Celebrating its 20th anniversary this season, Anjelica's was completely remodeled after being devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
When the emphasis is on classic Italian dishes, but also embraces seasonal produce, you know you've arrived at Anjelica's. Check out the restaurant's offerings on our continuing tour of ethnic eateries at the Jersey Shore.
Anjelica's | 1070 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright | (732) 842-2800 | anjelicas.com
Lush flowers and greenery line a narrow outdoor patio dining area at Anjelica's in Sea Bright. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this season, Anjelica's was completely remodeled after being devastated by Hurricane Sandy. When Ray Lena opened the Sea Bright eatery in 1996, with recipes handed down from his grandmother and aunts, his daughter, Anjelica, was just a girl. Now 30, she runs the restaurant with a focus on the essence of classic Italian dishes, accentuated by seasonal produce from its own herb garden and the farmers' market across the street. Be sure to try the heirloom tomato, Jersey peach salad with buffalo mozzarella and wild arugula. They roll out dough made with local eggs for the ravioli di formaggio and top it with a summery cherry tomato and basil sauce. Federico Castelluccio, aka Furio from "The Sopranos," stops in for the zuppa di pesce when he needs a taste of home. Sitting on the narrow outdoor patio, festooned with bobbing lights and lush greenery, you can hear the waves crashing across the street and feel as if you are dining in Naples. BYOB