Downtown Freehold Borough Restaurant Named One Of The Best In 2025: Report

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — Dubbed as a “crown jewel” of Downtown Freehold Borough, Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro has been named as one of the best restaurants in the US, according to a report from USA Today.

The list of restaurants, titled “USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year,” compiles 44 restaurants across America chosen by food writers from the USA Today network.

In the full review from the Asbury Park Press, Aarzu is described as playing a part in “putting Indian food on the map at the Jersey Shore” and as a location that elevates traditional Indian dishes.

Archana Sharma and Shravan Shetty opened Aarzu in 2016 with partners Sammeer Raajpal and Sidharth Sharma, according to the report. When the restaurant opened, Sharma told the Asbury Park Press that Aarzu was one of few Indian restaurants in Monmouth County.

"I was born and raised in America, and going to Indian restaurants was something I enjoyed growing up. They were nice, the food was always good. But it wasn't 'that' vibe," Sharma told the Asbury Park Press. "I wanted to create something that brought in mainstream America."

In a statement posted on Aarzu's Instagram, the restaurant said they were honored and excited to be recognized as one of the top restaurants in the US.

"This recognition is a testament to our passion for Modern Indian cuisine and our commitment to delivering an unforgettable dining experience," the post said.

"A huge thank you to our incredible team, whose dedication brings our vision to life every day, and to our amazing guests who continue to support and celebrate Aarzu," the post continued. "This achievement is as much yours as it is ours!"

To read the full review from the Asbury Park Press, you can click here. To see USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list, you can click here.

To learn more about Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro, you can visit their Instagram page.

Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro is located at 30 E. Main Street, Freehold.