Gia Giudice defended her upscale new Westwood, New Jersey, eatery, Il Vero, after customers criticized the establishment for implementing a no-kids rule for its after-5 p.m. dining.
The “Real Housewives of New Jersey” personality, 25, took to TikTok to defend the decision after negative reviews populated online listings for the high profile restaurant — with a one-star Google review saying the establishment “probably won’t survive long” due to the policy.
“The first thing that I want to address is that we are a restaurant that only accommodates adult dining,” she said during a Get Ready With Me video on Sunday.
“While I know that might be a bummer to some who want to bring their kids out to dinner, there are many restaurants in Westwood that are kid-friendly,” she explained while applying makeup.
Westwood is a “family-oriented town,” Gia explained, “which is why we wanted to bring something a little different and bring a new atmosphere that adults were actually waiting for and the town of Westwood is loving.”
The restaurant — which states on its website is “intended for adult guests” and features Italian-Mediterranean dining — was created to make the experience “elevated,” Giudice said.
She also described Il Vero as a place that “makes you want to get dressed up” and go out.
The restaurant had been open for a week at the time of Giudice’s TikTok, but she claimed that they may eventually considering allowing children for lunch reservations only, which they are not yet accepting.
“Thank you for all the support,” Giudice captioned the video, adding a pink heart and promising that “this is only the beginning” for her restaurant.
The message came after a slew of online reviewers took the eatery to task for the no-kids policy.
One person complained, “Some friends wanted to go with their kids and they said they could not try it because restaurant was kid free. How ridiculous.”
Another wrote, “No kids allowed. This surely won’t help this business. I give them 6 months.”
Others, however, were delighted by the rule, with one reviewer gushing, “Best part… No screaming children running around messing up my fancy dinner.”
Another wrote, “I love a restaurant that caters to adults and not children. Perfect date night!”
A third person labeled the eatery “grown and sexy.”
On TikTok, many of Giudice’s fans were equally supportive. “As a mom, I would LOVE a kids free restaurant for date night, girls night, etc.”
Another joked, “well my ‘kids’ are 26 and 28 and I’m still not bringing them!”
“Your restaurant your rules,” a third remarked. “Stay blessed.”
During an appearance of Page Six’s “Virtual Real-Tea” earlier this month, Giudice told co-hosts Evan Real and Danny Murphy that she’s “so happy” about the restaurant’s launch.
“We wanted to bring New York City vibes to New Jersey,” she explained of the restaurant’s luxurious, modern vibe.
The “Next Gen NYC” star also divulged she spends plenty of time there — which is a surprise for fans checking it out.
“I don’t think people are expecting me to be there as often as I am,” she laughed. “It’s fun because you’re watching your vision come to life.” She added, “They love to take photos with me.”
Reps for Il Vero and Giudice did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment on Saturday.
