Though the Italian restaurant in America has changed over the year, The Daily Meal recently rounded up the 50 best Italian restaurants in America. (Read Full List)

The classifications (while always changing) for an “Italian restaurant” were: prevalence of Italian or Italian-inspired dishes on the menu, just being “Italian-inspired”, great service, high-quality food, creative but still classic preparation andand great overall experience.

Lucky enough, two NJ restaurants fit the bill for the top 50. Spirito’s in Elizabeth was ranked as high as #18 with it’s ravioli, veal parm and pizza mentioned as highlights. And rounding out the list right at number 50 was Reservoir Tavern in Boonton (Website), with it’s amazing pizza but equally “flawless” chicken francaise, fried calamari, lasagna, sausage and peppers, and shrimp fra diavolo.

[photo source: offthebroiler]