My Go-To Spots for a Girls’ Lunch in Monmouth County

Let’s be honest: I really enjoy a good girls’ lunch.

Not a rushed bite between meetings. Not a “we’ll just grab something quick.” I’m talking about the kind of lunch where you bring a great bottle of wine, the conversation flows, phones stay face-down, and somehow two hours disappear without anyone noticing.

Living by Design means making time for connection, conversation, and really good food. When I’m planning a girls’ lunch, I’m looking for places that feel warm and welcoming, stylish but not stuffy, and relaxed enough that no one is watching the clock. These are the spots I come back to again and again when the goal is great meals, even better company, and zero rushing.

Anjelica’s Restaurant

Anjelica’s is cozy, intimate, and timeless — and one of my favorite details is that it’s BYOB. This is where you bring a nice bottle of wine (or two), order your favorites, and settle in. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for sharing plates and getting lost in conversation.

This is the kind of place where lunch doesn’t feel scheduled. It unfolds. Slowly. Comfortably. Exactly how a girls’ lunch should.

Locale

Locale is lively, social, and always buzzing — and the fact that it’s right in my hometown of Little Silver makes it even better. I’m close to home, comfortable, and almost guaranteed to see familiar faces, which instantly sets the tone.

They have a great wine list, excellent cocktails, and the mortadella sandwich is genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. This is my go-to when the group wants great Italian food, great energy, and a lunch that feels fun from the moment you sit down.

Hatch 44

Hatch 44 is easy, stylish, and consistently delicious. It’s perfect for a more casual girls’ lunch that still feels elevated. Whether it’s salads, sandwiches, or a glass of wine, it always delivers without trying too hard.

This is the spot when you want something relaxed, familiar, and satisfying — no overthinking required.

The Common Thread

All three of these places have one thing in common: they make you want to stay. No one is hovering with the check. No one is rushing you out the door. Conversation is just as important as what’s on the plate.

That’s my version of a girls’ lunch. Good food. Good wine. Familiar faces. Time to laugh, vent, celebrate, and reconnect.

Living by Design isn’t just about where you live. It’s about how you live — and making room for moments that feel good long after the lunch ends. These spots are proof that Monmouth County does lunch very well.