Being a parent is a busy job with little to no down time. Scheduling alone, ‘adult-only’ date nights rarely happen without lots of ahead-of-time coordination including babysitters, outfits, and moods. From beach-front dining, to open, starry-filled ceilings, and flavor-filled dishes made with the highest quality ingredients, NJMOM is making your date night a little easier to plan with this inclusive list of our favorite spots around the Jersey Shore. If you don’t live within easy driving distance to the Shore, be sure to click through to their websites – we have a feeling you might be planning an overnight visit sometime soon. Bon appétit!
1. Le Club Avenue
Nestled into Pier Village in Long Branch, Le Club Avenue is the modern answer to a blend of Parisian brasserie and the luxurious beaches of St Tropez right here on the Atlantic beachfront. With its dramatic high ceilings, pearl colored marble tiles that shimmer under the light, a 25-foot bar, floor to ceiling windows and a glistening fireplace, Le Club Avenue offers an ambiance oozing with relaxation. Avenue patrons can order bistro favorites prepared by Executive Chef Josh Sauer and General Manager Thierry Carrier, including seasonal favorites such as wild caught monk fish, stone crabs, and steak frites as well as tiered platters of seafood from the open raw bar. Paired with an international wine list of over 200 bottles from the vibrant offerings of California vineyards to the lush growths of Bordeaux, this is one of our favorites to wine down regardless of the season. We recommend making reservations ahead of time for a table near the fireplace in the chillier months and a seat near the windows in the warmer months.
2. Barrio Costero
Refreshing drinks, a vibrant coastal vibe and the best margaritas we’ve ever tasted can all be found at Barrio Costero in Asbury Park. Enjoy coastal Mexican dishes prepared to wow your tastebuds with their clever concoctions of flavors. Regulars know Chef Anthony Bustamante’s passion for rotating menu items regularly with seasonal dishes to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Barrio’s vibe is relaxed and offers cozy booths and a semi-private dining space for group date nights. We recommend at least trying the Barrio Margy, even if you are ‘not a margarita person.’ We promise you’ll be pleasantly impressed with the soft and refreshing flavor. Kick it up a notch with the Jalisco Is Burning for a light punch from the chipotle.
3. Anjelica’s Restaurant
Anjelica’s Restaurant is synonymous with the best Italian food in Sea Bright, and the greater Jersey Shore area for that matter. Since 1996, Anjelica’s has been one of the area’s premier Italian restaurant destinations. Family owned and operated, the owner and local Jersey Shore resident, Ray Lena, upholds a credo of excellence in food quality, warm service and gracious hospitality. With an extensive menu of pesce, carne, insalata, pasta and cotorni, we recommend visiting their menu online before making a reservation so you can pair your preferred dish with a BYOB of wine.
4. Blu Grotto
Blu Grotto in Oceanport lives up to it’s name with a dining room encased with glass windows, a starry sky, blue furniture and pristine menu. Enjoy modern and classic adaptations of regional Italian favorites, hand-made and imported dry pastas, fresh seafood and prime steak made with the freshest ingredients. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their deep and eclectic wine list or an artisanal cocktail, and you have what we like to call ‘perfect date night vibes’. Our recommendation? Reserve that center table in advance and really wow your partner.
5. Second Floor
Schedule your date night on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and head over to Second Floor, a romantic and intimate fine dining experience in Long Branch, NJ. With its combination of metropolitan inspired food and sophisticated 1960’s N.Y.C. apartment decor, you can explore dishes made with organic and sustainable ingredients. We recommend making a reservation weeks in advance as they book up pretty quickly.
6. Stella Marina
Stella Marina in Asbury Park is known for their rustic dishes that reflect classic, Italian cusines and their extensive drink menu. You can dine from an eclectic selection of seafood, pizza, pasta, paninis and contorni. One of our favorites is the Scottish Salmon with spinach and crispy potatoes. It also doesn’t hurt that you get floor to ceiling windows with the Atlantic ocean sitting right in front.
7. Pascal and Sabine
Pascal and Sabine in Asbury Park is the place to go for a sexy date night in this hip little seashore town. Featuring the highly-regarded artwork of Paolo Ventura, Pascal & Sabine is known for their cozy and inviting ambiance. This European brasserie has lots of food and drink options to satisfy both of your cravings, from caviar to burgers dressed with raclette cheese and caramelized onions. Tuesday night is all night happy hour, just sayin’.
8. Daniel’s Bistro
Daniel’s Bistro, located a block away from the water in Point Pleasant Beach (with a second location in Avon-by-the-Sea), is a local favorite with a long list of world-class seafood options. For couples who love dessert, Daniel’s Bistro has the most extensive dessert menu around featuring dishes like the Tableside Berries Flambe, Creme Brule and a classic Fresh Ricotta Cheesecake. Perhaps enjoy your dessert before dinner. We say why not?
