Ama Ristorante at the Driftwood

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Address:
1485 Ocean Ave.
Sea Bright, NJ 07760

Neighborhood:
Sea Bright

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $30 and under

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Ama Ristorante at the Driftwood Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://amaristorante.com/
Email: amaristorante@hotmail.com
Phone: (732) 530-9760
Hours of Operation: Dinner:
Tuesday - Thursday at 5:00-9:30
Friday 5:00-10:30
Saturday 5:00-10:30
Sunday 4:00-10:00.
Cuisine: Italian
Executive Chef: Chef Charles "Chuck" Lesbirel
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Bar Dining, Beer, Fireplace, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine
Catering: Private Dining Room & Semi-Private Dinning Available
Special Events & Promotions: Weekly Specials
Tuesday
*20% off featured Tuscan Wines

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
*Half off house wines by the glass
*Complimentary house white or red
with purchase of any pasta

Thursday
*$7 specialty cocktails all night
Friday
*$7 specialty cocktails from 5-7
Sunday
* No corkage fees
* Pre fixe 3 course menu for $32
with a glass of house wine $38
*$3 draft beer at the bar

Getting there

Parking: Valet
Parking Details: Complimentary Valet Parking

A word from Ama Ristorante at the Driftwood

With panoramic and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shrewsbury River, Ama Ristorante at the Driftwood offers guests traditional and newly imagined Tuscan classics in a warm, inviting setting reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. The imaginative and innovative cuisine, prepared by Chef… Charles "Chuck" Lesbirel, offers the finest and freshest ingredients paired with a hand selected wine list that features wines from boutique vineyards in Tuscany and throughout Italy as well as special American selections. Ama Ristorante is open year round to the public. Dinner is served Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 5 p.m.Continued

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerItalian
Diners' Choice WinnerMost Booked 1000-Point Tables

Diner Reviews

"This was my first time dining here since they moved. Not sure what they did, but they have improved. The entire meal was perfectly executed. Prosciutto special with greens, grapes, balsamic and nuts...delicious, calamari was cooked just right, mussels were spot on, pappardelle special and rigatoni were great. Our meal was topped off with the chocolate cake and some port. The server was knowledgable, attentive and non-obtrusive. Thank you. We dined later on a Sunday evening, so the noise level was low. I'm sure that it gets a bit louder during prime time. In NJ, we are surrounded by a ton of mediocre Italian restaurants, this is one that does it right. We will be back."
Dined on 3/9/2014
"For a nice place, we were surprised at only having one set of utensils for both appetizer and entree. Wine was just ok, nothing great."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"This restaurant is very good and is getting better with age. A real gem on the Jersey shore."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"My husband and I dined an AMA on a quiet Wednesday night and it was just as fantastic and the last time. After starting with calamari, caprese salad, and artichoke salad my mouth was watering for more. He has the ribeye that was cooked and seasoned perfectly and I opted for the tuna special that was the BEST tuna I have ever had (and I eat/cook tuna often). AMA Ristorante is a homerun and if you have not tried it, you are missing out. This was our third visit and I'm ready for number four."
Dined on 2/26/2014
"WE HAD A LOVELY EVENING AND ALL OF US ENJOYED OUR FOOD."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"My husband nd i were celebrating our valentines day. It was very romantic. The food was excellent! The mussels appetizer was the best I have ever had. The noise level is a little high because of the open floor plan. We would definitely go back!"
Dined on 2/22/2014
"We have frequented Ama since it opened and have been thrilled w/the food. Now, all of a sudden, it has gone down hill. I heard a rumor that Pat Trama, the executive chef, is no longer with them. That would explain it!"
Dined on 2/20/2014
"I thoroughly enjoyed my Sunday Night dinning experience. The food was exceptional at a very reasonable price considering what I had ordered. The service, attention and suggestions from our waiter and his support staff was delightful and not intrusive. The food portions were a bit on the large side. However, it seems that all clientel to restaurants these days require large portions these days. I prefer more European portioning. The menu is limited, but has a very nice variety."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Best calamari we've ever had--and the crab carbonara was delicious. Split a portion after the calamari, then had delicious fresh red snapper and salmon grilled perfectly. The sides were pretty yummy too. Have hesitated to try this restaurant because it's in a beach club and we thought it might be touristy, but it was much better than expected. Beautiful ambiance in the private room with fireplace too."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"AMA always delivers. One of my wife's favorite restaurants on the Jersey Shore. The mussels with the Tuscan "gravy" is just awesome and we always order it. Chef, Pat Trama, is the best. Can't go wrong here!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"This place has it all. Amazing food that tastes beyond perfect, very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Definitely recommend this place for couples and groups of friends"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Waiter was knowledgeable of all items, attentive and observant of our table needs but not annoying. Decent wine selection and warm bread that was refilled immediately. Food was excellent with good portions on the entrees. The appetizers could of been larger and are definitely not made for sharing but were excellent none the less. Good espresso and cappuccino accompanied by pistachio and hazelnut gelato closed out the night. They brought a rose to the table for my gf with the check. I would highly recommend AMA and business casual dress is fine."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"server was not knowledgable of menu or of high end wines a mistake was made on a order and the server was arguing with one of my guests about this I find this very unprofessional"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"When we arrive at Ama my wife and I have a routine where we like to sit at the bar and enjoy a cocktail and some of there wonderful olive's and bread they keep at the bar...so arrive early and enjoy a pre dinner cocktail or just eat at the bar. When we are with a group of 4 or more we always take a seat in one of the two dining rooms....always pleasant and the food is wonderful, the service is very good and we have no complaints. We dine ther about once per month and enjoy the specials and on certian days they have 1/2 price drinks and I belive on Sunday you can still take your own bottle to enjoy with no corking charge...check the web site or call and ask if these specials are still active."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"AMA is a great place with great food. It's a must try! Will return!"
Dined on 2/1/2014
"The server was very pushy to turn table, the pounded veal was very disappointing."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"Enjoyable dinner, food and presentation well prepared. Salads and appetizers were excellent. Dinners were very tasty and nicely garnished. We plan to visit again soon."
Dined on 2/2/2014
"Have not recovered from the waiter offering a special, then when we were both going to order it, found out they had only one left!"
Dined on 2/2/2014
"Food was amazing, Pat is the best chef it is just not the same without Laura she was the FACE of AMA .. Poor decision!!"
Dined on 1/31/2014
"Just had the best meal of this short year so far at AMA. Dinner started with a wonderful seafood salad, perfectly dressed. We had their risotto with mushrooms which was cooked perfectly. For our main course, perfectly crisped Bronzino was a show stopper. Inventive cocktails from head Cheftender Chris paired beautifully with our courses. His Negroni was the best I've ever had. Service was perfect, attentive without being overbearing. IMHO, AMA is one of the best restaurants in our State!!"
Dined on 1/25/2014
"Great place! Great food, service, Chris the manager is awesome! Great atmosphere!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Our party of four was there on new Years Eve it was our first visit and we were prepared for less then a perfect evening because it was NYE and we have been disappointed in the past. What a marvelous surprise, great service, great food and four very happy diners all of whom loved their experience. The Sicilian Rib Eye was cooked perfectly and as good as you could hope for, The Risotto was excellent, the salmon perfect. If they can pull this off on NYE then I can't wait to go back on a normal evening. Kudos!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Was welcomed by a very nice valet before dropping our coats with the very nice coat check girl. Proceeded to the dining room upstairs where we were given our complimentary proseco. Menu options were nice and when our food came, both our meals were delicious. Followed up with dessert and espresso. We enjoyed our meal out. A little pricy and room felt a little crowded but we would definately go back to AMA. Thank you"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"My husband and I have dine at Ama at a previous location, however we were blown away when we saw what a beautiful restaurant they have at the Driftwood. This will definitely be our favorite from now on. Food was awesome and so was the service!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Food has been consistently great since the old location. Will continue to dine here forever."
Dined on 12/22/2013
"We just dined at Ama Ristorante, as we have been doing since they opened. We have followed Laura and Pat from their previous location and have been VERY happy to do so. It was awfully disappointing not to see Laura's smiling face greeting us last night. We were told that she is no longer w/them and we are really upset. She is part of the ambiance of Ama and w/o her it won't be the same. The excitement of the place has really come down a few notches; the whole demeanor of the restaurant has changed. I hope Pat isn't the next to leave."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"I visited Ama recently on a stormy, snowing evening and it was worth the trip. We were the first people to arrive and not many came but the staff seated guests comfortable near each other so that you did not feel you were alone in an empty room. The food was excellent and attractively presented. I had a special, swordfish, which was delicious, preceded by lentil soup. My guest had a pasta dish which she reported as also being "superb". Our server was very pleasant and knowledgeable. This was my third visit to Ama over several months and each visit has been a most satisfactory experience. I feel that prices are high, as advertised, but not out of line for the quality."
Dined on 12/14/2013
"We had the rigatoni and the chicken with artichoke. Both very tasty without being heavy. Service from Richard was attentive without being intrusive. Delightful dining environment"
Dined on 12/13/2013
"Great food and service at Ama! First time there and not disappointed after hearing great things."
Dined on 12/11/2013
"Service was not overly polished but was plenty good. Food, particularly the Branzino, was outstanding. In fact, their Branzino might be my favorite fish dish at any restaurant. The restaurant is not cheap but the food is good."
Dined on 12/7/2013
"from valet parker to the server the size of the drink the wine list to the speciels a great evening"
Dined on 12/5/2013
"We had a wonderful experience at Ama on the day after Thanksgiving. It was a last minute get together for 16 that quickly grew to 19. They easily accommodated us and also offered kid friendly options. The service was wonderful, the food delicious and the experience remarkable. Our family was very impressed with our special place. Ama is one of our favorites, which is why we go there so often."
Dined on 11/29/2013
"Outstanding food and service but on a Saturday night - the noise level was more than energetic. However, Ama is on my list of favorites."
Dined on 11/23/2013
"My high expectations, based upon recommendations, were EXCEEDED ! The service was OUTSTANDING, exceeded by the food which was "as good as it gets". This has become my favorite restaurant and we look forward to returning time and time again !!"
Dined on 11/22/2013
"We love AMA and would recommend it to others. We took some friends from NYC who go to many great NY restaurants and they loved it!"
Dined on 11/22/2013
"What would have been a very enjoyable dinner was marred by the fact that one of our guests who has certain food requirements could not modify anything on his order of Murray's Chicken Breast, or any other entree, as it would "ruined the chef's presentation". After some prodding, he ended up with plain pasta with garlic and olive oil. Very unaccommodating---"
Dined on 11/16/2013
"Stopped by this past Saturday night. Ama was packed and the energy level felt like you were in NYC. The food and service were outstanding as usual with a special of short ribs being the standout tonight. Kudos as always to one of New Jersey's best restaurants!!"
Dined on 11/16/2013
"Great service, awesome drinks and dinner. A little noisy in the enter but tables around the perimeter are perfect."
Dined on 11/15/2013
"We had a great evening. The menu is not your typical pasta and Francese. You will find interesting Italian cooking here. I like the mix of seafood and meats and found everything presented rather nicely on the plate. Their bread and olive oil is addicting... I tried very hard not to fill up on just that... and we really enjoyed the service. Very kind and helpful. Definitely will go again."
Dined on 9/21/2013
"We went to AMA due to the restaurant week special and were surprised to find such a beautiful place inside and overlooking the pool and ocean! The decor was beautiful and we really liked the bar atmosphere as well. While the prices were a bit high for us as a regular place to go, the food and service was excellent. We may be back to eat at the bar on Tuesday through Thursday to enjoy the half price wines! This certainly would be a special place to go for a treat or romantic date! I am sure we'll return in the summer to enjoy the daylight view with some out of town friends! I definitely recommend a visit!"
Dined on 11/14/2013

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