Brando's Citi Cucina, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
162 Main Street
Asbury Park
732-744-2222
Website
Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Italian
Price: 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
Food is well prepared using quality ingredients from local farm to table and imported sources.
Overall --- Ambiance, food, and service make for a memorable dining experience.
Value: Good
Noise Level: Moderate -High
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy excellent food prepared with quality ingredients with upscale ambiance
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy food with heavy sauces served in huge portions
Recommended dishes: When available, Rigatoni Bolognese; Bell & Evans Chicken Savoy; Filet Mignon; and Branzino.
Liquor: Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant. For BYOB, there is a corkage fee of $25/bottle
Restaurant Review
Brando's Citi Cucina has developed a following as one of the best Italian restaurants 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 .
The menu offers many traditional Italian favorites in addition to some exciting innovative dishes with French influences created by Chef Botta.
Chef Botta likes to describe his menu as "soulful" Italian, meaning it's prepared using high quality fresh Ingredients. The sourcing of ingredients includes; locally sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients and seasonal organic produce from other sources. Other ingredients such as fresh organic Bufala Mozzarella is 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 using humanely raised milk fed veal, poultry is sourced from Bell & Evans.
Gluten free and whole wheat pasta is also available.
Brando's has an attractive, elegant decor with a hint of old world class yet maintaining an overall chic, trendy ambiance. The interior has a new copper bar top with a brick wall adorned with artwork, and tables set with white linens.
For a quiet, cozy dining experience, asked to be seated away from the bar area, this room tends to get loud during peak times.
During the warmer months there is outside sidewalk dining available.
Valet parking is available.
(updated: June, 2018)
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