Attractions in Ocean Grove
With a food culture more diverse than California or New York, it’s no wonder Saveur Magazine dubbed New Jersey the most “edible state” in the country. You can find Asian, Italian, American cuisine, and beyond in virtually every town — including down the shore! In fact, our guests rave about the many Ocean Grove dining options near The Ocean Plaza Hotel, The Ocean View Inn and The Carriage House.
Ocean Grove
Less than two hours south of New York City, Ocean Grove provides an authentic taste of the Jersey Shore. Our historic, seaside village offers everything from vegan salads, wraps and beverages at Dales and Dollups to artisan pizzas and sandwiches at Tinos. No matter what you order, a trip to one of the best Ocean Grove, NJ, restaurants will have you coming back for more.
Sea Grass
Sea Grass on Main Avenue boasts some of the freshest seafood available. The festive, nautical decor pairs perfectly with dishes like baked East Coast cod, seared scallops, and New England clam chowdah. Plus, the eclectic menu changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine!
Local Tip: The chefs at SeaGrass are happy to create vegetarian or gluten-free dishes for those with dietary restrictions. All you have to do is ask!
The Starving Artist
The Starving Artist on Olin Street is another Ocean Grove classic. Here, guests can choose from a variety of breakfast and lunch staples like omelets, pancakes, salads, and wraps. Enjoy your meal inside or on the lovely garden-facing patio in the summertime.
Victorian Grill
The Victorian Grill is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite to eat featuring their signature omelettes to the best burgers in town and a family friendly menu. For dessert try their Gelato!
All-Star Bagel by the Beach
New Jersey residents love their bagels and Ocean Grove is no exception! All-Star Bagel serves up the best Jersey Shore Breakfast Sandwiches & Lunches! Swing by for a Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese, Grilled Cheese, BLT, Homemade Chicken, or a Tuna & Egg Salad on a bagel or fresh roll!
Asbury Park
Just north of Ocean Grove is Asbury Park which TravelandLeisure.com named “the coolest place on the Jersey Shore”. The Asbury Park dining scene has become a go to destination for fine and casual dining where you’ll find everything from standard boardwalk fare to elevated French and Italian cuisine.
Here are some of our recommendations:
Brando’s Citi Cucina
Brando’s Citi Cucina has developed a following as one of the best Italian restaurants in Asbury Park. The menu offers many traditional Italian favorites in addition to some exciting innovative dishes with French influences created by Chef Botta. Brando’s was founded on the premise of great food made from quality ingredients, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere and they are highly rated on all three. For a fan favorite – try their perfectly seared scallops with zucchini risotto and pistachio brown butter.
Pascal & Sabine
Great food and a classic brasserie setting make Pascal & Sabine one of the most popular eateries in Asbury. Here, scrumptious bistro classics like steak frites and coq au vin fill the menu. You’ll also find an extensive wine list, beer, and cocktails. Pop in for brunch or late-night drinks at this French kitchen and you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied.
Stella Marina Bar & Restaurant
It’s no secret that Jersey folks are crazy about Italian food. After all, we do it best! For homemade meatballs, slow-simmered gravy, and fresh pasta like nonna used to make, head to Stella Marina. The restaurant is right on the water and always packed. Ask for a table outside and enjoy gorgeous ocean views from the patio.
Moonstruck
Picture a Victorian-style building with lots of windows and wrap-around porches. That’s what you’ll find at Moonstruck, a popular destination for special occasions. The first floor of this American-Mediterranean restaurant contains a cocktail lounge where guests may enjoy drinks and appetizers. The second and third floors offer two main dining rooms, each with their own bar and al fresco dining in the summertime. Flickering candles, live piano music, and wonderful views complete the romantic setting.
TAKA
In the mood for sushi? TAKA is the place to go. This contemporary Japanese eatery serves up inventive appetizers, entrées, and a wide range of sushi rolls. Presentation is art at Taka; the food on the plate is as aesthetically pleasing and upbeat as the restaurant itself – the ambiance is upscale, chic, with a SOHO New York feel to it. TAKA even has a full-service bar and lounge for your late-night sushi and sake cravings.
Talula’s
When it comes to the art of combining expertly crafted sourdough pizzas with beautifully crafted beer, it is no secret that Talula’s is the place to go. Open since late 2014, Talula’s wasted no time in establishing itself as a premier place to eat and drink in Asbury Park. The menu is eclectic, creative, and delectable offering some of the best pizzas and fresh delicacies in a charming environment. A combination of laidback cafe-like vibe and rustic accents is perfect for enjoying delicious meals from salad bowls to sandwiches and they are prepared with freshly sourced produce. However, the specialty of Talula’s is the variety of pizzas served here. Homemade sauces and fresh toppings add to the flavors of the sumptuous pizzas – but there are plenty of options to choose from – try the meatballs as an appetizer to share with someone else. The chocolate cake with its coconut coffee ice cream has never disappointed.
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant
Okay, so it’s not the most upscale establishment in town. But, if you’re looking for Jersey classics like overstuffed sub sandwiches and pork roll, egg, and cheese, Frank’s is a must. A family-owned, cash-only luncheonette, this Asbury favorite offers some of the best grub in AP.
Other Great Places
In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, Asbury Park has excellent brunch spots, bars, and food trucks! Don’t miss out on these local hotspots.
- Cardinal Provisions brunch spot serving breakfast, sandwiches & creative plates
- Toast breakfast and brunch items, such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, sandwiches, and salads
- Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten | German food and lots of beer
- Asbury Oyster Bar | Succulent seafood
- Barrio Costero | Elevated Mexican cuisine
- Porta Pizza | Neopolitan pizza, “best in the country”
- Reyla | Shareable Middle Eastern plates
- The Robinson Ale House | Seafood, steak, and other classics
Nearby Towns
One of the best things about Ocean Grove is its proximity to other Jersey Shore towns. When hunger strikes, take a short drive and explore a wide range of culinary delights in these neighboring communities.
- Bradley Beach | 7 mins
- Avon-by-the-Sea | 10 mins
- Belmar | 12 mins
- Manasquan | 23 mins
- Long Branch | 25 mins
Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or for the holidays, our Ocean Grove hotels will make you feel right at home. Check our availability and make your reservations today. We look forward to having you!