Monmouth County Restaurant Named Best Restaurant Of The Year 2026, By USA Today

SEA BRIGHT, NJ — USA Today just released their list of the Best American Restaurants of the Year, 2026, and only three restaurants in New Jersey made the list, and only one in Monmouth County.

That would be Angelica's Restaurant, in Sea Bright.

"Our food writer says the from-scratch pasta (including a secret, off-menu spicy rigatoni) and the charming twinkle-lit alley make a month-long wait for reservations totally worth it," writes USA Today. "Picture sitting down to Sunday dinner, only with white tablecloths and stellar service. This is Anjelica's, a warm, inviting restaurant serving traditional Italian and Italian American dishes. The late Ray Lena opened Anjelica's with his family nearly three decades ago; today, his daughter – its namesake – heads a restaurant whose reservations fill up more than a month in advance. Try her favorite dish, linguine with garlic and olive oil, or ravioli made with scratch-made pasta and ricotta cheese. Diners in the know order the spicy rigatoni, which isn't on the menu but is a favorite dish, and request a table in the restaurant's charming, twinkle light-lit alley." — Sarah Griesemer, Asbury Park Press

Three New Jersey restaurants made their "Best in America" list for 2026. They are:

• The Pasta Shop in Denville: A neighborhood Italian eatery where they make their own pasta. Try the Sweet Corn and Mascarpone Ravioli.
• Ram & Rooster in Metuchen: Modern high-end Chinese, such as lotus root croquettes. Named for the Chinese Zodiac birth years of the chef/owner's parents. It's prix fixe only.
• Anjelica's Restaurant in Sea Bright: Romantic ambiance and simply delicious, authentic Italian.