Avenue Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Long Branch, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Avenue: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: French American
Price: Very Expensive
Noise Level: Moderate to high during peak times
Dress: Upscale Casual
Food Quality: Well prepared, artfully crafted menu.
Service: Friendly, attentive, though a bit pretentious
Ambiance/Decor: Upscale, with beach/oceanfront views, and a trendy, energetic, Jersey Shore feeling.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Recommended For: Romantic dates, upscale brunches, celebrations, scenic dining
Not Recommended For: Budget-conscious diners, very young children during evening hours
Recommended dishes: When available, The Lamb Shank; The Dry Aged Prime NY Strip; or The Lobster Pot-Au-Feu'
Liquor: Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant.
Avenue Restaurant delivers a luxurious beachfront dining experience with French-inspired cuisine, elegant ambiance, and panoramic ocean views—ideal for upscale brunches, romantic dinners, and lively gatherings. Known for its refined fare and Riviera-style charm, Avenue stands out as a Jersey Shore gem.
🌟 History & Vision
Located in the heart of Pier Village, Avenue was designed by internationally acclaimed architect David Collins, bringing a slice of the French Riviera to the Jersey Shore. The restaurant is part of the Le Club complex and is owned by a hospitality group committed to blending coastal elegance with elevated dining. Avenue’s vision is to offer guests a refined yet relaxed experience reminiscent of Cannes or Nice, with a focus on oceanfront luxury and seasonal sophistication
🍽️ Food & Cuisine
Avenue specializes in modern French-American cuisine, crafted with high-quality ingredients and coastal flair. The menu features:
- Organic selections and daily coastal catches
- Signature dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon, Oysters on the Half Shell, Crab Risotto, and French Onion Soup Gratinée
- Farm-to-table elements with artful presentation and balanced flavors
- A raw bar and seasonal specials that highlight fresh seafood and local producei
👨🍳 The Culinary Team
The kitchen team is known for turning out dishes that offer an elevated dining experience. Serving a well-executed menu prepared with a refined technique, focused classic French preparations, and creative plating.
🌅 Ambiance
Avenue’s décor is upscale and coastal-chic, with:
- Elegant indoor-outdoor spaces
- Panoramic ocean views and beachfront patio seating
- A vibe that transitions from breezy brunch to vibrant nightlife
- Moderate to high noise levels during peak hours
- Stylish furnishings, spacious tables, and background music that complements the setting
🤝 Service
Staff are:
- Welcoming and attentive
- Knowledgeable servers who offer pairing suggestions and menu insights
- Managerial presence that enhances the dining experience
- Service that is generally consistent, though occasionally described as slightly pretentious
🍷 Other Features
- Alcohol/Bar Service: Full bar with craft cocktails and curated wine list; Moscow Mule and French wines are favorites
- Child-Friendly: Kids can play on the beach nearby, but the restaurant leans more adult-oriented
- Recommended For: Romantic dates, upscale brunches, celebrations, scenic dining
- Not Recommended For: Budget-conscious diners, very young children during evening hours
- Parking: Available in Pier Village, though can be limited during peak times
- Dress Code: Upscale casual—think resort chic
- Holiday Hours: Avenue is typically open on Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving, and other major holidays
🔧 What Could Be Improved
- Noise levels during peak times may detract from intimate conversations
- Occasional inconsistencies in service tone
🏆 What Sets Avenue Apart
- Unmatched beachfront location with direct ocean views
- Architectural elegance and Riviera-inspired ambiance
- Sophisticated French-American cuisine with organic and seasonal highlights
- Seamless blend of luxury and leisure, making it a standout destination on the Jersey Shore
Updated October 2025
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