Brando's Citi Cucina

"Nearly every part of Jersey features an Italian restaurant (or 20) that people argue over being the best in town. While there are many very good options in the area, Brando’s is the best in Asbury Park. Although the atmosphere is slightly more upscale, this is still a classic red sauce joint that’s perfect for a nice dish of paccheri bolognese or a fat bone-in veal or pork chop prepared milanese-style, parmigiana, or in an assortment of different ways. Portions are large, so Brando’s is an ideal option for a group looking to share a few things off the menu. Reservations may be hard to come by, but we love grabbing a meal at the bar and catching a few minutes of The Godfather, which is likely playing on the TV. " - michael sinatra

"Nearly every part of Jersey features an Italian restaurant (or 20) that people argue over being the best in town. While there are many very good options in the area, Brando’s is the best in Asbury Park. Although the atmosphere is slightly more upscale, this is still a classic red sauce joint that’s perfect for a nice dish of paccheri bolognese or a fat bone-in veal or pork chop prepared milanese-style, parmigiana, or in an assortment of different ways. Portions are large, so Brando’s is an ideal option for a group looking to share a few things off the menu. Reservations may be hard to come by, but we love grabbing a meal at the bar and catching a few minutes of The Godfather, which is likely playing on the TV." - Michael Sinatra

"Nearly every part of New Jersey features an Italian restaurant or 20 that people argue over being the best. While there are many very good options in the area, Brando’s is the best in Asbury Park. Although presented in a slightly more upscale way, it’s still a classic red sauce joint that’s perfect for a nice dish of paccheri bolognese or a fat bone-in veal or pork chop presented with milanese, parmigiana, or in an assortment of different ways. Portions are large, so Brando’s is an ideal option for a group looking to share a few things off the menu. " - Michael Sinatra

"Nearly every part of New Jersey features an Italian restaurant or 20 that people argue over being the best. While there are many very good options in the area, Brando’s is the best in Asbury Park. Although presented in a slightly more upscale way, it’s still a classic red sauce joint that’s perfect for a nice dish of paccheri bolognese or a fat bone-in veal or pork chop presented with milanese, parmigiana, or in an assortment of different ways. Portions are large, so Brando’s is an ideal option for a group looking to share a few things off the menu. " - Michael Sinatra

"Old-school Italian joint Brando’s Citi Cucina does red sauce classics right in Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore, and at a recent meal I particularly enjoyed the meatball appetizer ($14). It’s two massive fried meatballs, one served in Sunday gravy and the other in garlic oil, with a tangy and bitter red wine vinaigrette salad separating the two. It was a nice change from just meatballs in tomato sauce, and the naked version still managed to stand up to the sauced one with its garlicky flavor. The salad provided perfect refreshment from the meat." - Eater Staff