Brando’s Citi Cucina: Soulful Italian Fare in Asbury Park, NJ

Brando’s Citi Cucina, located on the corner of Cookman and Main in downtown Asbury Park, NJ, offers a unique atmosphere unlike any other Italian restaurant on the Jersey Shore. Chef/Owner Steven Botta is unfailingly hospitable at his osteria, creating a warm and welcoming vibe as he hosts his guests. Chef Botta grew up in Brooklyn and learned many of the recipes used at Brando’s Citi Cucina from his mother. Raised in this welcoming tradition, he believes when you enter Brando’s, whether it’s your first time or your 100^th time, the customer should always feel as if they are dining with family.

Brando’s soulful Italian menu is a perfect balance of food influenced by a combination of all regions of Italy with subtle influences of French cuisine. From simple and rustic to the elaborate, all of Brando’s dishes start with the freshest ingredients and are cooked to order. Brando’s culinary team has been trained at the finest culinary schools and has over fifty years of combined experience.

Begin your meal with an antipasta such as Crispy Calamari or Mozzarella Caprese, followed by one of Brando’s incredible insalatas. With entrées as appetizing as the Riggatoni Vodka, Linguini Vongole, Chicken Francaise, Veal Napoleon, Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Chilean Sea Bass, you may need to ask your waiter to give you a few more minutes to make a decision. Pair your meal with a red wine, white wine, specialty drink or martini. Or if it’s just a late night out, enjoy one of these delectable drinks at the bar where you can watch a classic gangster movie on their television screen.

Make sure to leave room for dessert! Brando’s traditional Tiramasu, Fried Tortoni, Zeppoles, Chocolate Mousse and New York Cheesecake are just some of the delizioso dessert items you’ll find on the menu. You will not want to pass on dessert here. Enjoy Lavazza brand coffee with your sweet treat.

Brando’s Citi Cucina offers incredible specials all week long. During Happy Hour on Tuesday –Friday, 4 – 7 p.m., you’ll get chef’s choice of appetizers for $5, premium house cocktails and wines for $5, martinis for $7, premium bottles of beer for $4 and bottles of domestic beer for $3. Enjoy the Prix Fixe Menu, three courses for only $35, Tuesday–Thursday, 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday is 20 for $20 where you can get 20 wines chosen from Brando’s outstanding wine list offered for $20 with purchase of an entree. On Wednesdays, all wine by the glass is half price with purchase of an entrée. Thursday is Steak Night where select bottles of wine are half price with a purchase of any dry aged steak.

Reservations are available on their website or by calling ahead. Before you come, have a look at 4 of Brando’s current promotions and specials on Jersey Shore inMotion. Plan your next event with Brando’s Citi Cucina. Call their catering experts to customize a menu for your special events. Private parties are welcomed.

Location: 162 Main St., Asbury Park, NJ

What to wear: Semi-formal

Visitors: Locals, tourists

Hours: Monday- Dinner: Tuesday – Thursday, 4 –10 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 4 – 11 p.m.; Sunday 3– 10 p.m. Bar: Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday, 4  – 12 a.m.;  Friday – Saturday, 4 – 2 a.m.

Website: www.brandosnj.com