Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is back
The Shore’s best season for dining out is almost here, with seasonal restaurants reopening their doors every day in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend.
But before the crowds hit, enjoy a great meal during Jersey Shore Restaurant Week.
The 10-day celebration of local dining, which marks its 15th anniversary this year, kicks off Friday, April 19, and features more than 60 Monmouth and Ocean county restaurants serving three-course prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner ($32.24 and $42.24).
Jersey Shore Restaurant Week runs through Sunday, April 28. Here’s what you need to know.
Jersey Shore Restaurant Week takes place in April and November, and organizer Jim Flynn of Brielle adds new restaurants each time. This month’s new additions are The Break in Asbury Park, Beach Tavern in Monmouth Beach, Peel in the Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, Saffron in Red Bank, Heights 27 in Spring Lake Heights, and MorningStar Cafe in Toms River.
Harvest Local Seasonal Cuisine in Farmingdale and Shipwreck Grill in Brielle return this year following a hiatus during the pandemic.
What’s on the menu
Participating restaurants will offer deals for lunch, dinner or both, with menus featuring dishes that range from casual burgers to grilled octopus.
At Amelia’s by the Sea in Spring Lake, try she crab soup, filet mignon and pistachio ricotta cheesecake. Atlantic Offshore Fishery in Point Pleasant Beach will serve lobster egg rolls, sushi rolls and crumb cheesecake (from 502 Bakery in Brick).
Saffron is planning pulled tandoori chicken bao buns, butter chicken and amgoori gulab jamun, or cottage cheese dumplings in simple syrup. Crab’s Claw Inn in Lavallette is offering baconwrapped scallops, seafood gumbo and maple bourbon bread pudding.
Special events
In addition to offering special menus, Jersey Shore Restaurant Week also includes culinary events:
● Chef’s Invitational, featuring signature dishes prepared by local chefs, takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Spring Lake Manor in Spring Lake; $60.
● The Great Jersey Shore Burger Contest and Craft Beer Fest takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como; $55.
● Summer of ‘24 — A Rosé Day, featuring wine samples and charcuterie, takes place at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at The Break in Asbury Park; $55.
Find a full list of participating restaurants and purchase event tickets at jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.