Sal & Pete’s Italy’s Best652 Highway 70, Lakehurst 732-657-1666The scene: Located in a shopping mall near the Route 70 circle connecting Lakehurst and Manchester, Sal & Pete's Italy's Best and can be easy to miss. But once inside, you'll find two options for the ambiance for your meal: a casual pizza counter accompanied by a few tables or, walk onward to find a quiet, more traditional Italian restaurant, table clothes and all. Sal & Pete even offer occasional dinner entertainment.The eats: Causal preparations such as pizza, pasta, calzones, manicotti and lasagna are all here. Or, maybe you're…

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch's Jersey Shore region picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: China Town, 400 Lacey Rd., Whiting. 732-350-8855 The scene: Located in the Stop & Shop plaza near Routes 70 and 530, China Town offers a simple dining option for those who might work up an appetite food shopping and can’t quite wait long enough to get home and cook. Then again, it may be one of those days when you wish someone else would do …

The Heritage Restaurant, 108 Lacey Rd., Whiting. 732-350-9700.The scene: Easily found near the Super Foodtown in Whiting, The Heritage Restaurant is the perfect place for fun, casual family dining. Maybe you live in one of the nearby Crestwood Villages and are looking for a change of pace to your usual lunch or dinner routine? This is the perfect place to come enjoy early bird senior citizen specials. With warmer weather approaching, the restaurant's Summertime Sundays will provide karaoke fun for the entire family.   The eats: Breakfast, lunch or dinner, be sure to bring your appetite, as …

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch's Jersey Shore region picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: The Office Lounge, 820 Main St., Toms River. 732-349-0800. The scene: Walk inside The Office Lounge and you'll find a bar filled with people from all walks of life unwinding after a long, hard day at work. No matter the day of the week, you'll find a lively crowd looking to have fun and put the stresses of the day behind them. If relaxing at …

Cool Beans Coffee House, 635 Bay Ave., Toms River. 732-797-2326.The scene: Located near the movie theater in the Seacourt Pavilion, Cool Beans has long been known as one of the high school hangouts for Toms River’s teenagers. And while this is true, Cool Beans caters to all, regardless of age.  If a bar isn’t your scene, the coffee house provides a casual atmosphere that is perfect for catching up with friends or getting to know a date better. Occasionally, the coffee house features live entertainment from local musicians. The eats: While you can certainly get some very tasty coffee house …

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch's Jersey Shore region picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: Wang Sushi Asian Fusion, 203 Route 37 East, Toms River. 732-818-1388.The scene: Located on Route 37 between the Wawa and K-Mart, you’ll need to turn down Marion Street to find this jewel of an eatery. Inside, the sounds of Asian music softly greet you on the overhead radio. Friendly staff quickly say hello as you take any seat of your …

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch's Jersey Shore region picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: Donovan’s Bar Restaurant and Grill, 1900 Route 70, Manchester. 732-657-0006. The scene:  Easy to miss buried behind bank and retail storefronts at the intersection of Route 70 and Ridgeway Road in Manchester, Donovan’s is a pleasant escape from the typical “restaurant and bar” chains that have invaded our area. It provides an authentic …

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch's Jersey Shore region picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: Il Giardinello Ristorante, 1232 Route 166, Toms River. 732-286-9111.The scene: One may not expect a fine-dining experience to be buried in a strip mall filled with mostly in-and-out services. But don’t let that exterior fool you, as Il Giardinello, located in the Stella Towne Center, offers the perfect place to go when you'd like to leave the…