Gal Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Toms River

Blown Away at Gal Mediterranean!

What an absolute gem on Route 37 in Toms River! The transformation of the old Crystal Diner into Gal Mediterranean is nothing short of spectacular. From the moment you walk in, the lively atmosphere grabs you — a perfect blend of upbeat music, vibrant décor, and the joyful sounds of diners laughing, sipping wine, and savoring their meals.

Our experience was made even better thanks to our incredible waiter, Taha, who went above and beyond. He took the time to chat with us about the menu, asked about our familiarity with Mediterranean cuisine, and then tailored recommendations based on what we enjoy. That level of service is rare and truly appreciated.

The meal starts with a delightful surprise — warm, puffy balloon bread paired with grilled olives drenched in olive oil for dipping. Simple, delicious, and the perfect way to kick off the experience. The wine list is small but thoughtfully curated — just enough to complement the meal without feeling overwhelming. Recommend the mix grill any kabob for dinner. The lamb was tender and delish without the gamey flavor.

Do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. The Turkish coffee is phenomenal, rich, and perfectly brewed. And whether served hot or cold, the Baklava is a winner — flaky, sweet, and utterly satisfying.

A cool surprise is that Gal isn’t just dinner — they’re open for American-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering something for everyone. While I didn’t check out the kids' menu myself, it’s available, so families should definitely explore that online.

In short, Gal Mediterranean nails it — food, service, and vibe. Highly recommend this spot whether you're craving Mediterranean fare or just looking for a fantastic local dining experience. Can’t...

Covering all the beautiful chrome on this once retro style Crystal Diner (see image) with black primer (see image) was the first mistake Gal's made when they began. The second mistake was not fixing the AC. This is the same reason the diner lost business because nobody wants to pay for overpriced food and sweat while they eat. Gal's was empty at 1 pm, with no lunch crowd or regulars. Paper placemats adorned the table, and the seating was uncomfortable with springs stabbing from all directions even still I was sucked into a springless hole. Sticky, wobbly tables tied it all together. It was dark and felt like an abandoned Spirit Halloween shop. Did I mention it was 75 degrees in the building? Extremely uncomfortable conditions. Reviewed the menu for about 5 minutes or more, still no beverage service or water offered. The high-end menus and extremely astronomical pricing over classed the other gems I just explained. The meals read chicken, lamb, and meat! What type of meat? Beef, pork, TBD, no clue. They are Mediterranean, but for John Q Public, the menu may as well be written in another language. Wait, I believe most of it was in another language and no reasonable explanation of the selections. The children's menu was reasonable but still over $20 without a beverage. Needless to say, we walked out and drove to the Lakehurst diner. Stay clear of this wannabe joint. Such a waste of chrome 🙄 Update, now they painted it blue (see image)! Gal, your appearance will not help the high cost, awful service, uncomfortable seating, and lack of tolerable climate control. Google maps hasn't been updated yet so the diner image is still populating the map. Way to go Gal. Avoid this dump...

PSA for food lovers: I just found your next go-to Mediterranean spot — and it’s a hidden gem in Toms River!

Let me put you on to Gal Mediterranean, a brand-new restaurant bringing fresh, bold, and authentic Mediterranean flavors right to the heart of town. As soon as I saw their menu, I knew I had to check it out — and wow, did they deliver.

I kicked things off with their creamy hummus topped with pastrami (unexpected combo, but trust me — it works!) and a flavorful eggplant appetizer that got me instantly hooked. Then came the mixed grill — juicy chicken kebab, savory lamb gyro, and more, all perfectly cooked and served with fluffy rice, a fresh salad, and house-made sauces that took every bite to the next level.

And yes, I made room for dessert: cold baklava and a piping hot cup of Turkish tea — simple, classic, and so good.

The service was warm and welcoming, the portions were generous, and the location? Super convenient — just off the Garden State Parkway. Oh, and here’s the kicker: they serve breakfast and lunch, so I’m already planning my return trip.

📍 If you’re anywhere near Toms River, do yourself a favor and hit up Gal Mediterranean. This place is a must-try! Check out my IG @foodaholicnj for the full...