The best restaurants in Monmouth County

40 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 40 places · showing the latest additions first

Fusion restaurant with Asian décor prepping Japanese & Thai plus burritos, bento boxes & sushi.

2889 NJ-35 (Hazlet)

Fusion restaurant with Asian décor prepping Japanese & Thai plus burritos, bento boxes & sushi.

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Casual eatery serving familiar Mexican staples such as tacos and burritos in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service.

129 Main St (Matawan)

Casual eatery serving familiar Mexican staples such as tacos and burritos in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service.

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Strip-mall eatery for Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and steak-filled burritos.

1070 NJ-34 Ste J (Matawan)

Strip-mall eatery for Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and steak-filled burritos.

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Craving a mix of crisp sushi rolls, comforting pan-Asian favorites, and a few playful fusion surprises? Ganga Asian Bistro keeps things…

432 NJ-34 (Matawan) · ✓ checked Jul 30

Craving a mix of crisp sushi rolls, comforting pan-Asian favorites, and a few playful fusion surprises? Ganga Asian Bistro keeps things fresh with modern flavors that hit the sweet spot between familiar and adventurous, perfect for a midweek treat or a low-key date night close to home.

From the Monmouth County newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Craving super-fresh rolls without crossing half the county? Kobe Japanese Restaurant keeps it classic with crisp sashimi, loaded sushi…

1077 State New Jersey 34 Ste R (Aberdeen Township) · ✓ checked Jul 30

Craving super-fresh rolls without crossing half the county? Kobe Japanese Restaurant keeps it classic with crisp sashimi, loaded sushi rolls, comforting bento boxes, and hibachi that brings the sizzle. Perfect for an easy weeknight upgrade or a low-key date when you want delicious with zero fuss.

From the Monmouth County newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Fernandes Matawan turns weeknights into a feast with paella loaded with lobster, char-grilled steaks, and Portuguese staples like grilled…

27 Freneau Ave (Matawan) · ✓ checked Jul 30

Fernandes Matawan turns weeknights into a feast with paella loaded with lobster, char-grilled steaks, and Portuguese staples like grilled octopus and mariscada in red or green sauce.

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Mateo's Pizzeria

Restaurants

With a secret recipe and fresh ingredients, Mateo's Pizzeria does that classic Jackson pie just right, from foldable slices to shareable…

707 Jackson Mills Rd (Jackson Township) · ✓ checked Jul 29

With a secret recipe and fresh ingredients, Mateo's Pizzeria does that classic Jackson pie just right, from foldable slices to shareable pies that disappear fast. When you need a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a treat, this spot brings the flavor locals crave.

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Ginkaku Japanese Bistro delivers a sushi night upgrade this week with creative signature rolls like Green Iguana and comforting classics,…

787 NJ-34 (Matawan)

Ginkaku Japanese Bistro delivers a sushi night upgrade this week with creative signature rolls like Green Iguana and comforting classics, plus teriyaki, hibachi, noodles and bento from the kitchen, then a solid sake and cocktail lineup to seal the deal.

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Casual diner serving classic dishes and desserts with a modern decor.

1077 NJ-34 G (Aberdeen Township)

Casual diner serving classic dishes and desserts with a modern decor.

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Cozy eatery specializing in breakfast fare and brunch dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.

2111 NJ-35 (Holmdel)

Cozy eatery specializing in breakfast fare and brunch dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

315 NJ-35 (Cliffwood)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Casual food truck specializing in South Indian cuisine, street food and dosas.

943 NJ-33 (Monroe Township)

Casual food truck specializing in South Indian cuisine, street food and dosas.

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Laid-back eatery serving pizza, pasta & other homey, old-school Italian & American dishes.

3119 NJ-88 (Point Pleasant)

Laid-back eatery serving pizza, pasta & other homey, old-school Italian & American dishes.

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Hoagitos

Restaurants

Casual, clean stop for breakfast, burgers, mac and cheese and other familiar comfort fare.

2005 NJ-35 #06 (Oakhurst)

Casual, clean stop for breakfast, burgers, mac and cheese and other familiar comfort fare.

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Amano Pizza

Restaurants

Counter-serve eatery providing slices, pies and other Italian classics.

62 Freneau Avenue, Hwy 79 (Matawan)

Counter-serve eatery providing slices, pies and other Italian classics.

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Cozy Japanese restaurant serving sushi and other comfort food offerings in the Town Square Shopping Center.

351 Matawan Rd (Matawan)

Cozy Japanese restaurant serving sushi and other comfort food offerings in the Town Square Shopping Center.

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The Mosa Social

Restaurants

Hot spot for brunch, featuring comfort food, hard liquor, and mimosas, plus drag shows.

1178 NJ-34 (Aberdeen Township)

Hot spot for brunch, featuring comfort food, hard liquor, and mimosas, plus drag shows.

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Howell Kitchen

Restaurants

Casual eatery serving popular Chinese dishes, including General Tso’s chicken, spare ribs and lo mein.

Howell Plaza, 4130 US-9 S (Howell Township)

Casual eatery serving popular Chinese dishes, including General Tso’s chicken, spare ribs and lo mein.

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Relaxed pizzeria turning out thin-crust slices, grandma pies, and other Italian dishes.

259 Main St (Matawan)

Relaxed pizzeria turning out thin-crust slices, grandma pies, and other Italian dishes.

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Chain dating back to 1924 serving classic American fast food, such as root-beer floats & hot dogs.

347 Main St (Matawan)

Chain dating back to 1924 serving classic American fast food, such as root-beer floats & hot dogs.

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Nonna's Cucina

Restaurants

Fireplaces & painted murals adorn this upscale-rustic restaurant offering modern Italian cuisine.

448 US-9 (Englishtown) · ✓ checked Aug 5

Fireplaces & painted murals adorn this upscale-rustic restaurant offering modern Italian cuisine.

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Casual restaurant featuring sushi and hibachi dishes in a BYOB setting.

4562 US-9 #2 (Howell Township)

Casual restaurant featuring sushi and hibachi dishes in a BYOB setting.

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Casual eatery for pizza, pasta, fries and sandwiches, plus casual Italian eats.

4 Morristown Rd (Matawan)

Casual eatery for pizza, pasta, fries and sandwiches, plus casual Italian eats.

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Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

4721 US-9 (Howell Township)

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

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Neighborhood deli that offers subs, cold cuts and Italian specialties, plus catering services.

1121 NJ-34 (Aberdeen Township)

Neighborhood deli that offers subs, cold cuts and Italian specialties, plus catering services.

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Irish pub set in a redone circa-1900s building serving a roster of burgers & beers, plus live music.

2 W Front St (Keyport)

Irish pub set in a redone circa-1900s building serving a roster of burgers & beers, plus live music.

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Fast-food eatery specializing in Cajun-style fried chicken, plus wings, seafood, breakfast & more.

41 Main St (Matawan)

Fast-food eatery specializing in Cajun-style fried chicken, plus wings, seafood, breakfast & more.

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Piazza Di Roma

Restaurants

Elegant event space offering Italian fare, DJs and a patio surrounded by lemon trees.

1178 NJ-34 (Aberdeen Township)

Elegant event space offering Italian fare, DJs and a patio surrounded by lemon trees.

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Set in an 1850s church, this Italian restaurant offers a full bar and outdoor seating, plus live entertainment.

74 Main St (Matawan)

Set in an 1850s church, this Italian restaurant offers a full bar and outdoor seating, plus live entertainment.

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Casual restaurant with a garden and indoor and outdoor dining offering Italian fare and drinks.

1178 NJ-34 (Aberdeen Township)

Casual restaurant with a garden and indoor and outdoor dining offering Italian fare and drinks.

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Siam Smiles

Restaurants

Thai dishes, including pad thai, offered in a relaxed eatery featuring takeout.

1016 NJ-34 (Matawan)

Thai dishes, including pad thai, offered in a relaxed eatery featuring takeout.

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Local Smoke BBQ

Restaurants

BBQ joint with wood-smoked meats & classic sides such as cornbread & mac 'n' cheese, plus delivery.

719 NJ-35 (Neptune City)

BBQ joint with wood-smoked meats & classic sides such as cornbread & mac 'n' cheese, plus delivery.

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Lita

Restaurants

Modern-style restaurant offering a wide selection of wines and cocktails for pairing with refined Iberian grub.

1055 NJ-34 (Aberdeen Township)

Modern-style restaurant offering a wide selection of wines and cocktails for pairing with refined Iberian grub.

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Cavé Bistro

Restaurants

Seasonal paleo, gluten-free versions of creative American fare served in a cozy, stylish atmosphere.

515 Sylvania Ave (Avon-By-The-Sea)

Seasonal paleo, gluten-free versions of creative American fare served in a cozy, stylish atmosphere.

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Casual spot whipping up Korean staples and Hawaiian-style fare including grilled plates and poke bowls, plus takeout.

349 Matawan Rd (Matawan)

Casual spot whipping up Korean staples and Hawaiian-style fare including grilled plates and poke bowls, plus takeout.

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Harvest

Restaurants

Low-key New American eatery offering a changing menu of locally sourced fare in an intimate space.

83 Main St (Farmingdale)

Low-key New American eatery offering a changing menu of locally sourced fare in an intimate space.

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Hey Burger NJ

Restaurants

Burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers offered in a casual setting with a bar and Wi-Fi.

180 NJ-36 (Keansburg)

Burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers offered in a casual setting with a bar and Wi-Fi.

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Park Place Diner

Restaurants

Easygoing American restaurant & bar serving up steaks, seafood, sandwiches & breakfast fare.

1040 NJ-34 (Matawan)

Easygoing American restaurant & bar serving up steaks, seafood, sandwiches & breakfast fare.

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Villa Amore

Restaurants

Casual eatery preparing thin-crust, NY-style and Sicilian pizzas plus pasta dishes, seafood options, sandwiches, and salads.

1 Gaston St (Aberdeen Township)

Casual eatery preparing thin-crust, NY-style and Sicilian pizzas plus pasta dishes, seafood options, sandwiches, and salads.

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Mobile caterer dishing up cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and other classic eats, plus fried Oreos.

439 NJ-34 (Matawan)

Mobile caterer dishing up cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and other classic eats, plus fried Oreos.

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