Vasal ‘Sal’ Deva, former owner-operator of Ristorante Venezia in Woodbridge, honored with proclamations at festive community celebration
CARTERET, NJ – Vesal Deva was born to cook.
Born and raised in Macedonia, then trained for three years in Northern Italy, Sal, as he is better known by his many customers and friends, moved to the United States in the 1989. Within a few years, he was a restaurant owner.
But when his beloved Ristorante Venezia in Woodbridge, which he owned for 31 years, recently was forced to close due to a Woodbridge Township-approved redevelopment of the property, Venezia’s legion of customers, fans and friends missed their Northern Italian cuisine immensely.
When Deva and his business partners saw that restaurant space was available for rent at 1 Louis St. in Carteret, they were determined to open Sal’s Bistro & Bar, which specializes in the Northern Italian cuisine for which Deva is famous but also expands his menu with American Bistro, as well as a lively bar with signature cocktails.
You still can get the Chicken Venezia – lemon chicken with artichokes and capers – as well as some of the best Chicken Parmigiana and Eggplant Parmigiana you could hope to find, but now at Sal’s Bistro & Bar, there also are amazing steak sandwiches and burgers. And cocktails include a Black & Tan Espresso Martini with Bailey’s Irish Cream.
“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.”
The restaurant held its soft opening in December, and on March 24, the Borough officially welcomed its newest dining destination with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official grand opening celebration at Sal’s. The event brought together local officials, community and business leaders, and neighbors to celebrate the arrival of a restaurant rooted in warmth, good food, and community pride.
The ceremony was presided over by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, joined by County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and members of Carteret’s Borough Council. Mayor Reiman and Director Rios both presented Sal with an official proclamation recognizing his contribution to the local business community before the ceremonial ribbon was cut to a round of applause.
“Sal’s Bistro & Bar plays a unique role in supporting the Borough’s long-term vision for growth, entertainment and community engagement,” Mayor Reiman said. “Executive Chef and partner Vesal ‘Sal’ Deva has spent his life perfecting the art of Northern Italian cuisine, sharing it with communities across New Jersey, particularly Ristorante Venezia, which he owned in Woodbridge for 31 years, and now he brings his lauded skills to our community. Sal’s will bring visitors to Downtown Carteret, create jobs for our community, support local vendors, and offer amenities that help the Borough compete with surrounding municipalities. Sal and his partners believe in the Carteret resurgence and vision.”
Guests were treated to a generous buffet of appetizers and entrées showcasing the restaurant’s signature style: a refined, yet approachable blend of Northern Italian and American Bistro. The spread offered a delicious taste of what Sal’s Bistro & Bar brings to Carteret’s dining scene.
Sal’s Bistro & Bar is a proud participant in the Carteret Business Partnership’s grant program, through which the restaurant received support for a direct marketing mailer, new signage, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony — a reflection of the Borough’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local businesses and strengthening the fabric of the community.
With its inviting atmosphere, community-minded ownership, and a menu that brings together the best of Italian and American cuisine, Sal’s Bistro & Bar is poised to become a beloved gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
“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,” co-owner John O’Leary said. “From Italy to New Jersey, Vesal Deva continues to share his love for food — one plate at a time.”
About Sal’s Bistro & Bar
Sal’s Bistro & Bar fuses Northern Italian cuisine and American Bistro at 1 Louis St. in Carteret. Co-owned and operated by Vesal Deva of Ristorante Venezia in Woodbridge, the restaurant is committed to serving the Carteret community with exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere. For reservations or more information, please visit salsbistroandbar.com/ or call 732-366-2059.
About Carteret Business Partnership
The Carteret Business Partnership is the nonprofit economic development agency of the Borough of Carteret that supports local businesses through marketing programs, municipal grants, and community initiatives designed to strengthen economic growth in Carteret. For more info, visit carteret.net/carteret-business-partnership/.
