This collection of restaurants in Bradley Beach have a diverse mix of flavors and experiences. Bradley Beach may be a small town in stature, but more than makes up for it in dining options.
During my travels, I always try to put together helpful lists to make planning easier for fellow explorers.
It was very difficult to pinpoint just ten of the best restaurants in and around Bradley Beach. Because there are so many, I decided to incorporate a mix of cuisines, price ranges, and general vibes. This will hopefully make it easier for you to select your own personal favorite from the list.
Top 10 Restaurants in Bradley Beach:
Bradley Beach boasts a wide variety of culinary styles when it comes to restaurants and dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a slap-up meal, steak, or Italian food, you’re bound to find something you like.
1. Marandola’s Restaurant
Price: $$
Address: 608 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, Monday (17:00 – 21:00), Sunday (16:00 – 20:00)
Contact: (732) 361-5888
Marandola’s Restaurant is named after Mark Marandola and offers delectable Italian cuisine. Mark Marandola has been active on the New York culinary scene for 35 years. And now, he is bringing his excellent cooking and flair for dining to Bradley Beach.
Patrons are welcome to bring their own alcohol to Marandola’s Restaurant because it operates on a BYOB basis. The dine-in options are excellent, but they also offer sandwiches for take-away. So, this place is ideal for a relaxed dinner date or just a quick lunch on the go.
The menu is varied and offers a fairly broad selection of dishes. It includes the traditional soup, starters, and salads, as well as pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. For an authentic Marandola’s experience, I highly recommend the penne with vodka sauce or the chicken parmigiana. Also, you can never go wrong with a traditional panna cotta or classic tiramisu for dessert.
Instagram: @marandolasrestaurant
2. FINS TropiCali Cuisine
Price: $
Address: 120 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Contact: (732) 897-8600
This is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Bradley Beach and is a firm favorite among the locals. The cuisine at FINS TropiCali Cuisine is inspired by Southern California, tropical islands, and the Pacific Rim. This casual and relaxed eatery is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
I tremendously enjoyed this restaurant because of the fun vibe. It has a beach-themed interior, which immediately shouts relaxation and vacation. And the range of food on offer is extensive to boot! You can also choose to just have something light and refreshing, or a hearty meal, the options are endless.
So, on the menu, I highly recommend the Mahi Mahi Rice Bowl or the Tennessee Hot Burrito. The Mahi Mahi Rice Bowl is served in a tortilla bowl with Mexican flavors and delicious seared Mahi Mahi. The Tennessee Hot Burrito features Nashville hot chicken tenders, innovative wasabi cucumber slaw, and a fresh watermelon relish. So delicious!
Instagram: @finsusa
3. Bamboo Leaf
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Price: $$
Address: 722-724 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 – 22:00
Contact: (732) 774-1661
Bamboo Leaf is the embodiment of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. It’s one of the few restaurants in Bradley Beach with a truly extensive menu and yet everything is made fresh. Thai food is always especially satisfying and can be considered comfort food. This place is family-friendly and the ideal spot to relax on the weekend.
I particularly enjoyed Bamboo Leaf because of the informal atmosphere and astoundingly big menu. There were so many things to choose from that I almost couldn’t make up my mind! But it’s worth pondering the menu for what seems like ages because the food is delicious.
I highly recommend the duck noodle soup or the cashew nut stir-fry which is very fresh and fragrant. Bamboo Leaf also has a few house specialty dishes and these all seem excellent. Therefore, you also won’t be disappointed in the softshell crab with Panang curry sauce or the braised pork ribs either.
Instagram: @bambooleafthai
4. Rare Bradley Beach
Price: $$$
Address: 401 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 17:00 – 21:00
Contact: (732) 775-7465
Rare Bradley Beach is a prime steakhouse situated in the middle of town and it serves excellent meat and seafood. Although this restaurant is on the pricier side, you’re guaranteed excellence. Chef Neil West sources only the most premium ingredients and that includes the top 2% of USDA steak. The restaurant also tries to locally source ingredients where possible and only uses fresh fish.
This restaurant seems to be highly popular thanks to the quality of the food and the location. Patrons can take a stroll on the beachfront before heading inside for a delicious dinner. It would seem that Rare is also a favorite among couples looking for an idyllic place for date night. It is romantic and classy and you’re guaranteed a night to remember.
Their menu is curated to perfection and I highly recommend starting your meal with the flash-fried artichoke hearts. After that, you won’t go wrong with a prime steak cut of your choice and a shareable side for the table.
Instagram: @rarebradleybeach
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5. Del Ponte’s Coal Fired Pizza
Price: $$
Address: 600 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (11:30 – 22:00), Monday (15:50 – 22:00)
Contact: (732) 869-0070
No restaurant and eatery list in America would be complete without a pizzeria. Italian food, and pizza especially, is comfortable and familiar. It is very common for families and individuals alike to enjoy pizza fairly regularly. When traveling, heading to the local pizzeria is almost second nature and, in that case, Del Ponte’s will not disappoint.
Del Ponte’s Coal Fired Pizza is an informal pizzeria where the entire family is welcome. They have a wide range of pizzas, pasta, and paninis to choose from and a relaxed atmosphere. Just remember to BYOB!
Off the menu, I would highly recommend the Milan pizza which comes with goat cheese and prosciutto. But the Vinny pie with ricotta, pesto, and Italian sausage is also a firm favorite. If you don’t feel like pizza, the pasta or panini options won’t disappoint either. The Fettucine Bolognese is comfort food at its best, and the Mediterranean panini with breaded eggplant is fabulous.
Instagram: @delpontes_pizza
6. Mangiare Tu
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Price: $$$
Address: 600 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Thursday (16:00 – 21:00), Friday and Saturday (16:00 – 22:00), Sunday (12:00 – 21:00)
Contact: (732) 869-0700
Mangiare Tu likes to refer to themselves as the Jersey Shore’s best-kept secret and I can see why. This little gem is in Main Street and they serve what can best be described as Italian soul food. And not only is it a wonderful place for dinner, but they serve an excellent brunch as well! If you spend a weekend in Bradley Beach, I highly suggest popping in on Sunday for brunch!
Mangiare Tu is well-known among locals and tourists alike for its excellent food and above-average service. You’re guaranteed prompt service with a smile when dining there, and that is why they have so many repeat customers. Although they welcome children, their limitations on child-friendly seats and high-chairs do mean this establishment is better suited to adults.
Their menu isn’t very extensive, but the food is excellent. I highly recommend the Pollo Parmesana which features breaded chicken over linguine, or the Veal Chop Milanese. However, if you’re looking for something interesting, the #S2FD will tickle your fancy. This dish features a medley of seafood including lobster tail and calamari and is served in a bread bowl.
Instagram: @mangiaretu
7. Pagano’s Uva Restaurant
Price: $$
Address: 800 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00 – 22:00
Contact: (732) 775-0906
There are a lot of restaurants in Bradley Beach that feature Italian food or similar. It is one of the comforting things about the Jersey Shore and something that is easily identified in its culture. Pagano’s Uva Restaurant serves Italian food with a Mediterranean flair and it’s a favorite among old and new customers alike.
This family-run business has been in operation for many years and they’ve perfected the art of keeping patrons happy. They are very family-focused and children are always welcome here. The restaurant started with the belief that sharing a meal with family and friends is one of life’s biggest pleasures.
Pagano’s Uva Restaurant has a very big menu and that means that everyone is bound to find something they like. I highly recommend the Lamb Chops Bianca, mainly because of the roasted garlic rosemary sauce. However, the filet mignon served with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus will also be a definite crowd-pleaser.
8. The Elbow Room
Price: $
Address: 416 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (15:00 – 22:00), Friday – Saturday (11:00 – 23:00), Sunday (11:00 – 21:00)
Contact: (732) 898-6860
The Elbow Room is one of the best local restaurants in Bradley Beach. They have made it their mission to use locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Their menu features a selection of what can only be called pub fare with a twist and it is delicious. The restaurant also regularly hosts happy hours and fun events like Trivia Nights.
The food is affordable and fun and because they have a full-service bar you can also enjoy a cocktail! If you’re in the mood for casual dining, I suggest trying the baby back ribs or fried flounder sandwich. However, for something a bit more traditional, opt for the Pappardelle Bolognese or Blackened Salmon.
Instagram: @elbowroomnj
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9. Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Price: $$
Address: 604 Main St #1011, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Monday – Friday (11:30 – 22:00), Saturday and Sunday (12:30 – 23:00)
Contact: (732) 869-0092
Although many of the restaurants in Bradley Beach features steak, seafood, or Italian cuisine, there are other options as well. Osaka Japanese Restaurant is a trendy sushi bar and it is perfect if you’re craving fresh fish. Although they specialize in sushi, there are other options if someone in the dining party feels like something else.
Their menu is exciting and fresh and offers a lot of different options. I highly suggest ordering a few small plates to make the most of the experience. If you’re in the mood for sushi, the sushi and sashimi combo with fresh tuna will definitely satisfy you. However, I also recommend their seafood yaki udon or chicken katsu for those in the mood for something different.
10. La Fogata Ideal
Price: $$
Address: 806 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday (09:00 – 20:00), Sunday (09:00 – 17:00)
Contact: (732) 807-3281
I’m rounding out my list of restaurants in Bradley Beach with La Fogata Ideal. This exciting restaurant serves a mix of Mexican and Columbian cuisine. It is therefore excellent for either date night or just spending a relaxed evening with friends. This is a fairly new restaurant having only opened in 2019, but it’s already making a name for itself.
If you have a Latin craving, this is the place to go! The warm and casual atmosphere invites you to relax and kick back with a drink, good food, and friends. Everything is prepared from scratch and served with a smile as they welcome new and returning patrons.
This is also the only restaurant on this list to serve breakfast! So, if you’re up early enough, I highly recommend their waffles! Their menu includes the best Latin food that you’ll find in New Jersey.
The shrimp tacos, nachos, burritos, or quinoa salads are all good options. But, if you can’t make up your mind, simply mix a few small plates to satisfy your cravings!
Instagram: @lafogataideal
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Looking for More Things to Do in Bradley Beach?
The restaurants in Bradley Beach are just one of the many drawcards of this coastal town in New Jersey. Bradley Beach is the ideal destination if you’re into adventure and beach living.
They have a surf school and several beautiful beaches. It is the ideal place to lay back on the sand, tan, and spend your days in the sun.
However, the restaurant scene is incredible with Italian, seafood, meat, and other options available. I highly recommend booking a table at one or more of the restaurants on this list to make the most of your trip.
