Even though most people think of boardwalk fries and ice cream cones when thinking about food options at the Jersey Shore, there is also a vibrant selection of spots offering healthful choices. From farm-to-table to vegan to sans-inflammatory-ingredient-diet based options, there is something for everyone. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it is sure to get anyone started on the right foot. Read on for some great health-themed restaurants serving up flavor in a big way at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park
Juice Beach | 701 Cookman Avenue
Juice Beach serves up a refreshing menu of smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and wellness shots crafted to fuel the day. Known for its three-day juice cleanse, this spot also features smoothie bowls and vegan-friendly snacks. Juice Beach is on a mission to make the world a healthier place, one day at a time, with a sip of its rainbow-colored variety of juices.
Read More: A Guide to Healthy Eats in the Asbury Park Area
Local 130 Seafood | 1305 Memorial Drive
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From ocean to table, Local 130 is dedicated to providing fresh, sustainable seafood sourced directly from local fishermen. The small storefront situated on Memorial Drive in Asbury Park serves up a variety of fresh fish, shellfish, prepared meals, and other specialty items. It also has same-day delivery when possible in Monmouth and Ocean Counties for orders placed before 12PM. While many fish suppliers engage in practices that are harmful to the fish population, Local 130 dedicates itself to just the opposite.
Makana’s | 609 Cookman Avenue
The flavors of Makana’s instantly transport visitors to the beautiful shores of Hawaii. Each dish is crafted with high-quality ingredients representative of the local flavors found all throughout the island, such as the loco moco, kalua pork sliders, or their musubis. Whether it’s time for a delicious breakfast, a nutritious lunch, or anything in between, Maka’s has everyone covered.
Playa Bowls | Various Locations
Playa Bowls, with locations across the country, is the original acai bowl shop that started on the Jersey Shore. There are two locations in Asbury Park: the downtown shop on 701 Cookman Avenue and, for beachgoers, a storefront at 1200 Ocean Avenue. Using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, it serves healthy, delicious açaí, pitaya, and coconut bowls and smoothies with sustainability and community in mind. There is even a special winter menu featuring peppermint and gingerbread flavors that, although served cool, will warm up anyone’s soul no matter what the forecast is.
Pulp | 516 Summerfield Avenue
Just around the corner of the bustling downtown of Asbury Park is Pulp, a locally sourced sustainable cafe. Fresh, basic ingredients are baked, blended, and whipped into healthy treats that shine on the menu. It is the ultimate destination for smoothie and juice lovers looking for fresh and vibrant flavors. The vegan chili is also not to be missed, it is so popular that it is available year-round.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Cave Bistro | 515 Sylvania Avenue
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Cavé Bistro serves a 100% gluten-free, farm-to-table dining experience. Its menu features organic produce, grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, and fresh, wild-caught seafood. The restaurant also has a weekly service in small batches alongside the daily service if finding a convenient way to stay committed to health through food is a priority. Bonus: Check out the Instagram page for Chef Doug’s insight into food and all things health related.
Seed to Sprout | 410 Main Street
Located in Avon-by-the-Sea, Seed to Sprout is a vegan café that has organic, plant-based dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. Creative weekly specials include choices such as loaded kimchi fried rice and lemon red pepper lentil soup that is sure to warm anyone up during these winter months. The eclectic menu includes breakfast items, bowls, sandwiches, superfood smoothies, and fresh juices available for dine-in or takeout.
Belmar
Kaya’s Kitchen | 1000 Main Street
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The food served at Kaya’s Kitchen is as poetic as the performers who regularly take the stage here, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The menu features plant-based dishes, including house classics like lentil loaf and BBQ seitan ribs, as well as a variety of salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Kaya’s Kitchen is situated at the corner of 10th and Main in Belmar.
Nourished By Nature Smoothie + Cold Pressed Juice Shop | 801 Main Street, Unit 1A
If you’re a ’90s kid who jammed out to Naughty by Nature, it’s time to get down with a different kind of NBN — Nourished By Nature. Located on Main Street in Belmar amidst many other colorful shops, NBN provides healthy alternatives that are easy and accessible while promising to be absolutely delicious. If stopping by to try one of the cold-pressed juices or nut milkshakes is not on the schedule, it offers delivery for juices and cleanses throughout New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania.
Bradley Beach
Luna Verde | 400 Main Street
Photo Credit: Luna Verde
If learning more about vegan food is a goal, then a restaurant owned by vegans is a great place to start. The Hidalgo Family of Bradley Beach, owners of Luna Verde, share their love of delicious and homemade (vegan) Mexican food with all those who order their food for delivery or pickup. Instead of melted cheese on every dish, flavorful salsas and vegan sauces adorn the various dishes featured on the menu. Patrons should be sure to check Luna Verde’s social media accounts for current operating hours and specials of the day. There is no dine-in option.
Bamboo Leaf Thai Eatery | 722/724 Main Street
In the heart of Bradley Beach on Main Street is Bamboo Leaf Thai Eatery. A family-owned and operated establishment for over 25 years, it serves traditional Thai dishes, including favorites like Pad Thai, Panang Curry, and Drunken noodles “pad kee mao.” If planning to dine in, especially on a weekend, prepare for a wait, as it is very popular and has a small dining area.
Highlands
JÜS Organic | 135 1st Avenue
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JÜS Organic has been serving clean, organic, and natural foods and beverages in Atlantic Highlands, NJ since 2015. It serves bright and healthy breakfast options, snacks, light bites, and signature smoothies and juices, all served with a side of humor depicted on both the website and Instagram account. There is even a special menu for the budding healthy eaters who are not old enough to drive themselves to the store.
Et al | 300 Shore Drive
If doing a happy dance for food is a requirement, Et al inspires it. By Hand — From Scratch — w/ Love is not only the tagline; it is an ingredient in all of the dishes, so it is rumored. A cozy, well-appointed dining room welcomes visitors the moment the door opens to the restaurant, no matter the time of day. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu features smoothies and fresh juices, rice paper wraps flavored with julienne vegetables, avocado & mango, and a myriad of salads packed with protein.
Manasquan
Main Street Kitchen | 140 Main Street
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A quaint cafe situated on Main Street in Manasquan, Main Street Kitchen serves sandwiches, salads, soups, and grab-and-go choices. On the healthier side, all of the marinades, stocks, and sauces are made from scratch, so fresh flavors are the standard. Main Street also has 30 years’ experience as caterers + full-service event planners and can work with clients throughout the state.
Monmouth Health Foods | 181 Main Street
With 10,000 different natural and organic products and supplements, Monmouth Health Foods has something for everyone. If a health journey is an unfamiliar experience, the store has wellness experts available to help with nutrition needs. The store also provides third-party information on different supplements so that anyone can make well-informed decisions. The store features a full-service grocery department, discounted vitamins, herbs, nutraceuticals, and more.
Red Bank
Good Karma Cafe | 17 East Front Street
Good vibes and better eats make this cozy café that serves up a fully plant-based menu packed with flavor and freshness a destination. From nourishing bowls to hearty wraps and energizing smoothies, every dish is crafted with care and a commitment to sustainability. For extra karma points, whenever possible the restaurant uses local and fair trade products.
Good Life Organic Kitchen | 60 Broad Street, Red Bank
Photo Credit: Good Life
This health-forward cafe serves up high-quality, non-GMO, and organic food and drink. It features smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and wholesome meals that make clean eating both easy and crave-worthy.
KITCH Organic | 75 Leighton Avenue, Red Bank
If fueling the body is a priority for a healthier and abundant life, then KITCH Organic is a go-to spot. All ingredients are 100% organic, free-range, gluten, wheat, and dairy-free. Whether it’s ordering in the restaurant or getting delivery, KITCH Organic makes clean eating feel like a breeze.
Shrewsbury
Hearthly Burger | 520 Broad Street
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Burgers, but make them sustainable, grass-fed, cage-free, and hormone and antibiotic-free. In between every bun is a regionally sourced product that promises to provide a combination of flavors from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Rhode Island, Upstate New York, and Brooklyn. Patrons can pair a burger with cauliflower fries or dill pickles, and that’s a meal that is as craveable as it is conscious.
Sweetgreen | 575 Broad Street
Sweetgreen is a counter-serve chain specializing in organic salads + bowls. With locations all over the country originating in Washington DC, this location is nestled in between several major retailers in a modern-designed strip mall off of Broad Street. A Sweetgreen experience means that the customer is at the heart of their own food experience, choosing from consciously raised chicken to plant forward options.
Toms River
Ocean Organics Juice Bar + Cafe | 570 Fischer Boulevard
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Since 2013, Ocean Organics has been serving fresh smoothies, smoothie bowls, yogurt parfaits, and other healthy breakfast and lunch items. The fries are air-fried, so indulge with less worry about trans fats being present. There is a variety of vegan options, including cashew cheese and jackfruit, and more herbal teas than London during high tea.
Honeygrow | 1201 Hooper Avenue, Suite A10
Honeygrow is a chain that is redefining what fast-casual means with fresh, wholesome ingredients and flavors that are both bold and courageous. At the Toms River location a diner can expect the same opportunity to customize a bowl or choose from a list of favorites such as the Sweet Soy Five Spice, the Buffalo Chicken Salad, or the Fruit and Granola from the Honeybar. Dining at honeygrow is always an experience full of healthy choices.
Healthy + Delicious | 1861 Hooper Avenue
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Tucked in the side of the Village Square strip mall, is a very unassuming doorway into a rustic and warm space that promises “food that tastes good and is better for you.” Healthy + Delicious serves made-to-order meals such as a chicken avocado wrap, southwest salad, and a side of hummus and veggies. It also serves a variety of vegan juices to accompany all of the high-quality ingredients and flavors being served daily.
Wall
Local Urban Kitchen | 1985 NJ-34 Suite A1A
With a second location in Point Pleasant Beach (closed for renovations at the moment), Local Urban Kitchen (LUK) is the true definition of a local, farm-to-table meets laid-back beach town spot. With a mission to provide a place for the community to eat that makes dining for every diet possible, LUK is committed to serving only the freshest organic ingredients that are transformed into hearty brunch plates and energizing smoothie bowls in its kitchen.
See More: The Best Salads in Hoboken: A Definitive List
Greens + Grains | 1861 NJ-35 Unit 105
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With several locations in Southern New Jersey (Atlantic, Monmouth, and Camden counties), Greens + Grains is a go-to for those looking for a vegan, plant-based dining experience. Greens + Grains is redefining the fast-casual game, making it easy for anyone to get a plant-based fix quickly and easily by serving up salads, sandwiches, bowls, and smoothies. But wait, there is more! There is even a vegan and vegetarian-based food truck driving around that can be brought to any event for a fast, healthy, and unique dining experience.
HolistiClean Head Spa: Monmouth County’s First Micro-Bubble Scalp Treatment
Imagine sinking into a cozy chair, letting stress melt away as tiny, fizzy bubbles work their magic on yourscalp. HolistiClean Head Spa in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, provides Monmouth County’s first micro-bubble scalp treatment, which is a blend of physical and mental relaxation and rejuvenation. This innovative therapy uses ultra-fine bubbles to cleanse the scalp deeply, removing buildup, excess oil, and impurities while promoting circulation and hydration. The treatment — done by hair specialist Tina Katz — is designed to support hair growth and a healthy scalp while providing a soothing escape from daily stress. Individuals don’t need to have a scalp-related issue or concern to visit the HolisticCare Head Spa — all hair and head types can benefit from the micro-bubble scalp and head spa treatment. It's the perfect way to refresh both the scalp and the spirit. Read on to learn more about the micro-bubble scalp treatment at HolistiClean Head Spa in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.
About HolistiClean Head Spa
HolistiClean Head Spa — located at 1026 Broad Street, Suite 18 in Shrewsbury, inside of Salons by JC — by Tina Katz is a holistic head spa that provides a specialized treatment that focuses on the health and well-being of the scalp and hair. Tina is skilled and knowledgeable in scalp conditions and holistic hair remedies. She knows how to positively impact clients' minds, bodies, and spirits through her treatments and services and aims to activate the parasympathetic nervous system — which promotes rest and relaxation — during her sessions.
“Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp,” Tina shared with The Jersey Shore Girl. “The head spa is supposed to bring zen, calm, and clarity to you because the world we live in is very stressful.”
Read More: The Top 10 Hotel Spas in Atlantic City, New Jersey
What makes HolistiClean Head Spa different from other head spas is that on top of the relaxing scalp massage one would expect to receive, Tina also assesses the condition of the roots, scalp, and hair. Using a capilliscope — a device with both a microscope and a camera — Tina can do an in-depth examination of the head and hair. The capilliscope helps identify concerns like buildup, dryness, redness, sensitivity, or thinning. Tina will put together products as well as a treatment plan based on an analysis of what she sees through the capilliscope.
What is a Micro-Bubble Scalp Treatment?
Micro-bubbles are tiny, oxygen-rich bubbles that can penetrate pores and remove impurities, dirt, and product buildup that regular washing might miss. Micro-bubbles can help cleanse the scalp, potentially benefiting those with conditions like dandruff or other scalp irritations. The micro-bubble technology can also benefit various hair types, particularly those that are curly, dry, or prone to build-up, as they provide deep cleansing and enhanced absorption of treatments. Even those with a healthy scalp and hair can benefit from a micro-bubble treatment as it can provide a deeper cleanse, remove impurities, and potentially enhance overall scalp and hair health long term. By thoroughly cleansing the scalp, micro-bubble treatments can maintain a healthy environment and potentially prevent issues like dandruff, itching, and clogged follicles. The micro-bubble treatment is known for being gentle yet effective no matter what condition the scalp or hair is in.
“There’s no product in the micro-bubbles,” Tina revealed, “It’s strictly water so that’s why it’s truly holistic. It’s nothing but the machine producing billions of tiny micro-bubbles with water. If someone has sensitivity to products or would prefer to not use any shampoos or oils during the treatment, I can just use the machine for the micro-bubble treatment, the micro-bubble treatment is beneficial on its own.”
What are the benefits of the HolistiClean Head Spa?
HolistiClean Head Spa’s treatment has numerous benefits, including improved hair growth, reduced hair loss, balanced sebum production, relief from scalp issues like dandruff and irritation, as well as stress-relief. Scalp treatments — especially those incorporating massages or lymphatic drainage — reduce stress, promote calmness, and improve circulation, which all lead to a sense of overall well-being. Increased blood flow to the scalp can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn also leads to a calmer state of mind. Massaging the scalp also stimulates the release of endorphins, which is a natural painkiller and stress reliever in the body. Scalp care is beneficial for all men, women, and teens. The treatment not only supports hair growth and scalp hydration but also melts away tension, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking both wellness and self-care.
See More: A Trip to Aura Head Spa in Montclair, New Jersey
JSG’s Treatment Plan
We didn’t go into the session with any scalp or hair issues or concerns, but from our capilliscope evaluation, Tina noticed that we had a few red, sensitive spots on our scalp (likely from using hot tools like a hair dryer and straightener) and a tiny bit of build up from hair products like shampoo and conditioner. Since our scalp was in good condition otherwise, Tina did a classic micro-bubble scalp treatment, which included dry brushing, an oil treatment, a scalp massage, pre-shampoo Complexe 5 treatment, two shampoos with Tonucia (which contains natural ingredients like orange essential oil — which smells divine, btw!) and the micro-bubble treatment with scalp brushing and massaging. The treatment also included aromatherapy oil, gentle lymphatic drainage in the head and neck areas, and a hand massage. Since receiving our treatment, we have noticed that our hair is less oily, and we have been able to go longer in-between shampoo days.
HolistiClean Head Spa is open on Thursday + Fridays from 9AM to 4PM and appointments can be made on its website.
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