Cardinal Provisions, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Cardinal Provisions is a hidden gem in Asbury Park, a Jersey shore town known for a variety excellent restaurants.

Owned and operated by Chefs Grace Crossman and Laura Brahn. During the day they are focused on serving a healthy, artfully presented, breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu. In the evenings they run a catering operation hosting private parties using small batch and seasonal ingredients.

Prior to opening Cardinal Provisions in 2015, both chefs worked in the kitchens in Asbury Park kitchens at Porta, Pascal and Sabine, and Talula's. Chef Crossman also spent time working in New York City restaurants, and on an organic farm in New Jersey.

The menu at Cardinal Provisions features seasonally created & inspired salads, sandwiches & breakfast/lunch plates using healthy, locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their excellent coffee and handmade pastries.

The menu includes a limited number of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.

The interior dining area is set in a small 1,400-square-foot space, with warm soothing decor and  a cozy retro, brick walled vibe.

The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Weather permitting, there is outside seating. In the cooler days the sidewalk patio is heated with gas fired patio lamps.

They offer three small, dog-friendly tables outside.

They are child friendly with a kid’s menu.

It's not unusual, especially on weekends, to expect a wait of up to 30 minutes for a table, but the wait is worth it. Cardinal Provisions is very popular, and for good reason.

They are open six/days/ week, 9 AM - 3 PM. Closed on Wednesdays

(Updated November 2024)