Buona Sera Ristorante, Red Bank, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Buona Sera, Red Bank, NJ, A restaurant review

Buona Sera Italian Ristorante 
50 Maple Ave
Red Bank, NJ

Buona Sera Restaurant: Highlights

Fare:  Traditional Italian

Price:  Expensive

Food Quality:  Well-executed dishes with homemade pasta.

Service:  Welcoming, knowledgeable, responsive, with some inconsistencies on busy evenings

Ambiance/Decor:  Elegant, NYC-style "Old World" ambiance.

Overall Rating:  3 Stars

Note:  Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Noise Level:  Moderate - High, depending on seating.

Dress:  Business casual

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a well-executed traditional Italian food with "Old World" NYC, elegant, vibrant atmosphere.

Not Recommended For:  Diners who enjoy a small, neighborhood, BYOB, with a low-key, quiet setting.

Recommended dishes:  When available, The Veal Chop Paillard with long hot peppers and potatoes "Puglisi Style"; The Australian Free Range Lamb Chops Double cut Lamb Chops grilled and finished with a Port Wine Demi; and The USDA Prime Certified Angus Beef Ribeye

Liquor:  Huge selection of wines by the glass and bottles. with a large range of prices, specialty cocktails, and beer. Bar scene is vibrant.

Buona Sera, located near the Count Basie Performing Arts Center, is a multi-level, traditional Italian restaurant with elegant "Old World" NYC-style ambiance, food quality, and service.

Buona Sera is a popular place for diners of all budgets and tastes, from high rollers willing to spend $2,000 for a bottle of wine, to a group of friends looking to share plates and split a bill without breaking the bank.

This Red Bank landmark restaurant is the creation of Chef/Owner Christopher Mariani who brings his unwavering passion and dedication to building one of the most successful restaurants on the Jersey Shore, and certainly to Red Bank, the cultural center of the Jersey Shore.

This multi-level level restaurant with an open high ceiling in the main dining room has a "New York City" feel to it --- It's fast-paced, busy, and tends to be noisy, especially around the bar area.

During warmer months there is outside sidewalk dining.

The dining experience begins with a presentation of bread and olives, setting the tone for Italian fine dining. There is an extensive hot and cold antipasto menu, with many traditional ItalianØ¢ favorites.

The well-executed entrees come with generous portions of well-prepared and attractively presented Italian dishes. The pasta is homemade with many gluten-free options. If there is a special request for an item not on the menu, ask and they will try to accommodate you.

A la carte dining is available in the main and mezzanine dining rooms.

They also offer a well-executed, special prixe fixe family-style menu.

Dining for private parties is available with private party rooms for both small and large events for 30 to 150 guests.
The Skylight Room with seating up to 30. With lofty ceilings and a sunlit atmosphere, its ideal for a small private gathering.
The Wine Cellar with seating for up to 36 with an intimate setting under a majestic dome ceiling, exposed brick, and stone walls, where 15,000 wine bottles are stored.
The Mezzanine with seating up to 80 is ideal for cocktail parties. Features a view overlooking the main dining room and the open-air kitchen.
The Ubriaco Bar with seating for up to 80. Ideal for a private party or corporate event with.Italian lavish decor and a 35-stool bar.
The Tuscan Room with seating up to 150. Perfect for a boutique wedding, or large private gathering. The Tuscan vibe is enhanced with 15-foot copper ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers. Weather permitting, the balcony doors open up for an al fresco feel.

Reservations are a must, especially if you plan to attend a performance at the Count Basie Performing Arts Center.

Valet parking at Buona Sera every Friday & Saturday night, at the private lot on the corner of Maple and Monmouth.

Buona Sera is open seven days a week, for lunch and dinner, until close, often past midnight.

(updated: June 2024)

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