New American Restaurants near Highlands, NJ

“If I could give 10 stars I would! I just had my daughter’s baptism lunch at Fresh and along with every single guest we had I could not be more happy with the food, service,hospitality and accommodations! The food was delicious! So fresh and made with passion. The chef knows what he’s doing. The 2 men that hosted for us were beyond professional, patient and friendly to us and our guests. Every step of the way from planning to finish they were amazing! After we got home I had so many people reaching out to me about how good this place is and how they will definitely be returning for dinner in the near future. Thank you all so much for helping make this day stress free and most importantly SPECIAL!“

“You’ll want to try everything.“

“Best meal ever, the duck was unbelievable as well as the carbonara. Our server Rob was the absolute best. Porcini has easily become one of my favorite restaurants!“

“Go there every time we are at sandy hook great food snd service“

“Had the Tricolore Salad with grilled shrimp today and it was DELICOUS!!!! Dad has the poke bowl and loved it. Service and atmosphere were great!“

“Soul Kitchen is amazing! Our students love working with the great staff and always feel welcome and learn great skills and life lessons. The student favorite part of the soul Kitchen experience is of course the delicious food made by Chef Emily and her staff. The Matawan Regional staff and students want to thank Bon Jovi and all his supporters for a great experience and relationship!“

“My husband and I had breakfast here yesterday. It was our first time at Rise n Shine and we loved it!!! Great food and service. Our new favorite restaurant.“

“The staff was stellar! The filet mignon and mashed potatoes were amazing. I enjoyed the asparagus; my boyfriend substituted the Brussels sprouts, and they were also delicious. The bread was warm and crusty, which we loved.

It was our anniversary, and they greeted us with well wishes when they checked in with our reservation. There was a Happy Anniversary card on the table, and as we left, the waitress wished us well again.

We asked for water with no ice, and later when another server refilled our glasses, he confirmed that we wanted no ice — a small detail, but much appreciated.

The atmosphere is rustic and romantically lit. The only small concern was that we were a bit chilly. We were seated by a window, and I believe a vent from the very high ceiling was blowing on us. If you go, you may want to bring a light sweater or scarf.

Overall, it was a wonderful choice for a special occasion.“

“So, we’re from boston and are visiting my son. Not too much to choose from around here in terms of restaurants. But suddenly I see a sign Minas Grill and went in just because of the word grill. It’s Brazilian! My heart is singing! Great coffee, the food is like home cooked. Loved the cheese bread and you can shop here too! Lovely warm people and so helpful! So we’ll be back while we’re here.“

“Everything was fantastic as usual. Love going there and love the BYOB.“

“Visited this excellent restaurant for the first time today. Our experience was terrific. The food was delicious, great presentation and the service from our waiter David was outstanding.“

“I am leaving a production catering review. My Kitchen Witch provided catering to a large production crew and security where I work (a large historical building on Wall Street). I couldn't believe how quick and professional that My Kitchen Witch was in set-up, the meals, and the breakdown of their service. The food was excellent, especially the pork carnitas and Mexican street corn! I definitely highly recommend and would love to head to their cafe in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey!“

“If I tell you how wonderful the place, the people, the plates are will you promise not to go? It’s hard enough snagging a reservation without hoards of people trying to book a table after reading justifiably rave reviews. OK, here goes. Agnolotti pasta and sweet potato hush puppies as appetizers to start and oh, what a start it was. Monk fish and a bacon-jam encrusted pork chop, both cooked to perfection, as entrees. Lemon tart and a you-gotta-try-it-once-in-your-life “budino,” for dessert. (Do you know stressed spelled backwards is desserts?) What’s a budino you ask? Adult pudding, whipped by angels, so addictive it must have been created by Satan. Farm to Table, fresh, sustainable, local, tucked away on a side street in Red Bank… and you get to bring your own favorite wine. Don’t go. Don’t tell your friends. Let this gem be all mine.“

“Wonderful evening, food was amazing,service was excellent“

“Was just in the store yesterday and saw the amazing company Truffliest, which I love the truffle sauce. There’s an amazing selection of different various products as well as amazing fresh pasta and food ready to go. If you’re in the neighborhood in Red Bank, I would definitely recommend stopping by!“

“The gluten free empanadas were the best ever!“

“This is one of my favorite lunch spots. It’s so hard to find healthy options. I love that there are many dishes that are not only healthy, but delicious, at the same time. We don’t live in the area, but make the trip for a great lunch a shopping. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip.“

“Had the Tricolore Salad with grilled shrimp today and it was DELICOUS!!!! Dad has the poke bowl and loved it. Service and atmosphere were great!“

“It was Awesome! Best Branzino fish I ever had in NJ, the Riesling wine was also good, dessert was excellent and the staff was delightful and attentive, great job guys I give you 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️“

“Was in the mood for a cheeseburger and fries. Did not know what to expect, BUT I got the burger I ever had and the fries were to die for. Will go back and try the rest of the menu.“

“Food is excellent, staff are wonderful!!!“

“The food is amazing! not to mention they also have awesome live music! great overall place to hangout and grab a drink with a bite to eat!“

“Came here twice so far both times was amazing. Service was great food was great. Nice atmosphere decor is great it’s a great hidden gem.“

“Apple Street Kitchen was the venue for my surprise birthday party this past weekend. Everything about this lovely place was amazing. It was the perfect size for our family and friends, the food was outstanding, each dish delicious, the service was wonderful, the evening was perfect. Many thanks to the wait staff and the chef for a very special and memorable evening, I couldn’t have loved it more.“

“Nice experience good food“

“Stopped at Val's Tavern because we had a 2 hour gap between a wedding and reception. Service was excellent and so was the food. Our server, Gabby, went above and beyond when we needed some Tylenol. HIGHLY recommend Val's!“

“Crashed a private event and it was just my style. Might be stuffy in comparison to the bar around the corner, but otherwise seems like first class classical music and comfy couches for a celebratory drink. Can't comment on the food.

Bartender was nice about walking in to the event.“

“Had a wonderful time. Food was excellent.“

“Step through the doors of The Globe and into a world where time slows, where laughter mingles with the hum of the game, and where the clink of a perfectly poured pint feels like a familiar embrace. Since 1840, this hallowed spot has anchored downtown Red Bank—not just a sports bar, but a living relic of camaraderie, tradition, and the simple pleasure of a burger and a beer.

Once an inn sheltering weary travelers, today it shelters the spirit of the town. The barstools tell stories, the taps flow with over 30 stellar brews—domestic and foreign alike—and the famed Globe Burger is a rite of passage for any local or visitor. And if you're in the know? The pork roll fries—golden, crisp, and utterly decadent—are a must.

Fifteen flat screens glow, capturing every play, every moment, while seasoned bartenders—some here for decades—pour with precision and warmth. Their tenure speaks volumes: a sign of a place run right, of ownership that cares, of a bar where you’re not just served—you’re known.

In a world that races ahead, chasing trends and fleeting fads, The Globe remains steadfast, a beacon of what a bar should be. No pretense, no gimmicks—just good company, great drinks, and the kind of authenticity you can’t manufacture. Pull up a seat, order a Guinness (poured to perfection), and soak it in. Some places fade. The Globe endures.“