Buona Sera

Generally yes for older children and family celebrations, guests often bring teens and families for birthdays and special occasions. There isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu mentioned in reviews or on the menu, and the dining room can be busy and loud, so consider an earlier seating or note family needs when you reserve if you have younger children.

Yes, Buona Sera encourages guests to call ahead for special requests. The owner notes online reservations for larger parties should be handled by phone and the restaurant accommodates celebrations (birthday sparklers, photos, timing for shows). Guests often praise staff who arrange timing and celebratory details, though a few reports show not every request is always fulfilled, so calling in advance is best.

Yes, Buona Sera runs rotating specials (seafood and lobster specials get frequent praise), offers live entertainment/DJ nights, and provides event/catering options in the Wine Cellar or Tuscan Room. Guests also note a photographer who sometimes visits tables and special touches for celebrations. Valet parking and a large wine list add to the experience.

Buona Sera offers a main elegant dining room plus special spaces, the Wine Cellar and Tuscan Room are available for events. Guests also mention a second floor and a grandfathered cigar bar where patrons can sit and dine, and some parties have sat outside when weather permits. If you need a particular table area or private space, call ahead to request it.

Portions at Buona Sera are generous, many guests say entrees are large enough for leftovers and appetizers are often big enough to share. The restaurant even offers half‑size pasta portions for guests who want smaller servings. Expect hearty, old‑school Italian portions: lots of guests take home doggie bags.

Buona Sera has an old‑school Italian, classy yet lively atmosphere, beautifully decorated dining rooms with a warm, festive vibe. Guests describe it as energetic and sometimes noisy (part of its charm for many), with live entertainment or a DJ on certain nights. Service and staff energy add to the convivial feel, making it great for celebrations and pre‑theatre dinners.

Busiest: weekend evenings and pre‑show times tied to nearby Count Basie Theatre, guests report loud, crowded nights with entertainment. Quietest: weekday lunches and mid‑afternoon visits are noted as calmer, with attentive service and quicker pacing. Plan reservations for busy evenings and consider weekday lunch if you prefer a quieter meal.

Several dishes get repeated praise, Buona Sera is best known for veal chops and steaks, plus seafood highlights like the Brazilian lobster tail, Zuppa di Pesce and clams casino. Guests also love the freshly made pastas (tortellini/carbonara, perciatelli), fried calamari and generous appetizers like stuffed artichoke and filet mignon braciole. If you want a signature experience, ask about the night’s specials (lobster and chef specials are frequently recommended).

Choose your timing by goal: go for a lively night with entertainment on weekend evenings or when the DJ is playing; arrive early for a relaxed pre‑show dinner (the restaurant coordinates timing for Count Basie patrons). If you prefer quieter dining, weekday lunch or mid‑afternoon visits are noted by guests as calmer times. Reservations are recommended for busy evenings and weekends.

The stated dress code is business casual. Guests frequently dress for special occasions (anniversaries, pre‑theatre dinners), so smart casual attire is appropriate if you’re planning a date night or celebration.

It depends on what you want: go midweek for a quieter business lunch (guests praise the lunchtime service), visit Friday or Saturday night for a lively, celebratory vibe and occasional entertainment, and plan an early seating for pre‑show dinners. Weekends are more festive; weekdays are better if you prefer a calmer meal.

There are vegetarian‑friendly choices (eggplant dishes, fresh pastas, salads, Neapolitan pizzas, vegetable platters). Gluten‑free or vegan options aren’t clearly labeled on the menu, and guests have noted ingredients aren’t always listed, if you have allergies or strict dietary needs call ahead so the kitchen can advise or accommodate.

Yes, Buona Sera is a popular choice for date night and special occasions. Guests repeatedly praise the elegant, beautifully decorated dining room, attentive service and romantic touches (photographer, celebratory sparklers). Expect a lively, old‑school Italian atmosphere with live entertainment or a DJ on some nights. It’s ideal for anniversaries or pre‑show dinners at the nearby Count Basie; for a quieter table request an earlier seating or note preferences when you book. Valet is available and the wine list is extensive.

Yes, Buona Sera is a full‑service bar with an extensive wine list and cocktails. Guests praise the wine selection, sangria, martinis and craft cocktails; bartenders are named positively in reviews. Note that the wine list is large and some guests mention bottle service and wine recommendations from staff.

Families do dine at Buona Sera and guests often celebrate birthdays and bring teens, so it’s family‑friendly for older children. The dining room can be lively and tables are sometimes close together, so it may be less ideal for very young children or those needing quiet. The restaurant description notes private spaces (Wine Cellar, Tuscan Room) for events, call ahead to discuss seating or accessibility needs so staff can advise and accommodate.

Yes, guests reference nightly or seasonal specials and the menu includes ‘specials’ like lobster and seasonal seafood. Reviews frequently mention chef specials and changing offerings, so expect a stable core menu plus rotating specials.

Buona Sera offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 530-5858.

Buona Sera is rated 4.7 stars by 1919 OpenTable diners.

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