Buona Sera Ristorante Review: A must try spot in Red Bank, NJ

Buona Sera, Red Bank, NJ, A restaurant review

Buona Sera Italian Ristorante 
50 Maple Ave
Red Bank, NJ

Best NJ Restaurant

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

⭐ Buona Sera Italian Ristorante Review – Red Bank, NJ

🏛️ History & Ownership

Buona Sera Italian Ristorante has been a Red Bank dining landmark for more than two decades. Founded in 1999 by Christopher Mariani, the restaurant was built on his vision of delivering an elevated, old world Italian dining experience in a multi level space. Mariani’s culinary career began in the early 1980s with his first restaurant, Café Al Fresco, and he has since become known for his passion, hospitality, and commitment to giving guests “a great evening”

🍝 Food & Cuisine

Buona Sera specializes in traditional Italian fare, with a menu that leans heavily into hearty classics, seafood, steaks, and house made pastas. While the restaurant is not explicity organic or farm-to-table, it is known for fresh ingredients, scratch preparation, and a wide selection of Italian staples.

Style & Quality

  • Classic Italian-American and Northern Italian influences

  • Large portions and richly flavored dishes

  • Consistent execution across appetizers, entrées, and desserts

Signature Dishes

  • Clams Oreganata

  • Fresh house-made pasta – a hallmark of the kitchen, often showcased by the chef himself

  • Steaks and seafood specials

👨‍🍳 The Chef

Owner Christopher A. Mariani also serves as chef and proprietor, bringing more than 35 years of culinary and hospitality experience to the restaurant.

Mariani is widely respected in the region for his consistency, hospitality, and culinary craftsmanship.

🌟 Ambiance

Buona Sera offers a multi level, old world Italian setting with dramatic architectural features and a warm, upscale atmosphere.

Décor & Vibe

  • Ornate, classic Italian décor with rich wood, warm lighting, and elegant touches

  • Multi level dining rooms, including a grand staircase and private spaces

  • A blend of New York fine dining and Roman trattoria charm

Atmosphere Details

  • Noise level: Moderate to lively, depending on the night

  • Table spacing: Comfortable but can feel bustling during peak hours

  • Background music: Traditional and contemporary Italian selections (varies by night)

  • Outdoor dining: Limited or seasonal

🤝 Service

Welcoming and attentive
Knowledgeable, especially at the bar where staff are praised for wine and cocktail recommendations
Consistent, supported by a long tenured team of chefs, servers, and managers

The bar staff, in particular, are known for their hospitality and drink expertise.

🍷 Other Factors

Alcohol & Bar Service

Full bar with classic cocktails, Strong Italian wine program, including Super Tuscan selections recommended by staff

Child-Friendliness

  • Family-friendly but best suited for older children due to the upscale environment

Recommended For

  • Date nights

  • Celebrations

  • Business dinners

  • Large family gatherings

  • Holiday meals

Not Recommended For

  • Quick, casual meals

  • Very young children needing open space

  • Diners seeking modern, minimalist décor

Parking

Street parking and nearby public lots, Can be competitive during peak Red Bank events

Dress Code

Smart casual to business casual, Many guests dress up for evening dining

Holiday Hours

Buona Sera is known for hosting holiday dinners and is often open on major dining holidays such as:

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter, Mother’s Day

Private Parties

Buona Sera offers multiple private dining rooms, ideal for: Weddings, Rehearsal dinners, Corporate events, Milestone celebrations

The multi-level layout makes it a strong venue for large gatherings.

❤️ What I Like About Buona Sera

  • Consistent, high-quality Italian classics

  • Warm, old-world ambiance that feels special

  • Excellent bar service and wine recommendations

  • A long-standing reputation backed by decades of success

  • Ideal for celebrations and memorable evenings

🥇 What Sets Them Apart

Buona Sera stands out in the competitive New Jersey dining scene because of:

  • Longevity and stability—over 20 years in business under the same owner

  • A multi-level, dramatic dining space unlike most local Italian restaurants

  • A chef-owner deeply involved in daily operations, ensuring consistency

  • A blend of New York sophistication and Roman tradition that appeals to a wide audience

Updated Dercember 2025

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