Morningstar Cafe — Restaurant in Toms River

Allergy alert! The food itself was great, there was a wait,but that happens. What I can’t understand is how, after telling my waitress that I had a sesame allergy, I was served “parmesan smashed potatoes” with sesame in them—an ingredient not listed anywhere on the menu or in the dish description.

I always double-check new foods before eating, but in this case the sesame was hidden at the bottom of the dish. I didn’t realize it until after I had already eaten a good amount. Mistakes happen, and I can forgive that. What I can’t forgive is being expected to pay for the meal after I had to rush out to deal with an allergic reaction.

The restaurant only comped our coffees. At the very least, they should have covered the whole meal. Allergies aren’t just minor mistakes—they can be life-threatening, or at the very least ruin someone’s day. It just doesn’t sit right that I had to pay for food that could have sent me to the hospital. Poor customer care and service.

Edit: The restaurants response shows their clear lack of accountability. I’m well aware of the difference between nuts and sesame. I told the waitress both sesame and nuts. The person I was dining with confirmed that is what I said. The restaurant was clearly understaffed or serving beyond their means as there was a 30 minute wait to be seen by staff after being sat despite not all the tables being filled. I should have known there was a lack of attention to detail when the tables next to me both received incorrect orders. One made a complaint and then received their order incorrect for a second time. Apologize for not bringing the concerns up during the time of my allergic reaction, I had to rush to get my...

My Secret is out…. Thanks to the Asbury Park Press. I thought my hubby and I found our our secret breakfast (lunch & dinner) spot, and we were going to keep it all to ourselves for as long as possible, but then the AP Press did a feature on ALex and her Morning Star Cafe. My first experience was incredible. I got a direct view of Alex making her magic in the kitchen. If you are from Jersey, then we have all watched people making breakfast. But let me tell you, I was mesmerized by the way she was like a conductor making beautiful music. You can see how much love and passion flowed through her every movement for each dish she was making. But let me tell you about the most important part of the review, for you the reader; YES YES YES, the food is not only delicious, but exceptional! I have been there for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, and each meal has been consistently delicious! Another little secret that I am ready to share….. try things you never thought you would try. I had Alex’s Brussels sprouts (I never eat Brussels sprouts,) and I couldn’t get enough of them. And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - introduce yourself to Alex, Sam, and the rest of the incredible staff. If you want something, and it isn’t the way you want it on the menu, just ask….. Everything, and I mean everything is made fresh and with love the way you want it. PS: Try some of the incredible items on the...

My daughter's boyfriend recommended Morningstar Cafe. Liked the vibes as soon as I walked in! Great 80's music playing! Local artists's work of arts displayed in the walls! Love that! Greeted by Server Kathryn E! Loved her pink hair! Ordered caramel hot latte and the vegetarian omelette. Latte was good, strong coffee and lots of latte foam, not do much latte! Very small cup. I typically say I like my eggs well done, not runny! Well. I forgot to say that! : ( When I got the omelette, I thought to my self oh there's a sauce!

Nope, I basically had an over easy omelette and the raw egg was runny, all over my plate! I could not eat the omelette.

My bad, on not specifically asking for well done omelette. Loved the sour dough bread and the smashed cheesy potatoes. Ordered second coffee- APHRODITES LOVE POTION-rich espresso, steamed milk, vanilla. Small portion, didn't taste the vanilla. A regular customer came in with a friend who was there for the first time. The regular customer commented he treats himself once a week here and ordered a coffee and french toast. Friend ordered the same and raved about the breakfast. So I would definitely come back and specify how I want my eggs or order the French toast and large latte! :) Kathryn thank you for the amazing service!!

Parking lot...