New Jersey Shore - The Oceanside Cafe and Grill

The Oceanside Café and Grill has an understated exterior; don’t believe it. The entrance leads to an open floor plan filled with exposed wood, Italian tile and oak molding on the center alcove, chairs and façade. It is warm, friendly and definitely affordable.

One of the many intriguing choices for lunch was the Herb Crusted Goat Cheese Salad. Goat cheese, fresh pear, raspberry vinaigrette (yum) and mixed greens served on an oversized plate was more than I could eat.

My partner had the Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, which the Café’s menu describes as warm focaccia like bread, loaded with fresh mozzarella, proscuitto, tender chicken, roasted red pepper and balsamic vinaigrette. It was too big for one so we each had half a sandwich and half a salad. The wait staff and kitchen staff were more than accommodating in serving our two half portions.

The menu is chock full of mouth-watering dishes. You’ll have a hard time deciding what to order. Prices are reasonable. If you live or work within a 20-mile radius you must stop by for lunch. Located in the heart of the Manasquan Beach District, the Oceanside Café and Grill is steps from the beach and a view of the Atlantic.

Have lunch, walk the beach and, if you can manage the effort, pull yourself away from this idyllic spot and return to work. Dinner reservations are available but call early. Weekend reservations are only accepted for six or more. Valet parking is provided for dinner on weekend nights and the small parking lot and street parking are more than adequate during the week for lunch or dinner.

Oceanside Café does catering and is set up for private parties. This is a restaurant to be enjoyed. Buon apetito!