The grilled oysters were smoky and perfect. But the real star was the fish&mdash;they had it three different ways on the menu that night. I just wish the dessert case had been a little fuller.

Lunch was solid. The Birria Disco Fries were the star &ndash; the cheese and consomm&eacute; were just right. Chicken Pot Pie was cozy and flaky. Yari, our server, was on it. Parking cost a few bucks on a Sunday, which was a bummer.

Grabbed a seat at the chef&#39;s counter and watching the kitchen hustle was the best part. Love the open layout.

Efes is my go-to for a casual hang downtown. Love that it&#39;s BYOB and you can bring your pup to the patio. The ezme and falafel sandwich totally hit the spot. Service was quick, which is great when you&#39;re just catching up with friends.

The online ordering system is a lifesaver during the lunch rush. I grabbed my usual spicy chicken sandwich in under five minutes from the kiosk outside. Makes a hectic workday much easier.

The chips and salsa were so fresh, you could taste it. The avocado with the Tortuga wings was a nice touch, really balanced the spice. My Pollo Mole was packed with flavor, loved the depth. Just a really solid meal focused on good ingredients.

Grabbed a plain cheese pie near campus. It&#39;s a solid spot for a quick bite. The crust was just right, not too thick. Simple but good.

Always a solid choice for takeout. Their buffalo chicken pizza is consistently good.

The mango habanero shrimp was a solid choice. That sauce had a nice sweet kick. The curly fries were crispy and a good match. Just a decent, straightforward plate.

A solid downtown spot. The chocolate fudge cake is a must-try, and they have a nice selection of dessert wines that paired perfectly with it.

Just needed a quick bite after a long drive. The Rocky Bal-Boar-A sausage really hit the spot&mdash;the mix of flavors was so interesting. Staff was super friendly, which was a nice touch.

I&#39;m a big fan of a classic burger, and this one hit the spot. The burnt onion flavor was really nice, not overpowering. The patty was cooked just right. It&#39;s a simple, satisfying meal. The booths are comfortable too, which makes a difference when you&#39;re just relaxing with a meal.

The forbidden steak bowl was fresh and tasty. The space itself is really cool, with a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to unwind.

The knafeh is the real star here. Perfect texture, not cloyingly sweet like some places. Baklava was also solid. Good spot for a proper dessert.

Halal options are a plus. Got the classic and falafel sandwiches. Solid quick bite, decent price for the neighborhood. Good for a fast lunch.

Staff knows the menu well. They&#39;re quick to suggest dishes if you&#39;re new to Mediterranean food. Friendly service makes a lunch break easy. Got in and out fast.

Perfect spot for our big family dinner. The staff kept up with our table of 12, no easy feat. Menu had solid choices for the vegetarians in our group, which was a relief.

The food was solid, flavors were on point. But honestly, what got me was the space itself. High ceilings, lots of natural light, and they didn&#39;t cram the tables together. Felt relaxed even when the place was full.

Portions are huge for the price. Got the clams and stromboli, both were really good. Left with a full stomach and a to-go box.

Endless shrimp promo is solid value. The coconut shrimp was good, but the &quot;Marry Me&quot; shrimp was the standout from the selection. Service kept up with the refills without much wait.

The buffet had a nice selection. I really liked the samosa chaat and the chicken 65. The naan was fresh and the curries were flavorful. The seating was comfortable, which made for a relaxed meal.

Grabbed a beer on the rooftop. Solid view of the boardwalk. They had a few of Coney Island&#39;s own drafts on tap, which was nice. Good spot to take a break from the crowds.

Solid spot on the boardwalk. Cold beer, decent bar food. Jukebox is a vibe. Bartenders were chill. Exactly what you need here.

The portion size is generous for the price, and the ingredients tasted really fresh. A solid choice for a meal near the water.

As a local, I always end up here on the boardwalk. The raw clams are super fresh, and a cold draft beer is the perfect match. Just the right spot to chill.

A cozy spot for South Indian food. The staff was really helpful when I had questions about the menu&mdash;made ordering much easier. The space is warm and inviting. A good, comfortable meal.

Been eating here for decades. The parathas are still solid, and having over 100 types to pick from is the real draw. It&#39;s all vegetarian, which works for me. A reliable spot.

The remodel really opened the place up, so much brighter now. Grabbed a coffee to go and actually wanted to stay for a bit. Just a nice, simple spot.

The panini menu is huge. Took me forever to pick one. Went with the classic prosciutto. Crust was perfect, really crispy. So much cheese inside.

I had a fantastic experience with the service; our server was attentive and made sure our dining experience was enjoyable. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.

Planning a Monmouth County trip? Discover the best restaurants in Monmouth County with traveller reviews, ratings, menus, photos and exclusive dining deals. Book tables instantly on Trip.com.

The best restaurants in Monmouth County

Red's Lobster Pot Restaurant

Alchemist & Barrister

Mistral

Efes Mediterranean Grill

Hoagie Haven

Tortuga’s Mexican Village

Conte's Pizza

Stefano's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Hooters

Clydz

Destination Dogs

Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe

Old Man Rafferty's

Efes Mediterranean Gril

Mamoun's Falafel

Sahara Restaurant

Harold's New York Deli

The Imperia by Dhaba

Lubrano's Pizzeria

Red Lobster

Rasoi II Restaurant

Tom's

Ruby's Bar & Grill

Coney's Cones

Paul's Daughter

Sri Dosa Place

Dimple's Khasiyat Restaurant

Dunkin'

Panino Rustico of Bensonhurst

Piccoli Trattoria