Looking for good BYOB Italian restaurant in Ocean or Monmouth County

[NatalieNJ]

I have a birthday coming up and am in the mood for some great Italian food in the Ocean/Monmouth County area. I love BYOB restaurants. I usually like Spano's in Pt. Pleasant or La Strada in Brick, but would like to change it up. I have checked some reviews and am currently looking at Il Giardinello or Mia in Toms River, and Citricos or Bella Sogno in Bradley Beach. A kid's menu would be a plus, but not a necessity (10 yr old who is happy with fried calamari if nothing else). What do you think? Thanks!!

[SusieQQ]

I have been to Bella Sogno and Citricos and I can recommend both of them. But prefer Bella Sogno.

[Njchicaa]

My family loves Il Gardinello and has been going there for 20+ years. It's one of the very few restaurants around here I enjoy.

[jrvedivici]

I have been to Ill Giardinello on several occasions and while I can' t knock the food I will say this about the place. The only time I go are with my parents (actually had my mom's 80th birthday party there a few weeks ago) and this place is fueled by the Sr. housing in the area. The average age of the clients is 70+. I don't know if that is going to matter to you/your crowd but that is the only warning I could issue on the place.

I ate at La Strada over the weekend....it was decent as always. I also ate at San Remo in Red Bank recently it is a BYOB and very highly regarded in the area for it's food. Good luck and please report back!!

[NatalieNJ]

Thanks for the info. I am not familiar with San Remo, but I just looked at their website and a few reviews, and it sounds great. I just may have to check it out!