Buona Sera, Red Bank, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
50 Maple Ave
Red Bank, NJ
(732) 530-5858
Website
Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Italian
Price: Moderate - Very expensive
Food Quality: 3 Stars
Service: 2 1/2 Stars
Decor: 3 Stars
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
A well prepared menu with a large variety of selections served with large portions
Upscale, energetic. NYC style "Old World" ambiance.
Depending on seating, noise level can get very high
Value: Excellent
Noise Level: Moderate - Very high
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy excellent Italian food with an upscale, vibrant atmosphere.
Not Recommended For: Diners who enjoy dining in a smaller, low key, quieter setting.
Recommended dishes: When available, Gluten Free Tuna Au Poivre w/ Pepper corn encrusted Ahi tuna ; The Veal Osso Bucco over risotto; and The USDA Prime Certified Angus Beef Ribeye
Liquor: Huge selection of wines by the glass and bottles. with a large range of prices, specialty cocktails, and beer. Bar scene is vibrant.
Restaurant Review
Buona Sera, located next to the Count Basie Theatre, is a very large, multi-level Red Bank Italian restaurant with high energy and "Old World" NYC style ambiance.
Buona Sera is popular place for diners of all budgets and tastes, from high rollers willing to spend $2,000 for a bottle of wine, to a group of friends looking to share plates and split a bill without breaking the bank. There is no sharing charge. Many of the dishes can be prepared and served family style.
Buona Sera is a great Restaurant to celebrate a special occasion with family or friends, and for having a private function in one of the private rooms for up to 150 people.
This Red Bank landmark restaurant is the creation of Chef/Owner Christopher Mariani who brings his unwavering passion and dedication to building one of the most successful restaurants on the Jersey Shore, and certainly to Red Bank, the cultural center of the Jersey Shore.
This multi-level level restaurant with an open high ceiling in the main dining room. has a "New York City" feel to it --- It's fast paced, busy, and tends to be noisy, especially around the bar area.
A la carte dining is available in the main and mezzanine dining rooms.
Dining for private parties is available in the Tuscan Room on the upper level for parties up to 150. and the wine cellar downstairs with storage of approximately 20,000 bottles of wine, for private, intimate gatherings.
During warmer months there is outside sidewalk dining.
The meal begins with a presentation of bread and olives, setting the tone for an Italian fine dining experience. There is an extensive hot and cold antipasto menu, with many traditional Italian favorites.
The entrees come with generous portions of well prepared and attractively presented Italian dishes. The pastas are homemade with many gluten free options. If there is a special request for an item not on the menu, just ask and they will try to accommodate you.
Not to be unexpected in a restaurant of this size, service is inconsistent, ranging from top draw, professional, responsive and knowledgeable --- to slow and pretentious.
The dining rooms are usually packed and the volume of both people and noise can get to be very high, depending on seating.
When reserving for dinner after 9pm on evenings where there is music and dancing, request that you not be seated next to a speaker.
Reservations a must, especially if you plan to attend a performance at the Count Basie Theatre.
Free parking is available across the street on their private lot at the corner of Monmouth Street and Maple Avenue.
Buona Sera is open seven days/week, Monday - Sunday, 11:30am until late in the evening, often times past midnight.
(updated: October, 2016)
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