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15 Best Restaurants in Lakewood, NJ

Blake Walsh

Sep 29, 2022 • 12 min read

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Whether you're out on business or vacation, a good meal can make all the difference in the world.

Even when things aren't going particularly well, an excellent breakfast, lunch, or dinner helps change the mood and puts you in a brighter mood.

There are many food options, and it's easy to become overwhelmed with choices.

It's even more complex in Lakewood, New Jersey, with all the fantastic dining places.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Lakewood that will be well worth your time and money:

Estreia

One of the best places to try in Lakewood is Estreia, for fine dining and quality wine.

The spot welcomes customers for lunch and dinner and offers a selection of fine meats, seafood, pasta, and salads.

Enjoy your meal with one of the many classic wines they offer while you soak up the beautiful environment.

The lighting is gentle, with tasteful decorations on the walls.

Likewise, the culinary experience is one of the finest you will experience in Lakewood.

The exceptional service and food quality come at a price but consider it an investment rather than an expense.

Whether you're dining alone or with a group of friends, Estreia is a great spot to explore.

Li's Garden

Asian food is some of the best in the world, but it can be challenging to choose between Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and others.

Li's Garden helps to make this choice a little easier by offering Chinese, Thai, and Japanese food under one roof.

They are open for lunch and dinner and offer various dishes, including well-known items such as chow mein and other more traditional and lesser-known items.

For some good old comfort food, consider the steamed dumplings, the spring rolls, and the chow mein.

You can mix and match things to suit your tastes.

Don't forget to try the vanilla tempura ice cream at Li's Garden!

Longhorn Steakhouse

One of Longhorn Steakhouse's most impressive features is the building's design and styling.

It has a rustic, western, and rough feel, which is precisely right for the food they serve.

As the name suggests, their specialty is grilled meat, specifically beef steaks.

Served with some seasonal vegetables, a big mug of chilled beer, and some delicious sides, the restaurant provides the complete package.

You get a solid serving of protein at Longhorn Steakhouse.

Try the Longhorn dessert sampler to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Bagel Nosh

Bagel Nosh is where you must go for a great breakfast or brunch.

This eatery specializes in creating bagel-based dishes and also offers a range of sandwiches, paninis, and pastries.

It's one of the most popular locations in Lakewood.

There are a lot of food choices, and the food quality is impressive.

Likewise, the food is inexpensive, and the restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere.

Even if you don't have time to dine in, there are many great items you can get to go.

Make sure you also try out the incredible in-house cappuccino at Bagel Nosh!

Maggie's Bar and Grill

Maggie's Bar and Grill is a great spot to visit if you enjoy sports, some excellent pub grub, and tap fresh beer.

It is extremely popular with locals, and the fantastic pub food has visitors from other parts of town dropping by.

Likewise, Maggie's Bar and Grill is a comfortable and laid-back environment where you can watch the game and spend time with friends.

Keep an eye out to catch the live entertainment at the pub.

Some of the most popular items include nachos and wings.

You also get access to a great selection of beer, and if you prefer some stiff drinks, you can choose from the well-stocked bar.

The expert bartenders will be sure to fix you a cocktail you'll remember.

Panini Cafe

Panini Cafe serves a lot more than just paninis.

This joint will serve you some of the best coffee and fresh juices in the area.

You can also indulge in wraps, salads, and smoothies.

It has a relaxed environment where you can spend time with friends and take a little time out of your day to relax and unwind.

If you aren't in the mood for a full meal, treat yourself to the cinnamon croissant and a cup of fresh coffee at Panini Cafe.

Mentoast

Mentoast is an Israeli-inspired spot that is most famous for its snacks.

Whether you're looking for a wrap, a sandwich, or a pastry, you can find it at Mentoast.

This is a small counter-style eatery, and most people prefer getting food for takeaway, but you can dine in if you aren't in a hurry.

This is a great place to grab a snack, but you can easily upsize your meals and make them a packed lunch or dinner.

The Mentoast Schnitzel is a must-try.

Pizza Palace

Adding to the Italian offerings on this list is Pizza Palace.

What's great about Pizza Palace is that along with great pizza, they also serve some classic Italian home food dishes.

It is a small, relaxed space where you can comfortably dine with your family and enjoy some incredible food without breaking the bank.

They also serve Kosher food and accommodate various food preferences.

There's truly something for everyone at this pizzeria.

Southside Sandwich Shop

Just because they serve sandwiches doesn't limit Southside Sandwich Shop to a simple snack bar.

What makes this place unique is the smoked hickory meats they use for their sandwiches.

You can get as much or as little as you like, and once you try it, you'll return for more.

The sandwiches highlight the experience, but they also offer burgers or meat on their own.

The dishes have several sides, including slaw, fries, beans, and salads.

If you want your American classics done exceptionally, get your fix of American comfort food at Southside Sandwich Shop.

Other Restaurants Nearby

Denino's South Pizzeria

Denino's South Pizzeria is an Italian-inspired eatery that focuses on pizza and creating some of the more exciting and unique pizzas you've ever had.

It is a relatively large space with a diverse menu, making it ideal for family gatherings and more significant events.

The food options, such as the thin crust pizzas and Italian dinner platters, are excellent for large groups to share comfortably.

They also have several kid-friendly meals, making it ideal for a family get-together.

Stop by Denino's South Pizzeria to experience dining in an Italian environment with authentic Italian food.

You can find this restaurant in Brick, New Jersey, 11 minutes from Lakewood.

Ikko Japanese Steakhouse

The main attraction to the Ikko Japanese Steakhouse is the hibachi-style cooking and, of course, the sushi.

Hibachi is a cooking style involving a chef who prepares food right before your eyes.

Guests are seated close to the cooking station, where the chef prepares all the food.

You can also see sushi being made at a nearby restaurant.

While most people will try the grilled food and the sushi, ensure you get a serving of the onion soup.

The soup is one of their specialties that keep customers coming back.

Ikko Japanese Steakhouse is in Brick, ten minutes from Lakewood.

Poor Boys

Don't let the name deceive you.

Even though this isn't the most expensive eatery on the list, Poor Boys isn't exactly cheap either.

It is a high-end sandwich store preparing amazing Italian-inspired sandwiches.

These are primarily available as subway-style sandwiches, and you can also get other items such as salads, melts, cold sandwiches, and wraps.

You can customize all the items according to your liking, so feel free to talk to the staff and build your dream meal.

However, the focus isn't just on healthy food.

You can always get yummy high-calorie delights like chili, fries, wings, and cheese balls.

Try the in-house kettle chips if you are getting it to-go.

You can find Poor Boys in Brick, 11 minutes from Lakewood.

Cornerstone Kitchen and Tap

If you're looking for an eatery with great food, drinks, and a friendly and clean atmosphere, visit Cornerstone Kitchen and Tap.

It is a spacious place, so finding a table is never a problem no matter what time of day you visit.

You will get some excellent beer fresh from the tap and an extensive menu full of delectable items.

Whether you're looking for a quick munch or a full meal with the family, it is all possible at the Cornerstone Kitchen and Tap.

Just pair your serving with one of their specialty cocktails.

From the steak and sandwiches to the pasta and seafood, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!

This restaurant is in Jackson Township, New Jersey, seven minutes from Lakewood.

Beacon 70

Beacon 70 adds a new twist to an otherwise traditional sports bar and restaurant.

Not only is this a massive establishment with plenty to do and enjoy, but it also has incredible food and an excellent bar.

The tap has more than 30 beers, several cocktails, a fully furnished bar, and an extensive wine selection.

They also have over 50 HD screens where you can enjoy your games and an 18-foot video wall where they screen the main events.

The food menu is just as extensive and offers all the best items you could want in this environment.

Whether you're looking for finger food or a complete dining experience, you can get it at Beacon 70.

This establishment's most unique and exciting part is that it comprises repurposed wood from the original Beacon Manor Hotel.

The place still follows the classic design inspired by 19th-century industries and factories.

It is also close to the Metedeconk River, where you can get an excellent view of the Forge Landing Marina.

Whether you visit during the day or night, there is plenty to do and see at Beacon 70.

Beacon 70 is in Brick, 12 minutes from Lakewood.

Manera's Restaurant

Manera's Restaurant isn't very well known but has built a nearly cult-like following.

It is easy to miss because of the modest outlook and the simple interior.

The tables are in three large rooms, and the overall ambiance of the place is effortless.

The food is an entirely different ball game; no matter what you order, you can be confident that it will come fresh and well-made.

There is no particular specialty, but it is an Italian-American restaurant.

Many of the classic Italian dishes have been slightly upgraded and modified to suit the palate of the local clientele.

This establishment has a BYOB policy, so you don't have a lot of options at the bar.

They have a limited stock of wine, but they are also excellent choices considering the simple design of the restaurant.

Likewise, they have a license for selling wine through a local vintner from South Jersey.

The largest room has a big fireplace that keeps the entire space cozy and comfortable.

Located in Brick, the restaurant becomes especially inviting in the winter.

It's a simple restaurant with fantastic food and great prices.

What's not to like at Manera's Restaurant, ten minutes from Lakewood?

Final Thoughts

Lakewood, New Jersey is often overlooked as a small and simple part of town, but its culinary scene is vast and tempting.

You will get a taste of the local community favorites through the different eateries in the area.

Discover how the region has evolved and grown over the years and has impacted the local cultural norms and traditions.

Check out the best restaurants in Lakewood, New Jersey!

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