The Jersey Shore Foodie Bucket List – The Best of the Shore

The Jersey Shore Foodie Bucket List – The Best of the Shore


We are self-proclaimed Jersey Shore foodies here at Jersey Shore In Motion. If there’s a sandwich, pizza, pasta, burger, or any kind of dish worth noting, we’re on it. Gathering our information from our own foodie knowledge, fellow locals, and word of mouth, we’ve compiled what we proclaim as the ultimate Jersey Shore Foodie Bucket List. These are the best of the best food experiences in Monmouth & Ocean Counties, and we dare you to go enjoy each and every one of them.

The Jersey Shore Foodie Bucket List

(listed alphabetically)


Lobster Boil for Two at Beach Tavern
Indulge in a seafood feast at Beach Tavern with a loved one! Boiled lobster, shrimp, clams and mussels make up a seafood boil that is guaranteed to please the seafood lover in you – and your date. If you’re not in the mood to share, it’s Lobster Thursday every Thursday. Enjoy a 1 lbs broiled or steamed lobster with Old Bay fries. 33 West St, Monmouth Beach (732) 870-8999

Voodoo Shrimp at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro
Chef/Owner Drew Araneo has racked up countless accolades for his Bistro in Keyport. We’ve always enjoyed our meals there, but we always come back to one dish; Voodoo Shrimp. The dish that beat Bobby Flay! 25 Church Street, Keyport (732) 739-9219

Sunday Brunch at the Molly Pitcher Inn
We’ve said it before – there is no brunch that can compare to Red Bank’s historical Molly Pitcher Inn. We’re talking fresh waffles, crepes, steaks, oysters and clams, lamb, and of course all of your traditional fixings. Combine these dishes with the sweeping views of the Navesink River and a cocktail and you’re in for a treat. 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank (732) 747-2500

Pollo Milanese at Panini Bay
Sometimes what seems to be a “simple dish” tastes like a stellar dish, especially when it’s prepared to perfection. The Pollo Milanese at Panini Bay is a prime example. A crunchy and moist chicken cutlet served simply with slow roasted plum tomatoes, and a salad of crisp romaine lettuce, all dressed with lemon and extra virgin olive oil. It’s a classic that will never go out of style. 101 Parker Road, Tuckerton (609) 294-4281

Double Cut Stuffed Pork Chop at Patricia’s
With an vast variety of Italian restaurants in the area the competition is stiff. One bite of the Double Stuffed Pork Chop over fresh beet risotto from Patricia’s and you’ll quickly realize that this restaurant to your list of regular haunts. 2132 NJ-35, Holmdel (732) 275-0234

Pork Osso Bucco at Porcini
This hidden gem hasn’t been open long, but the buzz has been quickly building. Chef/owner Chris Atamian’s take on short pork osso bucco is one of the best at the shore. Porcini serves them with a sweet potato hash, garlic broccoli rabe and in a maple-whisky sauce. 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands (732) 291-3080

Raw Bar at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant
With one of the best views in New Jersey, Rooney’s in Long Branch is also one of the best seafood houses at the shore. Their fresh fish board is absolutely outstanding, but their raw bar is off the charts! It’s easily some of the best raw oysters, peel and eat shrimp, and clams we’ve ever had. 100 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch (732) 870-1200

Short Ribs at Taka
People rave about the fresh & creative sushi at Taka, but there’s a little secret that only a select few know; the short ribs may just be the best thing on the menu! We were once given the same but of advice and sure enough, its true! 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-1020

 Sizzling Black Pepper Filet Mignon at Temple Gourmet Chinese
When we say this dish is sizzling, we mean it and not just because it’s actually sizzling when it’s served to you at Temple Gourmet Chinese, but because it has made it into our sizzle reel of the top Jersey Shore foodie experiences. It may very well be the best filet mignon at the shore! 91 Broad Street, Red Bank (732) 212-8858

Spinach, Feta & Mushroom Omelette at Toast
With two locations at the shore (Asbury Park & Red Bank), as well as one in Montclair, Toast is rapidly becoming one of the state’s premier breakfast & lunch spots. The spinach, feta & mushroom omelette is a breakfast treat! It’s served with potatoes and toast. (Make the upgrade to the biscuit and thank us later.) A close second is their Huevos Rancheros. It’s one of the best Huevos we’ve ever had! 516 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park (732) 776-5900 & 45 Monmouth St, Red Bank (732) 224-1234

Mussels and Pork Chops at Trama’s Trattoria
The Famous Original Mussels from Trama’s Trattoria are famous for a reason. Served with toasted garlic, tomato gravy (yes, it’s gravy at Trama’s, not sauce), and fresh Brooklyn bread for scraping up those juices, you can see what we mean. Go for a double and order the Pork Chop served with creamy Mascarpone polenta, agri dolce cippollini onion, and oven roasted asparagus. 115 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch (732) 222-1121