Buona Sera Ristorante, Red Bank, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

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 Restaurant: Highlights

Fare:  Traditional Italian

Price:  Expensive

Food Quality:  Well-executed dishes with homemade pasta.

Service:  Welcoming, knowledgeable, responsive, with some inconsistencies on busy evenings

Ambiance/Decor:  Elegant, NYC-style "Old World" 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, depending on seating.

Dress:  Business casual

Recommended For: Elegant dinners, celebrations, theater-goers, wine enthusiasts

Not Recommended For:  Diners seeking casual BYOB or quiet neighborhood settings

Recommended dishes:  When available, The Veal Chop Paillard with long hot peppers and potatoes "Puglisi Style"; The Australian Free Range Lamb Chops Double cut Lamb Chops grilled and finished with a Port Wine Demi; and The USDA Prime Certified Angus Beef Ribeye

Liquor:  Huge selection of wines by the glass and bottles. with a large range of prices, specialty cocktails, and beer. Bar scene is vibrant.

Buona Sera is a landmark Italian restaurant celebrated for its elegant ambiance, refined cuisine, and versatile event spaces. Known for its generous portions, attentive service, and Old World charm, it remains a destination for both intimate dinners and large gatherings.

🏛 History & Vision

  • Owners & Legacy: Buona Sera has been a staple in Red Bank for decades, built on over 40 years of culinary expertise. The restaurant’s vision is to bring authentic Italian dining with a blend of New York sophistication and Roman tradition.
  • Reputation: It is widely recognized for its traditional Italian fare, upscale atmosphere, and event hosting capabilities, making it a go-to for celebrations

🍝 Food & Cuisine

  • Fare: Classic Italian cuisine with a focus on homemade pasta, veal, lamb, seafood, and hearty entrées
  • Quality: Dishes are praised for well-executed preparation and generous portions, though not explicitly farm-to-table or organic
  • Signature Dishes: Veal Chop Paillard “Puglisi Style,” Australian free-range lamb chops, lobster mac and cheese, clams oreganato, and spicy penne vodka
  • Style: Traditional, hearty, and refined, with presentation that emphasizes elegance

🎶 Ambiance

  • Décor & Vibe: Elegant, ornate, and reminiscent of Old World NYC Italian dining
  • Features: Wine Cellar and Tuscan Room available for private parties
  • Noise Level: Moderate to high depending on seating
  • Atmosphere: Upscale yet welcoming, with refined décor and occasional background music. Outdoor dining is limited.

🤝 Service

  • Staffing: Welcoming, knowledgeable, and attentive, though service can be inconsistent during peak hours
  • Bar Service: Full-service bar with skilled bartenders offering cocktails and curated Italian wines

đź“Ś Other Factors

  • Policies: Reservations required for larger groups; special pre-show dining policies near Count Basie Theater
  • Child-Friendly: Family-friendly but more suited to adults and special occasions
  • Recommended For: Elegant dinners, celebrations, theater-goers, wine enthusiasts
  • Not Recommended For: Diners seeking casual BYOB or quiet neighborhood settings
  • Parking: Street and nearby lot parking available.
  • Dress Code: Business casual recommended.
  • Holiday Hours: Open on major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day,
  • Private Parties: Wine Cellar and Tuscan Room provide upscale options for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations

⚖️ What Needs Improvement

  • Service Consistency: Peak times can lead to slower service
  • Noise Levels: High energy atmosphere may not suit guests seeking quiet dining

🌟 What Sets Them Apart

  • Event Hosting: Unique private dining spaces like the Wine Cellar and Tuscan Room
  • Ambiance: A blend of New York sophistication and Italian tradition, rare in suburban NJ
  • Generous Portions & Presentation: Dishes are both hearty and elegantly plated.
  • Longevity: Decades-long reputation as one of Red Bank’s premier Italian restaurants

Updated November 2025

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