Mara's Continental Cuisine

A TRUE HIDDEN GEM: I drove by this amazing spot in South Amboy for years without noticing it, but then one day found some good reviews for Mara's and decided to check it out. Last night was our second exciting excursion, hence the review today. From the exterior, you could never guess what a lovely striking vibe the main dining room has. VERY HIGH CEILING, rustic elegance with chandeliers and absolutely gorgeous paintings, almost like a gallery experience. But the PIANO in the center of the room is the main touch that makes this place so unique for this area. Last night NICK NICHOLAS was on the keys, and he didn't take a break the whole time we were there, playing everything from Eric Sati to Sinatra, with some Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, Elton John and The Beatles thrown in played with such elegant class, I felt we were treated to a Broadway performance. Two of our party are passionate musicians and we were simply enchanted all night. THE FOOD: stunning. Everything we had was delicious and plentiful. There were three of us, so appetizers were Little Neck clams with red sauce (white sauce was an option); Fennel Salad with a citrus vinaigrette; French Onion Soup. All three were at the top of our experience. Entrees were Duck Breast with a lovely sauce $28; wild caught grilled salmon $26; grilled rack of lamb $39. These prices are ridiculously good for the quality and portion size. The sides were pan roasted potatoes with grilled thick asparagus, broccoli and carrots. Bread with a lemon herb butter was given with our KILLER drinks; two Bulleit Bourbon Manhattans and a Grey Goose lemon martini, poured in big glasses at the table ($14/each). A bottle of Miller lite was $5. The service was excellent, not rushed, and friendly but not intrusively so. Handicapped access is by ramp, but don't panic if you don't notice it by the side main entrance, it's by way of front entrance. We can't wait to return. 5 stars.

Mara's was amazing as usual! The food is always good and the ambiance is beautiful! The wait staff are friendly and good at what they do! Another plus is that the tables are spread far apart to allow for social distancing!

The food is DELICIOUS! My boyfriend and I always come to Mara’s when we want to splurge a bit. Everything we have tried has been great, the specials always sound amazing each time we visit. (We normally always order the same thing🤣) We love ordering the white sangria as well. Love that it’s so close to home!

Our experience Wednesday night was, as always, phenomenal. As I live out of the area, I make it a point to eat there whenever I come back to NJ to visit family, and it never disappoints. Scotch pour was good from the bar, the Tuna Tartare and Coconut Shrimp (special) appetizers were delicious as always, and the entrees were perfect (Shrimp Scampi and Rack of Lamb, cooked MR). It's pretty much the exact same meal I had there back in November. Their potatoes are still to die for (baked potatoes, broken into random chunks, flash fried and then doused with garlic and herbs). Other dishes we have had in the past - scallops appetizer, salmon and tuna entrees, and the Caesar salad - all excellent. Definitely going for one of the specials when I am back in ten days.