Brando's Citi Cucina, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Brando's Citi Cucina
162 Main Street
Asbury Park, NJ
Brando's Citi Cucina: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Italian
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Serves a well-executed menu using quality ingredients
Service: Friendly, Attentive, knowledgeable
Decor: Old world-class, upscale rustic, ambiance
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate -High
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a well-executed menu with quality ingredients, an upscale setting, and full bar service
Not Recommended For: Budget-conscious diners who prefer simpler food, and heavy sauces, in a casual family setting.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Spinach Fettuccine w/lump crab meat, The Bell & Evans Chicken Savoy; and The Branzino.
Liquor: Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant.
Brando's Citi-Cucina is arguably the best Italian restaurant in Asbury Park.
The restaurant is owned by Chef/Owner Steven Botta. Steven Botta, grew up in Brooklyn and learned many of the recipes from his mother. Botta is also the part owner/ Executive Chef of Osteria Cucina Rustica in Marlboro, NJ.
The menu offers many traditional Italian favorites in addition to some exciting innovative dishes with French influences created by Chef Botta.
Chef Botta describes his menu as "soulful" Italian, meaning it's prepared using high-quality fresh Ingredients. The ingredients include locally sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients and seasonal organic produce. Other ingredients such as fresh organic Bufala Mozzarella are imported from Italy weekly. Seafood is delivered daily, many from overseas locations using only line-caught fish.
Their meats are also of the highest quality and sourced from premium meat purveyors including Creekstone Farms, Pat LaFrieda, and Bell & Evans.
Gluten-free and whole wheat pasta is also available.
Brando's has attractive, elegant decor with a hint of old-world class, yet maintains an upscale ambiance. The interior features a copper bar top, an exposed brick wall adorned with artwork, rustic tin ceilings, and tables set with white linens.
For a quiet, cozy dining experience, asked to be seated in the main dining room, away from the dining area adjoining the bar area as this room tends to get loud during peak times.
During the warmer months, there is outside sidewalk dining available.
(updated: August 2024)
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