The Restaurant
Duffinetti’s Restaurant has been a part of the Jersey Shore for many decades. Our goal is pure satisfaction. We offer traditional Italian fare coupled with a flair of creativity, leaving you with a culinary experience that is reminiscent of yesteryear yet bursting with new and fresh flavors. We use natural, farm fresh ingredients obtained from many local sources to support NJ agriculture.
Family History
The Asselta family established themselves in the restaurant business in 1947and have become a common and well-respected name in the Wildwoods.
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!