Asbury Park Restaurants: Where to Eat, Drink, and Play in the “City by the Sea”
Updated June 2024
For those of you that haven’t been to Asbury Park lately, or have just been reading about it through an outsider’s perspective, it’s time we, as locals, help you get into the game. Asbury Park has been continually praised by the likes of Travel & Leisure and even The New York Times, becoming the new “it” town at the Jersey Shore. White, sandy beaches, a bustling boardwalk, and an equally hopping downtown, Asbury Park is quite literally, “the city by the sea.”
With residents and visitors from all walks of life, Asbury Park feels like a mini metropolis, and its roaring restaurant scene is not an exception. You’ll find anything and everything from on the go tacos to rocking cupcakes, eclectic cocktails, craft beer, and gourmet dishes actually sourced from local farmers. With it’s newfound celebrity comes many naysayers, but we’re here to let you know that those Asbury Park restaurants and businesses that have been here for a decade or for just a year are dedicated to serving delicious food in a very competitive market. If it’s not great – it’s just not making it here!
We wanted to help you make sense of a day, evening, or weekend out in Asbury Park, so we’ve put together some places to that are perfect to indulge in. With our guide to Asbury Park restaurants, you’ll be dining and ordering like a local and maybe even making a few stops along the way!
Downtown Asbury Park Restaurants
TAKA
Sushi powerhouse TAKA Restaurant & Bar takes out all the stops. No matter what time you go, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal. If you can look away from your plate for a moment, be sure to take in the décor. Or, even better, sip on a cocktail and some appetizers at the bar. It’s also a great place to people watch on the outside patio during the summer months! 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-1020 takaasbury.com
Pascal & Sabine
The only French restaurant to grace Asbury Park, think luxurious velvet, low lighting, and unctuous dishes. 601 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-3395 pascalandsabine.com
Moonstruck
Picture wrap around porches, strong martinis, and classic dishes, the perfect date night. 517 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-988-0123 moonstrucknj.com
Talula’s
There’s nothing they take more seriously than their sourdough, which is why their specialty pizzas and sandwiches are always on point. 550 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3003 talulaspizza.com
Crust & Crumble Pizzeria
Pizza lovers rejoice, this intimate pizzeria is the perfect place to congregate and enjoy pizza that can be made vegan, gluten-free, and delicious. 633 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7767 crustandcrumble.com
Cross & Orange
Situated on a corner with windows overlooking Kennedy Park, Cross & Orange is a throwback to when the food you ate excited you with every bite. 508 Cookman Avenue 732-361-5502 crossandorangeap.com
Confections of a Rockstar Bakery
Kimmie Masi, the Rock$tar of Confections has been sweetening of Cookman Avenue for years. She’s got plenty of A-list clients and with her rock star cupcake “set list” that includes hits like Rasbury Park Cupcake and the Scone Pony. 550 Cookman Avenue, Ste 104, Asbury Park 732-455-3510 www.coarock.com
Brando’s Citi Cucina
Great food, quality ingredients, and excellent service make up this “osteria” where they’ll make you feel right at home. 162 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-774-2222 brandosnj.com
REYLA
Mediterranean tapas makes this lunch, dinner, and brunch spot a place where the more company you have, means the more dishes you can try. 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8333 heyreyla.com
Johnny Mac House of Spirits
Buy a beer and you’ll get a pizza, a few tips from the wall, and maybe a chance to play some ping pong outside. 208 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-776-6666 johnnymacbar.com
The Speakeatery
Stop in for a sandwich or sit down for a leisurely lunch, either way treat yourself to one of the best Steak Sang-Gweech on the East coast. 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-898-9456 thespeakeatery.com
Belmontes Ristorante
Half price pasta nights and a BYOB make this Italian joint a fun spot to feel like part of the family. 632 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7500 https://www.instagram.com/belmontesap/
Asbury Ale House
While you dig into some of their mac ‘n cheese specials, shoot some hoops, play some shuffleboard, or some video games – it’s where adults can be adults and act like kids. 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3808 asburyalehouse.com
Lola’s European Café
A labor of love, Lola’s strives to bring you the best desserts and after dinner cocktails in the area. Along with our fine gelato they serve a large selection of unique cheeses that you can enjoy in house or buy by the ounce to savor at home. 539 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park 732-807-3777 lolaseuropeancafe.com
Flavia’s Cucina Romana
Flavia’s Cucina Romana offers an authentic escape into traditional Roman cuisine. Step into their restaurant and take a front-row seat at the open-concept kitchen, where the creativity of Flavia’s chefs is on full display. 550 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park 732-361-5080 www.flaviascucina.com
Loteria
Mexican street food comes alive at this authentic taqueria. With à la carte tacos using fresh made tortillas plus creamy corn esquites and overflowing burritos, you will swear you’ve been transported to the streets of Mexico. 632 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park 732-455-3610 loteriaap.com
The Black Swan
The Black Swan explores, embraces and combines various cultural influences to appeal to different tastes, offering unique and innovative dishes like Indian-inspired curries and pastas alongside more classic dishes like Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips. 601 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park 732-361-7159 theblackswanap.com
Cafe Volan
Rustic-chic coffee shop providing craft java drinks, plus baked goods & simple cafe fare. Steinbach Building, 510 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park 732-455-3399 cafevolan.com
Asbury Park Restaurants On the Boardwalk
Stella Marina
Pasta, pizza, meat dishes, and a lot of seafood. Stella Marina is the spot to eat the way Italians would along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Enjoy a sip on a glass of red (or white) at the downstairs or upstairs bar during Happy Hour. If it’s nice out, try to get a table on the second floor deck that’s crisscrossed with strands of lights…very romantic. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-7776 stellamarinarestaurant.com
Tony’s
In 2011 Tony’s Sausage brought a family recipe dating to the 1940’s to guests who visited them on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Since then, they’ve been serving up some of the best sausage and steak sandwiches you can get your hands on at the Jersey Shore. (732) 670-6590 https://www.facebook.com/TonysAsburyPark/
Kim Marie’s
Just a block from the boardwalk and the historical Convention Hall, is Kim Marie’s, a local watering hole that offers cold drinks, happy hour (from 4-6pm) and updated bar food. 1411 Kingsley, Asbury Park 732-775-6666 kimmarieseatndrinkaway.com
MOGO
With two locations (on the boardwalk and on Cookman), MOGO is the place to go when you’re craving a spicy pork taco with crisp slaw. 850 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-894-9188 eatmogo.com
Porta
With two large pizza ovens that were delivered from Italy, you can get why pizza aficionados sometimes refer to Porta as mecca of pizza. 911 Kingsley Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7661 pizzaporta.com
Robinson Ale House
It’s second location at the Jersey Shore now features can’t miss Atlantic views along with comforting dishes like Creole Shrimp. 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1400 therobinsonalehouseasburypark.com
Asbury Oyster Bar
Located in the beautiful Convention Hall, this small raw bar offers everything from oysters to ceviche and is a great stop before a concert. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8500 https://www.facebook.com/asburyoysterbar/
Asbury Park Roastery
Their Convention Hall boardwalk shop is located in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. Coffee and tea are available by the bag or by the cup. This shop also features seating, espresso-based drinks, and a great view of the ocean. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-807-3155 https://www.aproastery.com/
Iron Whale
With its Asbury Park Boardwalk location, outdoor ocean view dining is a strong feature of the Iron Whale. Indoors features an open kitchen, a fireplace, and a private meeting or party room. The menu features inventive takes on seafood including a “Taco Bar,” hence the title “Whale”. However, it also includes a wide selection of meat presentations, or “Iron”. 1200 Ocean Ave Unit 504, Asbury Park 732-361-5185 ironwhalenj.com
Crepe Shop
The Crepe Shop serves up savory and sweet crepes made with fine ingredients. If you can imagine it, they can make it in a crepe. Try the Elvis Presley next time you’re in town: Nutella, Banana and crumbles Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. It’s a classic Asbury treat. 900 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park https://www.instagram.com/crepeshop/
Asbury Park Restaurants on Main Street and the West Side
Mutiny BBQ
Mutiny BBQ is Monmouth County’s Destination for High-Quality Craft BBQ. Pitmaster Tom Dunphy and the team at Mutiny BBQ Company brings high quality, small batch BBQ to Asbury Park. With a focus on traditional processes, they employ a “pit to plate” strategy with an emphasis on serving only fresh BBQ daily. 808 5th Ave, Asbury Park 732-366-9985 www.mutinybbq.com
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant
Local’s know there’s really only one spot for a true pork roll sandwich at the shore and Frank’s is it. 1406 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-775-6682 franksdelinj.com
Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant
Near the unofficial entrance into Asbury is an old school Italian restaurant that locals swear by – it’s Sopranos without the killer drama (and a spot for celebrity sightings like Paul McCartney). 1405 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-5051 jimmysitalianrestaurant.com
Plaza Tapatia
For authentic Mexican dishes look no further than Tapatia (and while you’re there check out their grocery store). 707 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-776-7826 tapatiarestaurant.com
The Chat & Nibble
Just off of Main Street, you’ll find locals reading their newspapers and catching up over heaps of hash browns and pancakes from early morning till afternoon. 932 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-5100 thechatandnibble.com
Cielito Lindo 3
Expanding from Belmar to Asbury, all you have to know is that their sauces are addicting (and spicy) while their tacos are always on point. 1206 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-455-5745 cielitolindomexicanfood.com
Ada’s Gojjo
Experience the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine at Adagojjo Ethiopian Restaurant. They offer a wide range of traditional dishes like Goulash and Key Wot. 1301 Memorial Dr, Asbury Park 732-222-5005 adagojjo.com
Cameo Love Market
Built within the walls of an old speakeasy, the re-envisioned Cameo Love Market is a culinary feast for the senses, blending the mysteries of a bygone American era with the charm of European bistros. No need to speak in whispers, this whimsical establishment proudly shouts a welcome to all. 1213 Main St, Asbury Park 732-361-5462 cameolovemarket.com
Tic Taco Taqueria
Discover an authentic culinary experience crafted with passion and tradition at Tic Taco Taqueria. From sizzling, handcrafted tacos to the vibrant, mouthwatering salsa bar, they bring the essence of Mexico to your plate. 300 Main St, Asbury Park 732-361-5299 tictacotaquerianj.com
R BAR
Nestled on Main St. in Asbury Park, R Bar & Restaurant offers a blend of good eats, drinks, and tunes. Check out the rooftop bar and Greenhouse, or chill in the backyard (weather permitting). 1114 Main St. Asbury Park 732-776-7463 itsrbar.com
While You’re In Town…
Kur Wellness Studios
Offering everything from wall yoga to massages and ayurvedic therapies, Kur Wellness Studio is the solution to your beauty problems. You may want to trade a couple of hours on the beach for a couple of hours in one of their luxurious treatment rooms. 412 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-361-8956 kurstudios.com
Hot Sand
Try your best at the art of glass blowing with the help of the experts at Hot Sand Studio (or just pick up a glass piece to go – the waves are our favorite). 550 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-927-5475 hotsandap.com
The Asbury
Stay and play at the latest edition to Asbury’s scene, just a step away from the ocean you’ll find a rooftop bar complete with street food from a delicious food truck, game room, and outdoor movies. 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-7100 theasburyhotel.com
House of Independents
Since opening in 2015, the House of Independents has become another favorite spot to witness some amazing local and international artists. 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-977-5284 houseofindependents.com
Catsbury Park
Catsbury Park was founded in July 2016 in Asbury Park and has been helping to save the lives of kittens in need through rescue, TNR, and education ever since. In September 2017, Catsbury Park Cat Cafe & Tea House opened its doors in Asbury Park, NJ, marking a significant milestone. The physical location provided a platform for Catsbury Park to expand its rescue efforts, partnering with local shelters to offer a new lease on life for many at-risk cats. 901 3rd Ave, Asbury Park catsburypark.com