A slice of Manhattan’s Little Italy has taken root on Main Street in Bradley Beach since Marandola’s opened last June.
This classic Italian restaurant serves large portions of well-made traditional Italian and Mediterranean food and is located just up the street from the much loved Del Ponte’s, an iconic Italian bakery, well known for their large variety of homemade biscotti, tarrali and other baked treats. Thus one gets the feeling that this locale is becoming the cornerstone of a blooming culinary destination for Shore residents and visitors.
A nightly special of Bronzino sounded appealing, but was so popular that it sold out before our waitperson could place our order. Happily, we chose Snapper Rosemarina ($28) instead; a large filet of moist and meaty fish, lightly coated with white wine sauce and served with roasted potatoes and sautéed mushrooms was an excellent alternative.
A perfectly cooked, seared Pork Chop Giambotta ($27) plated with hot cherry peppers, mushrooms, caramelized onions and new potatoes, won rave reviews from one of my guests and was deemed a favorite dish.
Chicken, Broccoli Rabe and Sausage ($24); plump, moist and tender breast, served with roasted potatoes, refreshingly bitter rabe and rounds of mild sausage, was a fine example of a simple country dish, made with a few excellent ingredients, needing nothing more to be very enjoyable and noteworthy.
A special of tender, falling-off-the-bone Pork Shank ($32), with a chunky tomato sauce, served over a bed of mashed potatoes, and side of green beans was tasty. If this slow-cooked country dish is offered on the night of your visit, it’s worth a try.
If you’re looking for a downtown New York-style neighborhood Italian restaurant which serves large portions of traditional cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, put Marandola’s in Bradley Beach on your radar.
Marandola’s
608 Main St.
Bradley Beach
732-361-5888
Marandolas.com
This article was first published in the June 21-June 28, 2018 print edition of The Two River Times.