Dining Around: Emilio’s On Main

Emilio's Kitchen On Main: A Fine-Dining Experience in Belmar, New Jersey

Emilio's on Main is a BYOB fine-dining restaurant, located at 1006 Main Street in downtown Belmar, New Jersey. Emilio's Kitchen offers a creative culinary experience that has quickly become a favorite hotspot among local residents.

Rave Reviews for Bold Flavors

Everyone’s raving about Emilio’s fresh, organic ingredients, warm ambiance, and world-class service — earning a 2025 Readers’ Choice Award from Monmouth Magazine for good reason! The restaurant also does not use any seed oils in its cooking.

The Belmar restaurant is the second location of Emilio's Kitchen for co-owners Emilio Marquez and Ruperto Vicens Marquez. The brothers opened their first restaurant in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, three years ago.

Bold Flavors On The Menu At Emilio’s In Belmar

Breakfast & Lunch Offerings

Emilio’s on Main serves breakfast and lunch from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Dinner is served until 9:00 p.m. daily.

The Emilio’s Kitchen Facebook page describes the food as, “organic Mexican cuisine served all day, Puebla-inspired, reimagined our way.” You’ll find traditional favorites such as guacamole, chips, and salsa; chicken, beef, or seafood in smoky mole poblano sauce; and kicked-up quesadillas and tacos — along with signature house dishes and daily specials.

Emilio's Menu Highlights

Some highlights of the menu at Emilio’s on Main restaurant in Belmar include:

• Breakfast Fare: Waffles, pancakes, French toast (try the flamed bananas), creative takes on eggs, eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, and more.

• Lunch: Mexican-inspired soups, salads, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and specialty sandwiches (with an included side salad — fries may be substituted).

• Standout Starters: Some of the best fried calamari I’ve had in a long time! Or try the Mexican-style meatballs in chimichurri sauce or the popular eggplant in the lava with mole rojo (red sauce).

• Dinner Entrees: A little something for everyone to choose: From pork ribs with ancho glaze and braised short ribs with hominy and chimichurri, to roasted cauliflower with mole poblano, shrimp with mojo de ajo sauce and hominy grits, seared scallops with lemon-artichoke purée, and more.

• Signature Touches: The seed-oil-free cooking is a differentiator at Emilio's Kitchen in Belmar. The emphasis on organic produce and refined ingredients is part of the chefs' commitment to sustainable cuisine.

• Savory Sides: Classic Mexican-inspired accompaniments such as street corn or street Brussels sprouts, black beans with cheese, tempura cauliflower and salsa verde, and more.

• Save Room for Dessert: Incredible housemade desserts, such as decadent flan, chocolate ganache, and lime tres leches cake. Finish with a cappuccino or latte.

  
  

What The Locals Love

Since opening in October 2025, Emilio's on Main has received incredible feedback from the Belmar community. Many praise the restaurant for its inviting atmosphere and flavorful dishes. Regular customers appreciate the consistency and the personal touch the staff brings to every visit.

One Yelp reviewer shared, "The food is incredible, with Mexican flavors and high-quality ingredients shining through in every bite you take. What really sets them apart is that they're organic and seed oil free, which makes the meals not only delicious, but also feel clean and wholesome. It's rare to find a place that nails both the food and the experience so flawlessly. If you're looking for a spot with amazing food, a cozy at-home feel, and a menu you can truly feel good about, Emilio's Kitchen does it!”

Final Thoughts: Emilio's On Main Restaurant

Emilio's on Main has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination in downtown Belmar. Its combination of an upscale and welcoming atmosphere, creative menu, and commitment to local ingredients makes it stand out in the town’s fine-dining options.

Emilio’s On Main Restaurant

1006 Main Street

Belmar, New Jersey 07719

848-404-9331

Dine in, order takeout, or delivery via DoorDash

Reservations recommended

Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

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RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events.