Everyone has that go-to local restaurant near their home that they swear lendy. Sometimes, they secretly hope the masses don’t discover their “spot”. Well, we’re letting the cat out of the bag (a little) with our list of  Jersey Shore hidden gem restaurants in Monmouth County! These places are just too good to be kept a local secret, so we’re filling you in! Some of these restaurants have been around a while,  others are fairly new, but they are all worth a visit. We hope you enjoy exploring these local restaurants and please let us know if we missed anyone!

For a more extensive list of Jersey Shore Hidden Gems in Monmouth and Ocean Counties click here or check out our guide to Hidden Gems in Ocean County here!

The Ultimate Guide to Jersey Shore Hidden Gems in Monmouth County

At the Table, Asbury Park
What used to be one of our favorite Caribbean restaurants (a long time ago) has turned into one of the area’s best hidden gems at the Jersey Shore. This restaurant has soul – from classic fried chicken and collard greens to sweet potato pie. There are even a number of vegan and gluten free options like their Beet and Black-Eyed Pea Salad and Smothered Chicken. We’ve got our groove back. 311 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-455-5093 http://www.atthetablenj.com/

Beach Tavern, Monmouth Beach
People who aren’t from Monmouth Beach and the immediate surrounding area tend to be in the dark when it comes to The Beach Tavern, which is not only one of our favorite waterfront restaurants but also a local’s hang out. Featuring creative specials with lots of – you guessed it – seafood, but also awesome burgers, delicious fresh pasta, and more. Grab a seat outside, overlooking the marina, and you’ll see why we love it here. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach (732) 870-8999 http://beachtavern.net/

The Boondocks Fishery, Red Bank
Veer off on a small side street in Red Bank, head downhill towards the river, and you’ll find Marine Park, and along with it, something that looks like little more than a wooden shack on the waterfront. That shack is Boondocks Fishery, one of the best seasonal lobster and seafood joints around. Their Tuesday and Wednesday lobster nights are famous among locals, so get there early! This place is as casual as can be – order at the window, grab a seat at one of their picnic tables overlooking the water, and before you know it, you’ll be feasting on lobster. 1 Marine Park, Red Bank (732) 747-7177  https://www.facebook.com/LOBSTUH/

Cardinal Provisions, Asbury Park
When two local women in the culinary business decided to team up and open their own restaurant to serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner pop ups as well as catering services, it was nearly impossible not to countdown the days until they opened the doors. Now, over a year later, this cozy establishment is serving up flavors that will absolutely blow your mind (chicken and waffles like you’ve never seen). And whatever you do, don’t forget to go for the Xuixos. 513 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-898-7194 www.crdnal.com/

Far East Taste, Eatontown
Driving down Route 35 you may have passed Far East Taste hundreds of times without a second glance. Yes, the outside may not be the prettiest, but this beloved hole in the wall restaurant has diners that swear by their food that includes everything from curries to pad thais and their famous wonton soup. 19 Main Street, Eatontown 732-389-9866 fareasttaste.com 

Grandma’s Meatball, Manasquan
We’re not sure if grandma is actually cooking all of the meatballs here, but honestly, one bite and you won’t care who’s doing the cooking, and it’s so so so much more than just meatballs. Grab some lunch to go or stay for dinner and bring a bottle of wine. Either way, this Jersey Shore hidden gem is not staying hidden for that much longer! 109 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan 732-292-4580 http://www.grandmasmeatball.com/

Mar Belo, Long Branch
You may know Long Branch as just the home of Pier Village, but there’s so much more to this seashore town. Just take a drive down Broadway and you’ll find a neighborhood filled with restaurants that excel at Portugese dishes. One such restaurant is Mar Belo, a local hideout where you are guaranteed to fill yourself with tapas and one of our favorites, their Caldierada de Marisco aka Seafood Stew. 611 Broadway, Long branch 732-870-2222 www.marbelorestaurant.com/ 

Mister C’s Beach Bistro, Allenhurst
Mister C’s is easy to pass by if you don’t know it’s there.Sitting smack dab in the middle of a quiet residential area it fits the bill of a true hidden gem. Featuring a beachside bar and restaurant, right next door to the Allenhurst Beach Club, it’s one of our favorite spots for oceanfront dining, with its spacious outdoor deck and diverse menu. They’ve also just started what may be one of the best Happy Hours at the Jersey Shore! Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst (732) 531-3665 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/

Patricia’s of Holmdel, Holmdel
Nestled along Route 35 is a restaurant featuring white tablecloths, elegant chandeliers, and Italian food that will make you wonder what else you’ve been missing out on. Their octopus (above) is the best in the area and if that doesn’t strike your tastebuds, there’s plenty of options that will. 2132 State Route 35, Holmdel 732-275-0234 www.patriciasofholmdel.com/ Porcini, Highlands
Porcini continues to make waves at the Jersey Shore, giving themselves a reputation for being a warm restaurant featuring five star dishes. Their menu of fresh Italian-American cuisine has become less and less “hidden,” and the nightly specials made with seasonal and local ingredients are as delicious as they are beautifully prepared. If you get the chance, be absolutely sure to try Chef Chris Atamian’s Pork Osso Bucco. It’s to die for! 168 Bay Ave Highlands (732) 291-3080 https://www.restaurantporcini.com/

Simply Southern Cuisine, Belmar
To those who frequented the Englishtown Auction, Rita Simmons southern cuisine may be familiar to you. After serving up the best food at the auction, she decided to open a brick and mortar store in the same strip mall that houses 10th Ave Burrito. Her crab cakes, hush puppies and chicken salad sandwich are not to be missed! 817 Belmar Plaza, Belmar 732-243-9259 www.simplysoutherncomfortfood.com/ 

Soul on the River Restaurant, Neptune City
Blink and you may miss it. Off of Route 35, there’s Soul On the River, a restaurant that will leave you counting down to your next visit. It’s another soul food restaurant that includes all of your favorites served up in a styrofoam container. Old school dining – and we’re definitely in. 86 Hillside Avenue, Neptune City 732-361-7823 www.soulontheriver.flavorplate.com/

Trama’s Trattoria, Long Branch
Chef Pat Trama has earned a loyal following with food and wine aficionados due to his fierce commitment to quality, consistency and attention to detail. Every sea scallop gets perfectly caramelized, every dish carefully thought out based on the freshest and highest quality ingredients. At Trama’s Trattoria, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Tuscany. 115 Brighton Ave, Long Branch (732) 222-1121 tramastrattoria.com

Via Veneto, Manasquan
People seem to be familiar with Via Veneto in Brick, but did you know they also have a location right in Manasquan? It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family, paired with your favorite bottle of wine (BYOB). They serve lunch and dinner, so there are plenty of opportunities to go give this hidden gem a try. 2410 Route 35 North, Manasquan (732) 722-8458 viavenetoristorante.com/