Mara's Continental Cuisine

Had the worst experience on Mothers Day! The service was awful...the waitress obviously did NOT want to be there. They did not tell us it was Prix Fixe until we sat down ... and the food was below par!! There was no ambiance and at one point some child was playing the piano ...badly! We were so disappointed. Will not be going back!

This is my wife 's recent review from our visit April 29th, I did one previously. We found this place years ago, when we we drove up, it didn 't look like much. But if there is ever a time to use the phrase diamond in the rough, this is it. The menu has a lot of options, most of which I have tried and loved. My husband can attest to this as well. My favorite is the tuna, which is pictured. I have also had varying steak entrees, chicken, pastas, and their fried calamari as well as fried artichokes the sauces that go along with them are also perfect flavors. Everything is delicious! Their desserts are homemade and vary by the week, but when the peanut butter pie is on the menu, I get that for sure! The staff is extremely accomodating, attentive and appreciative of your visit. The inside is a good size and even have a piano player certain times during the weekend. We usually get a small table for 2, but even with bigger parties, the staff seems to be able to place the parties in exactly the right spot so you dont hear other tables ' conversations. This is worth a trip even from surrounding towns. We aren 't too far as we come from East Brunswick, but we would gladly make a further trip if needed.

I honestly have to say the food is great. But what a shame that I don't plan on returning anytime soon because the service has gotten worse. I have had my own event there, attended another event recently and have been to the restaurant to dine in. But the service is ALWAYS SLOW!!!! And the last event that I recently attended, ran out of food! They said they were bringing more out and they never did. And do NOT wear open toed shoes or drop anything on the floor. It looks like they NEVER mop. My toes were black from being at the event!! Extremely disappointed and embarrassed for my loved one who had their event there. They were mortified by the slow service. And also, running out of ingredients for the basic drinks package such as sangria. How do you run out of orange juice? When you expect a large amount of people, you need to supply your restaurant properly. Sorry Mara's, you won't see us again.

Excellent food and service Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Unfortunately, I wanted to let you know that the restaurant closed down a few weeks ago. It was located in a below average area, easy to miss next to a former adult club that is now just rubble. I assume like many businesses, they couldn't survive the post-pandemic world. It's a shame because it was one of my favorite restaurants.