Monmouth University is best known for being just minutes from the famous beaches of New Jersey. Another great feature: the amount of great places to eat around Long Branch. From sushi to pancakes, there are awesome restaurants close to Monmouth that can satisfy any craving you have. Here’s a list of all the places every foodie should hit in the Long Branch area.
Playa Bowls is a Jersey Shore staple. They offer healthy and refreshing choices that still taste great. With locations in both Belmar and Pier Village, you have no excuse not to try it. Playa Bowls offers tons of different acai bowls which are made with a smoothie base with the acai fruit (powerful antioxidants with healthy omegas and healthy fats), topped with things such as granola, peanut butter, and coconut. Playa bowls are a great breakfast option because they are super filling but still healthy. Playa Bowls get so crowded in the summer with tourists, so it’s nice to be able to take advantage of having access to it all year round if you go to Monmouth. Playa Bowls offers more than just their classic bowls; they have a wide range of smoothies and chia pudding bowls. The colorful bowls look picture perfect when they come out which makes them great for Snapchat.
Taka, in Asbury Park, is one of the best sushi places in the area. This restaurant has contemporary Japanese food, with sushi that’s to die for. Even if you’re not a sushi lover, there are other great options such as poke bowls, BBQ salmon, and crab cakes. The restaurant has a modern aesthetic, with a bar and lounge that make it great for a late night sushi fix. The owner, Taka, worked at well-known sushi restaurants in Miami Beach before moving to New Jersey. Taka has a wide range of special rolls such as the Red Dragon and Mexican rolls. This restaurant also boasts a great cocktail menu. At happy hour you can get sake sangria for just $6. Also, the blueberry margarita is amazing.
Pascal and Sabine is a classy yet fun restaurant located in Asbury Park. Besides having tasty food and a unique menu, Pascal and Sabine has a great European brasserie vibe that makes it stand out from a lot of restaurants in the area. The restaurant is full of cool artwork and has a warm cozy atmosphere great for socializing.
This place serves French food with a modern twist, with dishes from duck to burgers. Pascal and Sabine is a great spot for a boozy brunch with delicious bellinis and punches. Also, their pommes frites are addicting. Plus, the kitchen is open very late on the weekends so this restaurant is a good place to eat dinner at before heading to Porta on Friday nights.
Toast is my favorite place to eat breakfast at in the Long Branch area. Toast is known for their homemade family pancake recipe, giving themselves the slogan “Peace, Love, Pancakes.”
This spot is very popular: there is usually a wait to be seated, but definitely worth it! It’s reasonably priced and has a fun menu with breakfast items such as Bella Nutella french toast and red velvet pancakes in addition to classic breakfast items like omelets. Toast also offers vegan and vegetarian options so it’s super accommodating to those on a strict diet.
Wherever you go, you are sure to find great food right along the coast.
PHOTO TAKEN by Brett O’Grady
