La Campagnola

If you find yourself navigating the scenic roads of the Wharton State Forest, you’ll discover a true diamond in the rough: La Campagnola. Located on Oakshade Road in Shamong, this isn’t just another local Italian joint; it is a sprawling, high-energy destination that managed to bring the sophisticated flavors of a city steakhouse to the heart of the Pine Barrens. Whether you’re stopping in for their legendary Prime Rib or a night of live music at the bar, La Campagnola delivers a “familiar-yet-fancy” vibe that makes every guest feel like a regular.

The history of La Campagnola is a classic American success story. Founders and brothers Peter and Tony Sparacio, born in Carini, Sicily, brought their family’s culinary heritage to New Jersey in the 1970s. After decades of running successful pizza shops and restaurants in Medford Lakes, they purchased the old Country Side Inn in 2005. After an extensive remodel, they opened La Campagnola in 2006, creating a space where fine dining—think hand-carved steaks and fresh seafood—meets the warmth of home-style Italian cooking.

Features & Highlights

The heartbeat of La Campagnola is its balance between the elegant dining room and the lively, high-energy bar. The bar is a favorite for locals, featuring wide-screen TVs for the game and a consistent rotation of Live Entertainment every Thursday through Sunday.

Culinary enthusiasts frequently rave about the Certified Angus Beef Steaks and their specialized Prime Rib Nights (Thursday & Sunday), which feature Braveheart Beef. For those who love the bounty of the sea, the Jumbo Snow Crab Nights are a massive draw. Don’t sleep on the appetizers, though—the Spiedini alla Romana (a decadent, mozzarella-stuffed garlic bread loaf floating in homemade tomato sauce) is a local legend in its own right. Everything from the focaccia to the bread pudding is made in-house, ensuring that every bite carries that authentic, scratch-made quality the Sparacio family is known for.

Whether you’re tucked into a dramatic booth for a romantic dinner or grabbing a craft cocktail at the bar during happy hour, La Campagnola offers a welcoming, upscale-casual environment that proves you don’t have to leave the woods to find a first-class meal.

socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.