Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Manalapan

618 is one of our favorite local restaurants. We dine there at least once a month (our waitress, Alexis, told us that we have dined 25 times so far). Alexis, our server, was friendly and helpful. She greeted us with a smile and took our drink order. The meal began with a basket of delicious bread with butter and sea salt. I opted for my favorite cocktail, the Spicy Boi. It's made with Reposado Tequila, Ancho Chile, and passion fruit juice. It has the right mixture of sweet, refreshing, with a spicy kick. We opened our meal by sharing a lobster tostada appetizer from the specials menu. Chunks of lobster tossed with pickled onions, pineapple, queso fresco, served over a crisp tortilla. For entrees my wife had the 8 oz Filet Mignon and I had the Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Both were perfectly cooked. Looking forward to our next visit.

Great food very innovative and a broad selection. Drinks were well poured and all very good . Service was outstanding very attentive and appreciated our business and spending Christmas Eve with her. We will definitely be back many times . Chicken Parm is a whole chicken, sushi was very good high quality and generous portions. The whole chicken dish was plentiful very tasty and well accompanied.

Outstanding all around. Each dish was tasty and served with the right level of accompaniments that let the main part of the plate stand on its own. The steaks were cooked as they should be and seasoned just right and not over salted as has been the trend these days. The raw oysters were fresh, clean and tasty as were rhetorical other appetizers and the tuna tartar is a must try. If you partake, the drinks are a must as the bartenders know their profession and create great tasting unique drinks as well as they do the old standards. Excellent experience and tbank you to the accommodating and polite staff!

No other place I’d rather be for XMAS EVE than Nonna’s CUCINA

This restaurant is always on point with service, kudos to Millena who was beyond attentive and personable. Food superb as usual.