Buoy's — Restaurant in Manasquan

This is a review for dinner at Buoy's. TLDR: It's BYOB. Food and people are fantastic. I know they're just getting started, but they still need to work on some of the details about being a restaurant.

Their breakfast/lunch menu is great and this was always a natural next step for them. Glad they were able to pull it off in the space they have. The menu is set week to week and is pre fixe and "family style". We had calamari with mole, smoke white wish spread with garlic bread, bucatini al limone, an option of either lamb or fish, and salted caramel gelato for dessert. All were really good with the lamb being the standout. And the two people service us were incredibly nice and helpful and friendly. It's a really great group of people doing great things and hope to eat there again soon. That said, while we should have assumed it, and unless I missed it, it wasn't clear that the menu was family style, and the price wasn't listed (~$90/person FYI). Given that, there were no other options for anyone with allergies or food sensitivities. And that's all good, I just wish it was communicated ahead of time. I did put it in the Resy form when making the reservation, but should have called to confirm as well. If you have allergies or sensitivities, I suggest you get as much info as possible...

Unfortunately, our reservation coflicted with the chef's family renion at the restaurant . The family's guests were not sitting down at the serving time as the obvious family connections were all on their own schedulue .This caused the seating and the service to be delayed . Two non -family tables with were seated promplty at 6:30 in the back .The first course arrived at 7:30 . It was impossible to hear or chat with each other . There is no AC . We could not open the window near our table . There were flies to deal with when the second course arrived . All courses were highly spiced with no relief for one's palate . By the third course , my husband asked to be moved outside . A lovely waiter moved us and the other table of non -family to the outside .The last two courses were served- cold and over cooked at 9PM . The ice cream was a relief . For a fee of $100 per person and BYOB it was a terribly diappointing experience . I had called ahead and asked for one meal to be less spicy and asked for a happy birthday candle for my daughter . None of that happend . Until they understand how to serve a balanced custom menu elegantly , they should stick to...

We had a wonderful three hour dinner tonight and can't wait to go back! The service first of all , was amazing. Ray was so enthusiastic about the food and described everything perfectly for us. All the service on point and so friendly . The new dining room is lovely ! Every course got better and better. They are doing something very special here , the care that goes into each dish and the creativity without being obnoxious or pretentious is very well noted ! The timing of each course is wonderful. They give you time to sit and relax in between courses. You never feel rushed.. I have never had calamari with Chimichurri and Italian dressing what a creative and delicious pairing. I could go on on about each dish, but you should just go there , experience it for yourself . We are already telling family and friends that we are going back as a group ! The talented chiefs ,these guys , clearly know what they're doing! Thank you for an amazing...