It’s impossible to think back to the heyday of great restaurants in Trenton and not talk about Diamond’s. For 22 years, Diamond’s was the jewel in the capital city’s restaurant crown, legendary for the finest of authentic Italian cuisine and the best wine list in the county.
If you’ve missed Diamond’s in Trenton these past few years, here’s some great news ââin September, owners Thomas and Anthony Zucchetti celebrated their one-year anniversary at their new location in the Pennington Shopping Center. Yes, Diamond’s is back, and even has one of its original chefs, Armando Rodas, crafting the exquisite meals Diamond’s (and until 2009, her sister restaurant, Diamond’s Oceanside in Ortley Beach) became renowned for.
Over the years Diamond’s ââ named for the Zucchettis’ father when it first opened in Historic Chambersburg in 1982 ââ has been awarded the DiRoNA Award as one of the most Distinguished Restaurants in North America, the fittingly named Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, and Zagat Award of Distinction, among many others. Yes, even in an area teeming with great Italian food, Diamond’s still outshines all others.
And do you know what goes best with the best seafood, steaks, chops, sandwiches, and other fine Italian food? Superb wine, of course. Diamond’s is also legendary for its perfect food and wine pairings.
And you don’t have to take their word for it when it comes to the wine list. Another impressive credential to add to its list of accolades is the August Award of Excellence, given to Diamond’s by none other than Wine Spectator magazine in its August “Best of” edition. The magazine’s Restaurants Awards honors restaurants that offer “a well-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.”
In 2009 the Zucchettis took a break from the restaurant life but learned you can’t keep the shine off a crown jewel for long. The brothers decided it was time to relive history, and when they opened the door to the new Diamond’s in September of 2013, they hit the ground running. “Thanks to the support of all our old customers over the years and the new locals, our first year in Pennington has been a huge success, even beyond our optimistic projections,” says Tommy Zucchetti.
Diamond’s also features the “Fab Five Happy Hour,” where professionals meet after work for five hours a day, five days a week with $5 food and drinks. And the Zucchettis are happy to announce two up coming events: Diamond’s Sunday Dinner with Live Entertainment by Ambiance the Duo on Sunday, September 28, featuring a sumptuous prix fixe dinner (tickets are $50); and the Banfi Wine Dinner on Thursday, October 9, to celebrate Columbus Day . Tickets are $100. For more information, visit DiamondsofPennington.com.
By the way, Diamond’s isn’t just a place to go for an excellent night out. Diamond’s is also the perfect place for your private or corporate party ââ it’s “Where Business Gets Done,” in the Sapphire Room, Wine Room, and Chevy Room. The restaurant also offers fine catering.
“We want to thank all our patrons, the ones who dined with us in Trenton and the new folks we see every day,” Zucchetti says. “We’re glad to be back and we’re glad to be building a new tradition with new friends.”
Diamonds, 25 Route 31 South, Pennington. 609-730-1244. www.diamondsofpennington.com. See ad, page 14.
