Here's where to find new restaurants, great pizza and delicious desserts at the Shore

Staff Report
·7 min read

Love food? You've come to the right place.

Each week on app.com, writers Gabriela L. Laracca and Sarah Griesemer share the latest dining news in Monmouth and Ocean counties. They profile new restaurants, tell us what places are closing, and share roundups of places to go for everything from pizza to bagels to sushi.

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Here are just some of the stories we've covered in the last few months:

New restaurants in Monmouth, Ocean counties

Sandwiches available at Off Center Food Supply in Manasquan.
Sandwiches available at Off Center Food Supply in Manasquan.

Almost every month, we write about just-opened restaurants in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Here's a story on eight new spots, serving everything from pretzel cheesesteaks to classic Italian dishes to Mexican favorites.

7 pizzas you have to try

Many pizzerias in Monmouth and Ocean counties are household names, thanks to longevity, customer loyalty and social media popularity. But there are thousands of pizza shops in New Jersey, including neighborhood spots that are just as good as those that get all the attention. So we asked around, checked out menus and hit the road, visiting pizzerias and Italian restaurants from Matawan to Manahawkin. What did we find? Some really great pizza.

Jersey Shore restaurants: coming soon

French toast bagels are prepared at Joe's Bagel & Grill on Route 34 South in Wall Township. A Waretown location will open in 2023.
French toast bagels are prepared at Joe's Bagel & Grill on Route 34 South in Wall Township. A Waretown location will open in 2023.

Among the promises we make to ourselves each year (and usually the only one we keep) is finding new places to eat. This will be easy in 2023, with restaurants promising Portuguese food, pancakes, comfort food and Italian cuisine on the way. And there are more to come. These are among the restaurant openings to look forward to in the coming months.

10 great places to try at the Jersey Shore

Juanito's Charcoal Grill in Red Bank.
Juanito's Charcoal Grill in Red Bank.

There were approximately 75 restaurants that opened at the Shore in 2022. You probably haven't been able to try them all yet, so here are 10 new additions that created a buzz or brought something new to the Shore's dining scene.

Best dishes at the Jersey Shore

Birria tacos with consomé for dipping at Delicias Sobre Ruedas in Tuckerton.
Birria tacos with consomé for dipping at Delicias Sobre Ruedas in Tuckerton.

We spend our days getting to know the people who make great food at the Shore, and we do a lot of eating — and photographing — along the way. From incredibly delicious food truck tacos to decadent chicken liver mousse, these are some of the tastiest dishes we've tried.

Readers love these Jersey Shore restaurants

Shrimp and grits from The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House in Stafford.
Shrimp and grits from The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House in Stafford.

We all have a go-to spot where our regular order is like comfort on a plate. When given the option between dining at a fine, Michelin-rated restaurant, or grabbing a bite from that second home around the corner, many would chose the latter. At least that's what we learned from asking readers about their favorite Jersey Shore restaurants.

Healthy choices

The Sun Kiss roll (with spicy tuna roll, salmon, avocado slices, tobiko and spicy mayo) from Salt Creek Grille in Rumson.
The Sun Kiss roll (with spicy tuna roll, salmon, avocado slices, tobiko and spicy mayo) from Salt Creek Grille in Rumson.

How's your New Year's resolution to eat healthy going? Well, here are some restaurants to get you back on track, from fresh salmon sashimi to premium cuts of prime rib (high protein and low carbs) to plant-based bowls packed to the brim with hearty ingredients.

Vegan pizza in New Jersey

John Razzano talks about pizza like someone who has been making it for years. But he is actually just getting started: He opened Parmagianni Pizza, a vegan pizzeria that serves its pies at pop-up events, in 2021. After becoming vegan five years ago, "you start missing food, and pizza is a big one," he said.

Pizza icon back with Pizzeria 'Lucci

With two young children, Jersey Shore pizza icon Mike Gallucci has enjoyed being a stay-at-home dad. But now he's getting back in the game with Pizzeria 'Lucci, scheduled to open by summer in Belmar.

The Break, Low Dive on the Asbury Park Boardwalk

It might seem daunting taking over a group of storied restaurants on the Asbury Park boardwalk. But the team comprising BarCo Brands are not worried about becoming the new owners of restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach's Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park Yacht Club and Pop's Garage. They're excited.

End of an era in Jackson

The Cassville Tavern in Jackson closed up shop on Feb. 10 after it was sold to new ownership.
The Cassville Tavern in Jackson closed up shop on Feb. 10 after it was sold to new ownership.

Marilyn Fariello capped off another Saturday night at the Cassville Tavern in Jackson the same way she always did: "Last call!" It was just before 10:30 p.m., and a few regulars were singing along to the chorus of "I Love This Bar," a Toby Keith song. After a while, customers began filing out the door. Some had shown up to wish Fariello well; others had no idea it would be their last night at the Cassville Tavern.

Jersey Shore restaurants that closed

Seed to Sprout owners Cara Pescatore (left) and Alex Mazzucca are shown inside their Avon restaurant in 2021.
Seed to Sprout owners Cara Pescatore (left) and Alex Mazzucca are shown inside their Avon restaurant in 2021.

We lost some iconic Jersey Shore restaurants in 2022. Here's a look at 25 in Monmouth and Ocean counties that have shut their doors.

Estrella Azul re-opens in Bell Works, Holmdel

A Taco Trio at Estrella Azul: an al pastor taco (left to right), with marinated pork and pineapple; a Buffalo taco, with fried Buffalo chicken; and a carnitas taco, with shredded braised pork.
A Taco Trio at Estrella Azul: an al pastor taco (left to right), with marinated pork and pineapple; a Buffalo taco, with fried Buffalo chicken; and a carnitas taco, with shredded braised pork.

Estrella Azul in Bell Works — the popular Mexican lunch spot that opened in January 2019 and shut down due to COVID in March 2020 — re-opened its doors in December. Dine on authentic bites, like slow sous vide carnitas street tacos, and quesadillas loaded with fresh Monterey jack and queso Oaxaca.

F St. Social in Belmar

The Chicken Social at F St. Social, prepared with hot and sweet cherry peppers, garlic white wine sauce, crumbled sausage and served over pasta (or rice pilaf).
The Chicken Social at F St. Social, prepared with hot and sweet cherry peppers, garlic white wine sauce, crumbled sausage and served over pasta (or rice pilaf).

Whether it's the beach or the dance floor at D'Jais, F St. Social in Belmar is trying to capture your summer memories. The new restaurant — on what used to be F Street and is now Main Street — is serving up a diverse menu, from wood-fire grilled craft pizzas to family-style steak dishes.

Whiskey Lounge in Brielle

The dining room at the Whiskey Lounge in Brielle.
The dining room at the Whiskey Lounge in Brielle.

Last summer, Waterman's Tavern in Brielle closed its doors — but it wasn't the end. Renovations began, and in early November, a new concept opened in its place: Whiskey Lounge. While Waterman’s Tavern was a place where you could order a pizza or a steak, Whiskey Lounge has added more comfort food to the menu.

Robbie's Chicken Shack in Manahawkin

Garlic parmesan balsamic glaze chicken wings at Robbie's Chicken Shack.
Garlic parmesan balsamic glaze chicken wings at Robbie's Chicken Shack.

Robbie's opened a few months ago in Beach Haven West, a section of Manahawkin. The takeout spot serves all things chicken: fried chicken, wings, fried or grilled chicken sandwiches (they call them "shackwiches"), a grilled chicken salad.

Ready for ramen?

Pork belly ramen from Yumi, which has locations in Red Bank and Sea Bright.
Pork belly ramen from Yumi, which has locations in Red Bank and Sea Bright.

Nothing quite beats a warm bowl of ramen. Piled high with toppings like braised pork belly, corn, nori (seaweed sheets), kimchi, scallions and more, it's perfect when the weather turns cold. Here are five spots to try at the Jersey Shore.

Soup's on

Spicy lemongrass soup from Freshii.
Spicy lemongrass soup from Freshii.

Here are 12 soups you have to taste at the Jersey Shore, from chicken noodle to clam chowder, spicy lemongrass to lobster bisque.

Bagels!

Rosko's in Jackson is known for its bagels and Belgian waffles.
Rosko's in Jackson is known for its bagels and Belgian waffles.

Jan. 15 was National Bagel Day, and some Jersey Shore shops were offering deals. But you don't need a special day to grab a bagel. Here are some places to go.

Donuts!

Strawberry sprinkle, blueberry crumble and chocolate glazed doughnuts from Side Door Donuts in Beach Haven.
Strawberry sprinkle, blueberry crumble and chocolate glazed doughnuts from Side Door Donuts in Beach Haven.

Donuts are pure joy in pastry form. Frosted with sprinkles, filled with jelly, dusted with powdered sugar, glazed, old-fashioned — yes, please. Don't forget donut holes, bite-sized and delicious. Or apple fritters. Or Long Johns. Or mochi donuts. You get the picture. Here are a few of the many donut shops at the Shore.

Ice cream!

We write about ice cream a lot, especially during the summer. Here are some spots at the Shore to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Hot chocolate!

Everyone has their own take on hot chocolate. But whether you like it simple (milk mixed with chocolate syrup or Swiss Miss) or you're looking for a gourmet cup made with freshly melted chocolate and topped with rich whipped cream, it's always good. Here are some Jersey Shore spots to try.

Produce Pete!

Produce Pete Napolitano has written a book, "They Call Me Produce Pete," about his life and career.
Produce Pete Napolitano has written a book, "They Call Me Produce Pete," about his life and career.

How did Pete Napolitano become WNBC's famed "Produce Pete"? How did a small lot by a gas station pave the way for his family's produce store in Bergenfield that stood for nearly 50 years? Napolitano answers those questions, tells plenty of stories and shares lots of recipes in "They Call Me Produce Pete," written with Asbury Park Press freelancer Susan Bloom.

Craft beer at the Jersey Shore

Birdsmouth Beer cofounders Andy Gioia pours a beer at the Oceanport brewery, built in the old commissary building at Fort Monmouth.
Birdsmouth Beer cofounders Andy Gioia pours a beer at the Oceanport brewery, built in the old commissary building at Fort Monmouth.

It's been a roller-coaster ride for the craft brewing in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Alex Biese covers the industry, letting readers know the latest news on beers and breweries. Here's what nine great beers tell us about where the local beer scene has been, where it’s at, and where it’s headed.

Artis Brewery opens in Freehold

Artis Brewery on South Street in Freehold has joined the Monmouth County craft beer scene.
Artis Brewery on South Street in Freehold has joined the Monmouth County craft beer scene.

Artis Brewery recently opened in Freehold. The new business has industrial-chic two-story tasting room where the brewing equipment shares floorspace with high-top tables at street level. There are televisions on both floors, and the décor is an eye-catching blend of stone and woodwork.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore restaurants: Find new eateries, great pizza, desserts