CARTERET, NJ — One of the owners of the former Ristorante Venezia, a beloved Italian restaurant open for years in Woodbridge, is now running a new bistro and bar in Carteret.
It’s called Sal’s Bistro & Bar, and it’s co-owned by Vesal “Sal” Deva, who used to be head chef and a co-owner at Ristorante Venezia in Woodbridge, now closed.
Sal’s Bistro & Bar is located at 1 Louis Street in Carteret, where they’re renting a space. They’ve actually been open since December (soft opening), but held a grand opening last Tuesday, March 24 with Carteret and Middlesex County officials.
For 31 years, Deva owned and operated Ristorante Venezia on Main Street in Woodbridge, until he was forced to close when Woodbridge Township approved a redevelopment plan for the property.
Now, he and business partner John O’Leary are bringing back the same Northern Italian fare that made Venezia so popular: His Chicken Venezia (lemon chicken with artichokes and capers) is back on the menu, as is their chicken and eggplant parmigiana. Sal’s Bistro & Bar combines traditional Northern Italian fare with American pub food, such as steak sandwiches and burgers. There’s also a lively bar with signature cocktails, such as the Black & Tan Espresso martini with Bailey’s Irish Cream.
“At Sal’s Bistro and Bar, guests can expect the same passion, flavor and welcoming atmosphere that have defined Vesal’s culinary journey for decades,” said O’Leary. “From Italy to New Jersey, Vesal Deva continues to share his love for food — one plate at a time.”
“We are so proud to be part of this community,” Deva said. “Carteret has been incredibly welcoming, and we can’t wait to share our food and hospitality with our neighbors for years to come.”
Deva was born and raised in Macedonia and trained to cook for three years in Northern Italy. He moved to the United States in 1989 and within a few years, he was running the Woodbridge restaurant. Venezia’s legion of customers, fans and friends missed the place immensely when it closed.
“Sal’s Bistro & Bar plays a unique role in supporting the borough’s long-term vision for growth, entertainment and community engagement,” said Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman. “Executive chef Sal spent his life perfecting the art of Northern Italian cuisine … and now he brings his lauded skills to our community. Sal and his partners believe in the Carteret resurgence and vision.”
For reservations or more information, visit salsbistroandbar.com or call 732-366-2059. Prices are $30 -$50 per person. Serving lunch and dinner six days a week, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Closed Mondays, but they plan to open on Mondays starting sometime in spring 2026.