Moonstruck, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Moonstruck: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American with a Mediterranean influence
Price: 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 a premier fine-dining destination along the North Jersey Shore, often considered the best in Asbury Park.
Owned by Luke Magliaro and Howard Raczkiewicz, who also serves as the executive chef, the restaurant boasts a carefully curated menu that showcases seasonal specialties, artfully presented and prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian building overlooking Wesley Lake, the restaurant offers seating for 300 across three levels of wrap-around outdoor porches. The ambiance is romantic, with dark wood accents, candle-lit tables, fresh flowers, and a fireplace creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The first floor features a cozy, rustic cocktail lounge with dark wood and flickering candlelight, perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner drink while awaiting your table.
The upper levels house two charming dining rooms, adorned with mustard-colored walls, ceiling fans, wood accents, and French doors that open onto the porches, offering scenic views of Wesley Lake and the grand homes of Ocean Grove.
In the warmer months, outdoor seating is available on the second and third-floor porches, providing a picturesque setting for al fresco dining.
The wait staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, striking the perfect balance between service and privacy.
For private events, Moonstruck offers three delightful options:
VIP Room (12-18 guests): Located on the third floor with French doors for added privacy.
Third-floor Dining Area (20-29 guests): A section of the main dining room available for larger parties. Exclusive Dining Room (30-75 guests): The entire third-floor main dining room can be reserved for larger gatherings.
Moonstruck operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations.
Metered street parking is available, though finding a spot may be challenging during the peak summer season, requiring a short walk.
Moonstruck is not recommended for children.
The restaurant is open five days a week with seasonal dinner hours, and it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It also takes a winter break from New Year's Day until around Valentine's Day.
(Updated April 2025)
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