Judy and Harry's at the St Laurent, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Judy and Harry's Restaurant : Highlights
Fare: Italian with an international flair
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Outstanding - Serves a skilly crafted , inspiring menu
Service: Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained, attentive staff without being intrusive or pretentious.
Decor/Ambiance: Upscale, warm and inviting
Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 Star =Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: moderate
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy upscale dining in a beautiful setting with a well-executed menu, inspiring menu
Not Recommended For: Cost-conscious diners who enjoy a traditional "Old World" Italian red sauce menu served in huge portions.
Recommended dishes: When available, Judy's signature matzoh ball soup: The Philly roast pork orecchiette with long hots, broccoli rabe and provolone brodo: and The Branzino Alla Griglia.
Liquor: Offering a full bar service, with a large variety of wines and specialty coktails. Co-located with Harry's, a sophisticated cocktail lounge.
Judy & Harry’s at The St. Laurent in Asbury Park, NJ, offers a vibrant blend of Jewish and Italian-American cuisine in a setting that feels both elevated and familiar.
Nestled within the historic St. Laurent Hotel—a beautifully restored landmark run by women since 1886—the restaurant brings a unique and heartfelt dining experience to the Jersey Shore.
Tucked at the rear of the dining room, the intimate eight-seat counter at Judy’s sets the stage for a personalized culinary experience. Together with the adjoining bar and lounge, these spaces make up Judy & Harry’s.
The concept is the brainchild of Chef David Viana and Neilly Robinson, who co-own several celebrated New Jersey restaurants including Heirloom Kitchen, Abramzon & David's Delicatesse in Old Bridge, and Lita and La Otra in Aberdeen. Viana, a three-time James Beard Award nominee, brings a pedigree that includes time at world-renowned kitchens like Eleven Madison Park and the Michelin two-star Villa Joya in Portugal.
When you enter The St. Laurent, you’re greeted by Harry’s, the chic bar and lounge area—perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. From there, you can make your way to Judy’s, the restaurant portion, where an à la carte menu awaits, offering both large-format dishes and thoughtfully crafted small plates designed for sharing.
Judy’s menu is both whimsical and refined, reflecting Chef David’s signature playful style.
The cuisine is rooted in comfort and tradition while embracing innovation—elevated Italian fare infused with local ingredients and global inspiration, resulting in craveable reinterpretations of familiar favorites.
The warm, welcoming ambiance is deeply personal, with design elements throughout the space inspired by Neilly Robinson’s parents, Judy and Harry, who have been her lifelong muses.
Their spirit lives on in both the culinary offerings and the atmosphere, creating a space that feels like home, yet offers something entirely new.
Judy & Harry’s is open Wednesday through Sunday, offering an unforgettable dining experience inside one of Asbury Park’s most iconic buildings.
Updated April 2025
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