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/
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

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerItalian

Ama Ristorante at the Driftwood - Best Restaurants in Sea Bright

Diner Reviews

"The food was delicious, with interesting and varies menu options. The service was terrific! We'll be back and we'll bring friends!"
Dined on 7/10/2014
"My husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary at Ama. The staff was friendly and very knowledable with the wine and food menu. The chef displayed his creativity in the presentation and taste! We will definately return this summer."
Dined on 6/22/2014
"Had dinner here with my family on the 4th of July and had a wonderful meal. Everything from beginning to end was outstanding. Service was great as well. Ama made our 4th memorable."
Dined on 7/4/2014
"I don't know if it was because we sat outside, the server having an off day, but service really wasn't great, but the food was excellent. There wasn't one bad dish on the table. Mussels were really great, perfect sauce, my veal chop was the best I've had."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"The menu was imaginative and the food was delicious. Cocktails were superb; especially rhe Bellini-Martini. Our server was very knowledgeable, extremely helpful, with a wondeerfully vibrant personality. Looking forward to our next visit."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"I made a reservation for a Saturday night, despite knowing it's the busy season. Outside seating seemed lovely, until we realized the staff couldn't handle the additional tables. It took 10 minutes for a server to take a drink order. Once our entrees were served, we were ignored. The server brought my gelato without a spoon and took 5 minutes to bring one--it was half melted by the time he returned. Coffee arrived after dessert, and a refill took an additional 10 minutes. Management agreed that the service was sub-par and then did absolutely nothing to mitigate the issue. I don't mind leisurely dining, but to be ignored is unacceptable. This is not how I expect to be treated when I spend over $200 for dinner. I will not be back."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"The Tuna was excellent as well as our server Maggie. Should have more ocean/beach views, however beautiful. When we were leaving, valet had our car ready and at the door, no waiting! Very impressed. Will definitely return."
Dined on 6/25/2014
"We LOVE the food and ambiance at the restaurant, starting with the gracious valet and welcome when you arrive. The night would have been PERFECT (great food, table, beautiful evening) except our waiter decided that he knew best in terms of serving all of our appetizers (shared mussels) and individual GREAT salads at once and when I pointed this out to him, he shrugged and said "what do you want me to do, that's how it goes", hardly what I would expect from such a great restaurant that takes great pride in outstanding services to their guests. We will go back, but next time with a weary eye on our server. Everyone has a bad day, but the expectations are high for Ama and a lapse in service could have ruined a wonderful dinner."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"Unusual take on caesar salad...baby romaine, dressed on bed of prosciutto. Wonderful mussels."
Dined on 6/20/2014
"Visited on a Thursday night, everything was outstanding! One of the best places on the Jersey Shore!"
Dined on 6/19/2014
"My wife and I enjoyed our Father's Day celebration. The kids, not so much, as the menu is really not kind friendly. We found our food to be delicious. The setting is interesting in that you're looking down on the interior of a beach club and in the Seabright area there is a concrete and block wall which blocks the view of the beach....but not the ocean. Service was good although the waitress got a little surly with me for sending back "Gallino Caeser Salad" because I didn;t know that Gallino meant thinly shaved prosciutto. On a happy note, they actually read my note on my reservation asking for a ocean view table....so many times that extra request at the bottom goes un-noticed. Bottom line, the wife and I will go back."
Dined on 6/15/2014
"From the minute you walk in great Hostess Big smile and warm greeting !! The rest of the staff warm friendly They go over and beyond We fine dine all over and by far the most friendly accommodating stall Our 6 time there Great place That cant do enough for you !!! Its all about the guest ! The Food is always a step above the rest_)"
Dined on 6/14/2014
"It is rare to find fine dining at the Jersey Shore but we were lucky to find it in Ama! The food was simply excellent. We shared appetizers of tri colored salad, mussels and fried calamari. Each was prepared to perfection and the sauce served with the mussels was to die for!!! The entrees were equally impressive; creamy shrimp risotto, Mediterranean bronzino fillet and sea scallops. Once again outstanding. The only part of the meal that was lackluster were the desserts - which were ordinary at best - and the espresso, which was really too watery. As far as service, our waiter Terry was fantastic. He and the rest of the staff that we encountered did a great job and are the definitely part of the reason that we will be back."
Dined on 6/15/2014
"We were pleasantly surprised at the service and quality of food at Ama. We had not previously heard of this restaurant and did not know what to expect. Our party of four all agreed that it met and exceeded all our expectations. First, we dined on Wednesday and wine by the glass was 1/2 price. The menu included a prix fixe option with excellent entree options. Each course was nicely presented and served professionally. The peanut butter semifreddo was outstanding. "Down the Shore" good food rarely comes with good service. Ama is an exception. Our waitress knew each dish and helped us with our wine selection. Each and every person working there was friendly and helpful from the valets who greeted us to the hostess when we left."
Dined on 6/4/2014
"We dined at Ama and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Shared excellent fried calamari to start and wonderful sea scallops. Will definitely return."
Dined on 6/6/2014
"Really enjoyed AMA. Food was quite delicious and the view was spectacular. Will go again very shortly."
Dined on 6/1/2014
"First time here. I read about the ocean views. I didn't read any comments that the window view is also overlooking the pool club, and during my dinner I watched people carry in cases of beer, food, and walking around in flip flops and bathing suits. Hands down, the PEI mussels in red sauce over cubes of bread was excellent and reason enough for me to want to return. I had Scottish salmon for an entree that was very good. There were two vents in the floor under my chair and behind my wife that we're blowing freezing air. Felt like there was a large freezer below us. The waiter put cheap thin plastic covers over the vents. These shifted when either I moved my chair or the man at the table behind my wife. If you get this table, ask to move!"
Dined on 5/30/2014
"A nice higher end shore Restuarant with an ocean view. Smaller menu than many but everything ordered at my table was prepared nicely. Nice size appetizers but main course was just a little undersized but it did leave room for dessert. Mixed drinks were very nice two. Expect to pay $100 per head with drinks tips etc.. Service was fast. Perfect place for a special occasion. "
Dined on 5/24/2014
"We were at AMA last Sunday night for dinner.. The experience was unforgettable. Everything was spectacular, from the delicious bread to the dessert. We will be back very shortly."
Dined on 5/18/2014
"We have had dinner at Ama when it was in Atlantic Highlands and loved it. his new loctiob is larger, beautiful and and a lovely ocean view. The four of us had a great time."
Dined on 5/14/2014
"We went there for Mother's Day, a very busy day. We arrived at 4:00p when the restaurant was relatively empty and initially we were given a table overlooking the parking lot. After we protested we were escorted to the private dining room which provided an ocean view. The food was very good but the service was exceptional, (very professional, non intrusive...). We will return."
Dined on 5/11/2014
"We went for Mothers Day lunch. It was a gorgeous day so the view was great! Everything we ordered was so good and our server, Shane (hope i spelled it right) was so nice. I cannot wait to go back. Would definitely recommend this place to everyone"
Dined on 5/11/2014
"Loved the ocean views and vibe of the restaurant. The fettuccini with veal Ragu and pleasures of the earth veggie appetizer were delicious. A wonderful restaurant for a special occasion as well as a great place for dinner anytime"
Dined on 5/10/2014
"The food was great. The service was horrible. When we were served our wine they just started pouring, no offer to taste the wine. When we asked to fill our glass they said it was gone. Four of us had a 1/2 glass of wine and they said the bottle was empty! That is impossible as it was small glasses, you normally get 2 glasses each when filled as low as they did. Of course they don't keep the bottles near the table so we had no clue. When we asked the waitress where our wine was she said it was finished. When we confronted her this she was horrible. I reminded her we were not asked to taste the wine, she offered that was a no-no but did nothing to help us. We had an issue with our cocktails as well. No manager ever came by either."
Dined on 5/10/2014
"Took my girl out for our anniversary here, what a great little place. Service was polite, prompt, and everything came out exactly as ordered. The price fix menu was a fantastic deal for us, getting you an appetizer, entree and dessert for just the price of a regular entree, albeit in smaller portions. There was a complexity to everything we were served, bringing life to foods that you would not expect. If you are looking for a cute place to go on a date, or a nicer place for a reunion of some sort look no further. "
Dined on 5/4/2014
"The Best Restaurant on the Jersey Shore by far! From the food to the bar everything is excellent, in taste and presentation. We look forward to our next dinner."
Dined on 5/7/2014
"Ama ristorante is a go to for anyone who hasn't tried it. Chef Lesbirel has nailed it again with an outstanding seafood salad special and delicious scallops. We finished our dinner with an awesome tiramisu. Run, Don't walk to Ama!"
Dined on 5/6/2014
"delicious food. good menu. friendly efficient service. you will not go wrong if you visit Ama. always a great experience"
Dined on 5/4/2014
"Great restaurant. Limited menu if you don't eat seafood"
Dined on 5/3/2014
"Had dinner at AMA for 3rd time this weekend. 1st was in original location in A. Highlands. Each meal has been better and better and this visit the service was not just good but excellent with Terence our waiter and the full wait staff with extra servers, hostess & valet. Ama is truly one of the best restaurants in the Red Bank/Rumson/Sea Bright Area. While the entry is rather unassuming, the restaurant's ambiance is great overlooking the sea and the chef is doing great work ! Kudos to chef, management and staff. "
Dined on 5/3/2014
"I made a reservation for 2 people at 6:30 on a Saturday night, and there were plenty of time choices to choose from. When we arrived we were seated at a table for 2 against the wall right next to a table of 8. There were maybe 6 other tables taken. When we asked to move next to a window, the hostess went back to her station, had a conversation, and then told us the table was taken. We were eventually seated next to a window, but not overlooking the ocean. By the time we finished our dinner at 8:15, the table we had requested was never occupied. While our waiter was pleasant, he erroneously assumed who would be paying the bill. The food was okay, but nothing special.It will be a while before I go back, if ever. "
Dined on 5/2/2014
"The atmosphere was nice. The food was ok. The prices were high for what they offered. "
Dined on 5/2/2014
"Never dissapointed with anything I have ordered. Everything is fantastic, from the pasta to fish to steak. Meals are thoughtfully prepared as are the mixed drinks. "
Dined on 4/25/2014
"The service and wait staff were very kind and friendly. Would have preferred a table that wasn't pressed against a wall. However the salad was very good, bread was burned and dry. The wine (Pinot Noir) was very good, and the entrees were excellent. This is not an inexpensive place, but worth the price."
Dined on 4/26/2014
"This was my first time back at Ama with new executive chef at the helm. I was interested to see if anything had changed. First off, the service was excellent as usual. With the new manager in charge, I wasnt sure if this would change. Glad to report it hasnt. I dined with two other patrons. We started with the artichoke salad, the misto, and the mussels. Happy to report that all three of these Ama staples tasted exactly the same as they always have. They were delicious. For entrees, I had the new Scallops dish, my one friend had the Salmon and the other had Penne. All three of us greatly enjoyed our dishes. Happy to report after all the changes, everything at Ama is still wonderful and I will be going back many times again."
Dined on 4/1/2014
"Service was excellent, our waitress went above and beyond for our requests and was very patient. We entertained her! LOL"
Dined on 4/20/2014
"This was an expensive dinner, though delicious and perfectly served."
Dined on 4/19/2014
"We have been to AMA many times, something changed. Servers were friendly/attentive. We heard dishes/glasses/silverware crash to the floor (dropped by staff)5 times. Staff asked if anyone was hit w/ glass. The food was a great disappointment from past. Something happened over at AMA, very surprised. Two Spring Fling cocktails, tasted as if were watered down. We brought a guest and we were embarrassed as we RAVED about AMA. One expects more from a meal costing over $300 this meal, at best, was mediocre. As you might imagine, we will not be returning."
Dined on 4/19/2014
"We went for restaurant week dinner. Menu options were good. Loved the mussels in marinara. Wow! Ambiance was really nice and unexpected. Get there early and have a nice drink at the bar."
Dined on 4/11/2014
"Always meant to try Ama, finally got there......... It was wonderful!"
Dined on 4/11/2014

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50 % Off Select Wines by the Glass
Tuesday-Thursday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM›
50 % off wines by the glass on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Some exceptions may apply. Excludes Tax and Tip. 50 % off select wines by the glass Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Special valid Jun 17, 2014 - Sep 17, 2014 on Tuesdays - Thursdays from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Offer valid June 17, 2014 - September 17, 2014
$7 Specialty Cocktails
Thursday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM›
Excludes Tax and Tip. Special valid Jun 17, 2014 - Sep 17, 2014 on Thursdays from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Offer valid June 17, 2014 - September 17, 2014
Draft Beer
Sunday 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM›
$3 Draft Beer at the Bar. Excludes Tax and Tip. Special valid Jun 17, 2014 - Sep 17, 2014 on Sundays from 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Offer valid June 17, 2014 - September 17, 2014
$7 Specialty Cocktails
Friday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM›
Excludes Tax and Tip. Special valid Jun 17, 2014 - Sep 17, 2014 on Fridays from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Offer valid June 17, 2014 - September 17, 2014
Three Course Prix Fixe Meal for $30.00
Sunday 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM›
Three Course Prix Fixe Meal for $30.00. Excludes Tax and Tip. Menu subject to change. Special valid Jul 2, 2014 - Aug 30, 2014 on Sundays from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Offer valid July 2, 2014 - August 30, 2014
Earn 1,000 Dining Points
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Ama Ristorante at the Driftwood Details

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