Moonstruck
517 Lake Ave, Asbury Park
(732) 988-0123
Recent Reviews
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Sunday 3 course meal just delicious hearty tasteful food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I always have a great meal at
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I had higher hopes for this restaurant with the Google reviews but it was a letdown. I ordered the chorizo clams and shrimp to start. The shrimp appetizer was nothing great and the clams tasted like they had hot sauce in them. It was a bit odd. We also got the scallop risotto and the duck. The risotto was a tad bland. It didn’t need the squash. The scallops were perfectly cooked though. The duck was a little dry but good. I don’t think I would come here again considering we ordered some of their most popular items.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
The restaurant has a beautifully appointed, home-like ambiance. Entering from the street and moving up to the tables on the second floor creates a lovely experience, and the rooms are thoughtfully lit with warm, low lighting that sets a relaxed mood for dinner. The service was excellent—our waiter was knowledgeable and friendly. However, the food didn’t quite match the high standards of the ambiance and service.
We tried the Cuban clams, which were just okay, with flavors that didn’t particularly stand out. The shrimp cocktail was disappointing; the cocktail sauce was thick and congealed, possibly expired, and the shrimp lacked freshness, tasting somewhat watered down. The fried calamari were overcooked and chewy. Additionally, the wine list was underwhelming, featuring standard selections typically found at a local wine shop. I’d consider returning to try different dishes or perhaps to enjoy a more casual experience at the bar on either floor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
My review focuses on the food allergies and lack of training of the waitstaff at Moonstruck last night —although they were kind enough to give me a separate non-nut version (smaller portion of beet salad) without the Dukkah crumbs which had nuts after a disagreement with (female) waitstaff where she told me “it’s not their policy to ask customers about allergies,” I felt an uneasiness and was shocked by her insensitive statement. She should have gotten the hint when I initially requested ingredients to be separated and I also told her I was allergic to some vegetables. She also had an insensitive demeanor when I told her I carry an epipen. Her comment set off a very uncomfortable dining experience with my dining companions which led to a debate whether or not we as customers are solely responsible for informing restaurants of food allergies which I disagree; it is the responsibility of the restaurant staff as well. Most customers don’t want to ruffle feathers and want a nice dining experience. For a higher end restaurant (based on your prices in NJ), the protocol should have been to have the chef come out and speak to me directly to ensure which ingredients are safe to eat. I’ve eaten at many mid to higher end restaurants and have not had the experience I had at Moonstruck as most establishments simply have a heighten awareness for food allergies.
On a positive note, the manager seated us at our preferred table after being told by the hostess who seated us originally at the busy aisle (that we wanted a different table) and stated “no, that table is reserved by another party” even though they don’t accept reservations.” Perhaps last night was very busy with the “Halloween” theme. Overall, the food was of high quality and tasty.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Fries, Chicken Milanese, Roast Duck
This place never disappoints. Great food, service, and atmosphere. Always happy to bring different people to eat here. We've never had a bad meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Calamari, Gnocchi, Cod
Excellent food location and ambience. Everything was amazing including the professional staff. This is a must highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible flavors and wonderful service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While we were disappointed that we could not sit outside on the day we visited, everything else was on point. My strip steak was cooked to perfection. My wife had the chicken Madeira and it was something you write home about. The dessert... omg the pistachio Gelato with brownie bits and cherry was eyes rolling back in your head delicious. We are going back again this weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Whatever makes the magic happen for a perfect dining experience, this was it. My husband and I had a cozy spot in a beautiful interior. Great service: friendly but not obtrusive. Cocktails were nicely balanced. The food from salad to dessert was so outstanding that I declared it our official anniversary dinner. We had the specials: shared tomato salad and swordfish. The chocolate mousse was respected, not overloaded with sugar. Its counterpoint raspberry sauce was just tart enough so that every taste bud was excited. Even the coffee landed a perfect note. No cream needed. Best dining experience in recent memory.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Apps were ok, nothing over the top. Drinks were poured well. What left me sour was the size of the halibut special. It wasn't even 4 oz..smaller than a deck of cards and gone in literally 4 bites. Very disappointing. Paid over 250.00. 2 apps 2 dinners 4 drinks and 1 dessert. That's not right...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Black & White Creme Brulee, Fried Calamari
We came for a birthday dinner last night. Another exceptional experience - food and service were on point! New fall menu is very nice and well executed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black & White Creme Brulee
Great food and company. End of summer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Seafood Entree
Everything was very good. Our server Eric was super friendly and attentive. Nice job guys.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
we had the best time at moonstruck. the food was amazing and our server, Brian, was so pleasant. He was funny, attentive, and so nice. I would definitely recommend this place to others
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Fries, Seared Shrimp & Scallops
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