15 Best Restaurants in Asbury Park, NJ

Asbury Park is a city within Monmouth County in New Jersey.

This beachfront city is also strategically situated on the Jersey Shore and is part of the New York metropolitan area.

This community is far from being ordinary, as it is also one of the most popular destinations in the state.

It is home to a beautiful beach and some of the most exciting and fascinating architecture that many people love.

Art museums, parks, hotels, and lakes can also be visited here.

Along with these are impeccable tourist destinations and excellent restaurants that you shouldn't miss while you're in the city.

Take a look at some of the best restaurants in Asbury Park, New Jersey:

The Greek On Main

The Greek On Main is located on Main Street.

It offers both traditional and classic Greek cuisine with a fusion of modern flavors.

This restaurant promises to serve only the best farm-to-table dishes.

Aside from locally sourced meat and vegetables, The Greek On Main also uses authentic Greek ingredients imported from overseas.

While you're here, make sure to try their chicken Santorini sandwich made from grilled chicken, spicy Feta mousse, arugula, and tomatoes.

The Greek On Main also has beef and chicken gyro, salmon burger, salads, pasta, and much more.

This is also the best place to taste authentic Greek desserts such as baklava, karidopita, and sokolatopita.

Talula's

Talula's is a famous pizzeria on Cookman Avenue.

This restaurant is known for its freshly baked and handcrafted pizzas, perfect for everyone's desire.

Talula's started out in a wood-burning oven in the backyard of its owners, Steve and Shanti Mignogna.

It has become one of the local and tourists' favorite pizza places.

Aside from savory pizzas, you may also try out their sourdough, seasonal salads, healthy grain bowls, pasta, and house-made desserts.

Talula's also has a bar with craft beers, delicious cocktails, and a full list of natural Italian wines.

Vegan options are also available.

Their chocolate budino or miso caramel with cocoa nib brittle and whip is to die for!

Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar

Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar is an Italian restaurant on Ocean Avenue North.

This restaurant is situated near the beach, so patio seating is available for you to enjoy the view of the ocean and its relaxing breeze.

This trendy place specializes in classic yet rustic Italian cuisine made from the freshest and finest ingredients.

Their trained and knowledgeable chefs only source their ingredients from local farms and markets.

Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar's halibut, file mignon, ribeye steaks, and pork chops are perfect for a relaxing dinner with loved ones near the beach.

You may also order a glass or two of their red, white, or sparkling wines.

The Bonney Read

Nestled along Cookman Avenue, The Bonney Read features a selection of seafood dishes.

This restaurant has an open bar where you can watch how experienced chefs prepare your order.

The Bonney Read also features a raw bar where you can try out fresh oysters and clams.

A full bar where you can order cocktails, beers, and wines is also available.

Some of The Bonney Read's most famous menu items are its Kaluga and Siberian caviar, middle neck clams, and jumbo shrimps.

Salads, crabcakes, fish and chips, and steaks can also be ordered.

Brando's Citi Cucina

Brando's Citi Cucina is an osteria located on Main Street.

Osteria means its owner, Steven Botta, hosts and accommodates each guest with full hospitality.

Botta's recipes were passed down from his mother, so a dining experience at Brando's Citi Cucina will surely feel like home.

This restaurant remains true to its promises of serving dishes cooked to order to assure freshness and quality.

Some of Brando's Citi Cucina's most delectable menu items are their 35-day dry-aged steaks and seafood dishes.

You and your loved ones can also enjoy the music and movies inside this restaurant.

Make sure not to check out the wide selection of Italian wines at Brando's Citi Cucina.

Taka

Taka, situated on Cookman Avenue, is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that serves innovative cuisines.

Inside, you'll be welcomed and amazed by its picturesque Japanese interior design that perfectly sets the mood.

Taka has a full-service bar and elegant lounge where you may also enjoy a late-night sushi and sake craving with friends and family.

Some classic Japanese favorites you can try out here are their sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and rice dishes.

Miso soup, crispy spicy tuna, gyoza, and shishito peppers are also available.

Aside from these, Taka also offers 10oz beef burgers, beef meatloaf, and pork chop.

Draft beers, hot sake, martinis, and wines can also be enjoyed at Taka.

Porta Asbury Park

Porta Asbury Park is a famous pizzeria on Kingsley Street.

Both locals and tourists visit this place to taste their mouth-watering pizzas.

For appetizers, why not try some ricotta, spinach and artichoke, and Italian sausage?

Porta Asbury Park's eggplant parm which consists of fried eggplant, Parmigiano Reggiano, basil, and mozzarella, is also a must-have.

Of course, there's no reason for you to miss out on their pizzas!

All-time favorites at Porta Asbury Park are cocktails like their Bloody Mary, mimosa, and mojito.

REYLA

REYLA on Mattison Avenue is where you can experience authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

This restaurant's theme is industrial and hip, adding a little more twist to the overall vibes.

Come with your friends and have a bite of their green falafel, Salata, and zucchini flower.

A Mediterranean restaurant is not complete without a shawarma wrap and lamb burger.

If you're craving a fuller meal, order some of REYLA’s scalloped beet with curry zhoug, whipped butternut, Hungarian feta, and pomegranate or chicken with couscous dumplings, guanciale, tarragon, sorrel, and cream.

A serving of assorted chocolate truffles or mousse is a perfect way to end a satisfying meal at REYLA.

Moonstruck

Moonstruck is an upscale restaurant on Lake Avenue.

Here, you can enjoy some American-Mediterranean fare and an array of wine and other exciting beverages.

Live piano music is also being played in this Victorian-styled establishment that perfectly sets the overall mood of your dining experience.

During summertime, you'll have the option to dine on their outdoor porches and enjoy the view of the city.

Moonstruck's menu items are inspired by the Mediterranean region's healthy way of cooking.

The ingredients that this restaurant use are always fresh, and a variety of quality oils and whole grains are used in a lot of their dishes.

You'll never run out of options for their wines, which include sparkling, riesling, Moscato, pinot grigio, chardonnay, imported whites, red, rosé, pinot noir, and merlot.

Jimmy's Italian Restaurant

The cozy and old-school Jimmy's Italian Restaurant is situated on Asbury Avenue.

It was opened by Diane Marrucca and her husband, Jimmy, in 1982.

Jimmy's Italian Restaurant remains true to its promise of serving high-quality and fresh dishes.

None of their menu items were frozen and pre-made.

This restaurant's interior exudes a homey atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner with friends and family.

Jimmy's Italian Restaurant's entrees include vegetables and whipped potatoes or a side order of Zity and Tomato Sauce or Sauteed Escarole.

Make sure not to miss out on their poached salmon in lemon and butter sauce with capers, sea scallops with white wine, and shrimp parmigiana.

Belmonte's Ristorante

Belmonte's Ristorante is a "bring your own bottle" restaurant on Cookman Avenue.

This place has both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Belmonte's Ristorante has been serving authentic Italian dishes since 2008.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

From pasta fagioli, sautéed escarole, eggplant parmigiana, linguini marinara, ravioli bolognese, and cavatelli salsicca, Belmonte's Ristorante will definiely bring Italy's best cuisines within your table.

Important events such as birthday parties, graduation celebrations, business meetings, bridal and baby showers, and rehearsal dinners are also hosted here.

Langosta Lounge

Langosta Lounge on Ocean Avenue is a beachfront restaurant known for its full bar and live music.

Surfers, musicians, and beachgoers are the usual customers here.

It started business in November 2008.

This is where you can enjoy farm-to-table specials and fresh sushi by the sea!

Langosta Lounge is popular not just with locals but especially with visitors due to its location and touristy vibes.

While you're here, order some of their traditional sushi and sashimi rolls and sake.

For mains, they boast delectable and mouthwatering lobster enchilada, sugar and spice short ribs, and Szechuan chicken.

Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away

Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away is an American pub on Kingsley Street that serves Irish-style food and drinks.

This restaurant is just one block away from the Asbury Park boardwalk.

Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away serves all-time favorites like mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese, tuna bites, and Irish egg rolls.

Their blue cheese bacon burger, mushroom cheddar burger, and Irish meatloaf sandwich are also a must-have!

While there are only three options in their entree menu, Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away guarantees you'll get to taste the best and meticulously cooked fish and chips, Irish meatloaf dinner, and panko-encrusted tuna.

Cardinal Provisions

Cardinal Provisions is a relaxed brunch spot on Bangs Street.

Its bring-walled interiors add to its laid-back and chill atmosphere, suited for an afternoon catch-up with friends or even for alone time just by yourself.

Cardinal Provisions has vegan and vegetarian options.

On weekends, they serve mushroom benny and big chili bowls!

Other hearty items you can try are their chili deviled eggs, avocado toast, apple butter plus ricotta toasts, and butternut with tomato soup.

Tasty chicken and waffles, apple skillet cake, and breakfast sausage are also available at Cardinal Provisions.

The Black Swan

The Black Swan is an eclectic restaurant located on Mattison Avenue.

What's interesting about this place is that it's divided into four areas that offer equally unique food servings.

If you plan to have an intima gathering, you may dine at the "Vault" with romantic lighting and antique decorations.

On the other hand, the Black Swan's Tea Room has vaulted ceilings, a crystal chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

Their stunning and superb dining room is perfect for hosting a larger group of people and bigger parties.

If you're planning something extravagant you may rent the whole place, including the other three sections.

The Black Swan's top-rated dishes are 16oz slow-roasted ribeye steak, pan-seared salmon, mushroom bolognese, and traditional shepherd's pie.

Their special menu includes summer burrata salad, roasted chicken, and linguini and clams.

They also offer late-night specials such as caesar salad, hummus platter, baked brie cheese, bacon cheddar tots, hot wings, and chicken cordon bleu.

Final Thoughts

Asbury Park is truly a gem and treasure for locals and tourists from all around the world.

Its restaurants offering Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, and other world-class cuisine make this place more interesting and a must-visit destination.

While you're in this city, make sure not to miss out on its array of delectable cuisines and drinks.

You'll not only be surprised with how delicious the food in this area can be but also by each restaurant's ambiance and atmosphere.

If you're planning to include this city in your next travel destination, try out all the best restaurants in Asbury Park, New Jersey.