooms | $10.95 |
| Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions | $10.95 |
| Broccoli Rabe (Seasonal) | $10.97 |
| Asparagus | $10.95 |
| Family Style Vegetables | $21.95 |
Desserts
| Dish | Price |
| Ricotta Cheesecake | $10.95 |
| Assorted Pies and Cakes | $10.95 |
| Sorbettos (2 Scoops) | $10.95 |
| Gelatos (2 Scoops) | $10.95 |
| Espresso over Gelato (1 Scoop) | $8.25 |
| Tartufo Ice Cream | $10.95 |
| Rice Pudding | $10.95 |
| Tiramisu / Crème Brûlée Pie | $10.95 |
Beverages
| Beverage | Price |
| Coffee / Tea / Iced Tea | $3.25 |
| Cappuccino / Decaf | $4.75 |
| Espresso / Decaf | $3.75 |
| Soda / Bottled Water | $2.95 – $6.95 |
| Iced Cappuccino (Flavored) | $7.00 |
Where is Chef Vola located?
Chef Vola can be found at 111 South Albion Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401. The particular address, often overlooked, holds within it one of the jewels of the city. A restaurant located in the basement of a building, which is a sight to behold in itself, does not have an online reservation system or signage, which makes it a hidden treasure. The aesthetic creates a feeling of exclusiveness that makes the diners feel special and makes the experience even more intimate.
Just a few meters from the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Chef Vola stands away from the serenity of the casinos. The restaurant is conveniently located near the major attractions of the city, which makes it easy to access for the tourists, locals, and visitors, while also giving it a sense of seclusion.
Contact Information:
- Address: 111 South Albion Place, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
- Phone: (609) 345-2022
- Website: No official website; reservation via phone only
Kindly remember that all reservations must be made over the phone, and due to the overwhelming demand, it is ideal to call as early as possible. Also, keep in mind that Chef Vola only accepts cash, and guests can bring their own drinks to enjoy with the food, which adds to the experience.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Location: Hidden on S Albion Pl, it feels like a secret clubhouse.
- No Website, No Online Booking: All reservations are by word of mouth or by phone.
- Family Recipes: Passed down and perfected over generations.
- Limited Seating: Quality service and personalized experience.
- Customer Loyalty: Many have been coming back for decades.
Chef Vola: Not Only a Restaurant, It Is Also a Legacy
It feels like you are in another world when you step into Chef Vola. From the photos that adorn the walls to the scent of garlic and basil wafting through the air, it evokes nostalgia, and the Song’s Place experience is unlike any other and offers a taste of Italian-American culture.
Precautions before visiting Chef Vola
- Recommended Making Reservations: Particularly in summer, booking in advance is crucial.
- BYOB: Feel free to bring your preferred drink and wine.
- Don’t expect luxury decor: The focus is on flavor and comfort.
- Arrive hungry: The servings are quite large.
- Cash Only: They do not accept debit or credit cards.
Conclusion
Chef Vola is a one-of-a-kind culinary establishment that embodies food and culture in a way that Chef Vola has perfected. For anyone who is a chef, a Vola tourist, or passionate about food, visiting this establishment emerges as an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
No, it’s cash only.
Yes, Chef Vola is BYOB.
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