The Drtawing Room, Asbury Park, NJ

The Drawing Room Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Asbury Park, NJ

The Drawing Room
Asbury Ocean Club Hotel
1101 Ocean Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ

As of March 24, 2026, The Drawing Room—once reserved exclusively for guests of the Asbury Ocean Club—now welcomes the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant delivers a refined, intimate dining experience that blends modern American cuisine with thoughtful, chef driven creativity..

Cuisine

Fare: Modern American with global accents

Price: Moderate to Expensive

Style, Quality & Ingredients: Fresh, often farm to table ingredients sourced from New Jersey growers and regional purveyors A menu that changes with the seasons, highlighting peak flavor produce, sustainable seafood, and responsibly raised meats

Menu Highlights;

  • Seasonal soups and small plates that rotate frequently
  • Creative vegetable forward dishes that appeal to both omnivores and plant leaning diners
  • Signature entrées featuring slow braised meats, seared seafood, and inventive pasta preparations
  • Decadent desserts crafted in house, often featuring local fruit or artisanal chocolate

The Chef

Executive Chef Kate Gagliardi represents a notable example of a chef who transitioned from a completely different career (finance) and worked her way up from line cook positions to become a complex Executive Chef overseeing the kitchen of a high-end hospitality property.

She began her culinary career as a line cook at Pascal & Sabine in Asbury Park, and prior to joining The Drawing Room, served as the Chef de Cuisine at the former Happiness Bar & Grill in Asbury Park.

Ambiance

  • Décor: Warm, intimate, and thoughtfully curated
  • Vibe: Relaxed yet refined—ideal for conversation
  • Striking Features: Soft lighting, curated artwork, and a cozy, lounge‑like feel
  • Table Spacing: Comfortable, not crowded
  • Noise Level: Moderate to low—excellent for date nights or small groups
  • Style: Elegant with touches of modern chic; never pretentious
  • Background Music: Soft, unobtrusive, complements the room
  • Outdoor Dining: Limited or seasonal depending on weather

Service

  • Warm, welcoming, and attentive without hovering
  • Staff is knowledgeable about ingredients, preparation, and wine pairings
  • Consistent pacing between courses
  • A team that clearly values hospitality and guest comfort

Other Factors

Alcohol / Bar Service

  • Curated wine list with boutique selections
  • Craft cocktails featuring fresh herbs, house‑made syrups, and premium spirits
  • Thoughtful pairings available

Child Friendly

  • More suited for adults, date nights, and small groups
  • Not ideal for very young children or large family parties

Best For

  • Romantic dinners
  • Celebrations
  • Food focused evenings
  • Small gatherings
  • Guests who appreciate chef driven cuisine

Not Ideal For

  • Loud groups
  • Casual, quick meals
  • Families seeking kid centric dining

Parking

  • Street parking and nearby municipal lots
  • Can be busy during peak Asbury Park dining hours

Dress Code

  • Smart casual
  • Guests tend to dress stylishly but comfortably

What I Like About This Restaurant

  • The Drawing Room offers a rare combination of intimacy, creativity, and consistency.
  • The chef’s seasonal approach keeps the menu exciting without losing its identity.
  • The ambiance is warm and inviting—perfect for lingering over a meal.
  • Service feels personal, polished, and genuinely hospitable.

What Sets Them Apart

  • A true “chef’s dining room” experience—small, curated, and deeply personal
  • A commitment to seasonal, high quality ingredients that shows in every dish
  • A refined yet comfortable atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection
  • A menu that evolves with the seasons, offering something new without sacrificing favorites

Updated: March 2026