February 2026 brought a flurry of activity to the Jersey Shore's restaurant landscape, including new openings, relocations, and one eatery gaining national acclaim. From steakhouses to coffee shops, several establishments announced expansions or transformations in the region. Local chefs also competed on national television, highlighting the area's culinary talent.
The Jersey Shore experienced significant developments in its food and beverage sector during February 2026. Anjelica's Restaurant in Sea Bright earned a spot on USA TODAY's Restaurants of the Year 2026 list, selected by the publication's food writers and editors for its elevated homestyle Italian dishes, scratch-made pastas, and welcoming atmosphere. Owner Anjelica Lena expressed appreciation, stating, "A lot of hard work, thought and energy go into the restaurant to make it run the way we like it to, so it always feels very special when the fruition of all that is acknowledged in such a way. To know that our offering resonates and is impactful in our community is really meaningful to us."
Several new venues emerged or prepared to launch. Roots Steakhouse, part of the Harvest Restaurant Group, began renovations at 4 Bingham Ave. in Rumson to replace the closed Salt Creek Grille, with no opening date announced yet. This marks the chain's fifth New Jersey location since its debut in Summit in 2006. Meanwhile, A Cup of Literature opened in January at 704 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park, combining coffee, books, and fitness classes in a 3,000-square-foot space. Owners Aubrey Chesna and Julia Cangelosi offer specialty drinks like the Maple Mockingbird Cappuccino and features such as blind books and a planned book club.
Relocations and expansions dotted the month. Shore Good Eats, a family-run spot in Neptune City, plans to close its original location over the summer and reopen in Bayville's Berkeley Township by late spring, adding dinner service and more baking space. Gateway Bar & Liquors in Middletown introduced Gateway Grill in January, featuring a gluten-free-friendly menu with items like pulled pork tacos and sesame-crusted tuna, crafted by Chef Mario Quechotl. Jon Bon Jovi's Soul Kitchen received approval for a new site in Asbury Park's former Walgreens, operating on a pay-it-forward model.
Other highlights include the upcoming Freehold Distilling Company in Freehold Township, set for late spring with a tasting room and distilling views; MilkShake Factory's arrival in Middletown; LeGrand Coffee House's second spot in Middletown; Insomnia Cookies in Red Bank; and Wonder's expansion to Ocean Township in April. The Lobster Shanty in Point Pleasant Beach is transforming into Harbor Point, an event venue. Additionally, Chefs David Viana and Britt Rescigno, both with Jersey Shore ties, competed in the seventh season of Food Network's Tournament of Champions, which premiered on March 1.