WESTWOOD, N.J. (January 21, 2026) — For nearly two decades, the Giudice family has served up drama, luxury, and unforgettable television moments to millions of viewers worldwide. Now, the next generation is ready to serve up something a little more tangible: authentic Italian cuisine.

In a move that signals a significant passing of the torch within the Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) dynasty, Gia Giudice, the eldest daughter of original cast member Teresa Giudice, has officially announced her entry into the hospitality world. The 24-year-old reality personality turned entrepreneur is slated to open her first restaurant, Il Vero, this coming spring in the bustling dining hub of Westwood, New Jersey.

The announcement, made via Instagram on Thursday, January 16, has sparked a frenzy of excitement among Bravo fans and local foodies alike. Partnering with family friend and business associate Maria Sausa, Gia is positioning the venture not just as a celebrity vanity project, but as a serious homage to her family’s deep-rooted culinary traditions.

“The Real” Deal

The name of the restaurant, Il Vero, translates to “The Real” or “The Truth” in Italian—a moniker that seemingly nods to both the family’s reality TV origins and their commitment to authentic cooking.

“This venture means everything to me—not just as a business, but as a way to continue and honor my mom’s legacy of cooking, family, and bringing people together around the table,” Gia wrote in her heartfelt announcement post.

For fans who have watched Gia grow up on screen—from a precocious child to a college graduate and aspiring lawyer—this move represents a major professional pivot. While she has spent her life in front of the camera, Il Vero places her at the helm of a brick-and-mortar operation.

“From the food, to the vibe, to the décor, every detail has been so intentional,” Gia stated, hinting at a modern yet warm aesthetic for the space. “The team is incredible. The space is stunning. And trust me when I say—the food is next level.”

Teresa’s Role: From Matriarch to Consultant

While Gia is the face and driving force behind Il Vero, the restaurant will undoubtedly carry the DNA of her famous mother. Teresa Giudice, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author known for titles like Skinny Italian and Fabulicious!, confirmed in her own social media post that she will serve as a consultant for the restaurant.

This “consulting” role suggests that Teresa’s influence will be heavily felt in the menu design, likely featuring the family recipes that became staples on the show—such as her Sunday gravy, chicken parm, and other Italian-American classics. However, by taking a backseat title, Teresa appears to be allowing her daughter to shine as the primary proprietor, a strategic move to establish Gia’s individual credibility in the industry.

A History of Hospitality (and Drama)

The Giudice-Gorga clan is no stranger to the restaurant business, though their track record has been mixed. Hardcore fans will remember that Teresa previously helped run Gorga’s Homemade Pasta & Pizza in East Hanover, alongside her brother Joe Gorga and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga. That venture, which opened with much fanfare in May 2017, shuttered its doors less than a year later in January 2018.

With Il Vero, Gia seems determined to write a new chapter. By partnering with Maria Sausa, an external figure, rather than relying solely on the often-volatile family dynamic that plagued previous ventures, the business structure appears to be built on firmer ground.

Of course, no mention of a Giudice dining establishment would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room—or rather, the table. Teresa Giudice is responsible for perhaps the most iconic moment in reality TV history: the Season 1 table flip at LuNello in Cedar Grove. While the incident cemented the show’s place in pop culture, the marketing for Il Vero suggests a much more composed and sophisticated atmosphere. Flipping tables, it is safe to assume, will be strongly discouraged, with the focus firmly placed on what is on the plates rather than the drama occurring around them.

Entering a Culinary Hotspot

Gia Giudice is not opening her doors in a culinary vacuum. She has chosen Westwood, a Bergen County town that has rapidly evolved into one of New Jersey’s premier dining destinations. Il Vero will be joining a crowded and competitive scene that demands quality.

The restaurant will be competing for attention alongside heavy hitters like acclaimed chef Robbie Felice, whose restaurants Osteria Crescendo and Bar Mutz have set a high bar for modern Italian dining in the area. To succeed in Westwood, Il Vero will need to offer more than just celebrity sightings; it will need to deliver on its promise of “next level” food.

A Spring Awakening

As construction wraps up and the spring opening approaches, anticipation is building. Will Il Vero become the new hotspot for Real Housewives filming? Will Gia’s pivot to restaurateur prove that she can translate social media fame into sustainable business success?

For now, the table is set for a grand opening that promises to blend the glamour of the Giudice name with the warmth of a Sunday family dinner. And for the fans who have followed Gia’s journey for 15 years, there is only one thing left to say: Buon appetito.