Soya by Salt — Restaurant in Long Branch

Overpriced food with forced gratuity, in a stressful ambiance.

My family and I were hoping to have a nice dinner on the first night of our long awaited summer trip. After driving several hours in traffic, we chose this spot because it’s in the hotel we are staying at and sushi sounded like an easy, chill dinner. Highly regret coming here.

We ordered several rolls and thought that given the price, they would be decently sized. No, they were so tiny portions - Even my 84 year old father and toddler was still hungry and they doesn’t even eat that much.

As we tried to put in another order, instead the waitress came in with our check, before we had even finished our food.

The second order was fried rice that tasted like plain soy sauce and a tempura roll that was oddly fried on the outside but plain, bland raw fish on the inside. While we still had food on the table, the waitress again tried to clear away my place. I couldn’t even finish my unappetizing food in peace. I kind of wish we just went to Panda Express - it would have been a lot tastier and ironically probably would have felt less rushed and stressful than this dinner.

I should have known as I walked in. The vibe of this place was strange. As I looked around, the other tables were filled with glum looking groups of people (probably hangry and pissed about paying so much), except for one table with an extremely loud group celebrating a birthday. At one point, they ordered drinks that came out with sparklers and the entire restaurant had to stop talking in order to wait for them to finish singing happy birthday. Twice. Very odd ambiance that was half sad/quiet people, half Vegas vibe, and then, hotel guests like ourselves who were regretting going there.

I couldn’t wait to leave the restaurant and was beyond stressed, tired and still extremely hungry afterwards. Hoping the rest of the restaurants around this area are...

Had the chance to dine here just before the grand opening and was seriously impressed! The space is warm, welcoming, and beautifully designed. The managers checked in with us often, making sure everything was perfect—such a thoughtful touch.

The food was creative and mostly excellent. The miso eggplant was a standout—absolutely wild sauce, buttery and delicious. Tuna tartare was solid, but the Tuna Toro with truffle was next-level (though the soy sauce was a touch salty). The ramen was hearty and flavorful, with amazing noodles and the braided beef—easily the star of the meal. Crispy beef was also a highlight.

The bento box short rib didn’t quite hit the mark—probably should’ve gone with the katsu instead. Gyoza was a bit dry (would have loved if it was pan fried not steamed), but the overall experience more than made up for it.

Cocktails were on point—especially the Japanese Old Fashioned. And shoutout to our server, Bradley, who was outstanding. He caught an allergy issue before we did and pulled back dishes to make sure everything was safe. Truly top-tier service.

No Wagyu available - can’t wait to come back once the full...

The food at Soya was nothing short of spectacular—exactly what you’d expect from the Salt Restaurant Group. The sushi was unbelievably fresh and expertly prepared, with every detail of the plating executed to perfection. While you might find that level of precision in top-tier non-kosher restaurants, it’s rare to see it done this well in a kosher establishment, which makes Soya truly stand out.

But what really sets this place apart is the atmosphere. The view alone is unmatched—you genuinely feel like you’ve been transported to Positano, Italy. The outdoor seating, pescatarian-friendly options, and live background music create an experience you simply can’t find anywhere else in New Jersey. The only place that even comes close is The Beacon in Sag Harbor, but honestly, the décor and overall ambiance at Soya still surpass it.

Whether you’re going for a casual night out or a special occasion, Soya delivers an elevated dining experience that combines world-class food, stunning presentation, and a setting that feels like a...