Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park

Name: Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park
Address: 200 Port Au Peck Avenue, Oceanport, NJ, United States, 07757
Telephone: (732) 571-7900
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.5

4.5

847 Reviews

$50 and over

Italian

Top Tags:

Blu Grotto Ristorante consists of a beautiful conservatory dining room, 3 large outdoor decks and an open air Beer Garden open Thursday-Sunday

Chef James Corona’s Menu consists of Modern adaptations of Regional Italian Classics, hand made and imported dry pastas, fresh seafood and prime steak. Chef Corona believes that the Italian method of serving only the freshest and locally grown, makes for the best possible ingredients.

Our beverage program consists of artisanal cocktails, extensive beer and by the glass wine offerings and a deep wine list by the bottle that has perennial favorites as well as esoteric wines from around the world.

Due to the current restrictions we ask all guests to please arrive on time and restrict their dining time to 2 hours for inside dining so we can accommodate dinners with later reservations. Thank you

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(732) 571-7900

Delivery

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian, Beer Garden, Steak
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(732) 571-7900
Website
http://blugrottorestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
James Corona
Private party contact
Jennifer Perri - Service and Events Director: (732) 571-7900

Location
200 Port Au Peck Avenue Oceanport, NJ 07757
Neighborhood
Long Branch, New Jersey
Cross street
Oceanport Avenue
Parking details
Parking lot entrance is located off of Port au Peck Avenue.
Public transit
NJ Transit limited access during race season. (Monmouth Park Station)
Entertainment
Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10pm, during the warmer months.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Old School Chopped Salad$16.00
Everything but the Kitchen Sink
Caesar Salad$14.00
Classic Dressing ~ Focaccia Croutons ~ White Anchovy
Green Apple & Frisee Salad$14.00
Apple ~ Endive ~ Manchego ~ Marcona Almond
Little Gem Wedge Salad$16.00
Neuske Slab Bacon ~ Gorgonzola Crema
General Tso Calamari$16.00
Calabrian Chilies ~ Sesame Seeds ~ Scallion
Tuna Tartar$16.00
Lemon ~ Capers ~ Extra Virgin Olive Oil ~ Bottarga
Shishito Peppers$18.00
Pickled Mustard Seed ~ Bottarga
Burrata Mozzarella & Beets$18.00
Baby Arugula ~ Sicilian Pistachio ~ EVOO
Grilled Octopus$24.00
Romesco Pesto ~ Salsa Verd
Short Rib Meatballs$16.00
Creamy Polenta ~ Whipped Ricotta
Cured Imported Meats & Cheeses$30.00

Primi

Fettuccine Bolognese$32.00
Classic Ragu of Veal ~ Beef ~ Pork
Black Spaghetti$36.00
Colossal Crab ~ Jalapeno ~ Grape Tomato
Rigatoni Vodka Diavolo$30.00
Spicy Tomato Vodka Crema
House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$28.00
Organic Mushrooms ~ Speck ~ Goat Cheese
Fusilloni Norcina$30.00
Smoked Mozzarella ~ Sausage ~ Truffle Crema
Bucatini & Clams$34.00
Manila Clams ~ Lemon ~ Parsley ~ Bottarga ~ Garlic

Contorni

$14 each

Broccoli Rabe & Hot Cherry Peppers
Bloomdale Spinach
Sliced Toasted Garlic ~ EVOO
Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes
Truffle Fries
Parmesan Cheese ~ Herbs

Secondi

Eggplant Parmesan ala Siciliano$26.00
Tomato Sugo ~ Mozzarella ~ Pasta Side
Wild Caught Roasted Halibut$42.00
Miso-Butternut Squash Puree ~ Roasted Broccolini
Chicken Milanese$30.00
Wild Arugula ~ Heirloom Grape Tomatoes ~ Shaved Fennel ~ Parmigiana
Faroe Island Salmon$36.00
Swiss Chard ala Romano ~ Prosecco-Sun-Dried Tomato-Mustard
Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Risotto$36.00
Jumbo Shrimp ~ Risotto Bianca ~ Sicilian Wine Sauce
Herb Crusted Filet Mignon$48.00
Celery Root Puree ~ Asparagus ~ Funghi Misti ~ Barol
Berkshire Pork Chop & Peppers$36.00
Broccoli Rabe ~ Sweet & Hot Peppers
Strip Steak Pizzaiola$48.00
Porcini Mushrooms ~ San Marzano Tomato ~ Parmesan Herb Fries

What 847 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey - Central
Romantic

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Brighton
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Mothers Day. Food was good. Would have liked I have been seated in the main area and not in the booth right at the front entrance. Service was excellent. Our server was Liz.
J
Jaclyn
Atlantic City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for three generations to celebrate Mother’s Day.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day. Everything was great!
S
Steinwock
New York Area
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
All in all very nice night. Good table, excellent waitress, food and drinks were good.
MA
MikeAnderson
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food & service!
EM
EdwardM
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
went for the first time but it was raining quite a bit they have a wonderful deck right by the track. however we could not get out side to enjoy (spring showers). it was a special date married 44 years and the staff knew and really made it special. the food was great almost to much food per serving. really liked our wait staff top notch! very nice dining room what more can I say!
B
Buddahchar
New York Area
71 reviews
vip
5.0
71 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent evening with friends who had not dined at Blu Grotto previously. We all enjoyed our share appetizers of the calamari and cheese plate. What a great treat! We all enjoyed our entrees, the huge portion of eggplant parmigiana with pasta, and the linguine dish. The pastas were prepared perfectly. We also enjoyed your wine selection, ordering two bottles and appreciating the 20% discount on Wednesday evenings. We will definitely be back, as will our guests.
RW
RonW
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Blu Grotto was visited during Jersey Shore Restaurant week on May 1st. we went early, 5pm. the restaurant was quiet but busy. But we had a reservation and were seated promptly. The food we ordered was delicious. San Marzano tomatoes on toast with cheese , was very good. The toast was not freshly toasted, it was a bit hard, but the olive oil helped to soften. I had to request a steak knife to cut thru the toast. The fluke crudo was enjoyed and very good. I had the cod. It was cooked to perfection. and quite tasty. The partnering order was the steak strips that also was quite good. These were followed by the two desserts. Affogato and almond chocolate cake. the almond chocolate cake was expected to be very dense. Surprisingly it was lighter then expected, altho dense like, it was smooth and very enjoyable. I'd recommend this restaurant for most people, especially if they're going to the racetrack at Monmouth Park
A
Alwarzezp
New York Area
109 reviews
vip
2.0
109 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall2food3service4ambience3
Drinks were NG. The restaurant doesn’t seem to be as good as it used to be.
J
Jennifer
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous dining experience and made a birthday celebration very special
d
danas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my return to Blu Grotto after many seasons. I went during restaurant week, and I was quite pleased and impressed with the food, service and of course the luminous ambiance in the glass enclosed dining area. I cannot remember enjoying a meal as much as this! They even sent me on my way with some vanilla biscotti for the ride home. I was so full they were enjoyed the next day. Well worth the trip to this unique spot at Monmouth Park.
g
grandmacharlotte
New York Area
36 reviews
4.0
36 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The conservatory is beautiful, calming and quiet for a lovely dinner at this time of year. The food is very good, but pricey. The main courses are way too much for my spouse and I to eat. It would be nice to offer smaller senior size portions. Drinks were excellent. Service is outstanding.
l
luvitalian
Atlantic City
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never get disappointed. Food. Drinks And service outstanding.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was amazing! The food was delish. The ambiance is beautiful!
K
Kevin224t
New Orleans
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall3food1service5ambience3
Over priced pasta dishes, extra charge in truffle is absurd when the truffle had no flavor first time for dinner never again will be back for the meatballs and cocktails that’s about it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dIning experience with friends! Food and service was good and we weren’t rushed at all which was greatly appreciated!
TC
TomC
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Apps were good. Entrees just ok. Bolognese sauce very thick almost paste. Chicken scarpiello very little taste
JI
JIllB
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time dining in the conservatory. We were warmly greeted as soon as we arrived and that continued with all of the servers. The cheery blue furniture along with the natural light provided a very enjoyable atmosphere. The special cocktail of the day was delicious and our meals as well, with portion sizes large enough that we brought some food home!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
We wanted to try someplace different so we made reservation at Blu Grotto. Great choice! The food was terrific, the staff was professional and attentive. Ordered the short rib meatballs for apps - quite possibly the best meatballs I ever had! Got the wavy beef and a pasta dish for meals which were all terrific.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Birmingham
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Wonderful birthday celebration! The dessert was awesome! Main meal delicious also
SW
SamW
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an OUTSTANDING evening!! Brilliant idea to have a cocktail dinner that is very different those we've attended at other restaurants. The creativity displayed by both the Chef and Bar Manager Jenny was exquisite. This five-course tasting was like a symphonic experience: a very light opening that builds to a crescendo and then slows to a sweet ending. Every cocktail was exceptionally well blended with components you'd never consider or heard of. There were no more that 5 components in each cocktail, yet each drink exhibited a depth and sophistication of flavor you wouldn't normally find in this type of dinner. The spirits ran a gamut of gin to Kentucky bourbon, cucumber infused vermouth and Prosecco to St Lucien rum and Cynar, with surprising ingredients like smoked fig, marigold, house made lime cordial, and China-China. Now take these creations and pair them with mouth-watering small plates like Diver Scallop crudo, Sicilian style lamb meatballs, dates wrapped in serrano ham with gorgonzola cheese and a ridiculously sinful truffled fontina cheese from Venice roasted on a cedar plank with truffle honey, in a setting with a soft, subtle ambience and you have just an OUTSTANDING evening. Kudos to AGM Casey, Bar Manager Jenny, the Chef and his team for taking this idea "up a big notch."
GW
GeorgeW
New York Area
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Okay - so this is the 4th time I am posting about this restaurant. If you've read my past ratings and have not yet gone to the Blu Grotto my only question is "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?" This time out we had the Hamachi Crudo and house made burrata with shave prama Prosciutto. Both appetizers were outstanding. The Hamachi with kumquat and ginger soy were a perfect match. As a mid course we had the house Ceasar and Wagyu Tartare. I am not usually a Tartare fan but their rendition was - well simply amazing. For entrees we chose Jumbo Shrimp Scampi and the 12oz Filet Mignon. The Scampi was served with 4 Huge shrimp (size of small lobster tails) over fregola (Italian version of Israeli cous-cous). The filet Mignon perfectly cooked to my specifications-medium rare. Casey the General Manager did an excellent pairing of wine with the dishes. The Service at Blu Grotto is the only thing that competes for top billing with the food. Overall an outstanding night! Once again I must ask - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Experience! Food was very good. Excellent service.
LS
LSFood
Philadelphia
19 reviews
vip
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience3
It seemed Prices have really gone up - and the food was not worth the increase. We were waiting for the check and the host came to the table and said they need the table for the next guest. He did offer us a drink at the bar, but we had literally just finished dessert and were waiting for the check. Are we ever going to back to a leisurely dinner without a time constraint? I’ve enjoyed this restaurant in the past so maybe it was an off night.
TS
TerriS
New York Area
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
Very disappointing as we were unable to sit at our favorite table as the hostess indicated our desired table was reserved for parties of four however other persons of two sat at tables for four. Could it be because we were two women dining together? Also, the chef refused to cook a steak well done because according to the maitre d the meat was a very expensive cut of premium meant that was on the special menu. I understand that typcally diners do not chose well done for a premium steak but I wonder what happened to the "customer" is always right? I'm so sorry we had a negative experience as we have enjoyed the Blu Grotto in the past.
MS
MarcS
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fantastic meal at BLU Grotto. Love this place!
m
marieb
Atlantic City
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was exceptional, cocktails and appetizers were amazing and the food was superb! Followed by yummy desserts!
j
juniors
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food
H
Herbie
Philadelphia
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Blu Grotto is always very consistent. Never a bad meal
JK
JohnK
Poconos
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience5
Very expensive, shrimp scampi total waist! Everything else was good but not worth the price
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Nutella cannoli was awful…inedible…shell was hard as a rock! Manager did the right thing and took off bill. The rest of meal was average.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Still one of my all time go to restaurants. Never disappointed and it will always place a “smile” to all whom visit. The menus is great and the specials, fantastic. The decor of the restaurant is nothing less then impressive. Plenty of parking and a bar that’s always willing to serve.
SW
SamW
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had heard many good things about the Blu Grotto but the experience EXCEEDED our expectations. Our server Liz was friendly, informative and attentive without being intruding, the bussers knew when to appear to clear dishes but were otherwise invisible. The Maitre'd that prepared the Cacio e Pepe tableside was gracious about answering our questions of the dish and that dish was incredible. Our entrees (pan seared Halibut and 12oz. Filet Mignon) were superb, the dessert just right, and they gave a small bottle of Prosecco given to my wife for her birthday. They say first impressions are important and our first impression and experience have us looking forward to our next dinner there.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service
j
jimnjshore
New York Area
56 reviews
vip
3.0
56 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
They limited the menu ,raised ,the prices food was good ,....but not like it used to be ....probably have frequent that plays around 25 not sure whether there is new owners or new chef but nothing like it used to be .
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing. Service was very attentive but not hanging over your shoulder. If you’re going to get an appetizer get the Short Rib Meat Balls. Outstanding. Everything was cooked to perfection. One thing though, bring an extra layer. Was a bit cold in there. Other than that, it was absolutely awesome.
K
Kelvis
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Atmosphere, service and food top notch
F
Freehold
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Very nice restaurant! Food and service were really good and the style/decor was fun and comfortable.
EG
ElaineGH
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The location is beautiful. Our service was top notch. The food was delicious. A bit pricey, but it was sooo good. We will be back.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park using the Order Online button. Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 571-7900.

Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park is rated 4.5 stars by 847 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(732) 571-7900

Delivery

Order online

Google Map for Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park

200 Port Au Peck Avenue Oceanport, NJ 07757

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Oceanport Avenue
Neighborhood
Long Branch, New Jersey
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Beer Garden, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking lot entrance is located off of Port au Peck Avenue.
Public transit
NJ Transit limited access during race season. (Monmouth Park Station)
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
James Corona
Entertainment
Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10pm, during the warmer months.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://blugrottorestaurant.com/
Phone number
(732) 571-7900
Private party contact
Jennifer Perri - Service and Events Director: (732) 571-7900

Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Delivery

Dining areas

Additional information

Short Rib Meatballs

Grilled Octopus

Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Risotto

Antipasti / Insalata

Old School Chopped Salad$16.00

Caesar Salad$14.00

Green Apple & Frisee Salad$14.00

Little Gem Wedge Salad$16.00

General Tso Calamari$16.00

Tuna Tartar$16.00

Shishito Peppers$18.00

Burrata Mozzarella & Beets$18.00

Grilled Octopus$24.00

Short Rib Meatballs$16.00

Cured Imported Meats & Cheeses$30.00

Primi

Fettuccine Bolognese$32.00

Black Spaghetti$36.00

Rigatoni Vodka Diavolo$30.00

House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$28.00

Fusilloni Norcina$30.00

Bucatini & Clams$34.00

Contorni

Broccoli Rabe & Hot Cherry Peppers

Bloomdale Spinach

Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes

Truffle Fries

Secondi

Eggplant Parmesan ala Siciliano$26.00

Wild Caught Roasted Halibut$42.00

Chicken Milanese$30.00

Faroe Island Salmon$36.00

Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Risotto$36.00

Herb Crusted Filet Mignon$48.00

Berkshire Pork Chop & Peppers$36.00

Strip Steak Pizzaiola$48.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park restaurant rated?

Is Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Delivery

Dining areas

Additional information