Brandl Restaurant, Belmar, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Brandl:  Restaurant Highlights

Brandl is a popular with diners who enjoy a BYOB serving contemporary American food (especially steaks) with attractive, upscale, trendy ambiance.

However, considering it's a BYOB, be prepared for an expensive dining experience. While there are less expensive items to choose from, to experience the chef's best creations, which are mostly steaks, toss aside any budget constraints and order up.

Owner and chef Chris Brandl is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University - Culinary School, He later honed his skills at Redington's Seafood restaurant in Point Pleasant and The Mahogany Grille in Manasquan before opening Brandl in 2002.

Chris Brandl is adept at creating imaginative dishes. This is especially the case with the high-end meat offerings which are cooked in their Charcoal oven Mibrasa Grill @ 800 degrees, which accounts for the well-prepared dry-aged NY strip, porterhouse steaks, and lamb chops.

The interior is attractive with an upscale rustic, yet trendy look with dark earth-toned walls, dark wood flooring, and wood tables set with linen napkins. The lighting is soft with ceilings that have double old waterfront oversized gas streetlamps and tropical fans. Walls are adorned with oversized artwork.

While the wait staff overall is attentive and knowledgeable, though at times the maitre d' (male host) can be aloof and pretentious.

Except for the colder winter months, there is outside dining on the plastic/canvas-enclosed front patio.

Not recommended for children.

Brandl is open for dinner six days/week. Closed on Mondays

(updated: September 2024)