Where to eat in Manalapan, NJ

24 restaurants, cafes and bars, hand-picked.

24 places to eat and drink in Manalapan, Monmouth County, picked and described by Monmouth Guide. For events, beaches and parks, see things to do in Manalapan.

Restaurants in Manalapan

Peking Pavilion

Chinese · Zagat- and NYT-recognized

Upscale gourmet Chinese restaurant (est. 1975) noted by the New York Times and Zagat.
Anemos Greek Cuisine

Greek

Greek and Mediterranean dining known for whole grilled fish, lamb and souvlaki, with a full bar.
Dusal's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Pizza / Italian

Neighborhood pizzeria praised for its pies, garlic knots and shrimp scampi.
Estrella Azul

Mexican

Quick-service Mexican restaurant on Route 9, sister to Mezza Luna next door.
Gus's Diner

Diner

Route 33 diner open daily from 8am to 9pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
La Lupa

Italian

Reservations-only BYOB Italian trattoria on Route 33 sourcing ingredients from New Jersey to Italy; dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
Manalapan Luncheonette

Breakfast

Old-school luncheonette on Wilson Avenue for breakfast and lunch, a favorite with local families.
Mezza Luna

Italian

Italian restaurant and pizzeria on Route 9, the original of the Mezza Luna and Estrella Azul family.
Mostly Smoked

Barbecue

BYOB-friendly craft barbecue eatery smoking meats low and slow over local wood; open until sold out, peanut and tree nut-free.
Nikko Sushi

Japanese / Sushi

Well-reviewed sushi house with creative specialty rolls like the Lobster Dragon.
Olde Silver Tavern

American Gastropub

Revived town-landmark tavern with a gastropub menu, 20 NJ-focused taps, an outdoor patio and Sunday brunch buffet.
Panini Bistro

Sandwiches

Sandwich shop on Union Hill Road known for pressed panini, a popular local lunch stop.
Piramida Restaurant

Sushi

Sushi and grill restaurant on Route 9, open since 2014, focused on market-fresh ingredients and also hosting private events.
Ruocco's Restaurant

Italian

Italian-American dinner spot known for gnocchi with braised short rib, arancini and chicken parm.
Sal's Gourmet Pizza & Pasta

Pizza

Gourmet pizzeria praised for specialty pies, with vegan, gluten-free and organic options.
Shirin Cafe

Uzbek / Central Asian

Family-run Uzbek restaurant since 2007 serving plov, kebabs, dumplings and homemade baklava; BYOB.
Tasty Land

Georgian / Pizza

Georgian kitchen serving khachapuri, khinkali dumplings and kebabs alongside pizza, with Napoleon cake for dessert.
The Crust Pizza Co.

Pizza

Pizzeria built on three generations of family recipes; the hot honey pepperoni pie is a favorite.
The Greek Spot

Greek

Greek restaurant known for gyro platters, souvlaki, broiled octopus and vegetarian moussaka.
The Sycamore Grille at Knob Hill

American

Public restaurant at Knob Hill Golf Club with a full bar, daily happy hour and a summer patio overlooking the course.
Toast (Manalapan)

Breakfast & Brunch

Route 9 location of the local breakfast-and-brunch favorite, open daily for daytime meals.

Coffee, bakeries & sweets in Manalapan

Jake's Cree-Mee Freeze

Ice Cream

Ice cream stand on Route 33 with a wide variety of ice cream choices.
Salomon Bakery

Bakery

Jewish-style bakery in the Gordons Corner plaza, praised for its traditional baked goods and quick, friendly service.

Bars, breweries & wineries in Manalapan

Mainbrook Tavern

American

Local bar and grill with a full bar, draft beer, a spacious patio and weekly entertainment.

Quick answers

Where should I eat in Manalapan, NJ?

Local picks include Peking Pavilion, Anemos Greek Cuisine and Dusal's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. This guide lists 24 places to eat and drink in Manalapan, including chinese, greek, pizza / italian, mexican, diner and ice cream.