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: 2 1/2 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 has earned a reputation as one of the top Italian restaurants in Asbury Park, drawing a loyal following for its elevated take on traditional cuisine.
At the helm is Chef and Owner Steven Botta, a Brooklyn native who learned to cook from his mother. In addition to Brando’s, he is also the Executive Chef and part-owner of Osteria Cucina Rustica in Marlboro, NJ.
The menu at Brando’s features beloved Italian classics alongside inventive dishes with subtle French influences, all crafted by Chef Botta.
He describes his cooking style as “soulful” Italian—emphasizing the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients. These include locally sourced, seasonal organic produce and specialty items like organic Bufala Mozzarella, imported weekly from Italy.
Fresh seafood, much of it line-caught from overseas, is delivered daily. Meats are carefully selected from premier purveyors such as Creekstone Farms, Pat LaFrieda, and Bell & Evans.
For those with dietary preferences, gluten-free and whole wheat pasta options are available.
Brando’s ambiance is warm and sophisticated, blending elegant décor with old-world charm. The inviting interior boasts a copper-topped bar, exposed brick walls adorned with artwork, rustic tin ceilings, and tables dressed in crisp white linens.
For a quieter, more intimate experience, ask to be seated in the main dining room, as the space near the bar can become lively during peak hours.
In warmer months, guests can enjoy outdoor sidewalk seating—perfect for al fresco dining in the heart of Asbury Park.
(updated: April 2025)
Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation
