Fare: European
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: 1 1/2 Stars
Service: 1 1/2 stars
Decor: 2 Stars
Overall Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 stars= poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Good outdoor summer months dining ambiance
The quality of food is a notch below the average fine dining area restaurants
Value: Fair
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy BYOB, "Old World" style Jersey shore dining in a low key setting.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer dining with upbeat, trendy, Jersey Shore ambiance
Recommended dishes: When available, try the Pan-Seared Scottish salmon over potato gnocchi, black beans and corn topped with spicy shrimp salsa in a grilled tomato chili lime broth; or the Filet Mignon, beef wrapped in apple wood smoked bacon over celeriac mashed potatoes with sauteed spinach with red wine demi glaze.
Liquor: BYOB
Bia, located in the Majestic Hotel, is popular with summer tourists and guests of the hotel.
Bia which means food in Gaelic, is owned by Valerie Hegarty and Sean Holmes and both come from many years in the restaurant business from New York, and as owners of the Mansion inn in New Hope, PA.
The 60 seat dining room decor is warm and attractive with off gold/green hues, white trim, dark polished hardwood floors, soft lighting, candles and linen set tables.
During the warmer months there is outdoor dining on the heated and enclosed side porch, with a view of the ocean.
Compared to many other fine dining restaurants in the Asbury Park, Ocean Grove area, the quality of food is a notch below the average area restaurants.
The service is attentive and friendly, though a knowledge of the menu items is lacking.
Bia Restaurant is a seasonal restaurant open from Memorial Day through through end of September. Call ahead for open days and hours.
Updated: January, 2017
New Jersey Leisure Guide strives to provide analytic restaurant reviews.
The methodology used is research, analysis driven --- as opposed to that of a single restaurant critic or a social media platform, viewer comment posting board.