Stella Marina, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Stella Marina
800 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
Stella Marina: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Contemporary Italian
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well executed menu, using fresh locally sourced ingredients
Service: Friendly, attentive
Ambiance/Decor: NYC vibe with plenty of open glass for excellent ocean views.
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 good food and upscale, trendy ambiance with stunning ocean views
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer heavy sauce food preparations served in large portions.
Recommended dishes: When available, Mailale alla Diavalo, Grilled prime pork rib chop with long hot peppers, broccoli rabe, fingerling potato; The Lamb Osso Bucco; and The Spaghettini Vongole
Liquor: Full Bar service with an extensive wine list with over 130 selections. Bar scene is vibrant.
Stella Marina spans two levels with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, offering contemporary Italian cuisine that's a hit with both locals and visitors.
The restaurant is the creation of chef-turned-restaurateur Joseph Cetrulo, also the owner of Sirena in Long Branch, both under The Trinity Hospitality Group. Born to Italian parents, Cetrulo refined his culinary craft across Europe throughout the late '90s and early 2000s, bringing authentic Italian influence to every dish.
With its sleek, upscale vibe, Stella Marina channels a New York City ambiance. The spacious interior seats 210 guests across both floors, featuring striking bottle chandeliers, elegant tile and stonework, neutral tones, and expansive glass windows that highlight the breathtaking ocean views.
The seasonally rotating menu showcases modern Italian fare—beautifully plated, thoughtfully prepared, and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Meals begin with warm, crusty bread from the renowned Balthazar Bakery, a crowd favorite.
Service is friendly and often intuitive, though it can vary during peak summer crowds.
In the warmer months, guests can enjoy outdoor boardwalk seating with panoramic oceanfront views—perfect for people-watching and soaking up the seaside energy.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Stella Marina also welcomes guests on holidays including Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
(Updated April 2025)
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