Flavia's Cucina Romana, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Flavia's Cucina Romana
550 Cookman Ave
Asbury Park, NJ
Flavia's Cucina Romana: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Italian -- Roman regional cuisine
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed, inspired, menu using authentic Roman cuisine recipes and ingredients.
Service: Friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable. During peak busy periods, dishes prepared from scratch tends to slow servings.
Ambiance/Decor: Modern Euro-Italian, chic ambience, with an open-concept kitchen.
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 experiencing authentic regional Italian fare, (not easily found in the Jersey Shore) in an upbeat, chic ambiance with BYOB amenities.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer an Americanized, heavy red sauce, traditional Southern Italian restaurant, popular in most Italian BYOB area restaurants.
Recommended dishes: When available, for pasta, the Cacio E Pepe with creamy caciocavallo cheese & black pepper; the Ossobuco, lamb shank with broccoli rabe & roasted rosemary potatoes; and the Bistecca Alla Romana grilled ribeye with roasted potatoes, fried zucchini & mixed green salad.
Liquor: BYOB
Flavia’s Cucina Romana has become a favorite among restaurant lovers who appreciate an Italian BYOB spot that combines a chic, modern atmosphere with a thoughtfully crafted, regional Roman menu.
That said, diners more accustomed to the rich sauces and Americanized traditions of Southern Italian cuisine may find Flavia’s offerings a departure from what they’re used to. This is true Roman fare—simple, bold, and steeped in centuries of tradition.
The restaurant is a true family affair, owned and operated by Flavia Paterno, her daughter Andrea Paterno, Andrea’s fiancé Andrew Perrotti, and longtime family friend Kevin Matthews. Many other relatives pitch in as part of the kitchen and service team, making this a warm, hands-on dining experience.
Flavia herself emigrated from Rome over 40 years ago and brings with her a repertoire of treasured family recipes passed down through generations of restaurateurs in the Eternal City.
Authentic Roman cuisine is defined by its use of olive oil over butter, with sauces that cling to the pasta thanks to the reintroduction of starchy pasta water. Dishes are typically served al dente, with flavors driven by black pepper, bold pecorino cheese, bitter greens, and occasionally offal—an often misunderstood but beloved component of Roman cooking.
At the heart of Roman pasta culture are four iconic dishes—cacio e pepe, spaghetti alla carbonara, bucatini all’Amatriciana, and pasta alla gricia—all of which are proudly served at Flavia’s.
The kitchen is helmed by a head chef recently arrived from Rome, who brings both authenticity and creativity to a menu that features house-made pasta and gnocchi, weekly specials, and an unwavering commitment to Roman culinary tradition. Don’t expect to find American-style chicken parm here—this is the real deal.
The space itself reflects a modern Euro-Italian aesthetic, with an open-concept kitchen, exposed ceilings, hardwood floors, and white marble tables. Counter seating allows guests to watch the culinary action up close, all within a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
The owners are ever-present, moving through the dining room to personally greet guests, check in on meals, and ensure that every diner feels welcomed and satisfied.
Flavia’s Cucina Romana is open for dinner, with seasonal hours and days of operation.
(Updated April 2025)
Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation
