Moonstruck Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Asbury Park, NJ

Moonstruck Restaurant
517 Lake Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ

Moonstruck is Asbury Park’s lakeside, multi story restaurant and cocktail lounge, known for American fare with Mediterranean influences, romantic Victorian charm, and porch seating overlooking Wesley Lake.

It’s a polished, special occasion spot that still feels welcoming—ideal for date night, celebrations, and lingering dinners with friends.

Fare and price

Cuisine: American with Mediterranean influences

Price range: Expensive

The Kitchen philosophy

Style of cooking:
- Mediterranean inspired American: Olive oil, herbs, capers, lemon, and wine sauces show up across seafood, pastas, and appetizers.
- Grill forward mains: Steaks, grilled salmon, and grilled vegetables feature prominently.
Ingredients & preparation:
- Fresh seafood focus: Icelandic cod, Faroe Island salmon, and mixed seafood platters suggest attention to quality sourcing.
- Balanced plates: Many dishes pair proteins with vegetables, grains, or salads, leaning toward hearty but not fussy presentations.
Menu highlights:
- Bistro flatbreads and Mediterranean platter for grazing and sharing.
- Seafood linguine, baked seafood combo, Faroe Island salmon, tuna au poivre for seafood lovers.
- Grilled NY strip and filet mignon for steak night traditionalists.

Ambiance

Moonstruck is as much about atmosphere as it is about the food.

Décor & vibe:
- Romantic Victorian setting with candlelight, warm tones, and multi story dining rooms.
- Feels upscale yet relaxed—perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or “we finally got a sitter” nights.
Striking features & scenic views:
- Lakeside location on Wesley Lake, with porch seating on multiple levels.
- Elevated views over the water and the Asbury Park streetscape add a sense of occasion to even a simple dinner.
Table spacing & noise level
- Tables are relatively close, as in many popular, multi level dining rooms, but the layout and porch seating help avoid a cramped feel.
- Expect a lively, conversational buzz rather than hushed fine dining quiet—especially on weekends and peak summer evenings. (Good for social dinners; less ideal if you need absolute quiet.)
Background music:
- Lounge and bar areas often feature live music and “Lounge After Dark” hours, with trendy cocktails and a social vibe.
Outdoor dining:
- Porch seating on all levels is a signature draw, combining fresh air, lake views, and Asbury Park’s energy.

Service

Table service with a polished, professional feel; staff are accustomed to special occasion diners and guiding guests through the menu and wine list.

Practical Details

Alcohol & bar service:
- Full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer; a dedicated cocktail lounge on the first floor, with happy hour and late evening lounge hours.
Child friendly factors:
- While the ambiance skews romantic and adult, Moonstruck is family friendly, offers highchairs, and has menu items that work for older kids and teens.
- Very young children or stroller heavy visits may feel less natural here during peak date night hours.
Best for / not ideal for:
Best for:
- Date nights, anniversaries, and romantic dinners
- Celebrations with friends or visiting out of towners
- Diners who appreciate seafood, steaks, and Mediterranean leaning flavors
Not ideal for:
- Budget tight, quick bites (this is a sit down, special occasion price point)
- Guests seeking ultra quiet, minimalist décor or hyper modern cuisine
Parking:
Located on Lake Avenue in Asbury Park; expect a mix of street parking and nearby lots. On busy summer evenings and weekends, plan extra time to park and walk.

What I like about Moonstruck

Atmosphere that feels like an occasion every time—candlelight, lake views, and multi level porches make even a midweek dinner feel special.
Menu that respects both comfort and sophistication: familiar pastas and steaks alongside Mediterranean inspired seafood and sharable starters.
Consistency and longevity: being a top ranked Asbury Park restaurant for years suggests they know how to deliver a reliable, memorable night out.

What sets Moonstruck apart from the competition

Romantic Victorian lakeside setting: few local spots combine multi story porches, candlelit dining rooms, and water views with this level of polish.
Mediterranean inflected American menu: the blend of grilled meats, seafood, and Mediterranean flavors stands out among more strictly Italian or strictly American venues.
Cocktail lounge + dining room combo: you can start with happy hour drinks and live music downstairs, then transition upstairs to a more formal dinner—without changing venues.

Managing expectations: a balanced look at your visit

To really enjoy Moonstruck, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be:

Budget & value:
- Entrées in the expensive range and premium seafood/steaks at the top end make Moonstruck a splurge leaning choice. Go in expecting a special occasion bill, not a casual weeknight tab.
Atmosphere & noise:
- The restaurant is popular and lively, especially in summer and on weekends. If you’re expecting hushed fine dining, you may find the energy higher than anticipated—but if you want a vibrant, romantic buzz, you’ll likely love it.
Family vs. date night:
- Families are welcome, but the core experience is built around couples and adult groups. If you’re bringing kids, aim for earlier seatings and be ready for a more grown up vibe.

If you arrive expecting a romantic, lakeside, special occasion dinner with polished service, lively energy, and Mediterranean inflected American fare, Moonstruck delivers exactly that—and that’s where it shines.

Update June 8, 2026