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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Lakewood

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Shipwreck Grill - Brielle restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2262)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Point Pleasant Beach
Booked 30 times today
Shipwreck GrillNestled near the docks on the Manasquan River, in beautiful Brielle, N.J., the casual but elegant Shipwreck Grill awaits you.Our Staff is eager to create a memorable evening for you using the best cuts of meat, the freshest seafood and finest ingredients assembled by trained and dedicated chefs and served by our friendly and professional servers. Our bar utilizes the freshest ingredients for our cocktails. With over 150 bottles of wines on our wine list we have something for everyone. We seek out hard-to-find boutique wineries for bottles that you can't find anywhere else.
A photo of Scarborough Fair restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2371)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Manasquan
Booked 42 times today
This restaurant was a farmhouse from 1879 to 1969.Now, it is winning OpenTable’s “Diner’s Choice Award” for Romantic. Now, if you Google “romantic restaurants” and you are close to Sea Girt, NJ, Scarborough Fair Restaurant will be the first result!Scarborough Fair has the most unique, romantic ambiance in Central New Jersey. It is like no place you have ever been to.Have a spontaneous romantic dinner there. If you like quiet, and want to guarantee a romantic table, go on a week night. You will love the romantic atmosphere. Enjoy our delicious eclectic cuisine in this neighborhood gem.
A photo of Harpoon Willy's restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1445)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Manasquan
Booked 35 times today
Harpoon Willy's is a neighborhood gem, known for its friendly atmosphere and fresh, delicious seafood. Reviews consistently praise the excellent service, great ambiance, and the always-changing menu of craft beer drafts. It's a favorite among locals, making it a go-to place for a casual dining experience. As one reviewer put it, 'a real gem'.
A photo of Cordi's Italian Gourmet restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(921)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Brick
Booked 13 times today
Visit Cordi's Italian Gourmet today and enjoy a truly unique Italian menu served with perfection. We proudly serve only the natural French cut meats and in-house prime cuts and steaks. With 30 years of combined experience, we serve the finest Italian food in all of New Jersey.
A photo of Half Moon Point restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1582)
Price: Moderate
• American • Point Pleasant Beach
Booked 26 times today
Half Moon Point is a neighborhood gem because it offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere with exceptional food and service. Customers frequently mention the "amazing" food and "excellent" service, with one even calling it a "hidden gem". The restaurant offers a variety of food options including seafood, steaks and burgers, making it a perfect spot for all kinds of dining experiences. Plus, the ambiance is described as "quaint" and "charming", making it a great place for locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1045)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Freehold
Booked 20 times today
For Lunch Reservations Tuesday-Friday, please call us directly!Chef Ash introduces Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant. Our menu brings together many splendid cuisines, such as Italian, Spanish, French, Moroccan and Greek. With such a diverse menu, we look to please all palates, from the casual diner to the most sophisticated foodie. Our goal is to ensure that the presentation, cuisine and service foster an equally accessible atmosphere to everyone Lemon will be the ideal spot for any occasion! Gluten free menu available.
A photo of Houlihan's - Brick restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(582)
Price: Moderate
• American • Brick
Booked 14 times today
Houlihan's in Brick is a local gem, offering a fun atmosphere with excellent food. It's praised for its friendly staff, great service, and delicious food. As one reviewer put it, 'The food was very good and our waiter James very attentive and friendly.' Another highlighted the 'great atmosphere and always great food.' It's a favorite among locals, and is known for its 'great people', 'great food and service', and 'great atmosphere.'

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • TerenceVIP
    New Orleans / Louisiana •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Beautiful decorated for the Christmas season. Sat in the enclosed outer area. Service was excellent. Matt, our waiter was very attentive The sushi rolls (Smokey Mountain and Black Widow) were colorful and very tasty. The entrees, the Scallop + Shrimp combo plus the Branzzino over the Mushroom Risotto with a Lemon Butter sauce was wonderful. The scallops were perfectly cooked , juicy and reasonably sized. The Branzzino was nicely seasoned and paired well with the Mushroom risotto. The Christmas cocktails were decadent - if you like chocolate and had a sweet tooth, you’d love them. Over, a great experience at Rooney’s
    More info
    Rooney's Oceanfront RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Long Branch
    4.8
  • LeeannVIP
    New York City •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Had another wonderful meal, cocktails and date night l. Loved the holiday decor and for the first time sat in the covered patio area-we usually reserve a bar high top. Our waiter was attentive, friendly and paced our meal as requested so we were not finishing appetizers when our entrées arrived. We started with our favorite appetizers- crispy bbq ribs and the bread with ricotta. Ribs needed a bit more sauce but were excellent. My husband tried the Bolognese (he usually gets short ribs) which is offered in two sizes. Delicious but we expected the larger portion to be big enough for leftovers but portion was just enough for him. Scraped the plate. I had my usual, the organic chicken. Crisp and juicy as always. Overall a great meal and experience. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info
    Nicholas Barrel & RoostPrice: Expensive• Comfort Food• Red Bank
    4.7
  • PhilipVIP
    New Jersey •204 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    618 is one of our favorite local restaurants. We dine there at least once a month (our waitress, Alexis, told us that we have dined 25 times so far). Alexis, our server, was friendly and helpful. She greeted us with a smile and took our drink order. The meal began with a basket of delicious bread with butter and sea salt. I opted for my favorite cocktail, the Spicy Boi. It's made with Reposado Tequila, Ancho Chile, and passion fruit juice. It has the right mixture of sweet, refreshing, with a spicy kick. We opened our meal by sharing a lobster tostada appetizer from the specials menu. Chunks of lobster tossed with pickled onions, pineapple, queso fresco, served over a crisp tortilla. For entrees my wife had the 8 oz Filet Mignon and I had the Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Both were perfectly cooked. Looking forward to our next visit.
    More info
    618Price: Moderate• American• Freehold
    4.9
  • Jo Ann
    Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The restaurant was decorated beautifully for the holidays. The waitress was attentive and helpful. Nice selection on the menu but pretty pricey. Food was very good and nice size portions. We were able to sit and enjoy our friends without feeling rushed.
    More info
    Scarborough FairPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Manasquan
    4.6
  • MichaelVIP
    New York City •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had a Christmas eve dinner here. This is truly one of my fave places. NEVER disappointed. Excellent food and always superior service. Jane is one of my favorite servers!!
    More info
    Shipwreck Grill - BriellePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Point Pleasant Beach
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Lakewood

Discover the hidden culinary treasures of Lakewood, New Jersey in the Ocean neighborhood with our curated selection of "neighborhood gem" restaurants. These dining spots are celebrated for their unique charm, exceptional service, and the ability to provide an intimate and local dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for innovative gourmet dishes or comforting classics, these establishments offer a diverse range of menus to satisfy every palate. The dining scene in Lakewood, Ocean, is characterized by its eclectic mix of eateries that blend local flavors with creative culinary techniques, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Each restaurant prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and relaxed, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all guests. Perfect for special occasions or a casual night out, these neighborhood gems stand out for their commitment to quality and their passion for delivering outstanding food and service. Make your next meal exceptional by exploring these top-rated local favorites, where every visit promises something deliciously unexpected.

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