Sam Vera Restaurant, Marlboro, NJ:
A Dining Review

Sam Vera restaurant is an Italian fine-dining restaurant that is relatively unknown to diners outside of Western Monmouth County. Set in a Victorian house, it consistently serves excellent Northern Italian food.

If you enjoy people-watching, ask to be seated in the small dining area adjacent to the bar. The trade-off is that it's noisier than the other two dining areas and the service is less attentive than in the main dining room.

The tables are set with white linen, candlelight, and fresh flowers. The noise level is low, making it ideal for quiet, intimate conversation.

The service is friendly, professional, well-trained, and knowledgeable about the menu. As an example of their attention to detail and great service, drop your napkin, and within ten seconds, a staff member will come to your table with a fresh napkin to replace it.

Your dining experience begins positively with a complementary serving of roasted peppers, olives, chunks of fresh Parmigiano cheese, and fresh, crusted bread and bread sticks.

The positive dining experience continues throughout the meal with a broad selection of entrees and desserts.

When available, try the Branzini. The Mediterranean Sea bass is flown in overnight from Italy and prepared fresh.

At Sam Vera's, they will cook it, bring it to your table, and de-bone it before your eyes. Order it with the head, tail, and bones intact to maintain its juicy taste. Few other Monmouth County restaurants prepare and serve Branzini and Sam Vera Restaurant.

Reservations are made old world style by phone only.

(updated; September 2024).