Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Manalapan

10 restaurants available nearby

1. 618

4.9

Exceptional(6656)

Price: Moderate

• American • Freehold

Booked 101 times today

Top 1% of restaurants in the worldRanked #32 most romantic restaurants in the United States*Reservation times are not guaranteed. As a high-volume restaurant we will do our best to accommodate you as close to that time as possibleThe 618 experience doesn't have to end after dessert. Bring a piece of 618 home with you or send it to family & friends. We offer an array of our signature items such as an Espresso Martini Candle, Decanter sets or the most comfortable sweatshirt you'll ever own!*** https://www.618nj.com/618athome ***

2. Cuzin's Clam Bar

4.7

Exceptional(215)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Marlboro

Booked 81 times today

You know what you’re missing around here?A really great seafood place — and a cool place to kick back and enjoy the good life with family and friends.Enter: Cuzin’s Seafood – Clam Bar.Cuzin's Seafood Clam BarOur casual-chic seafood eatery serves up a fresh take on all your favorite fare.Savor the flavor of summer all year round, complete with top service and gorgeous décor that’s part Miami sizzle, part NYC style and all Jersey Shore chill.Whether you’re dining inside or eating al fresco on our outdoor patio, like our name promises, when you’re at Cuzin’s, you’re family.

3. Metropolitan Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(1606)

Price: Moderate

• American • Freehold

Booked 20 times today

Metropolitan Café is a neighborhood gem because it offers a unique New American Menu with a Pacific Rim flair, as described. It's praised for its quality food and service, with many reviewers mentioning the 'top notch' food and 'friendly and professional' service. It also has a hip, upscale yet casual atmosphere that appeals to many customers. Its Wine Spectator Award Winning list and lively martini bar are also noted as highlights.

4. Solo Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(954)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Freehold

Booked 14 times today

Solo Trattoria is a neighborhood gem, known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious, unique Italian dishes. The restaurant has consistently high reviews, praising the excellent food, friendly service, and cozy setting. The owner, Piergiorgio Ceciarelli, is said to provide genuine heartfelt service and a great atmosphere. The restaurant is often described as a 'go-to place for a fantastic meal' and 'perfect ambiance for couples and dinner parties'.

A photo of American Hotel - The Standard restaurant

5. American Hotel - The Standard

4.6

Exceptional(1211)

Price: Moderate

• American • Freehold

Booked 19 times today

Please note we offer Free Parking!The Standard, an American Bistro Style Restaurant and Bar, located in the American Hotel right at the heart of Downtown Freehold. Open everyday for lunch and dinner until 9:00 pm, and offering an a la carte brunch on Sundays. The contemporary menu offers a tantalizing variety featuring steaks, seafood and bistro-style dishes. Enjoy our upscale menu with friends while sipping on one our specially crafted cocktails.Happy Hour is offered at the bar 7 days a week from 3:00-6:00. Additionally, we are now offering half priced bottles of wine every Wednesday and Sunday.Please note that all reservations are for Indoor Dining only. Outdoor dining is purely first come, first serve. However, if you have a reservation, and there is an outside table available at the time of your arrival, you will be welcomed to it.

A photo of Nonna's Citi Cucina restaurant

6. Nonna's Citi Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1210)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Englishtown

Booked 44 times today

Nonna's Citi Cucina is a gem of a restaurant in the Englishtown neighborhood. With its innovative concept of individual and family style Italian dishes, it's a go-to spot for special occasions. The reviews are consistently high, praising the food, service, and atmosphere. One reviewer said, 'The food is consistently delicious here. Specialty cocktails are a lot of fun. This is our go-to for special occasions. Service is quick and accurate.' It's a place that's loved by the community for its delicious food, attentive service, and warm atmosphere.

A photo of Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro restaurant

7. Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1288)

Price: Expensive

• Indian • Freehold

Booked 20 times today

Located in Historic Downtown Freehold, Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro presents an exceptional upscale dining experience.Modern Indian cuisine is making rapid strides. Today, it has moved beyond the realms of fusion gourmet. At Aarzu, we are taking the Indian cuisine out of the butter chicken and curry circle. The focus is on taste, texture and presentation. While the cooking method remains the same, our recipes involve diverse elements and unique food pairings with presentation being the focal point. After all, we do eat with our eyes first! Our innovative menu also brings to light the regional culinary diversity of India.The décor, lighting, colors, art and even the serving platters in Aarzu are designed to complement the food to create the complete experience for the guest.

8. La Cipollina

5.0

Exceptional(870)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Freehold

Booked 9 times today

La Cipollina is a cherished neighborhood gem, appreciated for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. As one reviewer puts it, it's like an 'old world eatery in Northern Italy', offering a tranquil dining experience. The food consistently earns high praise, with one patron dubbing it 'the most delicious I’ve had since my vacation to Italy'. The service, too, is lauded as 'impeccable', creating a sense of belonging for patrons.

A photo of Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant

9. Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1035)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Freehold

Booked 14 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 Cafe Luna of Old Bridge restaurant

10. Cafe Luna of Old Bridge

4.7

Exceptional(523)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Bridge

Booked 23 times today

After over 20 years of serving fine Italian cuisine in New York City, we are proud to announce our newest location in Old Bridge New Jersey. Join us under the stars in our romantic dining area, lounge or upscale bar, serving our authentic Sicilian Cuisine, delectable desserts and extensive wine list. We pride ourselves on serving the finest ingredients in every dish. Whether you’re having an intimate dinner or seeking to host a special event, happy hour, or other occasion, Café Luna of Oldbridge will provide a dining experience that is out of this world!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

MA
MARKG
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
WOW!! I am soooo happy I picked this place to celebrate my 32nd wedding anniversary. I've been here a few times and loved it, but today, I was blown away by the food and service. Short rib ravioli is a must as an app. Pistachio martini was superb and by far the best drink. We had the pleasure of having Marc ( with a C) as our server and would love to have him every time. He was friendly, informative, and spot on with his recommendations. He made our night. Best server ever. EVER!! It says something when you not only loved the dining experience but the server was the BEST EVER. Wife had the branzino, and she loved it. I had the halibut w jasmine rice and green beans. I literally wanted to thank everyone involved for this dish. Totally loved it and will have it again TOMORROW. it's that good. Thank you 618 for making our 32nd wedding anniversary a memorable one. Thank you Marc. See you soon 😊. Bravo 618!!!
More info
618Price: Moderate• American• Freehold
•
4.9
R
randivip
New York City •68 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
Excellent, our server was so sweet and attentive. The eggplant stack was a drop bland for me , but everything else was delicious
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Cuzin's Clam BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Marlboro
•
4.7
P
Patti
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
We enjoyed Solo Trattoria. It was excellent. The food and service were both wonderful!
More info
Solo TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Freehold
•
4.7
C
Christophervip
New Jersey •92 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 8, 2024
Service and food was very good, however the bread still sucks!!😂, please get real bread.
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American Hotel - The StandardPrice: Moderate• American• Freehold
•
4.6
D
Dan
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 5, 2024
Everything was awesome, definitely will come back
More info
Metropolitan CafePrice: Moderate• American• Freehold
•
4.7

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Manalapan

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Manalapan

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. 618

2. Cuzin's Clam Bar

3. Metropolitan Cafe

4. Solo Trattoria

5. American Hotel - The Standard

6. Nonna's Citi Cucina

7. Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro

8. La Cipollina

9. Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant

10. Cafe Luna of Old Bridge

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable