Golden Horn Restaurant — Restaurant in Neptune Township

From the moment we walked into this incredible hidden Turkish gem near the Jersey Shore Outlets, we knew we were in for something special, but we had no idea just how awesome it would be. If you’re anywhere near Tinton Falls or Asbury Park and you don’t stop here for dinner, you’re definitely missing out.

The soul of our experience? Omer. Omer wasn’t just our server... he was our host, our comedian, and our friend by the end of the night. Kind, funny, gracious, and genuinely attentive, he treated us like long-lost family. He didn’t just take our order, he took the time to get to know us and made our evening fun.

Now, the food? Next level. Everything from the beverages and mocktails, to the fresh-out-of-the-oven pita bread served with olive oil on the side (with little olive slices swimming in it) to the appetizers, to the entrees was all stunning. If you love filet mignon and mushroom cream sauce, then stop reading over the other entree choices and just order the filet mignon with cream sauce. It’s happiness on a plate. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

We were pretty full after our entrees so we asked for the check. But Omer, with a grin, ensured us that we wanted dessert. He knew something we didn’t. And the moment he rolled over the dessert cart, we knew he was absolutely right.

There was a variety of options including a tres leches cake. Omer said it was his personal favorite. He told us it had just been made fresh before we arrived, and it was already the third tray they’d gone through by 6:30 PM that day. I thought to myself, “What does a Turkish restaurant know about tres leches cake?” OMG! Let me answer that for you. Everything. They know everything about tres leches cake, and things the rest of us didn’t even know we needed to know about tres leches cake. This cake was divine. It had a heavenly layer on top with a texture and taste I honestly can’t even describe. Just know it was otherworldly. When you’re eating it, the world stops. Time doesn’t exist. It’s just you and the cake.

Even my wife, who doesn't like tres leches cake because she says it’s a “wet cake,” couldn’t stop raving. She said it isn’t even soggy. It's just perfect. So if she loved it, then you know it’s the real deal.

If you’re reading this and you’re hungry and in the area, or just feel like taking a road trip , don’t think twice. And you’re welcome in advance for solving your dinner plans. Lol. And don’t forget to ask for Omer. If he’s there, then you’re in for a wonderful dining experience all around. We’re definitely looking forward to going back the next time we’re...

As a connoisseur of East Coast Michelin Star restaurants, I’m not easily impressed with Mediterranean restaurants (see my other reviews). Everything from the custom paint and decor to the authentic mix of European and Middle Eastern staff spelled an authentic Mediterranean five-star dining experience.

The Food: The quality of the authentic Mediterranean flavors were only rivaled by the actual food presentation. Our hosts recommended the sliced lamb and rice along with the seared chicken. The chicken was golden on the outside and moist packed with flavor on the inside. The lamb was buttery soft and the flavor was so savory, I kept it in my mouth and let the flavor coat my tongue. I’m not sure what it was marinated in, but it left me wanting more. The appetizer mixer was impressive. It had a mixture 8 unique flavors (something I’ll order from now on for each and every visit as it complements the dishes I’ve tried so well, I found myself trying various flavor combinations). The home-made authentic recipes took me back to Vestry (NYC). Perhaps it was the decor with the same style chairs.

The Experience: The actual restaurant looks like it belongs on the cover of Fine Dining Magazine. The place was well-staffed, Our hosts were very well-dressed, very clean, and added so much to the up-scale dining experience.

Recommended For: Corporate functions, family dinners, Holidays. etc. There are plenty of vegetarian options and the meats are halal.

Pricing: The price is quite reasonable and can easily be a daily go-to with most dishes costing under $20 (last Q 2024). I suspect this will change as they just opened this month, given the quality...

Tucked away in Tinton Falls (border of Neptune City), just behind the Arby’s in the Walmart Shopping center, The Golden Horn is listed as a Mediterranean restaurant, but this gem is proudly and authentically Turkish.

The service was exceptional —Omer, who took care of our table with attentiveness and genuine hospitality.

We began with a trio of appetizers Cheese rolls that melted in your mouth, a savory traditional Findik Lahmacun (Turkish meat pie) with perfectly spiced filling and flaky crust, and Mücver — zucchini pancakes that immediately evoked the comfort of homemade latkes, but with a lighter, herbaceous twist. Each bite was fresh and thoughtfully prepared.

For our main courses, we shared the Mixed Grill, Chicken Shish Kebabs, and Filet Mignon. The Mixed Grill was a standout — a generous assortment of meats cooked to perfection, each with its own distinct flavor and seasoning. The Chicken Kebabs were juicy and charred just right, while the Filet Mignon was tender, flavorful, and cooked to our exact liking. Every dish came out hot and beautifully plated, with more than enough to satisfy.

I would highly recommend this BYOB place - pro tip, they have mocktails and there is a liquor store just next door. Easily located just off the Garden State Parkway. The food is deeply rooted in tradition, the portions are more than generous, and the service, especially from Omer, who was just terrific. Whether you’re a lover of Turkish cuisine or new to it, The Golden Horn is a must-visit that makes a great stop after leaving the shore before...