We’re thinking of dedicating this past year to Jersey Shore foodies because really, we can’t believe how many tasty and unique businesses have opened in Monmouth County. Which is why we decided to put together our list of the top new restaurants in Monmouth County.

No longer do we have to trek into New York or Philadelphia for the creative dishes prepared by superstar chefs! They’re coming to our backyard!

Monmouth County has seen a surge of great new restaurants and breweries, all from foodie influencers and amazing chefs that have brought us award winning ceviche to tasty pizzas and fresh off the boat seafood.

We had a hard job, eating, drinking, and eating our way through Monmouth County, but someone had to do it. Now it’s your turn. Enjoy the list and let us know what your favorite new Monmouth County restaurant is this year. We’re always hungry!

(For those of you looking for our top list of new Ocean County restaurants, we’re in the middle of compiling them, so if you have any suggestions, let us know!)

Our List of the Top New Monmouth County Restaurants

 Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten – Asbury Park
We know, we know. We really can’t get enough of the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten. But judging by the crowds every night, we’re not the only ones. We’re not sure if it’s the perfectly imperfect warehouse building, the long list of imported and local beers, or the mouth watering bratwurst and extra large German pretzel that keeps us (and you) going back for more.

Beach Tavern – Monmouth Beach
This fall, Monmouth Beach welcomed Top Chef Masters winner Chef Paul Winberry to open one of our favorite new Monmouth County restaurants because of its fresh take on classic seafood dishes. We’re big fans of the homemade Squid Ink Tagliatelli featuring calamari, shrimp and Calabrian chili sauce. Oh and the picturesque views of the Shrewsbury aren’t too bad either. http://beachtavern.net/

Blend on Main – Manasquan
Artfully crafted dishes from Chef Lou is just one of the many reasons that Blend on Main made our list of the best new Monmouth County restaurants. One glance at their menu and you’ll understand how much love actually goes into these dishes. Try the Wild Mushroom Fricassee small plate featuring this week’s wild offerings of foraged mushrooms and follow that with the Pistachio Crusted Icelandic Salmon. If you have a big appetite, try out the mid week pre fixe menu where you’ll end your meal with one of our favorites, drunken doughnuts with rum jelly. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Broad St. Dough Co. – Oakhurst
When we enter Broad St. Dough Co. we turn into Homer Simpson. These donuts have just the right ratio of cakiness to doughiness (you know what we’re talking about) and are made to order. Craving some chocolate? No problem. What about berries? Queen Bee coming up! We know swimsuit season is right around the corner, but seriously, everyone needs a little sweetness in their lives!

Catch – Red Bank
Redefining the seafood dining experience, Catch in Red Bank climbed the ranks to make it onto our list of the best new Monmouth County restaurants. Diners can enjoy a market style experience, choosing their own cut of fish which is then prepared and seasoned just the way you like it. Before enjoying fresh off the boat fish, start the meal off with one of their delicious appetizers such as their paper thin Tuna Carpaccio or their Asparagus & “Flaked” White Fish with a sunny-side up egg and just a hint of truffle. What a catch! http://catchredbank.com/

Cross & Orange – Asbury Park
Chef Sam Byrne of Cross & Orange is making sure that Asbury Park becomes known for its food. Every dish is made completely from scratch, from the truffle aioli to the housemade brioche, we have been completely, and very happily, overwhelmed by every dish served. Before dinner, be sure to hang out at the bar to enjoy some of classic cocktails served with a twist. Our favorite? The Crusta circa 1850 featuring Forty Creek copper pot whiskey, 03 Orange liqueur, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and an orange peel. Delicious! http://crossandorangeap.com/

Hansel & Griddle – Red Bank
If you were a Rutgers student in the last 15 years, odds are you’ve enjoyed a Hansel & Griddle breakfast, lunch or dinner. Earlier this year, they opened a Red Bank outpost that serves the same quality fare that made Hansel a favorite of Rutgers students. Their pancakes and the breakfast crisps are quite possibly the best breakfast value around! In a town like Red Bank, it also helps being open until 3am on weekends, where they even deliver late night as well! http://www.hanselngriddle.com/

Patrizia’s – Red Bank
Hailing from Brooklyn, Patrizia’s made their way to downtown Red Bank, bringing their own interpretation of traditional Neapolitian cuisine. Get served family style or choose from classic dishes like Pollo Parmigiana to Gnocchi Sorrentino. The wood-burning brick oven turns out some tasty Neopolitan pizza too. Try the Chef, topped with heavy cream, ham, mushrooms, and mozzarella. It’s an experience that even your Italian grandma would approve! http://www.patriziasofbrooklyn.com/location/red-bank/

Talula’s – Asbury Park
With such a cute name, it’s hard to imagine that the food wouldn’t be equally delicious. Talula’s brings fresh flavors, ridiculously delicious pizza (thank you for being so obsessed with your dough), and crafty cocktails in a very Brooklynish inspired environment. One of our favorite pizzas is the Saltie, topped with feta, fresh mozzarella, pickled veggies, a runny farm fresh egg, fresh herbs, salty capers and pimenton. It brings us to our happy place. http://talulaspizza.com/