The Tradewinds, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ:
Restaurant Review
1205 Ocean Avenue
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Trade Winds is a destination dining experience serving high end food with stunning ambiance
Trade Winds: Restaurant Summary
Fare: New American
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed menu, artfully presented
Service: Friendly, attentive, without being intrusive
Decor: Both elegant and welcoming
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from no stars = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: low-Moderate
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy well-prepared food in a cozy, softly lit, quiet setting
Not Recommended For: Diners Who prefer a casual, BYOB with a family-style menu.
Recommended dishes: When available: The Beef Tournados, prime filet wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, topped with a brandy Mushroom sauce: The Pork Chop Scarpariello, Double cut pork chop with hot cherry peppers, cipollini onions, bell peppers, fresh herbs, roasted Yukon potatoes: and The Wasabi Crusted Tuna, Sesame seed crusted Ahi tuna finished with wasabi soy glaze served over Jasmine rice and accompanied with a chefs vegetable
Liquor: Full Bar service.
While still working out the kinks as a new restaurant, Trade Winds offers promise as one of Point Pleasant Beach's top dining destinations. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this is more than just a place to eat — it’s a thoughtfully curated experience, guided by the vision of its dedicated owners and brought to life by an talented chef.
Ownership & Vision
Tradewinds is the brainchild of a local husband-and-wife team, Owners: Steven Smith and Kristen Smith, and Executive Chef: Nicole McNally who blend warm hospitality with a deep love for the Jersey Shore’s coastal character.
Their hands-on approach is unmistakable — from greeting regulars by name to overseeing the details of décor and service, they are ever-present, ensuring that every guest feels like family. Their passion infuses the entire operation with a personal touch that’s increasingly rare in today’s dining scene.
Chef & Cuisine
Executive Chef: Nicole McNally leads a kitchen dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of its waterfront location. With a a focus on fresh, local Jersey Shore ingredients (especially seafood), and ability to deliver consistently excellent coastal cuisine. .
Expect dishes that pay homage to the shore — impeccably fresh seafood is a highlight — but with an upscale, modern twist.
The menu changes seasonally, and there’s a clear emphasis on local sourcing, which adds freshness and a sense of place to every dish. Even the simplest salads and sides are plated with intention and tastefully balanced.
Ambiance
Tradewinds manages to be both elegant and inviting — think whitewashed wood, airy lighting, subtle nautical elements, and soft jazz in the background. It’s beachy without being kitschy, refined without being stiff. Whether you’re dressed up for a special occasion or walking in after a sunset stroll on the boardwalk, you’ll feel completely at home.
The outdoor patio, lit with string lights and overlooking the quiet bustle of downtown Point Pleasant, is especially magical in the warmer months.
Service
The staff at Tradewinds strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness. Service is knowledgeable, well-paced, and clearly trained to understand both the menu and the wine list, which is expertly curated with both local and international options. Water glasses are never empty, and special requests are met with enthusiasm rather than inconvenience.
Final Thoughts
Tradewinds isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a reflection of its owners' devotion to community, quality, and authentic hospitality. It’s a place where the food delights, the atmosphere soothes, and every detail is handled with care. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Tradewinds is a must-visit dining destination on the Jersey Shore.
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