A great restaurant in Ocean, NJ is low risk, high reward. You don’t need to plan your visit weeks ahead—you can go for a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, and when your friend suggests a last-minute addition to the group, nobody panics. While some spots here take reservations, most are places you can just walk into. For boardwalk tacos or seafood towers with ocean views, read on.
Monmouth Clubhouse Deli
$ | (732) 493-8002 | WEBSITE
Monmouth Clubhouse Deli is a hidden gem in Ocean, and if it’s not in your regular rotation for classic deli fare, it should be. But tucked away inside is their crumb cake selection, which is only available in flavors like vanilla and cinnamon swirl. We love their simple yet satisfying ham and swiss on rye, and also the cranberry chicken salad wrap, which is $12 for a generous portion.
If it’s been a long day and you cannot possibly make a single decision, ask them to customize it with additions like banana peppers and cheese.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
$ | (732) 361-2025 | WEBSITE
Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of those fast-casual spots that’s about one more side dish away from being a full-fledged sit-down restaurant. But as it stands now, it’s a great place in Ocean to swing by for some chicken that’s pretty close to the quality at fancier establishments without the fancy price tag. We also like the ultra-creamy mac & cheese that’s said to be the best from a fast-food place, and the fact that you can get a crispy, well-seasoned order of cheese fries for around $4.
The House of Poké Ocean
$ | (732) 361-5935 | WEBSITE
The House of Poké Ocean feels like a casual food court spot—except you can’t get a spicy poke bowl at just any old eatery. The corner location in Ocean is always busy, but it’s usually easy to walk in and grab the kind of lunch which could easily turn into dinner. If you’re not ready to commit to the Spice is Right bowl, try the chili garlic dumplings or the Mexican option, plus something off the regular menu.
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (732) 695-6081 | WEBSITE
At Ginza Japanese Restaurant in Ocean, a platter of mango shrimp and rice with a side of dumplings will run you $22, and a generous salmon teriyaki bento box plus a hibachi chicken and beef combo for sharing is $38. Don’t do the math, just take our word for it—in the world of $50 sushi rolls and $18 lunch specials, those are some excellent deals.
The Greek Spot
$ | (732) 531-7770 | WEBSITE
At this casual Greek eatery in Ocean, you can savor authentic Greek flavors while you debate the proper pronunciation of “baklava” with your friends. Don’t overlook the menu of traditional Greek dishes, like bifteki, mushroom pita, and especially the award-winning baklava, which is perfectly sweet and flaky. The Greek fries also deserve attention for their crispy texture and savory seasoning.
Nick’s Pizza & Grill
$ | (732) 775-4646 | WEBSITE
We’ve found ourselves at Nick’s Pizza & Grill multiple times while running errands around Ocean. And every time we stop in, we’re reminded that this family-friendly spot has exceptional pizza, and satisfyingly crispy zucchini sticks. The next time you need a quick meal before heading home, come here, order a pepperoni pizza with sausage and onions, those zucchini sticks, and garlic knots. And then maybe just skip cooking dinner altogether.
Tandoor India
$$ | (732) 531-1944 | WEBSITE
From the same hands that craft memorable meals, Tandoor India offers a traditional approach to Indian cuisine. There’s a samosa—except it’s crispy and served with two sauces—and a naan that’s wonderfully aromatic from fresh garlic. You will quickly eat too much, which is when you should explore the menu. Try the chicken tikka masala, and the chili chicken masala.
Danny’s Place
$ | (732) 897-9229 | WEBSITE
Danny’s Place in Ocean, NJ comes from the team behind a beloved local diner—your first sign that the breakfast here is going to be good. Bring a friend, and order generously off the classic menu—we like the #2 with its perfectly cooked eggs, the Big D Breakfast Sandwich showcasing that famous New Jersey pork roll, and the simple but satisfying home fries. Plus a coffee, of course, like their robust house blend.
It comes with endless refills, and tastes like the comforting warmth of a morning well spent.
Kane Brewing Company
$ | (732) 922-8600 | WEBSITE
Craft beer is everywhere, but the Mexican Brunch and Turtles Board can only be found at Kane Brewing Company in Ocean. They’ve got rich stouts and hazy IPAs, and you can sample them with small pours in a cozy taproom. The beers are excellent here, but the atmosphere is the main draw.
Pop Bagel & Deli
$ | (732) 898-9028 | WEBSITE
At Pop Bagel & Deli, the perfect order is on almost every table. It’s a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll, and the self-service cold brew: fresh, with ice, and poured from a chilled dispenser. Start there, and then consider adding a hashbrown, and a bagel with cream cheese, featuring a crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior.
International Bites
$ | (732) 361-5935 | WEBSITE
In the bright dining room at International Bites in Ocean, you can savor the best Indian food in town. Or, you can try standout Asian dishes like Dimsum, Lo Mein, soup dumplings, and Kimbap rolls instead. We like to do it all. Order the Indian curry or some fresh Kimbap rolls and a soda, and then switch to tea just as the friendly owner Dean checks on your table.
Illiano’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (732) 493-2003 | WEBSITE
Pizza is a truly great family food, especially when it involves fresh ingredients and is topped with flavors that unfold like cherished memories after one too many bites of a garlic knot. Put the praised Sole Marachiara at the top of your list, then work your way down. This casual eatery also does delicious Italian classics, like baked ziti with eggplant Sicilian style served with generous portions for sharing.
Peking House
$ | (732) 988-8868 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of great Chinese spots in Ocean. If you want a restaurant with friendly staff and fresh food at good prices, go to Peking House. But if you want a place with clean, not oily dishes and standout lunch specials, choose Peking House. Grab a table inside, pair your steamed shrimp with veggies and rice with a drink, and then settle in for a satisfying meal. The sesame chicken and shrimp toast are always delivered hot and tasty, and also the General Tso’s chicken is top-notch.
This place is loved for its cleanliness and kind service.
Sunset Diner
$ | (732) 775-0080 | WEBSITE
At the heart of Sunset Diner, a classic American spot in Ocean, there’s a bustling kitchen that’s serving up whole wheat pancakes. And bacon with everything seasoning. And also cheddar & bacon omelettes, and breakfast potatoes, and a reliably satisfying take on the classic diner breakfast. Bring a big appetite so you can enjoy all of the above, and keep the comfort coming with bottomless coffee refills.
Rizzo’s Pizza
$$ | (732) 493-2727 | WEBSITE
The next time you’re desperately searching for a pizza place in Ocean, just go to Rizzo’s Pizza instead. The beloved institution that’s been around since 1978 is great for escaping the modern food scene, and eating something simple and authentic. There’s a warm, bustling atmosphere inside, but if you’d like to try their classic pepperoni and mushroom combination, head to one of the worn wooden booths. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, consider adding a hearty meatball side.
Manhattan Bagel
$ | (732) 493-0693 | WEBSITE
If you swing by Manhattan Bagel in Ocean for breakfast, you should also do lunch and coffee. The reliable chain spot—a fixture throughout NJ with that clean, city deli vibe—serves up typical ‘new’ type bagels with good schmear and flavored cream cheeses. And they also do improvement. The recent change in staff has brought a cool and competent crew now in place, though some workers can be slow and a bit rude.
A good rule of thumb is just to order one of every schmear, especially if scallion is involved.
Golden Sun Chinese Restaurant
$ | (732) 493-6398 | WEBSITE
Golden Sun Chinese Restaurant has $12 orders of crispy egg rolls and generous sugar bread. Need we say more? The local take-out spot has a simple counter where you can pick up hot roast pork with vegetables and satisfying portions, and a few plastic tables where you can enjoy quick delivery and loyal customers. They also have one of our favorite Chinese take-out deals in the area: two entrees and egg rolls for $25.
Five Guys
$$ | (732) 493-0505 | WEBSITE
Is it a burger joint? Is it a milkshake spot? Is it a place where everybody’s loading up on free toppings? Don’t worry about such trivial things. It’s Five Guys, and it’s very burger-focused—think clean counters, peanut oil aroma, and bags of fresh fries—but they also happen to make some very craveable bacon cheeseburgers.
The classic has an exemplary hot and fresh patty, but we also like the hot dogs with perfectly cooked texture, and the standout milkshakes, with rich flavors that hit just right.