Serenity South - Ocean Township

We made a reservation for two at 5:30 today and specifically requested a window table, only to be informed that those tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon our arrival, the hostess informed us that we were not on the reservation list. That was our first disappointment. Once again, we asked for a window table, ideally in the middle, but she told us it wasn't available. When we asked for clarification, her only response was a flat "no." That was strike two. Additionally, the menu we found online was different from the one provided to us and didn’t indicate that it was BYOB. That was strike three. While the service was good, the food was mediocre, and the atmosphere was quite noisy. Overall, we don’t intend to return.

We had a delicious dinner at Pasta Wheel tonight and we’ll definitely be returning! By the way, my husband accidentally left his straw fedora at the corner table.

The food here is excellent, beautifully prepared and presented, all at reasonable prices. The breakfasts on weekends are particularly delicious, and they also serve lunch on most days. With stunning views of Barnegat Bay from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Harbor Bay Marina, along with friendly service, this place is unbeatable for casual, relaxing, and tasty summer meals. Plus, it’s BYOB!

The calamari I ordered was decent, but my wife’s salad arrived at room temperature. The dipping sauce for the calamari tasted like flavored mayonnaise, and ironically, the Caesar dressing on the salad was quite similar. After finishing our appetizers, we waited a full half hour for our main courses to arrive. When my lobster ravioli finally came, it could have been named anything; it was completely devoid of flavor. The lobster sauce resembled colored water, lacking seasoning and any trace of lobster or crab – it had the consistency of plain water. My wife’s chicken dish also suffered from a lack of flavor, and the sauce was excessively starchy, perhaps an attempt to thicken it. In my opinion, the owner of Serenity should either consider selling the restaurant to someone capable of transforming it into a great bayside eatery or fire the chef. I would advise you to steer clear of this place. I’m giving it 2 stars, mainly because, although not particularly warm, Sam did her best under the circumstances. It very well could have received just 1 star.

The Caesar salads were disappointing—bland, with barely any dressing, no parmesan, and stale croutons. We ordered two prime rib specials, requesting them medium rare, but they arrived cooked medium well to well-done and without any au jus. When I asked for a side of au jus, I received a small cup of French onion soup with the onions removed instead. The third member of our party ordered the veal, which tasted like a frozen TV dinner. The only positive aspect of this experience was the flavor of the calamari, though it was overcooked and chewy. Overall, the service was poor and the food was worse. We definitely won't be returning, so save your money.