Lili Restaurant, Asbury Park, NJ

Lili Oceanfront Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Asbury Park, NJ

Lili Oceanfront Restaurant
800 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ

Opened in June, 2026, Lili Oceanfront restaurant located on the boardwalk, features an elevated Mediterranean leaning seafood restaurant where ocean views, polished service, and a breezy coastal vibe converge.

It’s stylish without being pretentious, romantic without being fussy, and consistently delivers fresh, well executed dishes that feel both modern and grounded in classic technique.

Fare & Pricing

  • Cuisine: Mediterranean inspired seafood with global accents

  • Price: Expensive

The Chef & Cooking Style

Executive Chef Franco Giuseppe Vitale

  • Cooking Style: Clean, ingredient forward, emphasizing freshness, acidity, and texture.
  • Preparation Philosophy: Minimalist but meticulous—letting the seafood speak while layering subtle Mediterranean herbs, citrus, and spice.

Menu Highlights

  • Whole Branzino – Charred lemon, herbs, crisp skin, beautifully moist interior.
  • Tunisian Octopus -Broiled Octopus served over stewed carrots, potatoes & chickpeas in harissa tomato sauce served over fine couscous
  • Tenderloin Kabab - Marinated beef tenderloin grilled with peppers, onions & tomato over pita & sumac tomato, onion salad, signature fries & yogurt
  • Pescatore - House made Squid ink Linguine served with calamari, shrimp, scallops, tarragon & tomato sauce

Ambiance

  • Décor: Modern coastal—light woods, soft blues, airy drapery, and clean lines.
  • Vibe: Upscale but relaxed; perfect for date nights, celebrations, and refined beach dining.
  • Striking Features: Floor to ceiling windows, ocean views, sunset glow across the dining room.
  • Scenic Views: Direct Atlantic Ocean panorama; outdoor tables overlook the boardwalk.
  • Table Spacing: Comfortable, not crowded; enough privacy for conversation.
  • Noise Level: Moderate—lively but not overwhelming.
  • Background Music: Soft, contemporary, unobtrusive.
  • Outdoor Dining: Yes—prime oceanfront seating in warm months.

Service

Professional, polished, attentive without hovering.

Other Factors

  • Alcohol/Bar Service: Full bar; craft cocktails, Mediterranean leaning wine list, premium spirits.
  • Child Friendly: Accepting but not specifically geared toward children; better for adults or older teens.
  • Parking: Municipal lots and street parking nearby; summer crowds can make it competitive.

Best For:

  • Romantic dinners
  • Celebrations
  • Seafood lovers
  • Scenic dining

Not Ideal For:

  • Very young children
  • Budget focused diners
  • Those seeking quick, casual meals

What I Like About This Restaurant

Lili Oceanfront nails the balance between elegance and ease. The oceanfront setting is genuinely stunning, the menu is thoughtful and fresh, and the service feels refined without slipping into formality.

It’s the kind of place where the details matter—plating, pacing, lighting, and ingredient quality all work together.

What Sets Them Apart from the Competition

  • True oceanfront dining—not “near the beach,” but right on it.
  • Mediterranean driven seafood that feels lighter, brighter, and more modern than typical shore restaurants.
  • A polished, adult friendly atmosphere that elevates the Asbury dining scene.

Managing Expectations: A Balanced Look at Your Visit

To really enjoy Lili Oceanfront restaurant, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be:

Lili Oceanfront is a premium dining experience, and expectations should match that. You’re paying for the view, the quality of ingredients, and the elevated service.

On busy summer weekends, parking and crowds can add friction, and outdoor seating is weather dependent.

But if you arrive expecting a refined, scenic, well executed meal with a coastal Mediterranean flair, you’ll leave satisfied.

Updated July 22, 2026