Drifthouse by David Burke, Seabright, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Drifthouse, Seabright, NJ A restaurant review
Drifthouse by David Burke
1485 Ocean Ave
Sea Bright, NJ

The Drifthouse by David Burke: Restaurant summary

Fare: Coastal Italian-Mediterranean

Price: Very Expensive

Food Quality: Serves a well-executed inspirational menu prepared using quality products with a commitment to seasonal local foods.

Service: Most of the staff are knowledgeable, attentive, without being intrusive. Though, with high turnover, some of the staff are not yet up to par.

Ambiance/Decor: Upscale with a “beach chic” vibe, tables set with white linen, walls adorned by whimsical artwork, and with beautiful panoramic oceanfront and Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers sunset views.

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

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

Noise Level: Moderate - High

Dress: Upscale casual

Recommended For: For high income diners who enjoy a high-end chic atmosphere, inspirational dishes prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, and panoramic ocean & sunset views.

Not Recommended For: For budget conscious diners who prefer a casual family menu with large food portions and many comfort food options.

Recommended dishes: When available, The Frutta Di Mare with Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Squid Ink Pasta, Tomatoes, White Wine, Garlic; The Branzino with Artichoke Hummus, Red Pepper Olive Vinaigrette; and The Center Cut Filet Mignon.

Liquor:  Full service bar. Bar scene is vibrant

The Drifthouse by David Burke, located on the 2nd floor at the Driftwood Cabana Club in Sea Bright, is an attractive oceanfront restaurant serving an inspirational menu. It's one of the top dining spots on the Monmouth County Jersey Shore.

Co-owned by David Burke and the Stavola Family, the kitchen is run by Executive Chef Toni Charmello, in close harmony with David Burke.

David Burke is a famed chef, having appeared on the Food Network and on Bravo's "Top Chef Masters," is well known along the Jersey Shore having been an owner and Executive Chef of several NJ restaurants, and Tavern 62 by David Burke in Manhattan, and BLT Prime in the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Executive Chef Toni Charmello received her formal culinary education at Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. She later honed her culinary skills at David Burke Tavern in New York City, Eno Terra in Kingston, NJ and Albarino in Shrewsbury, NJ

Chef Charmello's style of cooking is based on the rural Italian tradition of an "enoteca," a holistic regional dining experience in which wine plays a pivotal role.

The Drifthouse restaurant serves an inspirational menu prepared using quality products with a commitment to seasonal local foods.

Many of the wines at the Drifthouse are from the Apulia region of Italy known for its coastline and farmlands.

The interior is attractively done up with “beach chic” look with tables set with white linen, walls adorned by whimsical artwork, and with beautiful panoramic oceanfront and Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers sunset views. in the warmer months there is outdoor dining.

For a romantic dinner, or quiet conversation, asked to be seated away from the Bar area, and live music where the noise can get to be very loud.

There is live music every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 6 pm – 10 pm

Not recommended for children.

The Drifthouse Restaurant is closed on Mondays during off season, and open daily for dinner during the summer season.

They are also open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, & New Year’s Day.

(Updated October 2024)

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