A look at some of the Monmouth County best restaurants who received top honors in this year's Zagat Survey.   

While a positive review in "Zagat Survey" is not the only way to judge the success and quality of a restaurant, it is a good indication that both the owner and the chef are doing something right. 

                At Currents, we don't claim to be food critics, we're really just food enthusiasts who love to enjoy well prepared cuisine.  That's why you'll never see a rating attached to our dining directory.   In truth, many unrated restaurants have great food and a great atmosphere, yet never get rated in the Zagat guide.     With that said, it is Dining Around Monmouth Month and we're advertising for so many high-quality restaurants in this issue, we figured that it wouldn't hurt to highlight a few local places that received a great score for their fine culinary efforts.   So, who made the grade this year?  Read on to find a list of stand-out's who advertise in Currents Magazines.

                Below is a list of  Restaurants you will find participating in Wine and Dine Monmouth Month who have received a Zagat rating for food over 20 points.   Which, according to Zagat makes them "Excellent to Extraordinary" choices for great food.  

Angelica's - Sea Bright Rated 24 for food

Zagat Says: "This remarkable byo opposite the beach in Sea Bright has a vast southern Italian menu, but insiders say, "don't decide on your entrée" until you've heard the extensive list of mouthwatering specials."

Barnacle Bill's - Rumson Rated 20 for food

People in our area, "rave about the belly busting burgers and convivial atmosphere of this rustic, Rumson American where you can throw peanut shells of the floor and a good cold pint of grog while taking in the magnificent view of the Navesink River."

Brandl - Belmar - Rated 23 for food

"The service is first rate and the lavishly prepared cuisine is exceptionally good."

Café Colore - Freehold Rated 21 for food

"Dress up or dress down at this Freehold BYO that offers a variety of tasty Italian dishes at affordable prices."

Captain Jack's - Ocean Grove Rated 20 for food

"All hands are on deck applauding the well prepared new American fare and "arty" ambiance of this reliable" shore restaurant.

Charley's Ocean Grill - Long Branch Rated 20 for food

"Locals tramp to this reliable surf-n-turfer near the ocean for its good burgers and hearty seafood chowder."

Le Fandy - Fair Haven Rated 24 for food

Zagat Says: "Some of the best executed stuff in Fair Haven and beyond; indeed, folks fawning over this tiny BYO's scrumptious French bistro food can't wait to go back."

Luchento's  - Millstone  Rated 20 for food

Zagat Says: "Expect good Cajun-Creole/Italian vittles served in abundance at this crowded, family -style restaurant."

Metropolitan Café - Freehold Rated 21 for food

Zagat Says: "Asian - Eclectic that's as close to NYC hip as you can get in this area."

Pasta Fresca - Shrewsbury Rated 23 for food

"No matter the time of day, there is fresh , seasonal American fare to be had."

Pearl of the Sea - Long Branch Rated 22 for food

"As Portuguese as you can  get; fans focus on garlic prawns that can't be beat and an awesome tandem of sangria and a helpful staff."

Pine Tavern - Old Bridge Rated 21 for food

Zagat Says: "Asian influenced, New American in Old Bridge where the delicious food and knowledgeable crew pleasantly surprise first timers."

Posillipo - Asbury Park Rated 20 for food

Zagat Says: "A bastion of old world dining in Asbury Park, this Italian is an underrated gem in an unassuming building where the accommodating staff comes bearing gifts of well executed classics."

Salt Creek Grille - Rumson Rated 20 for food

"Beautiful Arts and Crafts style décor and a view of the Navesink River that's one of the tops at the shore all serve to make this Rumson American even busy on a Monday night."

Siam Garden - Red Bank & Manasquan Rated 23 for food

Zagat Says: "There's a touch of Siam at the shore within the walls of these Thai siblings that provide delightful food..."

Sogno - Red Bank Rated 24

"This warm and friendly Italian still outputs delicious, eclectic eats for sophisticated

Spargo's - Manalapan Rated 23 for food

Zagat Says: "This upscale New American BYO is Manalapan cooks up creative fare that's as good to look at as it is to eat."

Whispers - Spring Lake Rated 27 for food

"If the sublime is what you seek, by all means try this chandeliered New American wonder in Spring Lake offering an awesome , intimate dining experience that's even more memorable in the "off-season".

P.S.  If your favorite restaurant is rated over 20 from Zagat's and not in this issue, make sure you remind them to advertise in Currents.   Bon Appetite, Currents