Buona Sera

We had a great early dinner at Buona Sera. The restaurant has its own parking, which is awesome for Red Bank. The interior was beautifully decorated for the holidays and was super cozy. We were given a great corner table, which was very comfortable and had a great view of the restaurant. Every dish we ordered was excellent and they easily accommodated our "no onions" request. The octopus and Filet Mignon Braciole were the best appetizers (Tomato Mozzarella Tower with Prosciutto de Parma was also pretty good). For main course, the skirt steaks special was great as was the Buona Sera Famous Capellini Aglio Olio pasta with calamari. Portions were huge, so we have enough left over for lunch at home today. Service was attentive and our waiter was always around and easy to find. I will surely be going back to Buona Sera!

They have their own parking caddy corner across the street, otherwise it's street/meter parking. We had reservations for 6, seated right away. Place fills up quick. It's loud, but it is what it is. Pretty sure frank Sinatra was playing all night 😉. Service was kinda slow, there was a show at the theater next door so they were super busy with aggressive customers wanting to get in and out. Pricing is fair, not overly priced at all. Now we get to the good stuff...food.. Appetizers: Tomato, fresh mozz and basil-👍👍u can't really mess this up, it was good Clams casino--👍👍👍this was really good, possibly one of the best I've had (I haven't had many, but still!) Calamari-👍👍👍ok this was amazing 👏 🙌 it doesn't come with tentacles, but you won't really care. It was crispy on the outside, and perfectly cooked-not chewy. Seasoned well....I could have eaten just this and been happy. I've had a lot of calamari over the years, this was top notch 👌 Dinners: Penne vodka-👍👍👍this was really good, comes with a very generous portion that I could barely eat. While I enjoyed it, the leftovers were RIDICULOUSLY delicious 😋 I highly suggest getting thr larger portion (there are 2) and taking the leftovers. Stuffed rigatoni-👍👍👍i had a bite and it was delish, however, super heavy and I am sure it made for amazing leftovers Linguini and clam sauce-👍👍👍I did not try this but the person eating it enjoyed it and the leftovers Dessert: Tiramasu-👍👍👍i did not get to taste this, but the people eating it loved it Creme brulee--👍👍👍this was really good, crisp top, creamy inside, decent portion Highly recommend. Table of 5, some had cocktails and the bill didn't break the bank.

We walked in and were greeted by the owner, Chris who let us choose our table, and told us whatever we wanted to eat, they'd make it for us, or something thereabouts. So we immediately felt comfortable. Our waiteress was fantastic and very helpful with the menu. We had calamari that was grilled and not on the menu for an appetizer. For entree we had zupa de pesce and a veal dish. Both were fresh and delicious. The pace of the meal was relaxed, which these days is unusual, as restaurants want to flip tables quickly. We finished off with a cappuccino and some sorbet. A really great meal. We'll be back to enjoy more of the menu. The portions are definitely big. Bravo 🤌

We had a fantastic dinner. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Chris the owner. The service food and atmosphere were top notch. Truly one of the best restaurants in the area.

I was in town on a Friday night and decided to have dinner here. I got seats at the bar and the bartender was super friendly. Ordered Aperol Spritz and the Sardinian pizza, which was delicious. For dinner I ordered the Pork Paillard which was. Avery unique dish served with pancetta over gnocchi and the Fresh Clam Sauce over linguine, delicious flavors. These are generous portion dishes and it can be shared. They offer half or full size dishes and even the half doesn’t look half at all. The restaurant is beautifully decorated so take a tour when you visit. Overall a great experience and I’d definitely go back here.

Italian food that makes old world proud! Everything we have ever had is perfect. Parings and flavor combinations are done with precision. Every dish seems to be made to exacting standards. All of the meals are delicious and cooked the way you want it. I’m the staff is charming and helpful, and the food comes out in the timeframe expected for a high end restaurant. Their bartenders need a special shout out as their beverages are made with the same exacting standards. Marvelous! The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable for parties of all sizes. It can get a little confusing, like the back allies of Italy.

I received a surprise personal greeting by Mike, greeted me with my name? When I made the reservation, I mentioned that I was handicapped & would be arriving in a motorized scooter, he won me over immediately. This restaurant has been around, this was my first visit. Food is magnificent, the restaurant is gorgeous and the drinks are great. We were attending a concert at Count Basie theater, and Buona Sera is right next door. Anthony our waiter was very attentive and very friendly, a plus to our dining experience. I ordered Sea Bass special my wife the Veal Parmesan, outstanding. Finished with a wonderful Key Lime pie and coffee. We would certainly return, Italian cuisine at its best!

Good food and good service. The place can be a bit loud and it's hard to have a normal conversation, but the food makes it a must visit for Italian food, seafood, steak, and chops in Red Bank. They do have their own parking lot diagonally across the intersection from the restaurant. It’s a good idea to make reservations.

Impeccable fine dining experience from the moment we stepped into this beautiful place to the moment we left. Excellent attentive service and very delicious food. Generous portions. We couldn’t eat it all. My favorite restaurant.

Great restaurant reviews drew us here, and it was next door to our theater venue, the Count Basie. Restaurant parking lot provided across the street, making it easy for leftovers to be dropped off as the portions are gigantic. Everything was delicious. Managers and owners came to every table. Cocktails made to the letter. Expensive and worth every dime spent. Fantastic.

Was great Chris our waiter was the best food was great very busy and crowded we had a table for 4 by the bar was ok till it got really crowed over all great will be back

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely incredible experience at Buona Sera in Red Bank! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile and a beautiful interior that gave real southern Italy vibes. It was our first time dining here, and we were treated like regulars.Our waiter, Sal, was fantastic — super attentive, knew the menu inside and out, and gave spot-on recommendations. If you go, ask for him! The food? Unbelievable. Everything we tried was top-tier. Honestly, this is easily in my top 5 meals of the year. I left nothing on my plate but the bone — that’s how good it was. Dessert was also delicious, and the wine selection is huge, with something for everyone. Highly recommend Buona Sera for anyone who loves great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back!

Excellent dinner experience!! Food was phenomenal, service was outstanding. Went for our daughter’s 18th Birthday with a total of 10 and everyone’s food was delicious. The portions left us with 2-3 more meals. The staff constantly went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect. I can’t say enough good things! First tried this restaurant 19 years ago and it has never disappointed!! Love everything about it. Highly recommend!

We had my daughter’s 30th birthday party last night in the wine cellar!! The staff was amazing Javier and Amanda were fantastic with the drinks flowing and the food being served .. The aumbiance of the restaurant is beautiful. I was happy I picked the wine cellar the vibe was perfect for the theme we picked . Death to the twenties it was dark with black tablecloths and red chairs it was exactly what we wanted.. I loved the food choices I picked and everyone raved over the food !! Definitely will book another party there in the future..

Didn't make reservations on a busy Friday night, so my buddy and I sat at a small table around the bar. Drinks were excellent and food was top notch. Great atmosphere and great service, would definitely go again.

We had John and he was an excellent waiter his personality and courteous way he took care of us Kudos to John. From the 5 ladies who had reservation at 1 on Saturday. Love

There’s a lot to unpack with this place I’ll start with the food. Number one, the food is unbelievable and reasonably priced. Secondly, the server we had was amazing, we sat upstairs but she was on top of everything it bothers me I can’t remember her name but my girlfriend and I thought she was one of the best waitresses we’ve had and we love going out to eat, partially why we stopped in here unplanned (we ate there on Friday night if you can give her recognition). Lastly, we were greeting at the front door, the gentleman who greeted me shook my hand I was so shocked by it I didn’t even know he was going in to shake my hand cause you just don’t see that level of service today. This place is overall my favorite in the area now and I’ll be back without a doubt I was blown away by how incredible of an experience it was to have dinner here, unplanned mind you. Recommend 1000 times over.

The place was great but there was some cigarette/cigar smell in the air that made it a little bit unpleasant. But the ambiance and service was excellent. The food was tasty with large portion size.

10000/10!! Literally sitting at the table now and felt so compelled to write this review. I came here for my best friends birthday with my girls. Christina was our waitress and let me tell you, she did not miss a beat. From her friendly demeanor, to her attentiveness to our experience, she hit the ball out of the park. We ordered a couple appetizers, and our mains from the specials menu. Everything was absolutely delicious. Our water cups were always filled, and our cocktails were delicious. Would 10000% recommend to all my friends and family. Thank you for a great night Buona Sera.

The atmosphere - gorgeous, classic, perfectly dark, and romantic. The food - delicious, each bite is better than the next. But the best part about Buona Sera is Terry. He was an unexpected treat in an already delightful evening. We will be back for the tartufo, and we will be back for Terry.

We had my son’s rehearsal dinner @Buona Sera. It was fabulous! We were able to be accommodated in a private room in The Cellar. The food was excellent, the service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was beautiful! Special shout out to Andrew, Julian, and Ryan! They were professional and had great personalities! A wonderful evening had by all! Our guests loved it and complimented everything! Highly recommend!

We came in for my son’s birthday the other night and everything was amazing. Our server, Christina, was on top of everything from the pace of the food right down to making sure our water glasses were filled constantly. Food was excellent as well as the cocktails! Definitely will be going back!!

We had the most wonderful dining experience!!!! They truly have a Daniel "Spirit of Excellence" from the waiter, Maitre D, Zake to all the other support staff. They went over and above to accommodate us in every way!!! The presentation of the food entrees were over and above amazing!!! The tiramisu was totally amazing created in house was one of the best I ever had!!! ❤️ I would highly recommend to everyone to add this restaurant to your bucket list for sure!!! It will make such a positive mark and create such a precious memory that cannot be erased and truly lasting a lifetime ❤️

I came in with my fiancé for my birthday this past Friday night 11/21. We ordered a bunch of appetizers including the calamari and raw oysters. Both were excellent. For dinner my fiancé had the Zuppa di pesce and I had linguini with white clam sauce. Both were absolutely outstanding and out of this world. Our server, Chris, was fantastic!! Always on top of everything down to our water glasses being filled. She was bright and knowledgeable and even surprised me at the end when we ordered the NY cheesecake with a candle in it and began to sing happy birthday to me. I don’t know about you but little things like that will keep us coming back!! Thank you to everyone for the amazing birthday!

Have been multiple times and they never disappoint. Free parking lot for customers. Large portions. Always excellent service. I love their pork chops and pasta is also very good. Espresso martini is best I have had in a long time.

We were here yesterday to celebrate three birthdays and one wedding anniversary. Our server Angelo was spectacular! He was so attentive and very polite and took very good care of us. The food, including appetizers, were so incredibly delicious!! I would highly recommend coming here and try it for yourself. I know we’ll be back!

What a wonderful place! The food was exceptional, vibrant, and impeccably presented. The service was extremely friendly and welcoming, making us feel very comfortable. One of the best gastronomic experiences I've ever had. I highly recommend it!

Too loud, but great food. We try to go only for lunch on Sunday when it's quiet. Jack is a great waiter. We have had other great waiters. Some patrons can be loud and obnoxious. Very accommodating for gluten free. Very generous portion sizes. Come hungry. Went for a baby shower once. Staff was great. Decorations in restaurant and banquet room are beautiful.

The food was delicious. The lobster ravioli was my favorite. Our server Tara was awesome. We'll be back again.

If you're in Red Bank and haven't wandered into Bueno Sera yet, let me be the first to gently (or maybe not-so-gently) nudge you in that direction. I stopped by recently, and it turned out to be one of those nights when the food outshines the cramped quarters—like a Broadway diva belting it out in a phone booth. First up, the swordfish puttanesca. Let me just say, I've had a lot of swordfish in my day—some good, some a little too close to the texture of a flip-flop. But this? This was hands-down the best swordfish I've ever had: thick, tender, and practically singing with moisture and that bright, salty-sweet puttanesca sauce. If swordfish were a religion, I’d be a convert right there. And speaking of seafood revelations, the clams casino here are something you’ve got to see to believe. These aren't your run-of-the-mill casino clams. These are the big-money slots: clams fresh and briny, smothered in a rich blanket of buttery breadcrumbs and crowned with bacon chunks so big you'd think they came straight from a butcher's fever dream. Absolutely killer. Now, full disclosure—Bueno Sera is not the spot for the claustrophobic. The tables are close enough to make a new friend without even trying, and the walking paths? Let’s just say they’re designed for folks who don’t mind bumping an elbow or two. But if you're feeling sociable and can maneuver like a cat burglar, it’s worth the squeeze. Oh, and there’s a cigar bar upstairs if you’re feeling fancy—or rebellious. It’s got good ventilation, which is a mercy given how lively (read: loud) the scene is. Still, it’s a unique spot to unwind after stuffing yourself silly. Service was reasonably attentive, especially considering they were packed to the rafters. Everyone was in good spirits, though, and that always makes a tight space feel a little less tight. And here’s a final bonus for anyone driving in: parking is easy-peasy across the street, catty-corner from the restaurant. It’s a rare treat in Red Bank, so take advantage of it! All in all, Bueno Sera delivers one hell of a meal, even if it’s a bit of a human Tetris game to navigate. But hey, once you’ve had that swordfish and clams casino, you’ll be too busy planning your return trip to notice the shuffle.

Awesome Italian restaurant, huge portions, good food and great service. 5 pounds lobster is a great choice to share. Melting in your mouth calamari. Good cocktails and wine selection. There is a cigar launch on the second floor with a bar. You can smoke your own cigars or get one from them. We all had a great time.

Buona Sera was a very nice dining experience! Service was great and good was delicious. Started with Caesar salad, which was large enough to feed 4 people. Then we decided to get linguini with clam sauce and stuffed rigatoni. It was actually too much pasta, but we brought a lot home. We split both entrees, and we each had two bowls of pasta in front of us!! Dessert was carrot cake, which was just ok. Next time I'll get their famous cannoli!!! Will definitely return.

The food was decent but the portion sizes are really big. Even though my husband and I got the half size orders, there were still tons of leftovers. Lobster Ravioli - 3/5 (could be better) Creamy Rigatoni- 3/5 (pasta was too big and there were chunks of meatballs)

I went to Buona Sera for dinner with a small group last weekend after hearing a lot of hype and seeing many strong reviews online. Unfortunately, I left feeling a bit underwhelmed. Maybe my expectations were too high, given how often it’s described as one of the best dinner spots in Red Bank. Right off the bat, the layout and seating process were confusing. We walked in past the bar and never saw a clear host stand. After some waiting, I asked a waiter in the dining room who told me to look for “a bald guy” near the bar—presumably the host, but that wasn’t obvious at all. I had a reservation for three, yet the table was set for four. The extra plating was awkwardly removed by our waiter, reaching over one of us in an already cramped and loud dining room. Minor issues overall, but worth noting. Now to the food, which carries the most weight for me. We started with a tomato basil pizza as an appetizer. It was very crunchy and had an okay flavor profile, but nothing memorable (4.8/10). We also tried the crab mac and cheese—very cheesy and enjoyable yet somehow lighter than expected. The only downside was less crab than anticipated (7.7/10). For entrées, one of us ordered the fresh clam pasta in white sauce. It was good, and the fresh pasta stood out, but otherwise it didn’t distinguish itself from similar dishes elsewhere. The Bolognese had solid flavor and a nice mix of sautéed vegetables, though it was a bit watery. The pork osso busso was extremely tender and fell right off the bone, while the risotto was the highlight of the dish—again flavorful, but also quite watery. Overall, the entrées were good but not great (around a 7.3/10). We finished with dessert: the death by chocolate cake, which was overly rich due to an overpowering buttercream (5.5/10), and a classic cheesecake that was light, airy, and very good 8.0/10. To be fair, desserts aren’t made in-house and are sourced from Nasto’s, so I won’t judge the restaurant too harshly on that front. All in all, Buona Sera delivered a decent dining experience, but it didn’t live up to the hype. In a town like Red Bank, I think there are better options, and I wouldn’t go out of my way to return.

So let me preface this by stating I didn’t realize this was a full blown 80s club after 9pm. Went for a nice dinner after a concert. But wow 80s super loud dance floor 10 feet from my dinner table. Made it almost impossible to enjoy conversations. Waiter was not terribly attentive. Had to keep asking for basic things. Bread, then butter, then extra drinks because that was difficult to imagine bringing something other than water. Appetizers were very good. Stuffed mushrooms and fried calamari. Ordered the Pork chops and Pasta Bolognese. The pork was cooked to perfection. The bolognese was not typical. Done a little different. But still good. Dessert was good. New York cheesecake. Coffee was a challenge because he never returned with cream or sugar. Had to ask 2 waiters so by the time they brought it coffee was not hot. The waiter seemed interested in waiting on their “regulars” that this place caters to. Honestly seemed like a scene from goodfellas where only certain tables receive exclusive service. Maybe it was just that time of night or that particular waiter. Might try again

Sorry to say one of the best restaurants I have experienced HAS CHANGED. Never before have I left disappointed before now. The menu has changed and the food was extremely salty. And salt was the only seasoning in our food. I will now not think of Buena Sera as a go to but simply an option low on the list. Think twice before making this your choice. It may not be the food you once loved.

Convenient location, nice vibes. I would give 7/10 for food flavor. One reason this is a 3 star is because the portion… the portion is tooooo big and you can essentially order 1 entree for 2 people and it will be more than sufficient. The waiter does not remind you and we end up taking home lots of food

Had big expectations and was seriously let down. Clams oreganato had chewy clams,(frozen?) sauce had big chunks of tomato which was very odd for marinara, and it wasn't good. Sausage seemed boiled and dry. Got the Bracicole app and it was in brown sauce(?!?) and had no flavor but salt. Server brought us bread with no butter or oil. And then coffees without a teaspoon to add sugar. Plus the wall next to the table was filthy. They took care of us when we weren't able to eat what was brought. Thought it was the perfect place to celebrate our 29th anniversary, but we could have gotten better Italian at or local spot and my wife makes much better sauce. For the incredible prices, very disappointing.

The atmosphere at this restaurant is truly beautiful, and our waiter provided excellent service throughout the evening. Unfortunately, the food did not match the experience or the price point. We spent approximately $150 per person, and three steaks had to be sent back for being incorrectly cooked. One of them was a tomahawk steak that arrived rare when it was ordered medium. Another steak had to be sent back twice and ultimately came back burnt. Given the cost and reputation of the restaurant, this was very disappointing. What made the situation worse was the lack of acknowledgment from management. The manager did not offer any compensation or gesture—no dessert, no coffee. This restaurant has great potential because of its ambiance and service staff, but for the price, the food execution and management response fell well below expectations.

Horrible food and horrible service. Our appetizers came out before our drinks. I don’t know if it was our waiters first week on the job but the service given to us was embarrassing. He came over handed us a drink menu and disappeared for 15 minutes came back and asked us if we wanted appetizers. We put in drinks and appetizers and our apps came out before our drinks. Appetizers we got were baked clams (not good at all. Tasted of garlic) fried calamari (definitely was not fresh as it had a smell and tasted like rubber) mussels marinara (probably the best thing of the night) and mozzarella en coroza (extremely soggy and like mush). After the apps came out we got dinners. The chicken scarpiello was not good at all. The chicken was like chewing on a tire it was so dry and there was no flavor. We also got chicken parm which I was told was average. The tuna special which came with a pile of guacamole on top? Never seen that before and a pork chop. The waiter came over to us two times the whole night. We had empty drinks on the table the whole time and had to search for him to get us refills. He did not ask how everything was and we were one of his three tables. I would stay clear of this place. It seems like many people write raves about it but after tonight I wouldn’t give them another dollar. They also charge $16 for valet which is absurd and a camera guy tries to charge $20 for a picture which is so cheesy.