There’s been a lot of local buzz around Olea Restaurant & Lounge in Spring Lake lately, so I had to check it out for myself. The restaurant is tucked inside The Shore Club Hotel, and as we entered, the hostess told us that Olea was like stepping into a whole other world. She wasn’t wrong.
The room is dramatic in the best way: red velvet drapes with tassels, chandeliers layered with fringe, and greenery everywhere. My seat felt like a personal little throne. It’s intimate, lush, and intentionally designed for the perfect date night. The lounge especially leans into that vibe, mostly couples, low lighting, romantic energy all around. The main dining room opens things up a bit more if you’re with a group, but it still carries that same mood.
Cocktails First, and Definitely Worth It
We started with drinks, and this cocktail list leans creative without trying too hard.
For starters, let’s talk about the Banana Rama, which is absolutely a sipper, not a dessert at all. It drinks like a cousin to an Old Fashioned, with a surprising combination of rye and rum layered with banana, black walnut, raw sugar, and bitters. It shouldn’t work as well as it does, but it really does.
My cocktail was the Voodoo Child, vodka with pepperoncini, yuzu, honey, and a sour element. Slight heat, a little tang, not overly sweet, and a delightful start to the evening.
After sipping and nibbling our way through the warm, crusty bread they placed under our noses, we decided on a round of their Dirty Little Secret martinis, vodka for me and gin for my dining companion. Salty, classic, and exactly what you want if that’s your lane.
We ended with the Mad Hatter, which honestly could double as dessert. Sicilian pistachio liqueur, gin, and a touch of cream, shaken and served in a coupe. Smooth, nutty, and a great way to close things out.
The Food: Big Flavors, Great Texture
The crudo was the first thing to hit the table; the chef’s daily preparation was Tuna. Super fresh, clean, and simple in the best way.
The buffalo-style octopus was definitely one of the more interesting dishes we tried. It’s not something I’d normally gravitate toward, but the preparation makes it approachable. The buffalo-style flavor gives it a familiar entry point, especially if you’re someone who’s hesitant about ordering octopus. Paired with crispy potatoes, it’s a different take that actually works, and could easily be the dish that convinces someone to love Octopus.
Speaking of the potatoes, they deserve their own mention. Deep-fried, crispy on the outside, and soft and pillowy inside. The kind of side you keep going back to. Or like us, take home every leftover bite.
The beef back ribs were huge and probably the most indulgent thing we ordered. Super tender with a spicy, crunchy coating, chicken-fried style. The fennel and pepperoncini cut through the richness just enough to keep it from feeling too heavy.
We also had the spicy rigatoni, which came highly recommended. Cooked al dente with a nice kick from Calabrian chilies. It was just the right amount of heat, not overwhelming, and served with a big spoon for sharing, which is a nice touch.
I know practically every restaurant does crispy Brussels sprouts, so the fact that these actually impressed me is saying something. They were tender without losing their structure and not cloyingly sweet like so many I’ve had. Tossed in a Hot Honey Sriracha Glaze and topped with crunchy hazelnuts, this side dish really stands out.
Knowing Chef Carter, the former founding chef of The Butcher’s Block in Long Branch, is in the kitchen, I expected nothing less than a perfect filet, and I got it. Fork-tender, perfectly cooked, simply seasoned, and finished with flaky salt, no unnecessary extras.
Dessert That Doesn’t Weigh You Down
We ordered the churros to finish, and they were exactly what you want at the end of a meal like this. Super light, not too sweet, and served with fresh strawberry and vanilla ice cream. It didn’t feel heavy at all, just the right note to end on.
The Takeaway
Olea is a full experience, not just dinner. The space sets the tone, the cocktails are actually interesting, and the food backs it all up.
It’s the kind of place I’d come back to for a date night or when you want something that feels a little more special without being over the top in a stuffy way.
If you’re searching for something a little different at the Jersey Shore, this is definitely one to have on your list.
Looking for more places like Olea?
Explore our guide to the best restaurants in Monmouth County or discover more romantic dining spots across New Jersey.
