Esposito’s Maplewood III

Esposito’s Maplewood III: Vineland’s Old-World Charm

Stepping into Esposito’s Maplewood III is less like dining out and more like taking a luxurious trip back to a golden era of Italian-American hospitality. This Vineland gem, a South Jersey staple for decades, effortlessly blends the sophistication of a white-tablecloth restaurant with the warm, generous spirit of a family-owned establishment. For the enthusiast seeking classic, expertly executed cuisine paired with a full-service bar experience, Maplewood III is an essential destination.

Features & Ambiance

The ambiance here is pure, old-world charm, characterized by an upscale setting that still feels welcoming to the regular crowd—many of whom dine here several times a week. The kitchen operates on a dedication to quality and service, with a menu rooted in traditional Italian and Continental specialties.

Highlights of the Experience:

• From-Scratch Dedication: They pride themselves on preparing essentials from scratch, including their famous tomato sauce, homemade soups, meatballs, and eggplant dishes.

• Must-Try Dishes: Loyal patrons rave about the legendary Veal Parmigiana, the flavorful Stuffed Shrimp, and the restaurant’s signature Joe’s Special. The family-style Italian salad and the rustic, in-house baked table bread are universally praised.

• Full-Service Bar: Maplewood III features a full bar serving a wide range of spirits, wine, and cocktails, making it a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or lingering over an after-dinner digestivo.

• Desserts Worth Saving Room For: The house-made desserts, particularly the rich Banana Cream Pie, are often cited as a compelling reason to return.

• Capacity and Service: As the largest of the original Maplewood restaurants, it boasts seating for nearly 200 guests and offers extensive banquet and catering services. The staff is noted for their long tenure and attentive, professional service.

A Rich South Jersey History

The story of Maplewood III is deeply intertwined with South Jersey’s culinary landscape, stemming from the vision of founder Howard Esposito. It is not a chain, but the culmination of his life’s work. The lineage traces back to the original Maplewood restaurant in Hammonton.

In 1980, Howard personally opened Maplewood II in Mays Landing, where his dedication to quality quickly earned accolades, including being named one of South Jersey’s top 10 dining establishments by the Atlantic City Press within its first year.

Building on that success, Howard opened Maplewood III in Vineland in 1983. It was an instant success. In 1986, he sold his interests in the other locations to focus solely on the Vineland restaurant, dedicating himself to refining every aspect of the dining experience there. This focus on the local community, rather than a transient resort crowd, is what ensures the menu remains varied, exciting, and reasonably priced for its exceptionally loyal clientele.

Details can change, check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.