Updated April 2026
This comprehensive list of Monmouth County restaurants was curated through input from our readers and social media fans. We hope their recommendations will serve you well. Have a tip on a new restaurant opening or a suggestion for a restaurant we should try? Share it here.
Looking beyond Monmouth County? Explore our full guide to the best restaurants in New Jersey.
Some of the more popular towns in Monmouth County for dining are Red Bank, Freehold, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, but there are smaller, quieter towns with some great gems too, like Rumson, Manasquan, and Spring Lake.
Monmouth County also encompasses a generous amount of waterfront property, so if you are looking for a destination with a water view, you may just find it here.
We hope you enjoy these restaurants, categorized by type, for your dining adventures in Monmouth County.
Looking for drinks before or after dinner? See our guide to restaurants with great cocktails in Monmouth County.
Romantic Monmouth County Restaurants
Looking for a romantic restaurant in Monmouth County to take that special someone? Ultimately, a romantic restaurant should provide the opportunity for intimacy. The lighting, seating, music, and yes, even food, can all add up to a romantic night out. Here are our picks for places that will make for a great date. If you have a suggestion for this list, please submit here.
Avenue, Long Branch
Set directly on the boardwalk in Pier Village, Avenue brings a slice of the French Riviera to the Jersey Shore. This upscale, oceanfront restaurant is known for its polished atmosphere, sweeping Atlantic views, and a menu rooted in French-inspired coastal cuisine. Think pristine seafood, expertly prepared steaks, and classic dishes like moules frites and steak tartare, all paired with a strong wine and cocktail program. Whether you’re seated inside or dining al fresco overlooking the beach, Avenue delivers one of the most elevated and scenic dining experiences in Monmouth County.
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Drifthouse Restaurant in Sea Bright stands out as one of the most romantic dining destinations in Monmouth County, pairing coastal elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Set between the ocean and the Shrewsbury River, the restaurant offers stunning sunset views, an intimate dining room, and a cozy fireplace lounge, making it ideal for date night. The menu leans into house-made pasta, dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and a thoughtful cocktail program, making it easy to linger over dinner and drinks. Open year-round, Drifthouse is a go-to for everything from first dates to anniversaries and special celebrations that call for something a little more memorable.
Nonna’s Cucina, Englishtown
Olea Restaurant & Lounge, Spring Lake
Olea Restaurant brings a bold, experience-driven approach to dining in Spring Lake, blending dramatic design with a menu that delivers across the board. The space sets the tone with velvet drapes, fringe chandeliers, and an intimate, high-energy atmosphere, while the kitchen, led by Chef Brandon “Bud” Carter, executes with precision. Standouts include a perfectly cooked, fork-tender filet, spicy rigatoni Tony, and creative cocktails that are unexpected but balanced. It’s the kind of place that feels like a full night out, not just dinner, making it one of the most talked-about dining destinations in Monmouth County right now.
Pascal & Sabine, Asbury Park
Looking to venture outside of Monmouth County? Check out our list of the best date night restaurants in New Jersey.
Barbecue Restaurants
Jersey Shore BBQ, Point Pleasant Beach
Local Smoke, Red Bank & Neptune
Surf Barbecue, Rumson
Mutiny Barbecue, Asbury Park
Best Brunch in Monmouth County
Are you craving something sweet, like a steaming stack of pancakes, or something savory, like a pile of bacon, or maybe both? Hey, isn’t that what breakfast out is all about? These Monmouth County restaurants will not disappoint in the deliciously decadent department.
Avenue, Long Branch
B2 Bistro, Red Bank
B2 Bistro’s weekend brunch is a playful, chef-driven lineup that puts a creative spin on classic morning favorites. The menu balances comfort and innovation with dishes like Shore Style Benedicts, Steak & Eggs in a Hole on brioche, and a Skillet Corned Beef Hash packed with bold, savory flavors. Sweet cravings are covered too, from Chicken & Waffles with sage maple glaze to indulgent S’mores French Toast. Add in build-your-own omelets and bagels, vibrant huevos rancheros, and inventive brunch burgers, and brunch at B2 Bistro feels equal parts familiar, unexpected, and thoroughly satisfying.
Cardinal Provisions, Asbury Park
(Brunch Sat/Sun. Breakfast/Lunch Mon-Friday)
Meemom’s, Wall Township
Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank
Their holiday brunches sell out quickly every year.
Toast, Asbury Park, Red Bank
Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch are served 7 days a week. Their Red Bank location is housed in a retro diner, while the Asbury Park location is a funky, fun restaurant on Cookman Ave right in the heart of Asbury’s downtown. Enjoy their signature Red Velvet or Carrot Cake pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Burgers, and so much more. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Toast.
Check out our list of Best Brunch Spots in Ocean County.
Best Burgers in Monmouth County
B2 Bistro + Bar,Red Bank
Bar A, Lake Como
Harpoon Willy’s, Manasquan
Barnacle Bill’s, Rumson
Monmouth County Pizza
If you’re in New Jersey, you are in the land of great pizza, and Monmouth County has its fair share of outstanding pizza places. You will find your very traditional pizza joints and the more experimental establishments. It just depends on what you’re craving at the moment.
B2 Bistro + Bar, Red Bank
Carmines, Neptune
Deninos, Aberdeen
Federico’s on Main, Belmar
Medusa Stone Fired Kitchen in Asbury Park
Pete & Elda’s, Neptune
Porta, Asbury Park
The Brothers, Red Bank
Vics, Bradley Beach
Zoni’s Coal Fired Pizza, Middletown
Monmouth County Seafood Restaurants (not only seafood)
New Jersey and fresh seafood go hand in hand. With 5 commercial fishing ports to our name, there are plenty of places to go to enjoy fresh-caught New Jersey seafood. Whether you are searching for fresh Jersey flounder or mouthwatering mussels, you should be able to catch something to your liking at any of the following Monmouth County restaurants.
B2 Bistro + Bar, Red Bank
Bahrs Landing, Highlands
Brandl, Belmar
Catch 19, Red Bank
Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Cafe, Belmar
Mr. Shrimp Seafood Restaurant and Market, Belmar
Navesink Fishery, Atlantic Highlands
Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch
Seagrass Restaurant, Ocean Grove
Shipwreck Grill, Brielle
The Inlet Cafe, Highlands
Monmouth County Steaks
There are not many choices for traditional Steakhouses in Monmouth County. If you are in Southern Monmouth County, you can pop over the Manasquan Bridge into Point Pleasant Beach, where you will find two of Ocean County’s top Steak restaurants, Prime 13 and Shipwreck Point
Char, Red Bank
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
At Drifthouse in Sea Bright, steak is more than an entrée; it is a centerpiece of the experience. Known for its chef-driven approach and upscale coastal atmosphere, Drifthouse has built one of Monmouth County’s standout steak programs with expertly selected cuts, precise execution, and thoughtful presentation. Guests can expect everything from richly marbled ribeyes to tender filet mignon, each prepared with attention to temperature, seasoning, and finish. Whether paired with a signature cocktail, a bold red wine, or enjoyed after sunset near the water, Drifthouse delivers a polished steakhouse-level experience in a distinctly Jersey Shore setting.
Neil Michael’s Steak House, Hazlet
Vegan / Vegetarian Monmouth County Restaurants
Seed to Sprout, Avon
Waterfront Restaurants in Monmouth County
One of the big attractions in Monmouth County is the many miles of waterfront property. Whether you are looking for an ocean view or a lazy, riverside lunch, Monmouth County has got you covered. If you have a favorite waterfront Monmouth County restaurant that didn’t make the list, send us your suggestion.
Bahr’s Landing, Highlands
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Drifthouse Restaurant stands out as one of the best waterfront restaurants in Monmouth County, offering a rare dining experience with both ocean and river views in one stunning setting. Located in Sea Bright on the Jersey Shore, Drifthouse is known for its gorgeous sunsets, making it a favorite for romantic date nights, special occasions, and just-for-fun dinners that turn into memorable nights out. Open year-round, the restaurant offers relaxed coastal vibes in the warmer months and a cozy, intimate atmosphere in the cooler seasons, often centered on its inviting fireplace lounge. Whether you are celebrating something special or simply craving waterfront dining in Monmouth County, Drifthouse delivers scenery and atmosphere that elevate the entire experience.
Inlet Cafe, Highlands
Kleins Waterside Cafe, Belmar
McLoone’s Pier House, Long Branch
The Marina at Oceanport, Oceanport
Waypoint 622, Brielle
Cajun / Creole Restaurants
If you are looking for a little of that Cajun/Creole spice and traditional NOLA fare, or just a place to celebrate Mardi Gras, there are a few fan favorites that have been delighting guests for years. It seems fitting that all of the restaurants listed are located by the water.
Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Keyport
Clementine’s Restaurant, Avon-by-the-sea
Rajin Cajun, Belmar
Irish / English Restaurants
Dublin House, Red Bank
Kelly’s Tavern, Neptune City
Murphy’s Tavern, Rumson
St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, Spring Lake
The Black Swan, Asbury Park
Latin / American Restaurants
Casa Comida, Long Branch
Cielito Lindo Mexican Restaurant, Manasquan
Barrio Costero, Asbury Park
Jose’s Mexican Restaurant, Spring Lake
Plaza Tapatia, Asbury Park
Reyna’s, Tinton Falls
Sushi Restaurants
B2 Bistro, Red Bank
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Mizuki Hibachi Asian Bistro, Wall
Sushi by Kazu Japanese Restaurant, Freehold
Taka, Asbury Park
Tommy’s Tap and Tavern, Sea Bright, Sea Girt
Follow the link for a similar list of Ocean County restaurants
Editor’s Note: Ever wonder how some restaurants consistently show up when you search “best restaurants near me”? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is changing how restaurants are discovered.
