Asbury Park has long been a destination for music lovers and beachgoers. But in recent years, it has emerged as one of NJ’s most dynamic culinary hubs. So in order to determine the 5 Best Restaurants in Asbury Park, BestofNJ.com went straight to the experts: Local foodies. Below are the results of our poll asking followers to select their five favorite restaurants.
The five restaurants selected represent the range and refinement that define Asbury Park’s culinary identity. From a beloved brunch destination known for its inventive comfort food to a sleek modern bistro offering French-inspired plates, each delivers a dining experience rooted in both flavor and atmosphere. Together, they capture the spirit of a town where dining out always feels like something special.
Quick Click Guide: Want to Jump Straight to Number One? Click any Number Below and see which restaurants made our list of The 5 Best Restaurants in Asbury Park.
| Number #5 | Number #4 | Number #3 | Number #2 | Number #1 |
The 5 Best Restaurants in Asbury Park
#1 in Asbury Park – Cardinal Provisions
Where: 513 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park
Details: Chef Grace Crossman and Chef Laura Brahn are the dynamic duo behind the mega-popular Cardinal Provisions. Patrons love the breakfast and lunch options available from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm six days a week (closed Wednesdays). What’s with the early closing time? The chefs spend nights hosting pop-up dinners inside the restaurant and around the area. Menu highlights include the Greek Bowl, breakfast burrito, and cinnamon roll skillet cake. Cardinal is also available for event catering, from small-scale dinner parties to large weddings.
#2 in Asbury Park – Taka
Where: 660 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park
Details: This restaurant, bar, and lounge is known for their high-end Japanese cuisine and sushi. Owner and Chef Takahiro Hirai was born in Kyushu, and is descended from a samurai family. His culinary expertise is in handcrafted sushi rolls. The menu features seasonal small plates such as vegetable tempura, pan-seared scallops, and pork fried rice balls. Meanwhile, popular main entrees include Wasabi Furikake Crusted Tuna, chicken teriyaki, and Japanese-style Curry. Of course, they offer a variety of specialty sushi rolls, as well as a raw bar.
#3 in Asbury Park – Brando’s Citi Cucina
Where: 162 Main St, Asbury Park
Details: Brando’s Citi Cucina is passionate about providing patrons with soulful Italian cuisine. That means lovingly crafting each plate with the highest quality ingredients. Their suppliers for premium meats include Creekstone Farms (beef), Pat LaFrieda (veal), and Bell & Evans (chicken). Brando’s imports their pasta from Italy, which is only ever made in fresh, small batches. They also import fresh bufala mozzarella weekly. So it’s no surprise patrons love menu favorites like the Gnocchi “Three Way”, Chicken Capriccio, and Veal Napoleon.
#4 in Asbury Park – Iron Whale
Where: 1200 Ocean Ave Unit 504, Asbury Park
Details: One of the McLoone Restaurant Group’s most popular restaurants, Iron Whale is a staple of the Asbury Park boardwalk. The menu offers an assortment of options from the land (Iron) and sea (Whale). This includes their popular selection of tacos in flavors like jerk mahi-mahi, pork carnitas, and ahi tuna. Other must-try entrees range from Shrimp Bucatini and Seafood Risotto to Lobster Mac N’ Cheese. The floor-to-ceiling windows offers guests a perfect view of the ocean, while the fireplace provides a cozy atmosphere.
#5 in Asbury Park – Pascal & Sabine
Where: 601 Bangs Ave STE 401, Asbury Park
Details: Pascal & Sabine transports patrons to a classic European Brasserie. The unique interior features cave-like banquettes and artwork by famous Italian photographer and artist, Paolo Ventura. Their menu focuses on French comfort food, featuring favorites like Fish & Chips and a “couple” of burgers. The Madame Smith Burger includes bacon-onion jam and ground brisket, while the Mr. Smith Burger uses raclette cheese. Pascal & Sabine is also a popular spot for weekend brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
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Top Photo: © Iron Whale | Website