Mediterranean Restaurant Opens New Site In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If you love Mediterranean flavors, a new restaurant has opened in Toms River that will fill your palate with the spices of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Samara Mediterranean Grill, which held its grand opening on April 4, is the second restaurant opened by Sameh Elshahawy that is serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. The first was Samara Grill in Seaside Heights, which he opened in 2023.

His restaurants were born out of a deep passion for cooking and for bringing people together through food, according to the Samara Grill website.

"Growing up in a household where meals were the heart of every gathering, he developed a keen understanding of the power of a well-cooked dish," the website says.

In addition to preparing traditional dishes such as baba ganoush, falafels, kebabs and gyros, the food is prepared in adherence to Halal standards. The menu also offers fresh salads, side dishes and appetizers.

The Toms River location, at 1407 Route 37, offers dine-in seating and food can be ordered for pick-up as well. Delivery is coming soon, Elshahawy said. Online ordering is available.

"We are thrilled to bring Samara Grill's unique blend of flavors and hospitality to Toms River," Elshahawy said. "Our team has poured their passion into crafting a menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East region, and we cannot wait to share it with our new guests."

Samara Mediterranean Grill is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week.