REYLA

Middle Eastern restaurant · Asbury Park

REYLA

Middle Eastern restaurant · Asbury Park

3

603 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

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Highlights

Reyla is a stylish Asbury Park oasis serving vibrant, shareable Mediterranean dishes and creative cocktails in a polished, modern setting.  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

603 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 Get directions

heyreyla.com
@heyreyla

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

603 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 Get directions

+1 732 455 8333
heyreyla.com
@heyreyla

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@eater

"Mid-century modern defines the room at this stylish bar. Go here for an international menu of small plates like salatim or falafel and mains such as kofte, steak, or schnitzel. The cocktails are inventive, including the Greener Side, with vodka, ancho verde poblano, and celery poblano shrub — and it points to the restaurant’s duality as a cocktail bar the later it gets. There’s also a downstairs sibling, Laylow, a fun underground lair." - Celia Buckley, Melissa McCart

25 Places to Eat and Drink in Asbury Park
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@eater

"Middle Eastern restaurant Reyla is in the old downtown of Asbury Park, a small tangle of streets lined with commercial and retail buildings mostly dating from the 1920s to the 1960s. Reyla has a reduced off-season menu that includes a piled-high lamb burger and lots of small dishes in a Levantine vein, such as cured eggplant topped with black-garlic feta, and yellow falafel made with split peas that rest in a pool of beet tahini." - Robert Sietsema

A Tour of the Best Food in Off-Season Asbury Park - Eater NY
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@cntraveler

"First thing's first—you can't leave Asbury Park without eating at Reyla. The downtown restaurant offers small plates with a Mediterranean twist, all served up in a monochrome, minimalist setting that feels more cosmopolitan than shoreside. Ordering dishes for the table is definitely the move, and the waitstaff can help you navigate the impressive selection of salatim and mezze. Cocktail-wise, the drink list is just as formidable as the menu—we love the 'Tea Time,' which combines Turkish tea-infused whiskey, Dubonnet (a wine-based aperitif), dolin dry vermouth, and a maraschino cherry, all capped off with a smoky finish (seriously, the drink arrives at the table smoking)."

Your Next Weekend Trip from NYC Should Be to Asbury Park, New Jersey
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jen ortiz

Google
Truly a wonderful experience! My husband and I were due for a date night and we like to try new places and REYLA has been on our list for a while. I decided to make a reservation at the chefs table which was an amazing decision! At first we weren’t sure what this entailed but Chef Anthony helped us along the way on what we should try, he took my gluten allergy seriously and truly an exceptional experience. The level of flavor and creativity in the food was beyond delicious, you could taste the love they put into their meals. We truthfully travel outside of NJ to get this level of flavor and accessibility to allergy friendly restaurants. Majority of their menu is gluten free, they have vegetarian options marked, as well. We cannot wait to come back and enjoy another fantastic meal and experience by Chef Anthony and his team!

Hillary Sayell

Google
I love Reyla. The food is always delicious and the cocktail program is awesome. The staff is so sweet and accommodating. And I love that they are dog friendly. My girls love people watching outside and getting little snacks. They also host great events. I’ve done cocktails classes, special holiday engagements, and fun theme brunches. A really lovely spot in Asbury 🩵

Sara Mongelli

Google
Reyla is amazing. My friends and I go there in a weekly basis and it’s always great. Amazing food, amazing drinks, the staff is THE BEST. Everyone that works here is knowledgeable, and so nice. I don’t have a lot of pictures of the food because every time it’s so good that I can’t focus on taking pictures. My go to is the spicy khatchapuri 😍 absolutely insane! The picture I posted is Crudo. Again amazing

Lauren Baptiste

Google
Had the most wonderful experience tonight at REYLA. From the moment we walked in the door, we were welcomed with open arms by the host. They sat us back at the chef’s table (highly recommend BTW), where we were greeted by the nicest, most fun kitchen team. Chef Tony and his team know how to prioritize an amazing meal and experience. I can go on and on about the food. Everything was made with so much love and precision. From the Salatim to the pickled veggies to the shishito. Apps were delicious. The ingredients so fresh, the details were Everything was a party on the tongue. For entrees, we enjoyed the steak and schnitzel. Portions are great, everything was made to perfection. Did we have room for dessert? No, but got the brownie anyway… and it was so worth it. We felt so grateful that we could say thank you to the incredible team that assembled this perfect meal. (If you’re reading this, you don’t know me but I’m not one to overly compliment, but this meal ways 5 star review worthy. Brava! We WILL be back.)

Joseph Mathias

Google
Came here to check it out for dinner with a friend. Was told there was a wait, no problem. We put our name down and went to a bar nearby. When we got the text for our reservation, we went over. They placed us WAY in the back, at the kitchen. It was super loud, and wasn’t a good atmosphere (the chef was berating his staff right in front us, and that made us SUPER uncomfortable). The food portions was super small for the amount you pay, and the shareable dishes are laughable, since it’s just a few pieces (if even) to share. I’ve had much better food (and service) at a halal cart than at this restaurant. From the rude behavior of the chef, to the high price of the food to the portion size and quality, it was a big disappointment. When looking and asking about where in the Middle East the menu is from, they don’t tell you (they vaguely name some of the countries, but don’t want to tell you where specifically they’re basing their menu off of/from). The pita bread tasted like it came from a bag at ShopRite. The food tasted like it was made by people who aren’t from or been to the countries they’re saying the cuisine is from (and seeing the chef cooking literally right in front of us, my intuitions were 100% right). We won’t be returning, and encourage others to check out other local AUTHENTIC places.

Lucio Galano

Google
The ambiance was a bit too loud for our preference, and the decor felt a tad sparse. However, the service was commendable and friendly. The dips and pita bread were absolutely delicious. We also tried the halloumi, but it got completely lost in the fried batter. The menu also mentions that it’s served with honey, but it was surprisingly sweeter than we had anticipated. Overall, it was a fine experience.

Courtney Lynch

Google
My husband and I recently had our first dining experience at Reyla, and from the moment we sat at the Chef’s counter, we were completely won over. We were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and the incredibly affable chef, whose passion for the food and the restaurant was palpable from the start. The cocktails were both inventive and delicious. And then came the halloumi appetizer, which was so good we ordered it again as a “dessert” after our main plates. Every dish was beautifully executed, but it was the genuine hospitality that truly set the evening apart. As we left, we were sent off with heartfelt well-wishes from the team. And just when we thought the experience couldn’t get any better, a staff member ran down the street to return my wallet, which I had unknowingly left behind — a gesture that speaks volumes about their commitment to their guests. Start to finish (and even beyond), the care, warmth, and attention to detail were unmatched. We’ll absolutely be making the trip back for another experience at Reyla.

Danny Driscoll

Google
We had a great meal last Saturday night at Reyla for 4 adults, as the service, food + environment was spot on. Their new maitre d, Desmond (I think it was Desmond), got us a table up front when I asked politely for a different one away from the kitchen, and he obliged without haste or attitude. We had eaten at Reyla awhile ago, but our friends had never been. And fortunately, we had server Anthony greet us warmly with excellent suggestions for drinks, apps and entree's. The food is meant to be shared, so we appreciated his knowledge and honesty. The food was delicious and everyone at our table loved everyt bite put in front of us. Even the Mgr, Kelly (I hope it was Kelly) stopped by with an entree drop off and to check-in. A FANTASTIC evening. Cant wait to come back.

Kamil D.

Yelp
Truly a wonderful experience! I were due for a date night and I like to try new places and REYLA has been on our list for a while. I decided to make a reservation at the chefs table which was an amazing decision! At first we weren't sure what this entailed but Chef Anthony helped us along the way on what we should try, he took my gluten allergy seriously and truly an exceptional experience. The level of flavor and creativity in the food was beyond delicious, you could taste the love they put into their meals. We truthfully travel outside of NJ to get this level of flavor and accessibility to allergy friendly restaurants. Majority of their menu is gluten free, they have vegetarian options marked, as well. We cannot wait to come back and enjoy another fantastic meal and experience by Chef Anthony and his team!

Rachel K.

Yelp
My husband and I went there for date night dinner. I do not understand the good reviews. We ended up sitting at the bar, the drinks were good and the bar tenders were great. To start we got the Salatim, we both love Mediterranean food. Three of the six dips were not edible. The entire dining experience at reyla had intense flavor profiles that kind of fought each other and didn't work. The hummus is one exception to that and it was just bland. We both love eggplant and the burned eggplant dip was really burned. The skins needed to be spit out. It was really an odd combination of tastes. The shishito peppers themselves were good but they too had a lot going on that didn't really work. The one thing we had that I liked the flavor profile was the chicken shawarma wrap. It was tasty and the flavor was not at odds with itself. However, the one half of the wrap I shared with my husband had a single l piece of chicken in it. His half had more but still not what one would expect. It was more of a salad wrap, but it was the best thing we ate there. In short go for the drinks and maybe we ordered wrong or it was an off night.

Natalie H.

Yelp
Reyla says it is a "modern" twist on Mediterranean cuisine. I adore Mediterranean cuisine but felt that the menu and execution was overcomplicated. I can only imagine my first Generation friends from Greece, Israel, Middle East come here & see their reaction. I don't need to imagine, I know that they'd laugh and push the Chihuahua-sized "shareable" Salatim across the table and just be insulted that the Costco Sample size portions are considered Shareable. The flavor profile of each salad and spread was poor--The hummus was bland & every item in the Salatim was acidic or bland. The second dish came out 60-90 minutes later. I was so hungry but after waiting so long, and only having the itty bitty Salatim, I was not hungry. The drinks were very good. I would not recommend to folks who adore traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

Jonathan R.

Yelp
I like Reyla, the food is solid but what really stands out here are the cocktails...the bartenders are very friendly and masters of their craft. The restaurant is beautiful as is the bar area. Check out their happy hour food and drink specials. Metered parking available in the street.

Christine A.

Yelp
Fun chef's counter experience at Reyla from Salatim to end -- all the dishes look beautiful (especially the ceviche) and the kitchen staff never looked stressed the night we were there. re the salatim, everything was yummy including the Israeli pita, but I super enjoyed both the cauliflower and the lima bean; I had never seen either spread before! As an additional starter, we got the Bagel -- good idea conceptually and it tasted good, but it didn't quite read bagel flavors to me. For mains, we tried the Steak and the Lamb, while both were good, have to give this one to the lamb and the pistachio pesto. I admit I was concerned I was not going to like the pesto, but it was a refreshing take on a pesto. Top it off with some wine and post-dinner drinks at laylow and you have yourself a nice evening.

Elizabeth L.

Yelp
We came here for brunch because it had great reviews and looked interesting. Unfortunately, we didn't love our food experience here. The service was great and the staff was very friendly, but the food wasn't what we expected it to be. We got the appetizer sampler and unfortunately the only item from the six that we liked was the hummus. The rest had a sweet taste to it with such strong flavors that it was hard to handle. We barely ate anything on the plate besides the hummus. The lamb burger was good and the steak and eggs were okay. I wish this was more of a memorable experience. We did enjoy our drinks, however!

Neil D.

Yelp
A vibrant new restaurant with city vibes, this Mediterranean tapas style food is a delight. This is really a high end bar. They have a very large and beautiful bar area where you can rest after a long day. The cocktail menu offers a good selection of signature drinks. The menu has tapas style dishes that are meant to share. The food is a fusion of Turkish and Greek food flavors. Offering a great mixture for all proteins as well as vegetarian options. The service was very prompt and friendly. We felt connected to our waitress and highly welcomed as we ate our delicious meal. Definitely a place to try when in the area.

Devika P.

Yelp
Absolutely loved Reyla! Been wanting to try this quaint, gorgeous restaurant in Asbury for awhile and we ended up celebrating a friend's birthday here. Lots of photo-worthy spots and great lighting too! Reyla also contains the entrance to a speakeasy that is right underneath them which we of course had to check out! Such a great experience. At Reyla we got a champagne bottle and were having a great time-- vibes are nice and our server was so kind and helpful. For the table to share we got their Turkish hummus served with warm pitas, which actually comes heated on a skillet! It was actually so flavorful and delicious -- I wasn't sure if I would enjoy hot hummus but it surely added to the experience of eating hummus. I will definitely be trying more Turkish hummus in the future. For my entree I got the Khachapuri, a Georgian bread with egg and sun dried tomatoes. It was delicious and so good when I ate it nice and warm. I ate the entire thing and was very impressed, especially as a vegetarian. Some hot sauce would have been perfect addition but I was so hungry I ate it as it was, nice and refreshing but also filling. The staff was so kind they even gave my friend a birthday card with a gift card inside for her birthday. We were impressed & grateful! Definitely something you remember, so shoutout to Reyla for that. We will definitely be coming around again to try out their dinner menu! Loved these Middle Eastern eats.

Jennifer D.

Yelp
Came here with a friend on a busy Friday night. Leave yourself some time for parking because it can be difficult to find in this area. The restaurant is listed as mediterranean but the food leans more towards middle eastern flavors, so if you're not into spices make sure you preview the menu before going. Our waitress let us know that the dishes are meant to be shared and are on the smaller side (similar to tapas). We ordered the hummus to start which was very good. We also ordered the schnitzel and steak. The schnitzel was huge and very good. The steak was so bad we sent it back. Not sure what cut of meat it was but it was very tough and chewy. For dessert we ordered the Mille-feuille, it was a bit dry and tasteless. Overall, this place wasn't for me or my friend but I can see people that are into unique flavors enjoying it.

Hannah V.

Yelp
Now this restaurant knows how to celebrate an occasion! Came here over the weekend for brunch for a birthday celebration. We got a free bottle of champagne and a lovely card from the restaurant for the birthday girl. The layout of the restaurant is so well thought out! It flows so nice from the bar to the front seating area to the back seating area. These three different places all have their own vibe as well. The back seemed more homey and cozy while the front was more modern. I loved being able to see the kitchen from where ever you sat! The service was excellent. The food was so fresh and the smell... the smell of each dish was everything. The Turkish hummus we got as an appetizer was served warm with pita. The pita was phenomenal - hot and freshly made. I'm not a hummus person but this warm hummus has changed my view of it for sure. The entree of shakshuka was delicious when you mixed everything together and I think it really came all together adding the side hot sauce. I will be back for sure not only to this restaurant but their sister restaurant as well (Barrio Costero).

Chelsea N.

Yelp
Reyla is another great dining spot in the heart of downtown Asbury Park (aka my favorite town in NJ!). Service was friendly and our drinks and food came quickly! Their mezze platter is a great way to start to sample delicious falafel, dips, and homemade pita. I had the chicken schwarma wrap, which had a great variety of flavors from sweet, spicy, and vinegary. Their crafted cocktails were tasty, and depending what day you go you can access a speakeasy bar through the restaurant.

Marc K.

Yelp
Went on a Wednesday evening for their all night happy hour. Hostess and bartenders were very friendly and attentive. Happy hour inventive drink choices are delicious. Tried the mezze board that was tasty and healthy all at once. Will be back again soon!

Gwo-Long H.

Yelp
A beautiful restaurant with a somewhat limited menu. However, you can't beat all night happy hour Wednesday. The happy hour menu has a good selections of tapas like food, a good number of cocktails. We had a mezze plate, lettuce wrap, and two chicken slides. The sliders were tiny, the size of White Castle hamburger. You got three lettuce wraps with plenty tasty chicken. The mezze plate was good for two people to share.

Sarina K.

Yelp
Came here for brunch to celebrate my birthday with a few friends. When we walked into the restaurant they showed us to our table where a complimentary birthday champagne bottle was waiting for us at the table. We started off with the Turkish hummus which was amazing! The hummus came hot and had a beautiful cinnamon flavor. For my entree I chose the chicken and waffles. Instead of waffles they were serving chicken and pancakes that day. The gravy it came with gave it a nice middle eastern twist on a classic dish. The modern design of the restaurant really elevated the dining experience. There is a stunning bar area which is a great spot if you wanted to just grab drinks. Also the open layout kitchen at the back of the restaurant is the perfect touch. The staff was lovely and so accommodating. They were patient and explained the different items on the menu. The team even gave me a sweet birthday card and gift card. Thank you to the Reyla team for being so thoughtful! I will definitely be back to try dinner at this spot!

Bella M.

Yelp
We have had a lot of fantastic dishes here, however our last date night outing was disappointing. I'll start with the good- the service was friendly, the bartender was top notch, the Heart of Darkness drink gets 5 stars (though a little bummed they can't make any off menu drinks that they previously had, like this fantastic green drink with aquavit and egg foam, but maybe they don't stock all of the ingredients so I give the bartender a pass). I watched as he delicately placed each coffee bean perfectly atop the foam in our drinks. Truly, a masterpiece. Now the pretty good- the chicken schnitzel was almost 5 stars. The meat needs some salt. That's the only minus. Otherwise it was crunchy, juicy, presented beautifully, and topped with delicious quinoa, marinated beets, and other flavors. The hummus was also yummy, you can't go wrong. It's delicious every time as are the marinated side carrots and crunchy cucumbers, and the warm pita. Now the bad- the fried bacalao balls/cod. So disappointing. I appreciate they tried something... lemony sauce underneath, ginger, greens.. it wasn't lacking in complexity or presentation, but my partner and I both thought the balls were super fishy and very unpleasant. They were incredibly over salted. Texture reminiscent of what I feed my cat. We left most of it on the plate and the waitress wanted to leave it on the table noticing it wasn't eaten, I indicated we definitely won't finish it and asked her to take it back. The waitress didn't ask how it was or if anything was wrong but brought the nearly full dish back. The other big disappointment was the tamale. It was supposed to have braised lamb in it, but the morsels of lamb flavor didn't come through and it was so dry and crumbly. The salad on top was the saving grace, it rounded out the dry tamale underneath making it barely palatable. But if you said it was vegetarian I'd believe you, because you couldn't taste the meat. Last was the dessert, which left us scratching our heads. We have had bad dessert here before, so we knew it was a toss up. While the truffles are alright (prob the only good dessert we had here), this strawberry sorbet with pistachio biscuit, whipped cream and honey comb was the most in-cohesive plate I've had. We looked at each other befuddled, how someone could send this out to customers. On its own, the sorbet was decent. The shortbread biscuit was dry, not buttery as shortbread should be, not sweet- not even a little, just a dry crumbly flavorless biscuit with some pistachios in it. The homemade 'rose whipped cream' was quite literally cream that has been whipped. Zero flavor. Not a hint of sweetness. No idea where the rose came in. The burnt honeycomb bits on top were alright. We left most of it and when the waitress asked, I said 'not a winner'. Understatement of the year. Overall, I'm certain we will come back, however we will not order some of these dishes again. It's a shame though, because we like trying new things. We once came with family and ordered the whole menu, everything was excellent- not a single bad dish. So we came yesterday hoping to try some new things and left moderately disappointed.

Holly C.

Yelp
Love this place... the food is different and very good.... You should def give it a try.....

Sal M.

Yelp
What a fun spot with great food options. Some favorites were the falafel balls (i loooved the garlicky and soft inside), the turkish hummus was AMAZING. it was so hot and fresh. i also loved the mahi, but be warned that there are bologna pieces in the dish (something i didn't pay attention to). my favorite dessert was the truffle assortment -- melts in your mouth. The ambiance is awesome. It feels very hipster but it's not a dark spot. Very clean and modern decor. Check out laylow after!

Mary K.

Yelp
Amazing date night special for $90 for two people on a Thursday night. Don't miss this deal! The special included 5 courses plus a bottle of wine. We got the Turkish hummus (served hot with cinnamon and tomatoes), grilled artichoke (just ok), Chicken sharwama sandwich (massive portion, delicious), the steak, and chocolate truffles. Service was fantastic!

Jamie M.

Yelp
Do: Get a drink. Don't skip this. They're very good, at least have one. If you're saving yourself for Laylow, then I understand Do: Try the main app sampler. Various and rich flavors, there's one guaranteed to be liked by all! And helps fill you up. Extra Do: Get more pita. Don't: Feel pressured to get a ton of dishes. Don't overspend and be upset. If you want a big dish, get the Schnitzel. It's good. Enjoy!

Ashley C.

Yelp
Came here on a Wednesday when they have happy hour all night. Drinks on happy hour menu are good, there main menu has a lot of great cocktails. I love cocktails with egg whites and they had a couple great ones. The food is small plates. Good amount of food on the happy hour menu. I enjoyed the schnitzel sliders on HH menu but the star was the eggplant. Service was good at the bar, drinks were made fast and well. Also liked the interior it's very minimalist and modern. Overall would come back again

Michael S.

Yelp
Flawless. Let's start with the calm decor and quiet ambiance: quiet pop music at a pleasingly low level, and then splendidly friendly attentive service from Leah M. I value flavor, texture, color, freshness, and variety in a meal -- if you want big chunks of bland protein, this isn't the place for you. We had a vegetarian feast, starting with the six-dish salatim (pita for me, pickled vegetables for my wife. Each dish -- eggplant, cauliflower, lima beans, edamame, hummus -- was a small triumph of painterly cooking, all the virtues described above. Only one was spicy (the cauliflower puree) for the edification of the timid. Then, green falafel in tasty solid dense cubes with spicy pickled red onion, muhammarah, smoky eggplant spread. We ordered a salad but were too full to touch it -- it's in a to-go box for tomorrow. But we saved space for a truly memorable vegetarian brownie, a sexy match of a cake and a chocolate bar with orange, toffee, caramel, salt crystals. Delicious. FINE dining without a huge price tag, and although we did not indulge, an extensive wine and cocktail list. A true find for people who love delicately created Mediterranean food in informal friendly surroundings. Don't miss it. (And for carnivores, there are chicken, steak, and lamb dishes to savor as well.)

Rajvi V.

Yelp
I went to Reyla last night and the service was quick and I got 2 drinks which were exactly as described. The mezze platter had delicious pickled vegetables and was a perfect appetizer and it was a very cool spot. Modern and trendy. Will be back.

Paul L.

Yelp
I've been to REYLA about 10 times. The food is always exceptional and the waitstaff is wonderful. The hot hummus is the best hummus I've ever had. The chicken shawarma wrap is great and is the most substantial item on the menu. The brunch has incredible French Toast and the Khachapuri is the best way I've ever had eggs! The thing that made this visit so special was our incredible bartender Roxanne, she's the best, describing the drink list like she created herself. Drinks were very good including the wine she recommended for my wife ! We'll be back many more times

Shifa A.

Yelp
Run ‍ do not walk to this restaurant! We were lucky enough to snag reservations for 4 on a gorgeous Summer Friday.. However at the last minute, 2 of our friends decided to join us, but they were able to accommodate us on the chefs table on a fully booked day! And I am so grateful, because it was amazing, we got a chance to see how the restaurant worked, interacted with the talented Chef! Chef Anthony took personal interest in making our evening special, he explained the menu and we got to taste a lot of things! Tried both Hummus's- my Favorite was the the Turkish hummus. The falafel were so so good! Got to taste the chicken shawarma (huge portion), lamb burger and the steak. Truly a 5 star experience! Drinks were good and service was exceptional! They also have an after hours speak easy and a sister Mexican restaurant. Some of our friends liked it better than Laser Wolf which is top Notch !

John Z.

Yelp
We always have a great time at Reyla. We love the inventive cocktails from Chris and Louie. Our server Wolf was also very friendly and helpful. The cocktails were great, and the brunch omelette was so flavorful! We love it here, and will definitely be back soon. There is nothing like it where we live so we have no problem. Driving an hour to come and enjoy ourselves.

Elena J.

Yelp
Awesome restaurant in Asbery. Love having dinner at Reyla and being able to pop downstairs to the bar. For apps, the green falafal is my favorite. The tangy muhammara really brings an extra kick to the dish that makes it unique. Would pass on the hummus. The tomatoes on top add a strange mushy texture and it's just not worth it. Shwarma wrap is my favorite. It's also quite large, so would recommend getting that and the falafal to share. One thing to note is that the staff doesn't seem to communicate very well. Several times I've been here with new servers that aren't on top of what the "date night deal" is or what things are out of stock in the kitchen. The worse offender was when we were told the Strawberry Shortbuscuit was out of stock and then the table next to us got it approximately 5 minutes latter. Overall though, would definitely recommend as the atmosphere is great and it's a large space for a larger party gathering.

Emi W.

Yelp
I have been a huge REYLA fan for a couple years and the food was always unique and delicious. Yesterday I went to REYLA for dinner and they changed their menu. All of my favorite items on the menu were gone. They used to have an option where you could get 12 things of the menu for a big party of people but that is no longer available. My friend and I ordered the chicken schnitzel which was ok but the rest of the food was disappointing and overpriced. When I used to go here for dinner (won't be returning anymore) the food was worth the price because it was so good. But I ordered pita with little sauce dishes of hummus, beets, edamame and corn, among other things for the price of $25!! Not worth it. I got a raspberry juice like drink (non alcoholic) which was pretty good but not super flavorful. The ambiance of the restaurant is very aesthetically pleasing and nice inside but we sat outside yesterday which was meh. Overall won't be returning unless the bring back the original menu.

Michael L.

Yelp
Outstanding food !! Everything was perfect - seriously! We had the Schnitzel, The Clams w/octopus & Cauliflower ! All OUTSTANDING!! Really nice ambiance as well - cannot believe I have been missing this place ...

Jean M.

Yelp
Server recommended is to try the Reylas Dozen which was a great way to sample 90% of the menu. Everything was delicious! Will be back!

Emily and George T.

Yelp
Nice, modern restaurant with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Interesting menu. Food is good. You can share. Nice outdoor seating. Service was good. Expensive. Wish the menu had a few more choices.

Randy A.

Yelp
Nice atmosphere. Very interesting take on hummus. But, we both had stomach issues from the meatballs.

Kayla N.

Yelp
Really liked it here overall. The food was very good and the cocktails were well made. The Escape to Centro cocktail was soo good. Hummus was delicious, we started with one and added another! Falafel and shawarma wrap were awesome. Only giving 4 stars because our server wasn't attentive at all. It was hard to get his attention the whole meal and when we ordered dessert and requested a candle for our friend's birthday he forgot and just brought it without anything. Didn't apologize either.

Lou K.

Yelp
If you have not been to Reyla yet do yourself a favor and go. Chef prepared very eclectic, and delicious, dishes. Service (Sophia) was perfect with great recommendations. Cocktails are very unique and good. Atmosphere is just right. Thank you to everyone there.

Kayla K.

Yelp
Husband and I have been coming here for years. Food it always great and the ambiance is also very cool. Totally worth checking out. Shakshuka for brunch is our favorite

Melissa H.

Yelp
Reyla is a great place if you are looking for smaller, yet filling portions that are equally delicious as they are aesthetically pleasing. Everything is delicious, but be wary about portion sizes, chipped plates, and paying more for plate presentation than the food itself. I am giving it 3 stars, but realistically, I would consider it more of a 3.5 star experience overall. Last night, we ordered the hummus, falafel (4 to an order), burrata, and the beet. We also ordered several cocktails that were quite mediocre. The food was all very delicious, and incorporated flavors and ingredients you may not think to even eat together. Each plate is a very unique experience in flavor and presentation. However, it is quite a red flag when the plates themselves are chipped. At first I thought it was actually a part of the aesthetic, but even if it was, it looks cheap and unpleasant. If a restaurant is unable or unwilling to replace their broken dishes, it makes me wonder what else is left unfixed in their kitchen, behind the bar, etc. Keep in mind, the cost can also add up here. The food is delicious, but you are paying more for the presentation than you are the food itself in my opinion. Again, everything is crafted beautifully, but the small portioned burrata (which I believe is listed as shared plate under their menu) is most certainly not a sharing size, nor is it worth $18. I am certain the same can be said about other menu items. The hummus was not only amazing, but a good sharing size as well. The falafel, not so much. The beet was a decent sharing size (for two people). Again, the burrata not so much. Also, plates are brought out separately, which is nice as it is well paced between each course or dish. Service is nothing stellar, but no complaints. Overall, we had a very enjoyable time, and most importantly, we left full!! If you have never been and are looking to give it a try, I would suggest taking the above into consideration, especially if you are planning to go with a party that is larger than two.

Kimberly R.

Yelp
Holy yummmm! REYLA has some of the best food in Asbury Park! The quality of the ingredients is evident. I wish I had pictures of my last meal here. I'll be sure to check in and take pictures of the food the next time I visit. The drinks were also delicious! Can't wait to go back!

Nicholas G.

Yelp
I couldn't tell what type of cuisine this place had from the name. It looks like it is a fusion of a few different cuisines with everything from bao buns to hummus. The menu was a little all over but that is ok. The salata starter was ok. Nothing memorable about it. The duck bao buns were pretty good and served on fluffy bao buns. The zucchini flowers were probably the best appetizer we had. It has a nice classy aesthetic in the restaurant. We actually sat in the waiting area since every bar seat was full. They had specialty drinks that were well crafted. They also have a speakeasy downstairs called LayLow which seemed cool. I would come back to try some other things.

Michael O.

Yelp
It was the most amazing culinary experience I've had in a long time. The hummus was the best I've ever had. The lamb meatballs were extraordinary and had a smoky full delicious taste. Our hostess was amazing. I'm definitely coming back!

David E.

Yelp
Excellent food here, though some portions are on the smaller side. It's not cheap, but it's not ruinously expensive either. The highest compliment I can pay this place is that it would be competitive even in NYC. I will be back. Cocktails: We tried the Heart of Darkness and the Green sour. Both were very well balanced. Strongly recommended. Food: The Turkish hummus was excellent, served hot in cast iron. 5/5 The hummus was creamy, and well balanced with the various spices and flavors throughout. Frankly, I was not expecting much when we ordered this (especially with the cinnamon in the dish), but I was pleasantly surprised. My one note is that the pita served with the hummus could be thicker and fluffier, though they do score it nicely on the grill. Additionally, the pickled carrots that can be ordered with the hummus may be too vinegary for some, but they were to my taste. The zucchini flowers were excellent, though pricey at $22 for quite a small portion. That said, next time I visit I'll be sure to hold my nose, pretend I'm in Manhattan, and reorder them. 5/5 The zucchini flowers are fried well, and filled with an excellent lamb sausage. The tahini pesto sauce that on which the flowers rest is wonderfully acidic and fresh, and balances the fatty lamb and fried zucchini flower very well. Perfectly balanced. The bao buns with duck confit were excellent. 5/5 Crispy duck skin topped the bun, adding much needed heterogeneity of texture. The duck inside the bun was cooked well. The salad served in the bun added an element of acid that was necessary to cut through the duck's fat (not to say that the dish was in any way fatty or greasy). Perfectly balanced. The chicken dish was great. 4.5/5 Flavors were.on point. No acidity in this dish composed of pork fat, chicken, and cream, which surprised me at first. But by my second bite, the slight heat of the dish hit me, and i understood what the chef was going for. Perfectly balanced dish. My one note is that the skin on the chicken was not all that crispy, though the meat itself was moist (clearly brined). Dessert: Mouse - skip it. 2/5 The mouse was somewhat grainy, and not very sweet. The cocoa nibs and pistachios that toped the mouse did nothing for this dish. The strawberries that joined the nets and nibs added the only element of sweetness to this dish, but, beyond that, contributed nothing. The banana bread that accompanied the mouse was dry, not sweet, and was salted for some reason. Really not sure what they were going for here. So many excellent restaurants fail at desserts. Reyla is no exception, but excels in so many other ways that the mediocre, senseless, dessert is easy to overlook. It's a bit pricey, but the flavors are well balanced, and the dishes so creative and thoughtfully constructed, that the price is more than justified. One can even call it a good value. I cannot wait to return.

Roma P.

Yelp
I wish we got our servers name ("Hospitality Guru G" on our check) because we literally took her every recommendation and had the best experience! First, we started off with a spicy, tangy cocktail called the Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic... on the menu, it has gin however our server suggested it with tequila - aaaamazing. One of the best cocktails we've had in long time and we even suggested it to the table next to us who loved it it too! Next, we tasted the Turkish Hummus and Green Falafel, all delicious. The hummus came with pickled carrots and HOMEMADE pita... I'm a sucker for homemade breads so this restaurant was already a win in my book. But then it got better. Do not, I repeat, do not sleep on the Mousse dessert. Never have I ever enjoyed banana bread in my life, but I was smacking my husbands hand away as he tried to get bites of it. SO. Darn. Good. The chocolate mousse came with berries and pistachios and was so decadent. Reyla was an all around great experience. From the positive vibes the staff embodied to the modern Mediterranean ambiance to the delicious food/drink... everything was above par. We came on a Wednesday ($10 bottles of wine!) and every table was occupied so highly recommend making a reservation.

Dan M.

Yelp
We came with a party of 8. They were happy to accommodate our reservation. We were seated in the back corner, closer to the kitchen. It was a nice space and felt like our own area. We were not aware of the small plates and family style, but it worked out perfectly. They have an option where you will receive all the BITES and PLATES for the entire table. It did come with one dessert as well. This was great for our group. Everyone also ordered a meal (street food) for themselves or to share. The fresh pita and hummus were amazing. The big winners were the schnitzel and the artichoke. We would not hesitate to come back with the group or on our own. Great cocktails and fantastic service.

Asbury Park R.

Yelp
Love this place. The food is always fresh and delicious. I highly recommend them. The service is spot on and friendly, and the drinks have a nice kick.

Karminna E.

Yelp
Definitely a top go-to in Asbury! They never miss the mark on their cocktails, they're so yummy. As for food, it's shareable plates-style, so it's fun to try multiple items on the menu. The food is absolutely delicious here. Menu/drink items switch up every now and then. The inside offers a stylish, Mediterranean setting. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite, or staying a while until you're full - I love REYLA! The cherry on top is their staff-- very chill and kind during every encounter I've visited (5-6x)

Atira L.

Yelp
I went here with a group of friends and I was very pleased. They had tasty, soft, gluten free bread that you can order. It wasn't hard and like cardboard but comparable to regular bread. Having this with my meal made me feel like I was like everyone else. Usually I feel left out because I have to eat the gluten free nasty bread. Honestly, the food was great and we loved it but I really loved their gluten free bread those most!

Gabby C.

Yelp
fuegooooooooo!!! Steak and hummus perfection Lamb burger is a must Drinks are fanatastic vibes are soho nyc Shwarma could use less veg more chicken, but still pretty good: I miss when they used to do the specials, I hope they bring those back!

Susan F.

Yelp
This was our first time eating here and we absolutely loved it. Their small menu is a great thing - you know everything is fresh and made on-site. The Turkish hummus is outstanding - I'd never had warm hummus before and it's a game changer. So sweet and flavorful and the pita it's served with is wonderful. Also, the pickled vegetables! Our server was spot-on in her recommendations of how to order (two small plates per person) because everything is for sharing, just like a tapas restaurant. The vibe is young, vibrant, inclusive. It's in the heart of the restaurant district downtown Asbury. Love it, will absolutely return.

Matthew J.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic Mediterranean food. The date night special is great. Highly recommend.

Olena S.

Yelp
I've been to Reyla a few times. The last time was about a year ago. The food was excellent, and I couldn't wait to come back. Today, we went for dinner with a bunch of people. They changed the manure from the last time I was there. Unfortunately, the food was just terrible. Nobody from our party liked anything we ordered except the humus and the desert. I am so disappointed. Sorry, but we'll never go back.

Samantha C.

Yelp
We were so content with our experience... while they originally messed up my friends order, they were so quick, kind and gracious to adjust and correct. The food was delicious, too!