A RED BANK ITALIAN RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF FLAVOR

PHOTOS BY TOM ZAPCIC

The 20 year anniversary party of Buona Sera restaurant in Red Bank was, as its owner Christopher Mariani described, a gesture of “appreciation to the customers and staff who have been loyal to an establishment that has tested the hands of time and continues to evolve.”

“1983, I opened my first restaurant in South Seaside Park, New Jersey a small Italian sandwich shop,” recalled Mariani. “Thirty eight years later, we celebrate the success of one of the state’s premier dining establishments. It’s been quite a journey. We truly appreciate the support of our loyal customers, and more importantly my kitchen and service staff, who are the nucleus of Buona Sera, and a number of whom have been with me for 30 years. These people their passion and mentality have distinguished this restaurant from its peers.

Open 365 days a year, “mediocrity doesn’t exist” at this Old World spot,” he explained, while proclaiming its wine inventory “remarkable” and bar scene “one of New Jersey’s most eclectic.”