Porta Pizzeria, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Porta Pizzeria
911 Kingsley Street
Asbury Park, NJ
Porta Pizzeria – Asbury Park’s Gateway to Great Times
Porta: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Pizzeria
Price: Moderate
Liquor: Large selection of beers by the glass, bottle, and pitcher; wine. Bar scene is vibrant.
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy gourmet pizza in a high energy, casual, rustic setting with picnic table communal seating.
Not Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a traditional style pizza restaurant in a quiet setting.
Recommended dishes: When available, Prosciutto Di Parma Sandwich; Italian Stallion Pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, sweet Italian sausage, and long hots; and the Carbonara Pizza with guanciale, parmigiano reggiano, roasted egg, extra virgin olive oil, parsley, and black pepper.
Step through the doors of Porta—literally meaning “door” in Italian—and into one of Asbury Park’s most dynamic dining and nightlife experiences.
Owned and operated by the trailblazing Smith Hospitality Group, Porta is a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant revival, offering a spirited blend of casual charm, culinary creativity, and nightlife energy.
By day, Porta is a favorite among families and friend groups alike, known for its communal picnic-style seating, massive rustic dining hall adorned with vintage doors, and a welcoming, barn-like atmosphere.
Come nightfall—especially after 10 PM—the mood shifts. Porta transforms into a buzzing hotspot for the 21+ crowd, with DJs, dancing, and a full-blown nightclub vibe that keeps the energy going late into the evening.
Music and movement are part of the Porta DNA. From soulful Sunday jazz brunches to live outdoor bands and electrifying Abbot Room dance parties, there’s always something happening here. Whether you're in the mood to chill or cut loose, Porta delivers.
When the weather warms up, the party spills outside. Porta’s spacious outdoor area takes on a festive beer garden feel, complete with a bocce court and plenty of open-air seating. It’s the perfect spot to grab drinks and gourmet pizza with friends.
More Than Just Pizza—But Oh, the Pizza.
Porta’s menu is compact but packed with flavor. Specializing in non-traditional, gourmet thin-crust pizzas, every pie is made with fresh seasonal ingredients and cooked to perfection in their massive wood-fired ovens. Housemade ricotta and mozzarella elevate the experience—the cheese is rich, creamy, and subtly sweet, like fresh milk in solid form. You’ll also find delicious salads, sandwiches, and desserts, all executed with the same attention to detail.
Porta is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, making it your go-to spot whether you’re craving a relaxed meal, a lively night out, or anything in between.
(updated: April 2025)
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