Marissa Scognamiglio 
Sweet or savory, no matter what your brunch craving may be, Avon’s newest spot, Little Gem, located at 300 Main Street, hits the mark, so this definitely won’t stay a hidden gem for long. Just blocks from the beach, this cozy new brunch destination is quickly becoming a local favorite with its refined menu, welcoming atmosphere, and strong ties to the community. Read on for more about The Little Gem’s menu, plus what it means to chef and co-founder, Justin Skribner, to bring his culinary talents back home to the Jersey Shore.
About Little Gem
Justin Skribner, co-founder of Little Gem alongside his brother Steve, was raised in Avon-by-the-Sea before leaving to pursue a successful culinary career in New York City, training in some of the city’s top Michelin-worthy kitchens. Still, owning his own restaurant was always the dream, and getting to bring his talents back home is simply *chef’s kiss.* Justin’s dream became a reality when he finally opened Little Gem on March 22nd, a cozy neighborhood brunch spot designed to feel both elevated yet approachable, a true neighborhood gathering place.
“Avon felt like the right fit because of our history here. Growing up in Avon is a very special thing. It’s a small town with incredible people who have always supported my family and I. For many years, working in New York, people from Avon would travel north to the city to come and support me at whatever restaurant I was at. I feel like that alone shows the dedication that the town of Avon has to the people in its community,” Justin told The Jersey Shore Girl.
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The restaurant itself reflects that same warmth and familiarity. Inside, guests are welcomed by a hand-painted lemon tree mural, large sun-filled windows overlooking Main Street, and a bright, airy space with subtle French-European bistro charm. “Designing the restaurant was a challenge. We didn’t have a large budget. Our goal was to simply make the space open and inviting. The previous restaurant and decor was very dark and a bit dated. We wanted to make sure we made the space feel alive, with a bit of a French/European bistro feel. It was important that the space felt new and original,” Justin shared.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Little Gem may be intentionally concise, but every dish is thoughtfully crafted. Justin described the concept as “bringing refined simplicity” to brunch. While there are currently just eight breakfast options on the menu, each one is designed with precision, focusing on technique and high-quality ingredients. “I don’t believe we are doing anything groundbreaking, but the dishes we are producing are well thought out and executed properly. Anyone can make an omelette. But to make it the way we do takes practice and attention to detail,” Justin explained.
We had to try MayPink’s Pancake, made with lemon ricotta batter and topped with berry compote and whipped cream. It was light, fluffy, and the kind of brunch order you immediately start planning to come back for. We also sampled the classic French Omelette, proving the kitchen handles savory just as well as sweet. Lastly, we tried the Potato Egg and Cheese, their elevated take on a breakfast classic. Filled with chorizo hash, poached eggs, and cheese sauce, it felt like the ultimate brunch comfort food.
What’s Next
Though Little Gem has already made a strong first impression, Justin says there is much more to come. The team is currently expanding into the neighboring space, where they plan to open a curated community market, hopefully in time for this summer. They also hope to expand the menu further and eventually introduce a five-course prix fixe dinner experience.
If our brunch sampling was any indication, we’d gladly trust Justin and his team with whatever comes next. “Being a small business owner in the Jersey Shore community is very important to me. I see it as a great opportunity to serve the community and provide opportunities for our staff. On a personal note, this little restaurant means the world to me. It shows my 16-month-old daughter to follow her dreams, whatever they might be, and it also means I’m that much closer to making good on a promise I made over 20 years ago,” Justin shared.
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Little Gem is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8AM to 4PM at 300 Main Street in Avon-by-the-Sea.
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