Moonstruck, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
517 Lake Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ
(732) 988-0123
Website
Moonstruck: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American with a Mediterranean influence
Price: Very Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed, inspiring seasonal specials, artfully presented
Service: Friendly, attentive, knowledgeable
Ambiance/Decor: Tastefully refurbished Victorian setting with a romantic vibe. In the warmer months you can dine outside on the porch overlooking Wesley Lake
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy excellent eclectic food and upscale, romantic ambiance.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer a BYOB with a casual menu.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Portuguese Clams appetizer: The Cowboy Steak; Sesame Grilled Tuna; and the Grilled Wahoo.
Liquor: Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant.
Moonstruck is one of the top fine-dining restaurants on the North Jersey Shore, and arguably the best in Asbury Park.
The restaurant is run by co-owners Luke Magliaro and Howard Raczkiewicz, who is also the executive chef.
The limited menu offers inspiring seasonal specials, artfully presented, and well-prepared using fresh ingredients.
Located in a tastefully refurbished Victorian setting overlooking Wesley Lake, the seating for 300 is spread amongst three levels of wrap-around outdoor porches. The decor has a romantic vibe with soft dark wood, candle-lit tables, fresh flowers, and a fireplace.
The first floor features a rustic, cozy cocktail lounge with dark wood and flickering candles on tables. It's a perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail to ease your waiting time for a table.
The upper levels accommodate two attractive dining rooms, with mustard-colored walls, ceiling fans, wood accents and French doors that open onto the porches.
In the warmer months, Moonstruck has outdoor dining on the front porches of the second and third floors. The setting is scenic overlooking Wesley Lake and the stately homes in Ocean Grove.
The wait staff is well trained, knowledgeable, friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
Moonstruck also has three charming options for private party dining
For 12-18 guests - The VIP Room, located off to the side on the third floor with French doors which may be closed for privacy.
For 20-29 Guests - A portion of our third-floor main dining room can be booked to accommodate parties that will not fit in the VIP Room.
For 30-75 Guests - The main dining room on the third floor can be exclusively booked for large dinner parties
They do not take reservations. All seating first comes-first served.
On-street metered parking is available, though, during the summer peak season, you may have to walk several blocks to find a spot.
Moonstruck is not recommended for children.
Moonstruck is open five days/week, with seasonal hours for dinner only. Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
They are closed during the winter from New Year's Day until around Valentine's Day
(Updated July 2024)
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