The Brick and Toms River restaurant scene has been enticing appetites for quite some time. For years, residents have enjoyed everything from Italian specialties to classic diner food, and everything in between. A new crop of restaurants has added to these towns’ appeal, bringing in new cuisines and creative chefs. Whatever you’re in the mood for, these two towns have it – sorry locals, we’re giving away the family secrets!

Italian Restaurants in Brick and Toms River

What better way to start off a little culinary tour of these Jersey Shore towns than by eating Italian? Whether you’re looking for a pasta dish or an extra large pizza, there’s no better option than Via Roma in Toms River. Oh and did we mention that they offer both gluten free and vegan options that are actually… dare we say it… delicious? (Yes, gluten free pizza that tastes like the real deal!)

For those nights when you might want to up the ante, head to Il Giardinello, where traditional, old-world Italian reigns supreme. Another winner in our book, Via Veneto – a strip mall location (when you’re from Jersey, never discount the restaurant in a strip mall… never) – that always has homemade pasta on hand.

International Restaurants in Brick and Toms River

Travel the world while never leaving these two Jersey Shore towns. It’s way more than Italian food (they’ve got their own section). We’re talking about gourmet Asian dishes from Xina in Toms River and Ikko Japanese Steak House where customers rave about their noodles to a packed Indian lunch buffet at Aamantran Indian Cuisine in Toms River that will change the way you look at strip mall cuisine. Experience flavors that you’ve never even dreamed of tasting from Cuban delights at Spanish Olive Restaurant to authentic Georgian cuisine at Oda House Jersey that will have you ordering everything off the menu… and we mean everything! Finally, for the best Pho in the area, look no further than PhoTastic in Brick – their name says it all. The best part about these Brick and Toms River restaurants? They’re BYOB – cheers!

Breakfast, Lunch, and More

Nothing says Jersey Shore quite like a pile of mile high pancakes, some pork roll, and donuts. At Taylor Sam’s in Brick, you can get two out of three – not bad any day of the week (and some Beer Braised Brisket – see above to salivate). Taylor Sam‘s is a true hidden gem offering home-style meals that are always cooked to order. Side note – For donuts – there’s no place that quite compares to Uncle Dood’s in Toms River, just get there early or you’ll be out of luck, and don’t wimp out, go with your gut and order a dozen!

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, in a Jersey sense, the Rainbow Diner in Brick literally has it all – huge portions of a countless number of dishes. Or make a breakfast stop at Shore Good Pancake House for the Jersey Shore’s fluffiest pancakes – which means you can eat double. And then sometimes you just need to Shut Up & Eat. Yes, it’s a restaurant and everything from the décor to the waiter’s uniforms will make you giggle before you start stuffing your face (hence their name) with their famous waffle sandwiches or burgers the size of your head – yea that’s one of their creations above.

Pick Up and Go Restaurants

These places pack the punch without spending too much time on the clock. When you’re in the need for something fast that’s nothing like your typical fast food establishments, turn to these mainstays. This Italian eatery is anything BUT average, visit Mulberry Street in Brick, where you can pick up everything from sandwiches to deli meats to wings… lots and lots of wings. Frequent customers have even passed off their famous pasta sauces as their own… don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Sandwiches and sweets on the brain? Atlanta Bread has it all (way better than something else bread… you know who we’re talking about). Or if you’re looking for something a bit spicier, Meanbean in Toms River  offers burritos and beyond. Be nice and share some Mean Nachos with your BFF, or if you’re feeling selfish, don’t worry; they are “mean” nachos.

Seafood Restaurants in Brick and Toms River

When you’re located next to the Atlantic, good seafood isn’t hard to come by, but exceptional seafood can be. At Reels at Pier 281 in Brick, not only is the seafood fresh, but they’ve also got their presentation down pat. Try their shrimp risotto while overlooking the river or check out their signature crab cakes. If you’re in Toms River, there’s no other place that compares to the view at Baker’s Water Street Bar & Grille where you can drink a fun cocktail, eat some very fresh seafood, listen to some live bands, and daydream about owning one of the boats docked in view.

Brick and Toms River Bars and Pubs

Sometimes all you really want is a frosty glass of beer with a plate (or plates) of bar food. We’ve got you covered. For a happy hour (and sunset) that can’t be beat, visit River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar in Brick. Food and drink specials every night of the week are enough to lure everyone to the table. But if you’re fancying a bit of an Irish vibe, check out P.J. Sweeney’s Restaurant & Irish Pub in Brick for specials, specials, and more specials. They’re also known for their hospitality. Last, but certainly not least is The Office Restaurant and Lounge in Toms River. If you’ve never been here before, it’s time to change that. This old-school vibe lounge has plenty of HD TVs, all your classic American dishes, and sushi that is worth the order.

Be sure to check out our complete Guides to Where to Eat, Play, and Hang in Toms River and Brick and Things to Do in Toms River and Brick.