The best restaurants in Ocean County
83 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Ocean County today
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Two pinned places a day in Ocean County — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
The Wickie Room
RestaurantsAt The Wickie Room, you get refined dining without the fuss, seasonal menus built around locally sourced ingredients, and panoramic views…
The Wickie Room
RestaurantsNaples Pizza & Restaurant
RestaurantsSince 1977, Naples Pizza & Restaurant has been Little Egg Harbor’s go-to for authentic Italian cuisine and standout pies, built on…
Naples Pizza & Restaurant
RestaurantsDynasty Diner
RestaurantsFamily-run since 1986, Dynasty Diner keeps Tuckerton fed with all-day breakfast, famous skillets, and even sizzling fajitas. Save room for…
Dynasty Diner
RestaurantsRadio Road Bistro
RestaurantsRadio Road Bistro nails the hometown diner vibe with hearty, home-cooked breakfasts, fluffy pancakes and waffles, and, when you stick…
Radio Road Bistro
RestaurantsSubway
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
Subway
RestaurantsDomino's Pizza
RestaurantsDelivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.
Domino's Pizza
RestaurantsThe Grapevine
RestaurantsCasual sit-down restaurant for hearty Italian classics, plus seafood, steaks & weekly live music.
The Grapevine
RestaurantsJersey Mike's Subs
RestaurantsNew Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
Jersey Mike's Subs
RestaurantsEnzo's Pizza
RestaurantsPizza place with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere serving up cheesesteaks and other Italian comfort fare.
Enzo's Pizza
RestaurantsMona Lisa Pizza
RestaurantsFrom crispy bar pies that get playful with hot soppressata, stracciatella and hot honey to sausage and broccoli rabe on a parmesan crema…
Mona Lisa Pizza
RestaurantsEmilio’s Pizza & Restaurant
RestaurantsHomemade dough, fresh ingredients, and serious mozzarella power fuel the pies at Emilio’s Pizza & Restaurant, from thin, pan-baked…
Emilio’s Pizza & Restaurant
RestaurantsPizzarama
RestaurantsFrom Grandma and Brooklyn square pies to curveballs like Portuguese, Brazilian, Big Mac, or the fiery Thermonuclear, Pizzarama keeps dinner…
Pizzarama
RestaurantsMangia Brick Oven Pizza - Jackson, NJ
RestaurantsFamily-run with Sicilian roots, Mangia Brick Oven Pizza serves New York-style pies fresh from the oven, quick slices, and comforting…
Mangia Brick Oven Pizza - Jackson, NJ
RestaurantsBagel Run
RestaurantsBagel Run in Jackson turns out authentic, hand-rolled New York-style bagels with that crisp-chewy magic, baked fresh daily, plus rich…
Bagel Run
RestaurantsRosemary Artisanal Bagelry
RestaurantsRosemary Artisanal Bagelry boils and stone-fire cooks its own bagels, ferments sourdough, and even makes the mayo, so breakfast, brunch, or…
Rosemary Artisanal Bagelry
RestaurantsFour Corners Kosher Bagel & Cafe
RestaurantsWhen you want a real-deal kosher bagel that actually fights back a little, Four Corners Kosher Bagel & Cafe in Lakewood turns out fresh…
Four Corners Kosher Bagel & Cafe
RestaurantsSushi Tari
RestaurantsSushi Tari keeps it simple and solid just over the border in Jackson, living up to their mantra, Crafted Fresh. Served Perfect. A midweek…
Sushi Tari
RestaurantsFialkoffs Pizza - Jackson
RestaurantsFialkoffs Pizza - Jackson traces its roots to 1973, when the Fialkoff family came from Israel and turned Catskills summers into a full-on…
Fialkoffs Pizza - Jackson
RestaurantsChang Wang Chinese & Sushi
RestaurantsWhen no one can agree, Chang Wang Chinese & Sushi makes peace with sushi rolls and comforting Chinese favorites in one spot. Order online…
Chang Wang Chinese & Sushi
RestaurantsPizza on the 9
RestaurantsWhether you’re craving a plain pie you can’t mess up or going veggie, whole wheat, gluten free personal pie, or even cheese-less, Pizza on…
Pizza on the 9
RestaurantsC & R's Pizza Ristorante
RestaurantsC & R's Pizza Ristorante does more than solid pies... think made-from-scratch Italian comfort food, Mexican favorites, and kid-friendly…
C & R's Pizza Ristorante
RestaurantsLatin Bistro & Grill
RestaurantsWhether you’re craving tacos, ribs, or other Mexican staples, Latin Bistro & Grill brings big flavor in a vibrant, casual setting right by…
Latin Bistro & Grill
RestaurantsPizza Place
RestaurantsThe Pizza Place has been serving Lakewood for over 15 years with fresh kosher pies, hearty pastas, crisp salads and even fish, plus a party…
Pizza Place
RestaurantsBrooklyn Square Pizza
RestaurantsBrooklyn Square Pizza is home of the famous upside-down pie, a thick, crispy-crusted square layered with fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato…
Brooklyn Square Pizza
RestaurantsMarinella's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual, family-run restaurant in Paramount Park serving Italian comfort food and hosting monthly karaoke nights.
Marinella's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
RestaurantsMaggie's at Lakewood Country Club
RestaurantsMaggie's at Lakewood Country Club mixes an 1885 mansion taproom, a summertime Tiki Bar, and live entertainment into one friendly spot. Drop…
Maggie's at Lakewood Country Club
RestaurantsPresto Pizza
RestaurantsLaid-back pizza joint turning out pies, falafel, fries and other staples as well as desserts, smoothies and drinks.
Presto Pizza
RestaurantsJ2 Pizza South
RestaurantsJ2 Pizza South keeps things fun with classic slices and sourdough personal pies, fresh salads, and legit sushi under one roof, plus…
J2 Pizza South
RestaurantsThat Sushi Spot | Lakewood
RestaurantsThat Sushi Spot in Lakewood is all about rolls that land, poke bowls piled just right, and chef-assorted or custom platters when the crew…
That Sushi Spot | Lakewood
RestaurantsRinconcito Poblano
RestaurantsRinconcito Poblano in Lakewood keeps things straightforward with familiar Mexican flavors and easy online ordering, so you can get a…
Rinconcito Poblano
RestaurantsInzillo's Pizzeria & Restaurant
RestaurantsInzillo's Pizzeria & Restaurant is the move when you want more than plain cheese, with thin-crust Sicilian and a lineup of specialty pies,…
Inzillo's Pizzeria & Restaurant
RestaurantsIppolito's Cucina Italiana and Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned pizzeria featuring pizzas, sandwiches, pies and meatballs, plus pastas and seafood dishes.
Ippolito's Cucina Italiana and Pizzeria
RestaurantsNicki’s
RestaurantsWhether you're craving sushi rolls or on a burger and lo mein kind of night, Nicki’s in nearby Lakewood keeps it fresh with kosher sushi,…
Nicki’s
RestaurantsPizano
RestaurantsPizano keeps dinner interesting with crisp personal pies (think white pesto, vodka or eggplant rolatini), a full sushi lineup, hearty…
Pizano
RestaurantsSay Cheese Express Kosher Pizza
RestaurantsBetween school drop-offs and a Shore traffic rant, keep dinner simple with Say Cheese Express Kosher Pizza in Jackson. Think crisp slices,…
Say Cheese Express Kosher Pizza
RestaurantsBacoli Pizza
RestaurantsWhether you're craving a classic pie or going all-in on chicken marsala, Bacoli Pizza keeps it old-school in the best way. Think hearty…
Bacoli Pizza
RestaurantsUpper Crust
RestaurantsWhen the group chat can’t agree, Upper Crust keeps the peace with classic slices, the over-the-top Upper Crust Pie loaded with three…
Upper Crust
RestaurantsBAGEL KING
RestaurantsWhen you need a real breakfast win this week, Bagel King is rolling kettle-boiled, stone-baked bagels, plus fresh-baked goods,…
BAGEL KING
RestaurantsHot Bagels
RestaurantsWhen you need a legit breakfast that isn't from your freezer, Hot Bagels turns out hot bagels and sourdough loaves, plus lunch options that…
Hot Bagels
RestaurantsClemmy's
RestaurantsDinner plans dragging? Clemmy's in Waretown does seasonal American cuisine that changes with what's fresh, served in a cozy little room…
Clemmy's
RestaurantsOtt's Good Earth Garden
RestaurantsOtt's Good Earth Garden turns Ocean County's farms and docks into polished-casual plates that actually surprise, with seasonal ingredients…
Ott's Good Earth Garden
RestaurantsMateo's Pizzeria
RestaurantsWith a secret recipe and fresh ingredients, Mateo's Pizzeria does that classic Jackson pie just right, from foldable slices to shareable…
Mateo's Pizzeria
RestaurantsDaymark
RestaurantsWhether you're plotting a mellow afternoon bite or a celebratory night, Daymark delivers seasonal, locally sourced plates with a playful…
Daymark
RestaurantsMustache Bill's Diner
RestaurantsDaytime diner serving homestyle breakfasts & lunches in retro, 1950s-style digs with outdoor seats.
Mustache Bill's Diner
RestaurantsSweet Jenny's
RestaurantsComfort eats and proper sundaes are the move at Sweet Jenny's, a cozy Barnegat standby locals use for friend catchups, low-key date nights,…
Sweet Jenny's
RestaurantsMi Pueblito
RestaurantsMi Pueblito is that relaxed West Creek go-to where authentic Mexican plates meet American-style breakfast, so one friend orders tacos,…
Mi Pueblito
RestaurantsLos Aztecas Restaurant
RestaurantsWhen you need a no-fuss fix of legit Mexican, Los Aztecas Restaurant hits with birria, enchiladas drenched in red, green or mole, handmade…
Los Aztecas Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Cabañita Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Cabañita Mexican Restaurant leans into true Mexican tradition, from fresh corn tortillas, homemade salsa, and pico de gallo to taco…
La Cabañita Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsPho Tastic Vietnamese Restaurant
RestaurantsWhen dinner needs to be cozy and quick, Pho Tastic Vietnamese Restaurant hits the spot with deeply savory pho, crisp cha gio, and…
Pho Tastic Vietnamese Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Riva
RestaurantsFamily-run and fueled by a real wood-fired oven, La Riva turns out Italian pies with that crisp, smoky edge plus a bar for when your slice…
La Riva
RestaurantsZano Bros. of Brooklyn
RestaurantsFamily-run Italian deli turning out fresh bread, Boar’s Head cold cuts, panini, pastas, and hot-from-the-kitchen dinners, plus full-on…
Zano Bros. of Brooklyn
RestaurantsEast Bay Italian Grille and Bar
RestaurantsFamily owned and pouring the good stuff, East Bay Italian Grille and Bar is Barnegat’s spot for authentic Italian specialties plus a full…
East Bay Italian Grille and Bar
RestaurantsGraziano's Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsWhen the craving for old-school comfort hits, Graziano's Italian Restaurant delivers the kind of classic Italian you grew up on, plus…
Graziano's Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsThe Palm Grill @ The Sea Shell Resort
RestaurantsOpen-air, palm-lined venue at the Sea Shell Resort offering seafood, cocktails, and ocean views.
The Palm Grill @ The Sea Shell Resort
RestaurantsBurger King
RestaurantsFamiliar chain for burgers, breakfast, fries, chicken sandwiches, onion rings, Whoppers and other fast-food staples. Kids' menu.
Burger King
RestaurantsHarry's Smokin' BBQ
RestaurantsHarry's Smokin' BBQ is turning out slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and juicy brisket that taste like they spent all day soaking up the good…
Harry's Smokin' BBQ
RestaurantsPan Asia
RestaurantsCasual dining spot for sushi rolls as well as traditional Chinese dishes like wonton soup and fried rice.
Pan Asia
RestaurantsCaptain’s Inn & Tiki Bar
RestaurantsCaptain’s Inn & Tiki Bar has that classic Forked River vibe, with fresh seafood, easygoing plates, and a breezy tiki scene right on the…
Captain’s Inn & Tiki Bar
RestaurantsSun Harbor Seafood and Grill
RestaurantsSeafood, pasta dishes, and more served in a comfortable spot with a tiki bar, water views, and live music.
Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill
RestaurantsThe Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
RestaurantsThe Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House channels that classic marsh-side tavern energy with a serious raw bar, local seafood, and wood fired…
The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
RestaurantsVinnie's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
RestaurantsVinnie's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria is your BYOB, family-run go-to for scratch-made pies, Sicilian squares, pasta fagioli, wings, and…
Vinnie's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
RestaurantsHoulihan's
RestaurantsCasual American chain offering comfort food, happy hour specials, and a kids' menu.
Houlihan's
RestaurantsThe Waterfront
RestaurantsNeed a midweek reset? The Waterfront is your year-round escape on the Forked River, with comfort-food cravings covered, specialty cocktails…
The Waterfront
RestaurantsManahawkin Fuji72 Hibachi & Sushi
RestaurantsManahawkin Fuji72 Hibachi & Sushi delivers lively, gong-worthy hibachi and fresh, modern takes on classic sushi using quality ingredients,…
Manahawkin Fuji72 Hibachi & Sushi
RestaurantsCaffrey's Backyard
RestaurantsWhen you want comfort food without the fuss, Caffrey's Backyard brings smoky plates and a literal backyard vibe with bands keeping things…
Caffrey's Backyard
RestaurantsLa Catrina Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Catrina Mexican Restaurant is a family-run standby in Forked River serving the good stuff: tacos and fajitas, enchiladas, plus legit…
La Catrina Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsTaco-Tastic III (Lanoka Harbor)
RestaurantsCasual eatery featuring a variety of tacos as well as burritos and other Mexican staples.
Taco-Tastic III (Lanoka Harbor)
RestaurantsMakoto Japanese Steak House
RestaurantsMakoto Japanese Steak House keeps Manahawkin rolling with fresh sushi and sashimi, weekly special rolls that actually earn the hype, and a…
Makoto Japanese Steak House
RestaurantsIl Giardino Sul Mare
RestaurantsWhether you're craving old-school classics or contemporary spins, Il Giardino Sul Mare nails the white-tablecloth vibe with refined Italian…
Il Giardino Sul Mare
RestaurantsWindward Tavern
RestaurantsSteak, seafood, and all the American comfort hits done right in a low-key, old-school setting, Windward Tavern is the kind of spot you keep…
Windward Tavern
RestaurantsDolce Liberta
RestaurantsCasual Italian eatery with BYOB policy dishing up classic fare and private event space.
Dolce Liberta
RestaurantsAsian Castle
RestaurantsAsian eatery with a menu of sushi, and hibachi along with Chinese favorites.
Asian Castle
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings GO
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings GO
RestaurantsLucille's Country Cooking
RestaurantsPopular breakfast spot serving up omelettes, biscuits and gravy, and pies in a casual space.
Lucille's Country Cooking
RestaurantsCuisine on the Green
RestaurantsWhen you want easy vibes and serious flavor, Cuisine on the Green delivers fresh, local plates and golf course views. Think Barnegat Bay…
Cuisine on the Green
RestaurantsLittle Sumo's
RestaurantsFamily-owned since 2007, Little Sumo's is in the heart of Surf City serving fresh sushi rolls, poke bowls, and party trays, plus weekly…
Little Sumo's
RestaurantsGringo's Taco Shack
RestaurantsGringo's Taco Shack keeps the Shore vibe going with lively flavors and fresh ingredients in tacos, burritos and more. Swing by when you…
Gringo's Taco Shack
RestaurantsMaMMa Rosa
RestaurantsWhen you want a reliable pie and a plate of something comforting without the fuss, Mamma Rosa comes through with delivery and pickup. Think…
MaMMa Rosa
RestaurantsNaples Pizza & Restaurant
RestaurantsEatery offering Italian staples such as pizza & pasta dishes in a relaxed setting since 1984.
Naples Pizza & Restaurant
RestaurantsWhen you need dinner with a little sizzle, Fuji Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi & Sushi (Forked River) delivers classic hibachi theatrics,…
Joey D's Pizza
RestaurantsJoey D's Pizza cranks out legit Jersey pies from classic plain to wildcards like Hot Honey Cup, Chicken Marsala, and thin-crust Grandma…
Joey D's Pizza
RestaurantsCarribbean Petes
RestaurantsCraving a mini escape without leaving Ocean County? Caribbean Pete's brings Key West energy to Waretown with BYOB waterfront tables,…
Carribbean Petes
RestaurantsPan Asia
RestaurantsPan Asia serves sushi alongside Japanese, Thai and Chinese classics that actually hit the spot for a weeknight craving. Two convenient…
Pan Asia
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