If you’re getting a little tired of the boardwalk fries and thin crust pizzas, we have good news: The Jersey Shore is also a haven for fresh Mediterranean cuisine. When it comes to juicy lamb kebab, citrusy Greek salad, and addicting pistachio baklava, these are The 10 Best Jersey Shore Mediterranean Restaurants.
When it comes to mastering the art of handmade dumplings, perfectly charcoal-grilled meats, and warm, chewy pits, the chefs on this list are second-to-none. For centuries-old recipes passed down for generations, to modern twists on contemporary classics, make sure you visit these 10 Best Jersey Shore Mediterranean Restaurants. Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
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The 10 Best Jersey Shore
Mediterranean Restaurants
Featured from Monmouth County:
Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine
Where: 3710 US-9, Freehold
Details: Tucked away inside the Freehold Raceway Mall, an unexpected culinary gem is captivating local food lovers. Since opening in 2023, Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine has quickly become one of Monmouth County’s premier destinations for authentic Mediterranean dining. The restaurant blends Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions into a menu defined by perfectly grilled meats, vibrant dips, and fresh, oversized salads. Standout signature items include their crisp Marmara Mediterranean Salad, savory Lamb Gyros, tender Chicken Chops, and delicate Turkish Ravioli. (Handcrafted dumplings stuffed with spiced ground lamb and finished with garlic yogurt and dried mint.) For a perfect start, pair their signature hummus with warm bread and savory fried pastrami. Complete the experience with unique drink pairings like authentic Turkish Coffee, White Chocolate Mocha, or a Baklava Milkshake.
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Gal Mediterranean Cuisine
Where: Toms River
Details: Are you ready to experience the vibrant flavors of Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East? Then grab the ladies and head to Gal! This popular Ocean County spot blends warm hospitality with even hotter authentic Mediterranean entrees. They serve all the most-requested dishes like lamb and chicken gyro and falafel, but they also have a few more unique options. This includes a vegetable casserole, zucchini pancakes, and the Kusbaşılı Pide. The latter is a flatbread is topped with filet mignon, green/red/Holland peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
Golden Horn Mediterranean
Where: Tinton Falls
Details: This BYOB Tinton Falls treasure is popular for Turkish cuisine and an assortment of mocktails. In fact, their robust drink menu is one of the best around, featuring homemade lemonades, fresh juices, and milkshakes. We recommend either the Banana milkshake or Raspberry lemonade. As for the food menu, head straight to the “Turkish Oven” section for a selection of signature favorites. Options include the Lahmacun (Meat Pie), Feta, Spinach, or Mozzarella Cheese Pide, and classic Ground Lamb Pide. For dessert, try out the Lotus Cheesecake.
Istanbul Bay Premium
Where: Englishtown
Details: Istanbul Bay Premium offers a casual, affordable dining option in Englishtown. Their focus on high-quality Turkish dishes allows them to curate a menu of traditional favorites. This includes Lahmacun (a 3-piece ground meat pie), various Pide, lamb gyro, and their popular Sultan Plate for two. The latter dish is a mixed grill with two mini Lahmacun and a tomato and onions salad served family style. The presentation also includes being brought to the table with a flame. We recommend the Kunefe dessert, topped with shredded pistachios.
Kostas Grill
Where: Tuckerton
Details: This casual eatery brings a taste of Greece to Tuckerton. Kostas perfectly encapsulates the friendly, neighborhood vibe of a family-owned restaurant. Despite the easy-going atmosphere, the menu provides authentic, homemade Greek dishes like their popular gyro pita and platter. For something a little different, we recommend starting with their Greek Mac n Cheese. To make it, they blend spinach, feta, kefalograviera cheese, and golden bread crumbs and mix it with macaroni. Try the Baklava Sundae for dessert.
Mermaids Restaurant
Where: Cape May
Details: This wildly popular seaside spot is perfect for casual lunches and family dinners. Mermaids is open seasonally, serving a full menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Locals love eating on the large outdoor dining deck, which features a retractable roof, all summer long. Popular menu staples range from the Mermaid breakfast wrap and breaded clam strips to the crab-stuffed flounder. Mermaids is also popular for their ice cream, which includes fun flavors like Peanut Butter Ripple and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Olive Branch
Where: Villas
Details: No trip to Miami Beach is complete without a drive through Villas. The town is home to Olive Branch, an authentic Greek restaurant with a name rooted in Greek Mythology. As a symbol of peace, the olive branch represents the owner’s philosophy of welcoming all patrons to the restaurant. In particular, the Mallous family specializes in classic Greek mezze like Dolmades (grape leaves) and entrees like Chicken Kebob. We also recommend their marinated and fire-grilled swordfish kebob, served with lemon and tzatziki.
Rings Mediterranean Cuisine
Where: Manalapan
Details: This unassuming spot in the heart of Manalapan serves Turkish and Albanian dishes blended with other Mediterranean influences. Besides daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, Rings also serves a Turkish Breakfast every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-Noon. When it comes to dinner, we recommend going for one of their lamb and chicken combos. Combo options include the Lamb and Chicken Shish Kebab, Lamb and Chicken Adana, and Lamb and Chicken Doner. Don’t sleep on the Kazandibi milk pudding for dessert.
Ruhani Kitchen
Where: Egg Harbor Township
Details: Ruhani’s menu fuses Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. In practice, this includes dishes like Baba Ghanoush, Zaalouk, Lebanese Lamb Chops, Persian Spiced Lamb Shank, and Afghani Saffron Kebab. Ruhani also offers a number of bread-based plates, such as Manakish and Zaatar Flat Bread with Figs. The two types of cuisines actually blend well, emphasizing aromatic spices to accent char-grilled meats and vegetables. To end the meal, we recommend their Saffron Pistachio ice cream or traditional Halwa.
Santorini
Where: Wildwood
Details: From the outdoor seating to the cocktails, to the live sports on TV, Santorini is a great spot to hang out. Much of the seasonal menu is sourced from local fisheries and farmers markets, ensuring every dish is fresh. The menu leans heavily into Greek and Italian flavors, featuring starters like Fried Burrata and Spicy Feta Dip. Fan-favorite entrees include Chicken Santorini (sautéed with shrimp, tomatoes, and peppers) and lamb shank as well as Chicken Parmigiana. We also recommend their selection of fresh pastas.
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Jersey Shore’s
Best Mediterranean Restaurants FAQs
Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine (Freehold) serves standout dishes like Turkish Ravioli alongside unique treats like their Baklava Milkshake. Golden Horn Mediterranean (Tinton Falls) is also a popular BYOB famous for its savory Turkish oven pides.
Mermaids Restaurant (Cape May) features a massive outdoor dining deck complete with a retractable roof. Likewise, Santorini (Wildwood) offers outdoor seating, cocktails, and live sports alongside a fresh Greek and Italian menu.
Istanbul Bay Premium (Englishtown) serves their signature Sultan Plate for two, which features a mixed grill and mini Lahmacun brought to the table with a flame presentation.
Olive Branch (Villas) is run by the Mallous family, specializing in classic Greek mezze like Dolmades and fire-grilled swordfish kebobs.
Ruhani Kitchen (Egg Harbor Township) blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Their menu features aromatic, spice-heavy dishes like Lebanese Lamb Chops, Persian Spiced Lamb Shank, and Afghani Saffron Kebab.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine / Website
