Ashtyn Asay 
A new dining destination has just arrived at the Jersey Shore. Esquina No. 525 officially opened at 525 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park on August 6th, bringing Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese culinary techniques and Peruvian flavors, to New Jersey. The opening comes after years of planning and development by Hungry Trio Hospitality, the owners of several restaurants throughout New York and New Jersey, including Ramen Nagomi, Aarzu, and Courtyard Banquet. Read on for more about Asbury Park’s latest newcomer, Esquina No. 525.
What’s on the Menu?
Hungry Trio Hospitality created Esquina No. 525 to showcase Nikkei cuisine. This culinary tradition originated in Peru in the late 1800s after Japanese immigrants began combining their traditional cooking methods with locally available Peruvian ingredients. The result is a cuisine known for balancing Japanese precision with the bold flavors of Peru.
“While Nikkei has become one of the world’s most celebrated dining styles in cities like Lima, Miami, London, and New York, New Jersey has yet to truly experience it,” said a statement from Hungry Trio Hospitality. “We saw an opportunity to introduce guests to a cuisine that is exciting, unexpected, and deeply rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and flavor.”
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Led by Chef Marques Tone, culinary director at Esquina No. 525, the restaurant’s menu highlights premium seafood and meats prepared using Japanese techniques and finished with Peruvian ingredients like lime, ají peppers, and fresh herbs. Guests can expect a variety of raw, chilled, grilled, fried, and shareable dishes that emphasize bright, acidic, smoky, and umami-rich flavors. Beyond the food, Esquina No. 525 was designed to deliver a lively, energetic dining experience. The restaurant pairs its menu with handcrafted cocktails, music, and a colorful interior intended to create a vibrant atmosphere for everything from date nights to celebrations with friends.
“Asbury Park has become one of New Jersey’s most exciting culinary destinations, and we’re honored to become part of its incredible restaurant community,” said a statement from Hungry Trio Hospitality. “We hope Esquina offers both locals and visitors a dining experience unlike anything they’ve had before.”
Know Before You Go
According to the restaurant’s Resy page, Esquina No. 525 will launch in phases, starting with a limited number of reservations and a streamlined menu. This gradual rollout is intended to ensure every dish and every guest experience meets its standards before expanding operations. In the coming months, Esquina plans to add more reservations, extend its hours, and debut Ember, a late-night concept that will transform the space into an evening destination with music, cocktails, and a livelier atmosphere.
New Eats on the Jersey Shore
Esquina No. 525 is one of several new food and drink spots opening along the Jersey Shore this summer. Other businesses either now open or in the works include Fahrenheit Coffee Company in Manasquan, Lucky Fish Sushi Co. in Oceanport, Maree in Spring Lake, and Hannah’s in Long Branch.
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